Finance And Sponsorship Has Been BON’s Biggest Challenge- Seun Oloketuyi

Plans have reached advanced stages for the 7th edition of the Best of Nollywood (BON) awards which is set to be staged in the month of December. The prestigious indigenous awards ceremony which has been celebrating excellence and professionalism in the industry by crowning the efforts of moviemakers and thespians alike who produce and star in feel-good and educative movies is upon us again with Osun State emerging as the new host after Rivers State. In this interview with AHMED BOULOR, the executive producer of the annual awards, Seun Oloketuyi opens up on a host of issues. Excerpts:

What inspired you into establishing BON awards?

I decided to start BON awards seven years ago because then, there was no awards celebrating Nollywood. There was AMAA but it celebrates African filmmakers and since we floated a magazine then we decided to do the awards to celebrate and inspire indigenous Nigerian filmmakers.

What does it mean to you being the founder of BON awards?

It is just a job title to me but these days it has added pressure to me as people now expect certain things from me because of the success the brand has gotten in the last few years.

What is the significance of the BON awards beyond celebrating Nigerians filmmakers and their works?

The significance is huge; some filmmakers now work hard just because they are super motivated to win and this increases quality of productions. That I think is positive for the continuous growth of the industry.

Looking back at the last 7 years, what has the journey been like?

Tough and bumpy, I believe what has kept BON awards alive is the passion to succeed, and the fact that Pastor Sam Adeyemi rings constantly in my head and the belief that only when God is not involved in your case, then there is impossibility.

What is the biggest challenge you have been faced with in trying to put BON awards together over the years?

The biggest challenge BON awards has been faced with over the years has been finance and sponsorship. There was a particular year when all we had as sponsorship was 900 thousand naira for an event that gulps millions yearly.

What in your opinion is the next level for BON awards?

We are working hard to build a structure in order for the awards to outlive me. The process started two years ago and as we speak, efforts are being made to build a proper structure which can outlive the founder. In three years, I intend to step down as CEO and just be the Chairman of the Board and I hope the awards would be better for that in the long run.

How much has present and past governments contributed BON awards in the past few years?

Four Governors made BON what it is today; Otunba Gbenga Daniel (former Governor of Ogun State) sponsored the first edition and hosted the second, Emmanuel Uduaghan (former Governor of Delta State) was sponsor of the 201 edition while Rotimi Amaechi (former Governor of Rivers State) sponsored in 2014. Here we are in 2015 and Governor Mimiko of Osun State is the host of BON 2015.

How well has the awards been accepted over the years?

The acceptance is overwhelming and I thank God for that; the brand name opens door and practitioners now look forward to the awards yearly, thanks to God. This year alone over 200 movies entries were submitted. 

Has it been easy convincing corporate bodies to sponsorship BON awards?

That's the most challenging aspect of my job really; unlike music, brands are not using Nollywood to promote their products. It beats me and I think we would stop trying to convince them to key into the awards.

BON Awards will be 7 this year; will there be any special highlight on the day of the awards?

Each year, we try to improve on our last events; we would work harder to make sure we have a better edition in 2015. We are working assiduously towards improving on the last 6 events hosted.

Being the founder of BON Awards, Do you feel threatened by the presence of other notable movie awards?

I do not feel threatened at all, instead I learn everyday from them and it would interest you that each time I have issues, I run back to madam Peace Ayiam-Osigwe of AMAA for advice, I have a good relationship with all other award organisers.

Are you looking at going into capacity building because the movie industry needs such in order to reach its full potentials?

That's one of the unique niches of BON awards, it is just not a day event but yearly, we sit down to share ideas and learn through our programme called Talents Meets Class. I believe in learning daily and that can only happen if we continue to train ourselves. I strongly believe in capacity training

How were you able to convince Ondo State government to host the 7^th edition of BON awards?

BON award is now a household name and the Governor of Ondo State is a man of many parts. Apart from being a successful doctor and politician, he knows and enjoys the art well.

What should movie buffs and fans alike expect from the upcoming BON awards which will be staged in December?

Lovers and players in the movie industry should expect the biggest, the best and the most attractive BON awards ever and the Governor of Ondo State is happy and excited to host this year’s edition.