Sands of Time bags seven awards

Television drama series, Sands of Time, has recorded a major awards haul, winning seven honours within one week across Nigerian and international award platforms.

The series and its cast received four awards at the 2026 Nigerian Electronic Media Content Exhibition and Awards, before adding three international television honours from film festivals in Canada.

At NEMCEA, it won Best Overall Drama Series, while its producer, Stellamaris Duru, was named NTA Best Producer.

The production also produced winners in the acting categories, with Hydra Aneme winning Best Actor and veteran actress, Chinyere Wilfred, taking home Best Actress for their performances in the series.

The awards run continued with three international recognitions. Sands of Time won Best Television Series (Africa) at the Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival, Best Television/Web Series at the Brampton International Nollywood Film Festival and Best Television Series (Africa) at the International Comedy and Art Film Festival.

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Reacting to the string of recognitions, Duru said the achievement reflected the production team’s commitment to creating stories that connected with audiences.

She said, “For us, Sands of Time is not just about making a television series; it is about telling stories that people can see themselves in and enjoy with their families. The response from audiences and the recognition we are receiving both locally and internationally show us that there is an audience for the kind of stories we are telling.”

Duru also highlighted the series’ growing reach across Nigeria, noting that it currently airs on several stations throughout the week.

According to Duru, the wide broadcast reach has helped the series connect with viewers across different parts of Nigeria, while its international recognition demonstrates the potential for Nigerian television stories to reach audiences beyond the country.

“Winning these awards is encouraging, but for me, the biggest achievement is knowing that the story is travelling. When a Nigerian series is recognised in Toronto, Brampton and at an international festival, it tells us that our stories can travel beyond the environment in which they were created,” she added.

Naomi Chima is an entertainment and lifestyle correspondent at Punch Newspapers with over three years of experience. She covers Nigerian entertainment, culture, and social events, conducts personality interviews, and contributes to features across desks. Her work demonstrates hands-on newsroom experience, editorial judgment, and a commitment to engaging, accurate, and audience-focused journalism.