In a landmark tribute to the pillars of Nigerian cinema, the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) has announced a special initiative to honour 22 of Nollywood’s most beloved stars and legends who will celebrate their 50th and 60th birthdays in 2025.
The celebratory event is a highlight of the upcoming Peace Anyiam-Osigwe Nigeria Digital Content Regulatory Conference, scheduled for November 18th and 19th, 2025, at the Muson Centre in Onikan, Lagos.
A Salute to Excellence and Legacy
Dr. Shaibu Husseini, the Executive Director and CEO of the NFVCB, revealed that the honour is designed to recognize the outstanding practitioners whose careers have been instrumental in shaping the multi-billion dollar Nollywood industry we know today.
“Nollywood’s strength lies in the people who give life to its stories,” Dr. Husseini stated. “Honouring those who have invested decades of excellence in the industry is both a responsibility and a privilege.
This initiative reflects the Board’s commitment to acknowledging the creative professionals whose work has enriched our national culture and elevated Nollywood’s profile on the global stage.”
Meet the 2025 Honourees: A Who’s Who of Nollywood
For its maiden edition, the NFVCB has curated a list of 22 influential figures, ensuring the celebration is both personal and meaningful.
The distinguished list of honourees includes a powerful cross-section of actors, comedians, and filmmakers:
· Rita Dominic (Actress & Producer)
· Ngozi Ezeonu (Actress)
· Desmond Elliot (Actor & Director)
· Atoyota Akpobeme (Ali Baba) (Comedian)
· Eucharia Anunobi (Actress & Evangelist)
· Jude Chukwuka (Actor)
· Sir Bond Emeruwa (Former President, Directors Guild of Nigeria)
· …and other veterans like Segun Aina Padonu, Achibi Sam Dede, and Kingsley Ogoro.
According to Dr. Husseini, these individuals were selected for their artistry, resilience, and inspiring career trajectories that continue to motivate a new generation of talent.
The Start of a New Tradition for Nollywood
This tribute marks the beginning of a sustained culture of institutional recognition within Nollywood. The NFVCB plans to make this an annual event, with future ceremonies expanding to honour industry veterans turning 70 and above.
“We are starting with this select group, but this is only the first step,” Dr. Husseini confirmed.
“From next year, the honour roll will expand to include those whose pioneering efforts created the foundations on which today’s Nollywood stands.”
Conference to Focus on Nollywood’s Digital Future
The honour ceremony will take place within the broader context of the regulatory conference, which will be held under the theme: “From Volume to Value: The Future of Nollywood in the Digital Age.”
The keynote address will be delivered by the acclaimed filmmaker and cultural icon, Bolanle Austen-Peters, setting the stage for critical discussions on the industry’s evolution.
This dual focus on honouring the past while strategizing for the future underscores a pivotal moment for Nollywood as it continues to cement its legacy and innovate for the digital era.
