Founder of the Best of Nollywood (BON) Awards and Chairman of Ultimate Communications, Mr. Seun Oloketuyi, has commended the Ondo State Government for renaming the International Centre for Culture and Events, popularly known as The Dome, in Akure, after the state’s former governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko.
The facility was officially renamed the Dr. Olusegun Mimiko International Centre for Culture and Events by incumbent governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, during a birthday celebration organized in honour of Mimiko’s 72nd birthday.
In a statement on Monday, , Oloketuyi described the decision as “a most deserving honour” and praised the state administration’s rare display of political foresight.
Oloketuyi highlighted the deep historical ties between the BON Awards family and the landmark structure. He recalled that the prestigious movie awards ceremony was the very first event ever hosted at the venue upon its completion under the Mimiko administration.
“I received with immense joy and personal fulfillment the news that His Excellency, Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has renamed The Dome,” Oloketuyi stated, adding that “this honour is doubly special to me and the entire BON Awards family.
“For the record, the Best of Nollywood (BON) Awards was the very first event ever held at The Dome when it was commissioned. On December 12, 2015, we made history together. Dr. Mimiko as governor, hosted us, and we brought the entire Nigerian film industry to Akure to christen that magnificent edifice”.
Reflecting on the star-studded 2015 maiden event, Oloketuyi added that veterans and A-List film stars like Funke Akindele, Oga Bello, and the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu gathered under the roof for the first time. “So we are not just observers. We are part of the history of The Dome. To now see the same edifice named after the man who dreamt it, designed it and built it from scratch, is poetic justice and a full circle moment,” Oloketuyi remarked.
The celebrity journalist praised what appears to be Governor Aiyedatiwa’s bipartisan leadership, stating that celebrating legacy builders regardless of political affiliations sends a positive message to younger generations.
Oloketuyi, described Mimiko as “a personal mentor, a father figure, and an unmatched champion of culture whose free education and maternal health initiatives remain highly impactful”. He expressed gratitude on behalf of the BON Awards board to the Ondo State executive council and people of the state.
