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The 14th Nollywood Cultural Heritage Festival has honoured cultural enthusiasts and stakeholders for their contributions to preserving and promoting Nigerian heritage.
The awards were presented during the closing activities of the festival, which held from October 22 to 24 at the FCT Exhibition Pavilion in Abuja. The annual event was organised by the Nollywood Cultural Heritage Festival in collaboration with the House Committee on Commerce.
Among those honoured was Adaora Sydney-Jack, who received the traditional title of ‘Ada N’ekwuru Ora’. Prof. Munachimso Stella was recognised as ‘Adabuzo’, while Okiemute Mrakpo was named Ambassador of African Culture. Nnena Njoku received the title of International Ambassador of African Culture, while Dr Queen Dillion was conferred with the chieftaincy title of ‘Ugosimba’. Dr Onyekachi Nwaogu, Director and Clerk of the House Committee on Commerce at the National Assembly, was also recognised as International Ambassador of African Culture.
Speaking at the event, the festival’s president and founder, Agility Onwurah, said the festival had spent 14 years celebrating African culture and preserving its heritage. “For the last 14 years, we have tried to celebrate African culture and preserve the heritage that we value so much,” he said.
Onwurah said the 2026 edition introduced a fashion runway where participants showcased African attire, adding to the festival’s activities celebrating cultural expression. The programme also featured cultural dances, masquerade performances, folktales and the cutting of the new yam, highlighting different aspects of Nigerian and African traditions.
Discussions on legislation and culture were also held, focusing on how legal frameworks could support cultural preservation and create economic opportunities within the creative sector.
Onwurah expressed hope that the discussions would lead to practical steps to strengthen the cultural industry.
Speaking at the event, Nwaogu said culture and legislation were connected, stressing the importance of legal support in preserving cultural values and sustaining businesses linked to them.
The festival’s organisers called for continued support for cultural initiatives, with the event highlighting the role of practitioners and institutions in keeping Nigerian heritage alive.
Source: News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
