By: Manoah Kikekon
 |
| Viyon Awhanse and The award |
Renowned Badagry Born film and television producer, community advocate, and festival director Viyon Awhanse has received the prestigious Badagry Cinematic Heritage and Storytelling Award at the inaugural edition of the Badagry Experience 2026.
The special recognition was presented to him on Thursday during an event curated and hosted by Dr. Adebusola Onilogbo Odedina.
Expressing his gratitude upon receiving the accolade, Awhanse noted that sharing the platform with respected royal fathers and community leaders made the recognition even more meaningful.
“I am deeply honoured to accept the Badagry Cinematic Heritage and Storytelling Award for the Badagry Experience 2026. Being recognised alongside our esteemed royal fathers and leaders is a powerful validation that our local stories hold global weight,” Awhanse stated.
He extended his appreciation to the event organisers for spotlighting his ongoing contributions to cultural preservation and grassroots development throughout the Badagry Division, Lagos State, and the wider African continent.
As the Festival Director of the Badagry International Film Festival (BIFIF) and a Guinness World Record holder, Awhanse used the platform to reiterate his unwavering dedication to visual storytelling, youth empowerment, and the global promotion of African culture.
“We will continue our mission to document our history, empower our youth, and champion our heritage worldwide,” he affirmed.