Organisers of the Nollywood Cultural Heritage Festival (NCHF) have honoured culture enthusiasts who use works to preserve and promote Nigerian cultural tapestry and values.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the cultural ambassadors were given awards and traditional titles at the award night of the 14th edition of the annual festival held on Saturday in Abuja.
The award was part of closing activities for the 2026 cultural fiesta which held from Oct. 22 to 24 at the FCT Exhibition Pavilion.
The event was organised by NCHF in collaboration with the House Committee on Commerce.
Those recognised included Adaora Sydney-Jack, who received the title ‘Ada N’ekwuru Ora’, Prof. Munachimso Stella, recognised as ‘Adabuzo’, and Okiemute Mrakpo, 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 ‘Ugosimba’.
Dr Onyekachi Nwaogu, Director and Clerk, House Committee on Commerce, National Assembly, was recognised as International Ambassador of African Culture.
Speaking at the event Agility Onwurah, president and founder of the NCHF, said the festival had spent 14 years celebrating African culture and heritage.
“For the last 14 years, we have tried to celebrate African culture and preserve the heritage that we value so much”.
Onwurah thanked participants for their continued support, saying their attendance and passion had helped sustain the festival.
He said new activities introduced at the 2026 edition included a fashion runway, where well-dressed participants were selected from the audience to showcase African attire.
“We are growing, changing the narrative and making people believe in themselves, in culture and what we do”.
Onwurah said the festival had also featured discussions on legislation and culture, focusing on how laws could support cultural preservation and create economic opportunities.
He expressed optimism that discussions had at the event would lead to practical steps to strengthen the cultural sector.
While declaring the event open, Nwaogu said the turnout demonstrated public support for the festival and its collaboration with the National Assembly.
“I am so excited seeing the number of people seated here. That means you bought into our idea”.
Nwaogu said culture and legislation were inseparable, adding that legal frameworks were necessary to preserve cultural values and support related businesses.
“Culture, as we know it, is a way of life, but what sustains, what keeps and what preserves those values that we hold so dear is the legislation that backs them”.
She urged the award recipients to see their recognition as a responsibility to contribute more to cultural preservation.
“Those of us who are receiving awards, it is not for you to go and relax. We have work to do, and you have to do it well”.
Speaking with NAN on the sideline, a tittle recipient, Dillion, expressed appreciation for the honour.
“I am proudly an Igbo woman. I am proudly a Nigerian, and I am glad”.
Dillion said the title added to her previous recognitions and expressed support for Nollywood’s contribution to Nigerian culture.
“I am happy to receive this Ugosimba title from Nollywood. Nollywood is making us proud. They are doing well”.
Highlights of the festival included cultural dances, masquerade performances, folktales and the cutting of the new yam, showcasing aspects of African cultural heritage.
