Lagos, 21 April 2021 - Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture has once again partnered with EbonyLife Place to highlight an area of achievement in Nigerian arts and culture, along with support from Nigerian International Film Summit. The Eko Star Film & TV Awards was staged to recognise the considerable accomplishments of women in the film and television industry.

Despite being a male-dominated industry, film and television has seen remarkable successes for women in the last ten years. Of the top 10 all-time, highest grossing movies at the Nigerian box office, female executive producers Funke Akindele-Bello, Mo Abudu, Jade Osiberu and Kemi Adetiba are responsible for seven of them. Similarly, other areas of the industry, such as writing, editing and financing are dominated by women. To highlight this, the Eko Star Awards has been careful to bring some of these unsung heroines to the fore and celebrate them along with their better-known colleagues in acting.

The Hon. Commissioner, Mrs. Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuf, has been a champion of the event. “Lagos State values the input of the film and television industry highly and we know that the contribution of women has been instrumental to its growth. By recognising the importance of diversity in Nollywood and the role of women in creating real economic value, we believe that young women will be inspired to follow their dreams and the example of these icons.”

The invitation-only event was staged at Ebonylife Place, Victoria Island, with a virtual who’s who of the film industry. Veterans of the screen and behind-the-scenes mingled with the current movers & shakers and rising talent. Generous applause greeted each award, as the women supported each other and celebrated their individual and collective accomplishments.

The unusual categories served to underscore the importance of the roles played by women in the film industry. These were as follows: Makeup Artists that transform us, Costume designers that change us; Writers who move us; Editors who Refine; Theatrical Distributors who provide; Event Planners who push us forward; Digital Creators with imagination; TV Presenters who lead us; TV Executives who persevere; Producers who make it happen; Directors in charge; Actors with impact; A Special Recognition that inspires; A Lifetime Achievement like no other.

EbonyLife Place CEO Mo Abudu is pleased to have hosted the event at the resort. “It’s great to have Lagos State as a partner in important events like this. As a film producer, I know the challenges many of these women face in our industry, so it is critical that we recognise and support each other on our journeys.”

The Eko Star Film & TV Awards is the second of twelve monthly events being staged by the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, in partnership with EbonyLife Place. The events are intended to highlight various aspects of Lagos arts and culture that have a significant impact on tourism and entertainment in the state. 

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