The 9th Kaduna International Film Festival (KADIFF) is proud to announce the recipients of the prestigious KADIFF Excellence Award 2026, in recognition of individuals whose exceptional achievements, leadership, creativity and service have made significant contributions to the advancement of film, media, tourism and the creative industries in Nigeria and beyond.
The awards form part of the festival’s commitment to celebrating excellence and promoting cultural diplomacy under the 2026 festival theme, “Cultural Renaissance.”
The 2026 KADIFF Excellence Award recipients are:
- Femi Adebayo – For his outstanding contribution to African cinema through exceptional acting, filmmaking and storytelling.
- Dr. Shaibu Husseini, Executive Director, National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) – For his visionary leadership and invaluable contribution to the growth, regulation and development of Nigeria’s film industry.
- Dr. Ali Nuhu, Managing Director, Nigerian Film Corporation – For his remarkable contribution to filmmaking, talent development and the advancement of Nigeria’s creative economy.
- Ola Awakan, Director-General, Nigerian Tourism Development Authority – For his commitment to promoting tourism as a driver of national development and strengthening the relationship between tourism and the creative industries.
- Uche Ogbodo – For her outstanding contribution to Nollywood and her continued dedication to storytelling and film production.
- Juliet Ibrahim – For her remarkable achievements in African cinema and her role in promoting cultural exchange across the continent.
- Rabiu Rikadawa – For his immense contribution to the growth and preservation of Kannywood and indigenous filmmaking.
- Uzee Usman – For his excellence in acting, directing and producing outstanding film productions that continue to inspire audiences.
- Senator Shehu Sani – For his unwavering support for arts, culture, peacebuilding and national development.
- Nasiru Muhammad – For his enduring contribution to Kannywood and the development of Northern Nigeria’s film industry.
- Asabe Madaki – For her outstanding contribution to indigenous storytelling and the empowerment of women in the creative sector.
- Fiona Garba – For her excellence in acting, filmmaking and mentoring the next generation of creative professionals.
- Happy Julian – For her exceptional contribution as an actress, filmmaker and advocate for the growth of the Nigerian creative industry.
- Charles Erukaa, Journalist, ARISE News – For excellence in journalism and his commitment to amplifying the stories of Nigeria’s creative industry.
- John Coster (United Kingdom) – For his outstanding work as a journalist and documentary filmmaker, promoting authentic African stories to global audiences.
- Halima Abdulrauf, Chief Executive Officer, S24 Television – For her exceptional leadership in broadcasting and her unwavering support for the growth and visibility of Nigeria’s creative and entertainment industries.
- Prince Daniel Aboki – For his contribution to Indigenous Africa films, storytelling and impactful excellence in filmmaking.
Speaking on the announcement, Audu Kashim Israel, Director-General of the Kaduna International Film Festival, said the award recipients represent the very best of creativity, leadership, professionalism and service.
“The KADIFF Excellence Award is one of the festival’s highest honours. It celebrates individuals whose dedication and accomplishments continue to transform the creative industry and inspire future generations. Their contributions have strengthened filmmaking, media, tourism, cultural promotion and creative enterprise, both within Nigeria and internationally.”
The awards will be presented during the 9th Kaduna International Film Festival, scheduled to be held from 25th to 29th August 2026, in Kaduna State, Nigeria. The festival will bring together filmmakers, government officials, diplomats, investors, media practitioners, cultural institutions and creative professionals from across Africa and beyond to celebrate the power of storytelling and cultural exchange.
The Kaduna International Film Festival remains one of Africa’s foremost platforms for film exhibition, talent development, industry networking, cultural diplomacy and creative economy advancement, fostering collaboration and innovation through the art of cinema.
Signed
Audu Kashim Israel
Director-General
Kaduna International Film Festival (KADIFF)
Abdul Ibrahim
Media & Public Relations Directorate
Kaduna International Film Festival (KADIFF)