Nigerian television drama series, ‘Sands of Time,’ has clinched seven awards in one week, earning recognition for its production, acting and television storytelling in Nigeria and Canada.
The series, ‘Sands of Time: We Happy People,’ led the production’s haul at the 2026 Nigerian Electronic Media Content Exhibition and Awards (NEMCEA), where it won Best Overall Drama Series.
Its producer, Stellamaris Duru, was named NTA Best Producer, while Hydra Aneme and veteran actress Chinyere Wilfred won Best Actor and Best Actress respectively for their performances in the series. The production followed the Nigerian honours with three international awards from film festivals in Canada.
It won Best Television Series (Africa) at the Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival (TINFF), Best Television/Web Series at the Brampton International Nollywood Film Festival (BINFF) and Best Television Series (Africa) at the International Comedy and Art Film Festival (TICAFF).
Duru said the recognition reflected the team’s focus on producing stories that audiences can identify with.
‘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,’ she said.
Beyond the awards, ‘Sands of Time’ has secured broadcast slots on several television stations across the country. It airs on RSTV Port Harcourt on Mondays, TVC on Tuesdays, Wazobia Max Lagos on Thursdays, ITV Benin, OGTV, ITV Abuja, NTA2 Channel 5, Wazobia Port Harcourt, PRTV Jos, STV, Wazobia Max Abuja, WAPTV and EBS TV.
Duru said the multiple broadcast platforms have helped the series reach viewers in different parts of the country, while the international awards have provided another measure of its reception outside Nigeria.
‘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 said.