ENTERPRISE54 – The spotlight is trained on Nigeria’s creative industry as some of its key players have received a well-deserved commendation and recognition for their innovations. The Creative Entrepreneurs Award 2015 took place over at the British Council Gardens, Ikoyi on Saturday, January 24th 2015.

The award ceremony, currently in its 4th edition is being organized by the Creative Entrepreneurs Association of Nigeria (CEAN) and nominations and voting have been on for its over 20 categories since late last year.

Popular stand-up comedian Ayo Makun (AY) was honoured for his comedy programme “AY Show”, which came tops in the comedy category. His box-office hit, ’30 Days in Atlanta’ also won him another award as he was named the winner of the film category. ‘30 Days in Atlanta’ is AY’s first movie, produced by him and directed by Robert Peters.

Ayo Makun, a Theatre Arts graduate of Delta State University, was made a U.N Peace Ambassador in 2009 after winning six awards in 2008. He is the C.E.O of Corporate World Entertainment Nigeria. He is a multi-award winning Nigerian actor, comedian, radio and T.V presenter, actor, writer, director and MC. He is the host of the A.Y live shows and A.Y comedy skits.

Also awarded for their work at the event, are Ace producer – Don Jazzy, Shola Animashaun, DJ Exclusive, Adesua Oyenokwe (TW Magazine), Mo Abudu, Architect Olumide Ayodele, Bankole Cadoso, Adedoyin Balogun, Bella Naija, Bayo Haastrup and a host of others.

The creative industry has indeed risen from relegation and there is still so much to say for the work of the hardworking and talented artists and artisans in it. The Creative Industry Award rewards initiative, talent, creativity and entrepreneurship across the Nigerian creative industries.

See a complete list of winners below:

1. Visual Arts (Painting, Sculpture, Photography, Antique): Shola Animashaun
2. Performing Arts (Live Music, Dance, Theatre, Dj): Dj Xclusive
3. Comedy (Stand Up Comedy, Tv Comedy Shows, Comedy Films): Ay Show
4. Music (Record Label, Production Houses, Artiste Management, Marketers): Don Jazzy
5. Film (Production Houses, Producers, Marketers): Ayo Makun – 30 Days In Atlanta
6. Publishing (Books, Newspapers, Magazines, Journals): Adesua Oyenokwe – Tw Magazine
7. Audio Visual (Television, Radio): Mo Abudu – Ebonylife Tv
8. Creative Service (Architecture, Advertising): Architech Olumide Ayodele – Studio Stoone Designs
9. Tech Businesses: Bankole Cardoso – Easy Taxi
10. Fashion: Adedoyin Balogun – Baldon
11. Bloggers: Uche Eze – Bella Naija
12. Gastronomy (Sugar Craft, Culinary Arts): Kogsy
13. Make Up (Costumiers, Makeup Artistes): Bayo Haastrup
14. Startup Of The Year: Olu’yomi Ojo – Printivo
15. Emerging Female Entrepreneur Of The Year: Achenyo Idachaba
16. Creative Innovation Award: Onibokun Ayobami And Odebode Ademola – Repairam.Com
17. Entrepreneurship Writer/Blogger Of The Year: Olufemi Omotayo – Entreprenews
18. Social Entreprise Award: Showore – Sahara Reporters
19. Creative Entrepreneur Of The Year: Ayo Makun
20. Most Creative/Innovative State: Lagos State – Mr. Babatunde Fashola (San)
21. Award For The Highest Support For The Nigeria Creative Industry: Bank Of Industry And Tony Elumelu Foundation