Savannah Movie Awards Was Self-Sponsored–Dahiru

•Maishunku Emerged Best Actor As Ali Nuhu Lifts ‘Palme d’Or’
•SIM Is To Kannywood What AMAA Is To Nollywood –NFC Boss

Glitz And Glamour At SIM Awards
The maiden edition of the Savannah International Movie Awards (SIM awards) held last weekend at the Ladi Kwali Hall, Sheraton Hotels & Towers, Abuja. The event, which attracted major players from the Hausa film industry and dignitaries from all works of life, was termed as the first of its kind in the history of Kannywood.
A popular actor and one of the nominees for best actor in supporting role category, Rabi'u Rikadawa, described the event as a pace-setter. On the red-carpet, Rikadawa, who is widely known as Dila, said it was quite impressive, adding that the red-carpet is of international standard.
In his welcome address, the President, SIM awards, Mohammed Dahiru, congratulated his team members for making the event successful. He thanked the special guests and dignitaries for honouring their invitation. He also congratulated the nominees for their immense contributions to the industry and affirmed that the nomination alone is a victory and for the winners, Dahiru assured them of special packages after the event.
While answering questions from newsmen, the SIM awards CEO said the event is soley sponsored by his company. He however, recognised with the support given to them by the Zain Nigeria, who presented token gifts and sovenuers to all nominees and winners at the event. Adding that his team is working out modalities of seeking for sponsorships from corporate bodies and other government parastatals.
In his remarks, the chairman of the occassion, Mallam Abdulkareem Mohammed, congratulated the organisers of the event on their focus and urged the practitioners of the Hausa film industry to make use of the opportunities preserved together by the organisers of SIM Awards to foster the industry ahead.
Equally speaking, the managing director, Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC), Mr. Afolabi Adesanya, who served as the special guest of honour, expressed his happiness for the giant strides of the organisers of SIM awards. He said "In every entertainment region of the world, there is a body set up to reward hardworking actors and actresses. The SIM awards is to Kannywood what the African Movie Awards Academy (AMAA) is to Nollywood. On this platform, Kannywood can grow and become what it is meant to be."
The Award ceremony was conducted under a peaceful atmosphere. The popular and multiple award winning actor, Ali Nuhu was honoured with the prestigious award, 'SIM Hero Of The Year'. The award goes to a performing artist in the industry, who cuts across borders and made remarkable achievements. The award is synanymous with Cannes' Palme d'Or. Also honoured, were the veteran and famous actor, Daudu Galadanci and the late Hauwa Ali-Dodo (Biba Problem) who was accorded with a post-humous award for her immense contributions to the Hausa film industry.