_WARRIFF 2026 Holds December 8-12 at Movela Hotels, Warri
*WARRI, DELTA STATE — November 11, 2026
As preparations intensify for the 2026 edition of the Warri International Film Festival (WARRIFF), organizers have announced that the Ologbotsere of Warri Kingdom, *Chief Ayiri Emami*, will headline this year’s recipients of the prestigious *WARRIFF Lifetime Achievement Award*.
The festival, which has grown to become one of the most respected film fiestas in West Africa, will hold at the *Movela Hotels, Airport Road, by Kosini Junction, Warri, Delta State, from Tuesday, December 8 to Saturday, December 12, 2026*. The Lifetime Achievement Awards will be presented during the closing ceremony on *Friday, December 11, 2026*.
The announcement was made on Tuesday, November 11, 2026, by the Founder and Festival Director of WARRIFF, *Alex Eyengho*, in a press statement released electronically.
According to Eyengho, the award is in recognition of the awardees’ decades of outstanding contributions to Nollywood, the Nigerian creative industries, and the promotion of the Warri brand globally.
“Apart from Chief Ayiri Emami, other recipients this year include some of the most respected pillars of Nollywood and the Nigerian creative industries,” Eyengho stated.
*The 2026 WARRIFF Lifetime Achievement Award recipients are:*
1. *Chief Ayiri Emami* — Ologbotsere of Warri Kingdom
2. *Chief Gab Onyi Okoye (a.k.a. Igwe Gabosky)* — Veteran Nollywood marketer and distributor
3. *Dr. Don Pedro-Obaseki* — Veteran filmmaker, broadcaster, and cultural advocate
4. *Amb. Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen* — Veteran filmmaker and Director-General, Benin Film Festival
5. *Mr. Freedom Atsepoyi (a.k.a. Mr. Jollof)* — Ace comedian, actor, and MC
6. *Dr. Ejezie Emeka Rollas, MON* — Immediate-past National President, Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN)
7. *Chief Emeka Ike* — Veteran actor and producer
8. *Mr. Taiye Ajiyen* — Executive Assistant to Alhaji Aliko Dangote
9. *Mr. Kingsley Raymond Atsenuwa* — Top hypeman and MC
Eyengho noted that the selection cuts across film production, distribution, acting, comedy, corporate support, and cultural leadership — reflecting the broad ecosystem that WARRIFF was established to celebrate.
“These are men who have given their lives to building Nollywood and projecting Warri to the world. WARRIFF is proud to honour them while they are still here to receive their flowers,” he said.
It will be recalled that recipients of the same award at the 2025 edition included the Governor of Delta State, *His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori*; the Managing Director of the NDDC, *Dr. Sam Ogbuku*; *Hon Chief Thomas Ereyitomi (Member representing the Warri Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives), Comrade Weyinmi Agbateyiniro (Chairman, Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State), Chief Engr. Mike Ayapaye*; *Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD)*; *Chief Wale Adenuga, MFR*; *Sir Opa Williams*; *Mr. Andy Boyo*; *Mr. Mahmood Ali-Balogun*; *Barr. Jolomi Rewane*; *Mrs. Ego Boyo*; *Mrs. Joy Odiete*; *Chief Adebayo Salami*; *Prince Jide Kosoko*; *Dr. Shaibu Husseini*; *Mr. Amayo Uzo Phillips*; *Mr. Joe Dudun*; *Mr. Fidelis Duker*; and *Mr. Theo Akatugba*, among others.
WARRIFF 2026 will feature film screenings, masterclasses, panel sessions, fireside chats, the Warri Film Market, cultural tours, and the closing awards night.
For participation, partnership, and sponsorship enquiries, contact the WARRIFF, call/whatsapp/email: 08038603734, 08033262971.
warri.iff@gmail.com
