Actress Happy Julian-Uchendu, popularly known as Happy Julian, has received the award of International Ambassador for African Culture at the 2023 Nollywood New Yam Festival in the Federal Capital Territory(FCT).
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mrs Noni Okocha, Chief Executive Officer of “I am the Future of Nigeria Youth Initiative” also received the recognition of International Ambassador for African Culture.
They were honoured alongside other industry stakeholders and promoters of African culture and values at the closing ceremony of the 11th edition of the festival on Saturday in Abuja.
Others who received cultural titles at the event include Rekiya Ibrahim-Atta, who was honoured as “Akpugo” of African Culture and Hon.Bamidele Salam as National Ambassador of African Culture, among others.
Mr Agility Onwurah, National Coordinator of the Festival and Chief Executive Officer of Agile 247.Com, organiser of the event, congratulated the awardees, adding that the honour was to celebrate their contribution to the industry.
“Nollywood promotes our culture and anyone who has contributed to its growth and development, in whatever capacity should be celebrated.
“The festival is simply a platform where celebrities identify with the culture and promote it to their fans and followers that no matter the influence of Westernisation, we must uphold what defines us.
“Artistes are supposed to be mirrors of society, and that is why we are proudly showcasing our culture to fans, especially young Nigerians who are the future generation,” he said.