Obasa Indigenous Movie Endowment strengthens the 2025 BON Awards with new support for Yoruba storytelling

Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, on Sunday in Lagos, announced the Obasa Indigenous Movie Endowment, confirming his sponsorship of the Best Indigenous Movie (Yoruba) category at the 2025 Best of Nollywood Awards scheduled for 14 December at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts in Iganmu. The gesture reinforces his long-standing advocacy for Yoruba cultural preservation through film.

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Seun Oloketuyi, founder of the Best of Nollywood Awards, said the Speaker’s support reflects a deep commitment to promoting local language cinema.

He noted that Obasa has consistently championed efforts to safeguard cultural narratives, describing the new endowment as a meaningful boost to filmmakers working in indigenous storytelling.

The 17th edition of the ceremony has also secured fresh corporate backing. Addme has taken up sponsorship of the Best Actress of the Year category, while Indomie is supporting emerging talent through its involvement in the Best Child Actor award.

Abundish, a company specialising in agricultural produce, is sponsoring the Best Use of Food in a Movie category, highlighting the growing appreciation for behind-the-scenes creativity in the industry.

Oloketuyi said the expanded list of supporters provides vital resources and visibility for categories that showcase both artistic excellence and technical innovation.

He added that the combination of public and private endorsements underlines a stronger strategic partnership between Nollywood and influential institutions.

This year’s event will be co-hosted by Bukunmi Adeaga-Ilori, popularly known as KieKie, and Adams Ibrahim Adebola, known as VJ Adams.