BON Awards founder congratulates Adeleke, urges him to make Osun Nigeria’s creative hub

The Founder of the Best of Nollywood (BON) Awards, Seun Oloketuyi, has congratulated Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, on his re-election, urging him to leverage the state’s rich cultural heritage to position Osun as a leading creative hub in Nigeria.

Oloketuyi, in a congratulatory message, commended Adeleke’s interest in entertainment and the arts, saying the governor’s second term provides an opportunity to deepen investment in the creative sector and unlock its economic potential.

“Governor Adeleke has shown a genuine interest in entertainment, and I believe this is the time to take it a step further. My challenge to him is simple: make Osun the place where creatives want to be,” Oloketuyi said.

He noted that Osun already possesses a rich cultural heritage and a growing pool of young talents across film, music, theatre, fashion and digital content.

According to him, the state should move beyond celebrating its cultural heritage and transform it into tangible economic opportunities for young people.

“Osun has the culture, the stories and the people. What is needed now is the investment to bring everything together. We should be talking about film locations, production facilities, creative centres, festivals and opportunities that can bring filmmakers and other creatives into the state.”

Oloketuyi also urged the state government to create more opportunities for young people seeking to build careers in the creative industry, particularly those with talent but limited access to resources, training and platforms.

He said deliberate investment in the sector could generate employment, attract film and other creative productions, and establish Osun as a destination for entertainment and culture.

“This is not just about Nollywood. It is about giving young people a reason to stay, create and build something from their talent. If Osun gets this right, other states will have to take notice,” he added.

The BON Awards founder also expressed his readiness to collaborate with the Osun State Government on initiatives aimed at supporting young creatives, promoting the state’s cultural heritage and attracting greater attention to its entertainment industry.

Oloketuyi congratulated Adeleke on his victory and challenged his administration to make the creative industry one of the defining areas of his second term.