Pete Edochie, Peju Ogunmola, Steve Sodiya, Ruth Kadiri To Receive Top Honours At 2026 BON Awards

The organisers of the Best of Nollywood (BON) Awards have pulled back the curtain on this year’s special honourees, naming veteran and leading industry figures Chief Pete Edochie, Ruth Kadiri, Peju Ogunmola, and Steve Sodiya as the recipients of its prestigious Special Recognition Awards. The announcement sets the stage for a spectacular celebration of the 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. Each honouree represents a distinct pillar of the industry, bridging the gap between Nollywood’s foundational years and its modern-day global dominance.

Chief Pete Edochie, MON, is being honoured for his commanding screen presence and decades of portraying wisdom, authority, and Nigerian culture on screen. As a national icon, his legendary performances continue to serve as a blueprint for storytelling in Nigeria and across the African continent.

Joining him in the spotlight is acclaimed actress, producer, and screenwriter Ruth Kadiri, who is recognised for her consistent box-office success, YouTube trailblazing, prolific storytelling, and her intentional commitment to empowering behind-the-scenes professionals through various industry-uplifting initiatives.The honours also extend to Peju Ogunmola, a revered veteran of both stage and screen, who is being celebrated for her immense versatility in Yoruba and English cinema, as well as her lifelong dedication to preserving indigenous culture through film and theatre.

Rounding out the stellar list of honourees is Steve Sodiya, an accomplished editor, director, and talent development advocate. Sodiya is being recognised for his invaluable contributions both on-screen and behind the scenes, particularly through his mentorship and training programs that 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, noting that the four individuals represent the very heart of Nollywoodm, excellence, resilience, and service. They added that from Chief Pete Edochie’s legendary legacy and Ruth Kadiri’s modern-day industry leadership to Peju Ogunmola’s cultural impact and Steve Sodiya’s commitment to talent development, their legacies are undeniable.

As one of Nigeria’s premier film reward platforms, the Best of Nollywood Awards continues its long-standing tradition of celebrating excellence in both indigenous and English-language cinema.

The Special Recognition presentations will take place during the main awards ceremony during the ‘ember’ months in Nigeria, with the organisers promising to share further details regarding the official date, venue, and broadcast channels shortly.