In a glittering ceremony that lit up the city of Warri, Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, was bestowed with a prestigious Award of Excellence at the maiden edition of the Warri International Film Festival. The honour, conferred on the evening of the festival’s grand finale at the ultra-modern GT Events Hall, recognises the governor’s extraordinary contributions to the Nigerian film industry (Nollywood) and his far-reaching efforts in repositioning Warri as a thriving commercial, cultural, and creative capital of the Niger Delta.
The Warri International Film Festival, making its highly anticipated debut in 2025, attracted filmmakers, actors, producers, cultural enthusiasts, and industry stakeholders from across Nigeria and beyond. Under the thought-provoking theme “Film: The More Local, The More Global,” the four-day event showcased a rich selection of local and international films, masterclasses, panel discussions, and networking sessions aimed at nurturing emerging talent and placing Delta State firmly on the global cinematic map.
The high point of the closing gala was the presentation of the Award of Excellence to Governor Oborevwori. In his absence, the honour was graciously received on his behalf by the Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, who was accompanied by top government functionaries and members of the state executive council.
Speaking shortly after receiving the crystal plaque and citation, Commissioner Aniagwu expressed profound appreciation to the festival organisers for acknowledging what he described as “the deliberate and people-centred policies of His Excellency.” He emphasised that the award was not merely a personal recognition of the governor but a resounding validation of an administration that has placed the creative economy at the heart of its development agenda.
“Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has demonstrated uncommon passion for the transformation of Warri,” Aniagwu declared. “From massive road construction and rehabilitation, to the revival of moribund industries, enhanced security, aggressive environmental sanitation, street lighting, and youth empowerment programmes, the results are visible for everyone to see. This award is testimony that the governor’s vision of restoring Warri to its past glory as the oil city and entertainment capital of the South-South is on course and yielding dividends.”
He further highlighted specific initiatives such as the ongoing dualisation of major roads in Warri and Effurun, the construction of flyovers and storm drainage systems, and the deliberate creation of an enabling environment for small and medium-scale enterprises, many of which are owned by young creatives in the film, music, and comedy sectors.
Also recognised at the colourful event were Hon. Thomas Ereyitomi, the member representing Warri Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, and the Chairman of Warri South Local Government Council, Dr. Michael Tidi’s successor, Hon. Weyinmi Agbateyiniro. Both recipients were celebrated for their individual and collective roles in supporting grassroots development and promoting cultural renaissance in the Warri metropolis.
In his remarks, Hon. Agbateyiniro thrilled the audience with an exciting announcement: the Warri South Local Government Council, in partnership with private investors and the state government, will commence work on a world-class Film Village in Warri before the end of 2026. The proposed facility, according to the council chairman, will include sound stages, editing suites, training academies, accommodation for cast and crew, and a permanent venue for the annual Warri International Film Festival. The project is expected to create thousands of direct and indirect jobs while firmly establishing Warri as the undisputed Nollywood capital of southern Nigeria.
The founder and artistic director of the festival, veteran filmmaker, journalist, and cultural advocate, Mr. Alex Eyengho, described Governor Oborevwori as “a rare leader whose love for the arts is genuine and action-driven.” Eyengho recalled that when the idea of an international film festival in Warri was first muted, many dismissed it as impossible given the city’s chequered history. However, the governor’s immediate buy-in and logistical support turned the dream into reality within months.
“His Excellency did not just give us moral support,” Eyengho told the packed hall. “He provided security, facilitated venues, and ensured that filmmakers coming into Delta State felt safe and welcomed. That is why today we can boldly say that the more local our stories are, the more global their appeal becomes, and Warri is living proof of that philosophy.”
Guests erupted in applause as the citation accompanying the governor’s award was read, chronicling his administration’s achievements in less than three years: over 500 kilometres of roads and drainages constructed or rehabilitated across the three Warri local government areas, the return of nightlife and commercial activities to once-deserted streets, the empowerment of thousands of youths through skills acquisition and soft loans, and the deliberate mainstreaming of culture and tourism into the state’s MORE Agenda.
With this latest recognition, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori joins a select group of Nigerian leaders who have been celebrated for championing the creative industry at a time when many states are yet to fully harness the economic potential of film, music, and entertainment. Organisers of the Warri International Film Festival expressed strong optimism that the governor’s example will continue to inspire greater investment, attract major productions to Delta State, and elevate the profile of Niger Delta stories on the global stage.
As the curtains fell on the successful maiden edition, stakeholders unanimously agreed that a new chapter has opened for Warri – one where creativity, commerce, and culture walk hand in hand, powered by purposeful leadership and a government that genuinely believes in the transformative power of the arts.
