The Association of Nollywood Core Producers (ANCOP) has given a Nollywood Icon Award to Ghana Based Nigerian film producer and media practitioner Theo Akatugba for his immense contribution to the expansion of the frontiers of Nollywood.

Expressing his gratitude, Akatugba said “I feel elated that a group of Nollywood producers under the umbrella of ANCOP thought it wise to recognize my contributions to the growth of Nollywood as well as remembering that I am one of the pioneering producers who helped to form and sustain what we now know today as Nollywood. It gives me a sense of fulfillment.”

The event which was held recently at the Protea Hotel Lagos also saw the likes of Tunde Kelani, Patrick Doyle, Prince Emeka Mba, Amaka Igwe, Ejike Asiegbu, Chief Tony Okoroji amongst others going home with awards Theo Akatugba is a well know TV producer who started by producing stage dramas, and later went into home movie production.

He produced 12 home videos in Nigeria before relocating to Ghana where he started producing grade ‘A’ soap operas which include Tentacles 1 and 2, Broadway and Super Broadway, The Ultimate stories etc. He is also known for bringing into Ghana quality telenovelas like Woman of My Life, Lorenzo’s Wife amongst other.

Before coming to Ghana Akatugba started the first TV Magazine program called Video View which reported happenings in Nollywood.

On his arrival to the shores of Ghana, he continued with the program on Top Radio in 2001 and later moved it to Metro TV where the program was renamed Movie Xtra.

Currently he is focusing his attention on establishing the most formidable and effective distribution infrastructure for Ghana/Nigeria movies which he says if well done will put more money in the pockets of producers.