The 2026 edition of the Nollywood Europe Golden Awards (NEGA) ended on a high note in Frankfurt, Germany, with organisers describing it as the biggest and most successful festival in the event’s 24-year history. The grand finale, held on Saturday, August 1, attracted a record crowd of Nollywood enthusiasts, diplomats, filmmakers, business leaders and cultural stakeholders from across Europe.
Hosted at the Saray Turkuaz Hall, the glamorous gala night drew guests from the United Kingdom, Finland, Ireland, Belgium, the Netherlands and several German cities, including Berlin, Bremen, Munich, Hamburg and Hannover. The turnout underscored the growing popularity of the Nollywood Film Festival Germany (NFFG) and the Nollywood Europe Golden Awards as major platforms for promoting African cinema and cultural diplomacy.
One of the biggest highlights of the evening was the unprecedented attendance of three senior Nigerian diplomats. They included Nigeria’s Ambassador to Germany, Senator Ita Enang; Nigeria’s Ambassador to Switzerland, Wahab Akande; and the Consul General of Nigeria in Frankfurt, Dr. Yakubu Audu Dadu. Their presence marked one of the rare occasions such high-level diplomatic representation attended a Nollywood event in Europe.
The gala also attracted several prominent personalities, including Edo State Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Hon. Christopher Okaeben; Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Iryn Omorogiuwa; former Super Eagles Assistant Head Coach Benjamin James; entertainment personalities, business leaders, community representatives and members of the Nigerian diaspora from across Europe.
The event featured the presentation of the Nollywood Europe Golden Awards to individuals who have distinguished themselves in entertainment, public service and humanitarian work. Rosabelle Jeanne Andrews Iyafokhai received the Nollywood Excellence Award, while veteran actor Bob-Manuel Udokwu was honoured with the Golden Legacy Award. Actor Nosa Rex Okunzuwa won the Trailblazer/Entrepreneur in Cinema Award, Hon. Christopher Okaeben received the Creative Economy Leadership Award, and High Chief Sir (Dr.) Ambassador Anthony Ikenna Obele was presented with the Uncommon Philanthropist Award.
Guests were also treated to surprise award presentations. Renowned journalist and publisher Stella Dimoko Korkus received the Nollywood Media Icon Award for her contribution to entertainment journalism, while Dr. Yakubu Audu Dadu was honoured with the Diplomatic Icon Award Citation in recognition of his support for Nigerian cultural diplomacy and the creative industry in Germany.
Entertainment formed another major attraction of the evening as Afrobeat star Anyidons made a surprise appearance that electrified the audience. Benin-based musician Bro Destiny also thrilled guests with performances from his album, E-Choke, adding colour and excitement to the memorable night.
In his welcome address, Festival Director and Cultural Ambassador Isaac Izoya thanked guests for travelling from different countries despite prevailing global economic challenges. He said the festival, which began 24 years ago, was established to promote Nigeria’s positive image through arts, culture and cinema, adding that the consistency of the initiative had continued to yield remarkable results.
Delivering the keynote address, Ambassador Ita Enang praised Ehizoya Golden Entertainment e.V. for sustaining the festival for 24 consecutive years, describing the achievement as deserving of national recognition. He pledged his full support for the initiative and promised to recommend increased sponsorship to enable the festival to attain even greater heights while strengthening Nigeria’s cultural diplomacy abroad.
Participants from different countries also commended the organisers for staging what they described as an outstanding event. Dr. Debsandy of the UK-based AGM delegation expressed amazement at the massive international attendance, while Austin Ediale, who led the Finnish delegation, described the festival as an unforgettable experience and pledged to return for next year’s edition.
As the curtains fell on the 2026 festival, organisers said the overwhelming attendance and positive feedback reaffirmed the Nollywood Film Festival Germany and the Nollywood Europe Golden Awards as one of Europe’s foremost platforms for celebrating African cinema, promoting Nigeria’s creative economy and fostering international cultural exchange. Many participants described the event as the finest Nollywood show ever organised by Ehizoya Golden Entertainment e.V.
Source: NFFG/NEGA, Photos: Stella Dimoko Korkus (SDK)
