Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has received an Award of Excellence at the inaugural Warri International Film Festival, earning recognition for his outstanding support to Nollywood and his transformative development efforts in the city of Warri.
The prestigious honour was presented at a colourful ceremony held at the GT Events Hall in Warri, attended by filmmakers, cultural promoters, industry stakeholders, and creative professionals from across the country.
The award highlights Governor Oborevwori’s sustained commitment to infrastructure renewal, urban regeneration, and the implementation of policies that continue to expand Delta State’s creative economy.
Other award recipients at the event included the member representing Warri Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Thomas Ereyitomi, and the Chairman of Warri South Local Government Council, Hon. Weyinmi Agbateyiniro.
Receiving the Governor’s award on his behalf, the State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, expressed profound gratitude to the organisers for acknowledging the Governor’s developmental strides and forward-looking vision.
Speaking on the theme of this year’s festival, “Film: The More Local, The More Global,” Aniagwu said the award was a testament to Oborevwori’s unwavering support for Nollywood and his dedication to transforming Warri into a thriving urban and creative centre.
“Indeed, the Governor’s efforts in rebuilding Warri and its environs through infrastructural upgrades, revival of commercial activities, enhanced security, improved environmental cleanliness, and social empowerment programmes are already yielding visible and impactful results,” he said.
Aniagwu added that the recognition further reinforces the Governor’s commitment to restoring Warri to its pride of place as both a commercial and cultural hub in the Niger Delta. He highlighted ongoing investments in road infrastructure, urban beautification, improved security architecture, and youth-centred creative initiatives as key drivers opening new opportunities for players in the state’s creative ecosystem.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Warri South Local Government Council, Hon. Weyinmi Agbateyiniro, announced plans to establish a film village in Warri by 2026. The initiative, he said, will boost the city’s status as a major hub for the Nigerian film industry, stimulate creative interest, and attract new investments into the region’s growing entertainment sector.
The festival’s founder and veteran filmmaker, Mr. Alex Eyengho, described Governor Oborevwori as a “visionary leader whose policies have created a conducive environment for artistic expression and cinematic advancement.” He explained that the festival was created to promote Warri’s creative industry, spotlight its talents, and project them onto the global stage.
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Eyengho further commended the Delta State Government for strengthening partnerships between the entertainment industry and public institutions, noting that such collaborations will enhance job creation and position the state as a preferred destination for film production.
Debuting this year, the Warri International Film Festival aims to celebrate local and international films, empower emerging filmmakers, and reposition Warri as a cultural hotspot. Governor Oborevwori’s recognition stood out as one of the high points of the event, drawing applause from guests who praised his governance blueprint and sustained support for the creative community.
With this honour, Governor Oborevwori joins the ranks of public leaders acknowledged for championing the creative sector and contributing meaningfully to the socio-economic renewal of Warri.
The organisers expressed optimism that his developmental strides will continue to inspire young creatives and attract greater investments to further elevate Delta State within the global film industry.
