U.S. Mission in Nigeria has honoured late veteran Nollywood actor, Olu Jecobs, and seven other Nigerian creative leaders for contributing to the development of the film and creative industry in Nigeria and across African markets.
Others honoured during an event in Lagos included Chioma Ude, Founder and Executive Director of the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF); celebrated actor and International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) alumnus Richard Mofe-Damijo; and award-winning filmmakers Kunle Afolayan and Bolanle Austen-Peters, both alumni of the American Film Showcase’s African Film & TV Leadership Initiative.
The reception also recognized Zulu Oyibo, Co-Founder of Inkblot Productions and IVLP alumnus; award-winning producer and Global Media Makers alumnus Josh Olaoluwa; and Emmy award-winning visual development artist Uzoma Dunkwu.
Held under the theme “Reel Connections from Hollywood to Nollywood,” the event brought together leading figures from Nigeria’s film and television industries, senior government officials, creative industry ecosystem supporters, and alumni of U.S. government exchange programs.
Presenting the awards, the U.S. Consulate-General, Brandon Hudspeth, noted that Nollywood is a growing source of content, talent, and investment opportunities for U.S. companies looking to engage with African markets.
According to him, Nollywood is no longer just Africa’s largest film industry; it is a growing commercial partner for Hollywood.
”From exchange programs to streaming deals, Nigerian creatives are helping build a stronger commercial connection between Hollywood and Nollywood,” Mr Hudspeth added.
The Consul added that Nigerian stories and talent are reaching audiences in the United States and globally through U.S. streaming services and digital platforms such as Netflix and Amazon Prime, Apple TV+ and YouTube, among others, thereby creating new opportunities for collaboration, investment, and market access.
“U.S. government exchange programs are not simply about what happens during the exchange,” Mr Hudspeth said.
“Their real impact is what happens when participants return home — the relationships they bring with them, the ideas they put into action, the creative collaborations they build, and the next generation they inspire.”
Paying tribute to Mr Jacobs, the Consul-General described him as one of Nigeria’s most celebrated actors whose career helped define Nigerian cinema and lay the foundation for reel connections between the film and television industries in Nigeria and the United States.
“Olu Jacobs’ life embodied the kind of creative exchange that continues to connect Nigeria’s film industry with the United States and the world,” Mr Hudspeth said.