The organisers of the Best of Nollywood (BON) Awards have pulled back the curtain on this year’s special honourees. They named veteran and leading industry figures Chief Pete Edochie, Ruth Kadiri, Peju Ogunmola, and Steve Sodiya as recipients of its prestigious Special Recognition Awards. Consequently, the announcement sets the stage for a spectacular celebration of individuals who have spent decades shaping the identity, growth, and global visibility of Nigerian cinema.

According to the BON Awards committee, this year’s recipients were meticulously selected for their exceptional artistry, longevity, dedication to mentorship, and profound impact across multiple generations of moviegoers. Furthermore, each honouree represents a distinct pillar of the industry. As a result, they bridge the gap between Nollywood’s foundational years and its modern-day global dominance.

Chief Pete Edochie, MON, receives the honour for his commanding screen presence. Additionally, he earned recognition for decades of portraying wisdom, authority, and Nigerian culture on screen. As a result, his legendary performances continue to serve as a blueprint for storytelling in Nigeria and across the African continent.

Meanwhile, acclaimed actress, producer, and screenwriter Ruth Kadiri also joins the spotlight. She receives recognition for her consistent box-office success and YouTube trailblazing. In addition, organisers praised her prolific storytelling and intentional commitment to empowering behind-the-scenes professionals through industry-uplifting initiatives.

Similarly, the honours extend to Peju Ogunmola, a revered veteran of both stage and screen. Organisers celebrate her immense versatility in Yoruba and English cinema. Moreover, they recognise her lifelong dedication to preserving indigenous culture through film and theatre.

Meanwhile, Steve Sodiya completes the stellar list of honourees. He is an accomplished editor, director, and talent development advocate. Notably, the BON Awards recognise his invaluable contributions on-screen and behind the scenes. In particular, his mentorship and training programmes have helped shape the next generation of Nollywood talent.

Reflecting on the significance of the selection, the BON Awards team expressed immense pride in celebrating these trailblazers. Accordingly, the team noted that the four individuals represent the very heart of Nollywood—excellence, resilience, and service. Furthermore, they said Chief Pete Edochie’s legendary legacy, Ruth Kadiri’s modern-day leadership, Peju Ogunmola’s cultural impact, and Steve Sodiya’s commitment to talent development remain undeniable.

Finally, as one of Nigeria’s premier film reward platforms, the Best of Nollywood Awards continues its long-standing tradition of celebrating excellence in indigenous and English-language cinema. The Special Recognition presentations will take place during the main awards ceremony in the ’ember’ months. Meanwhile, the organisers have promised to share the official date, venue, and broadcast channels shortly.