On April 23rd, 2026, Lagos didn’t just host an awards show. It hosted a recokning. The inaugural CerAwards Africa 2026, brought to Nigeria by CeraVe in partnership with Konga Health, took place at Jewel Aida with one clear agenda: to prove that Nigerian creators are no longer an emerging market. They’re now forces to be reckoned with.

800 entries. Six categories. The CeramoVE challenge asked creators to do what Nigerians are exceptional at doing: taking something iconic (Nollywood) and making it completely their own. The result? A masterclass in storytelling.

Hosted by Bisola Aiyeola, judged by a panel that included Nollywood giants like Funke Akindele and Uzor Arukwe, and closed out by a Wande Coal headline set that turned the room into a full-on celebration, the night was exactly what Nigerian creativity deserves. Loud and unapologetic.

Now, here are the names you need to know.

1. Adewale Esther – First Runner Up, Body Moisturising Category (1 Million Naira)

2. Oluwafikayomi Faleye – First Runner Up, Educational Category (1 Million Naira)

3. Beryl Inegbenose – Winner, Best Content: Original (2 Million Naira)

4. Boluwatife Lawal – Winner, Best Content: Educational (A Trip to Paris)

5. Darkskinned Ella – First Runner Up, Original Content (1 Million Naira)

6. Emelda Nzekwe – First Runner Up, Cleansing Category (1 Million Naira)

7. Iyanuoluwa Sowemimo – Winner, Best Content: Let’s Get Creative (A Trip to Paris)

8. Jessica Ajayi – First Runner Up, Let’s Get Creative (1 Million Naira)

9. Joseph Shaka Momodu – Winner, Best Content: Viral (2 Million Naira)

10. Perpetua Ugwu – Winner, Best Content Body Moisturising (A Trip to Paris)

11. Temilade Ladejobi – First Runner Up, Viral Category (1 Million Naira)

12. Precious Ernest – Winner, Best Content, Cleansing (2 Million Naira)