By Sunday Egede
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has been honoured with an Award of Excellence at the maiden edition of the Warri International Film festival. The organizers said it is in recognition of his remarkable support for Nollywood and transformative impact in the city of Warri.
The prestigious award, presented at the colourful ceremony at GT Events Hall, Warri, brought together, filmmakers, cultural promoters and stakeholders in the creative industry.
It celebrated Governor Oborevwori’s sustained commitment to infrastructural renewal, urban regeneration and policies to expand the creative economy in Delta State.
Also honoured at the showpiece included the member representing Warri Federal Constituency, Hon. Thomas Ereyitomi, and Chairman of Warri South Local Government Area, Hon. Weyinmi Agbateyiniro.
Oborevwori who received the award through Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, expressed profound gratitude to the organisers for recognising his vision and developmental strides.
Speaking on the theme of the event, “Film: The More Local, The More Global,” Aniagwu said “this honour is a clear recognition of his unwavering support for Nollywood and his commitment to the transformation of Warri.
“Indeed, the governor’s efforts in rebuilding Warri and the entire state through infrastructural renewal, revival of commercial activities, enhanced security, improved environmental cleanliness and social empowerment initiatives are yielding visible and impactful results.”
Aniagwu noted that the award further reaffirms the governor’s pledge to restore Warri to its pride of place as a commercial and cultural hub in the Niger Delta. He added that the administration’s investments in road infrastructure, urban beautification, security architecture and youth-focused creative programmes is opening new opportunities for filmmakers, entertainers and other stakeholders in the creative sector.
Chairman of Warri South Local Government Area, Hon. Weyinmi Agbateyiniro, announced plans to establish a film village in Warri in 2026 to boost the city’s status as a hub of the Nigerian film industry, with the aim of promoting creative interest and attracting greater investments in film business in the city.
Founder of the festival, a veteran filmmaker and journalist, Mr. Alex Eyengho, described Governor Oborevwori as a “visionary leader whose policies have created a conducive environment for artistic expression and cinematic growth.”
He said the Warri International Film Festival was conceptualised to promote Warri’s creative industry and showcase its talents globally.
Eyengho commended the state government for strengthening partnerships between the entertainment industry and public institutions, a move he said would bolster job creation and position Delta State as a preferred destination for film production.
Debuting this year, the festival aims to showcase local and international films, inspire emerging filmmakers and reposition Warri as a cultural hotspot.
Governor Oborevwori’s recognition was one of the high points of the event, drawing applause from guests who lauded his developmental blueprint and ongoing support for the creative community.
With the award, Governor Oborevwori joins the league of leaders celebrated for championing the growth of the creative sector and contributing meaningfully to the socio-economic revival of Warri.
The organisers expressed optimism that the governor’s strides will continue to inspire more creative talents and attract investments to further elevate Delta State within the global film industry.
