Dr Adaora Sydney-Jack, Dr Queen Dillion, Prof. Munachimso Stella and other cultural enthusiasts have been honoured for their contributions to the preservation and promotion of African cultural heritage at the 14th Nollywood Cultural Heritage Festival (NCHF) in Abuja.
Nigerian Pilot reports that the award recipients received traditional titles and ambassadorial honours at the award night of the 2026 cultural fiesta, held from Oct. 22 to Oct. 24 at the FCT Exhibition Pavilion.
Sydney-Jack received the traditional title of ‘Ada N’ekwuru Ora’, while Stella was recognised as ‘Adabuzo’. Okiemute Mrakpo was named Ambassador of African Culture.
Similarly, Nnena Njoku received the title of International Ambassador of African Culture, while Dillion was conferred with the chieftaincy title of ‘Ugosimba’.
Dr Onyekachi Nwaogu, Director and Clerk of the House Committee on Commerce, National Assembly, was also recognised as International Ambassador of African Culture.
The festival was organised by NCHF in collaboration with the House Committee on Commerce.
Speaking at the event, Agility Onwurah, President and Founder of NCHF, said the festival had spent 14 years celebrating African culture and preserving the continent’s cherished heritage.
“For the last 14 years, we have tried to celebrate African culture and preserve the heritage that we value so much,” he said.
Onwurah thanked participants for their continued support, noting that their enthusiasm and commitment had helped sustain the festival over the years.
He said the 2026 edition featured new activities, including a fashion runway where well-dressed participants selected from the audience showcased African attire.
“We are growing, changing the narrative and making people believe in themselves, in culture and what we do,” he said.
According to him, the festival also featured discussions on legislation and culture, focusing on how legal frameworks could support cultural preservation and create economic opportunities within the sector.
He expressed optimism that the discussions would translate into practical measures to strengthen the cultural industry.
Declaring the event open, Nwaogu expressed delight at the turnout, describing it as evidence of public support for the festival and its collaboration with the National Assembly.
She emphasised the relationship between culture and legislation, noting that laws were essential to preserving cultural values and supporting businesses built around cultural heritage.
“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 said.
Nwaogu urged the award recipients to see their recognition as a call to greater service and commitment 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,” she said.
Speaking with journalists on the sidelines of the event, Dillion expressed appreciation for the recognition, describing herself as a proud Igbo woman and Nigerian.
“I am proudly an Igbo woman. I am proudly a Nigerian, and I am glad,” she said.
She noted that the ‘Ugosimba’ title added to her previous recognitions and commended Nollywood for its contribution to promoting Nigerian culture.
“I am happy to receive this Ugosimba title from Nollywood. Nollywood is making us proud. They are doing well,” she said.
Highlights of the festival included cultural dances, masquerade performances, folktales and the cutting of the new yam, showcasing the richness and diversity of African cultural heritage.
