The organisers of the Best of Nollywood Awards (BON) have announced plans to recognise late filmmaker Chico Ejiro and veteran actress Abiola Atanda aka Madam Kofo at the 2021 edition set to hold on December 11, in Kogi State.
BON founder Seun Oloketuyi announced this in a recent statement. According to him, not recognising the parties would be a disservice to the industry. Mr. Oloketuyi also noted that part of the reason for the award is to encourage the spirit of growth in the entertainment industry.
“Madam Kofo is a veteran who has quietly worked on putting Nollywood on the map of world industries for more than five decades. A thespian with both stage and screen presence, Madam Kofo worked with the likes of the late Hubert Ogunde and is today still relevant. Such a woman deserves all the accolades we can give her,” the statement read in parts.
Speaking on why Chico Ejiro deserves the recognition, Oloketuyi said: “This special recognition even though posthumous struck the team the most because we would have loved that he was alive to receive the award himself. Many in Nollywood owe their careers and success to Ejiro and even though we are sad to have lost him, this award is to help people remember his enormous contribution to the industry.”
Madam Kofo started her acting career with the help of Late Hubert Ogunde, She has been featured in several Nollywood movies including Jayesinmi, Ayanmo, Aropin Teniyan, Saworo Ide, Mirror in the Sun and Madam Joy
Chico Ejiro died on December 25 from cardiac arrest.
His productions include Sisters on the Run, Blood Money, Silent Night, Outcast, Dangerous Babes and Deadly Affair.
