Nollywood actor and filmmaker Afeez Owo has been honored with a distinguished award and certification in Canada, celebrating his outstanding contributions to the entertainment industry. The recognition specifically acknowledges his exceptional talent and dedication as an actor, producer, and director, particularly highlighting his commitment to community enhancement through creative storytelling.
The acclaimed Nigerian entertainer, who is currently in Canada, shared his moment of triumph with fans and colleagues through his social media platforms. In a characteristically humble response to the recognition, Owo expressed his gratitude with a simple “Alhamdulilahi” (Praise be to God), allowing the magnitude of his achievement to speak for itself.
The certification, presented by Canadian entertainment officials, particularly emphasized Owo’s significant impact on the Nigerian entertainment landscape and his role in advancing the quality of African cinema. This international recognition serves as a testament to the growing global influence of Nollywood and its practitioners.
The announcement triggered an outpouring of congratulatory messages from fellow industry practitioners and well-wishers. Among the first to celebrate this achievement was Owo’s wife, celebrated actress Mide Martins, who affectionately addressed him as “Oko Ajoke” in her congratulatory message. Notable actresses including Yetunde Barnabas, Jumoke Odetola, and Kemi Korede also joined in celebrating their colleague’s international recognition.
The award ceremony marks another highlight in what has been an emotional journey for the actor and his family. Prior to his departure for Canada, a touching scene unfolded at the airport where his wife, Mide Martins, demonstrated the deep bond they share. In a moment captured on video, the couple shared an emotional farewell, with Martins unable to hold back tears as she wished her husband success in his endeavors abroad.
During his time in Canada, Owo has been reflective about his personal and professional journey. In a recent social media post featuring photographs with his colleagues, he shared profound thoughts about finding peace and understanding in life’s journey. “Things don’t just happen; they happen for a purpose,” he philosophized, adding that there is indeed a time for everything.
This latest achievement adds another chapter to Owo’s rich story in the entertainment industry, which includes interesting connections to Nigerian cinema history. In a revealing interview last November with Biola Bayo, Owo had shared insights about his relationship with his late mother-in-law, the renowned Funmi Martins, and how their paths crossed in the industry. He spoke about developing a special bond with Mide Martins upon her return to Nigeria, eventually becoming not just her confidant but also her life partner.
The recognition in Canada represents more than just an individual achievement; it symbolizes the growing international appreciation for Nigerian cinema and its practitioners. As Nollywood continues to gain global recognition, awards such as this serve as inspiration for upcoming talents in the industry and reinforce the impact of Nigerian storytelling on the world stage.
This honor also highlights the evolution of Nigerian cinema from its humble beginnings to its current status as one of the world’s largest film industries. Afeez Owo’s recognition adds to the growing list of international accolades being received by Nollywood practitioners, further cementing the industry’s position in global entertainment.
As the news continues to reverberate through the Nigerian entertainment industry, it stands as a testament to the power of dedication, creativity, and perseverance in achieving international recognition. For Afeez Owo, this Canadian honor not only celebrates his past achievements but also opens new doors for future opportunities in the global entertainment landscape.
