Davido, Kunle Afolayan, Osimhen Listed For National Honours

Davido, Victor Osimhen, and Kunle Afolayan are among the entertainment industry figures nominated for national awards.

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the bestowal of national honors on select Nigerians and friends.

The prize was announced in various cadres by the Ministry of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs.

Davido was appointed an Officer of the Order of Niger (OON).

The entertainer has amassed enormous clout in the Nigerian music industry, helping to raise global awareness of Nigeria’s hallmark genre.

Afolayan, an outstanding director whose productions are credited with paving the way for the new Nollywood, was also honored with the OON.

The US streaming service Netflix secured a three-picture contract with Afolayan in March 2021, setting a beneficial precedent for other stakeholders in Nigeria’s rapidly burgeoning film industry.

Charles Okpaleke, a filmmaker who received an OON, is another awardee from the entertainment business.

Victor Osimhen, the Nigerian player who scored the winning goal in Napoli’s first Serie A triumph in 33 years, was named an MFR (Member of the Federal Republic).

Terry Waya, a businessman and the father of reality TV star Kiddwaya, was also inducted into the OFR (Order of the Federal Republic) cadre.

All award winners were required to provide the ministry with a soft copy of their commendation or CV by May 31.

They are also expected to be physically present on June 1, 2023, for the presentation of their medals and certificates.