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Monday, October 27, 2008

Enyiocha, Elendu find life partners


Pic-Emeka Enyiocha, quitting Bachelorhood

Whao! The long list of bachelors and spinsters plying their trades in Nollywood is gradually decreasing. Well, meet the latest husband and wife in tinsel town. First on the list is Eastern Nigerian based actress, Uche Elendu. She has found true love in the arms of Walter Nku, and they recently tied the knot, the traditional way, in Isiukwuato, Abia State, on October 26, 2008, at Elendu’s family home. Interestingly too, in the same Isiukwuato axis, top actor and Nollywood hunk, Emeka Enyiocha, has finally found true and everlasting love in the cozy arms of a yet to be named lady. And their traditional wedding holds this November 1, at the lucky girl’s family home. Already, colleagues of both stars in Nollywood, have continued to make the double nuptials, the talk of the town.

Tony One Week set to rock Abuja

Abuja, the nation’s seat of power and government is currently poised to play host to Gyration master Tony One Week and pals, on the occasion of his tenth anniversary, as a complete and successful entertainer. Tagged: Tony One Week @ Ten, the grand finale of the two-day extravaganza, holding between November 15 and 16, climaxes at the upscale Transcorp Hilton Hotel. According to One Week, now permanently based in Abuja with his family, the event opens on November 15, at the Old Parade Ground, with several artistes performing in a show put together for him by Nigerian Breweries Plc. “The main show where ten comedians, musicians and Nollywood stars, would separately thrill the fun loving people of Abuja, especially my teeming fans, holds the next day at the Transcorp. We are also expecting several dignitaries from both the public and private sectors at the event”, disclosed the act, who is currently in the studios fine-tuning his latest effort.
Meanwhile, info at our disposal has it that One Week’s colleagues in Lagos, have concluded plans to further light up the event with their intimidating presence.

Monday, October 20, 2008

Censors board, NFC, AMAA, others shine @ Abuja film festival


Pic-Duker, Festival Director

No doubt, the fifth edition of the Abuja international film festival, has come and gone, however, what remains unarguable, is the fact that some corporate entities, in both the public and private sectors, added glitz and panache to the four-day event with their intimidating presence and support. Leading the pack of government parastatals with giant stands at the market section of the festival, was the Emeka Mba-led National Film and Videos Censors Board (NFVCB).
In fact, their stands and colourful banners, especially those announcing the newly introduced Framework Distribution Policy, were truly a sight to behold. Mr. Afolabi Adesanya and his entourage from the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC), Peace Anyiam-Osigwe and her team from AMA Awards, as well as other corporate bodies, participated actively at the festival.
However, aside participating, the above bodies, also supported the festival with good will messages. Tagged: The Future of Nollywood, this year’s theme, according to Mr. Fidelis Duker, the Festival Director, was imperative because the future of Nollywood depends on all practitioners. “I am also of the view that they must show a genuine resolve, to chart a new course that will guarantee a bright future for the industry…”he posited.

Green and White groove still reverberates

Almost a week after, the Independence Day soiree jointly put together by Encomium, the Magazine and Awards Company in collaboration with Prime Time Entertainment, is still generating positive remarks and issues, especially among newsmakers within and outside our shores.
Aside the array of music and comedy stars that thrilled non-stop at the razzmatazz and fun filled evening of high net worth gathering, Nollywood stars, also added panache and poise with their presence. Of course, assorted foods and choice liquors flowed endlessly at the Harp Lager Beer powered prom.
Speaking on the significance of the star studded and gracefully attended ball, tagged; The Green and White Groove, Mr. Kunle Bakare, the amiable honcho of Encomium and style aficionado, explained that the essence was to celebrate Nigeria at 48. “If at this age, we cannot celebrate ourselves, nobody can do that for us. And by doing this, we are also showcasing the good aspects of our nation
to the world. This country belongs to all of us, and if we don’t help to reposition it, nobody will do that for us…” he explained.
Meanwhile, other elated guests that bared their minds to us, thanked the organizers, for staging a world-class birthday bash for Nigeria at Independence. They also looked forward to another scintillating and memorable outing next year.

Editors Note-Pix later

Joke Silva shines @ Project Fame


Pic-Silva is head, Fame Academy

Viewers, especially the teeming fans of veteran actress Joke Silva, are hailing her role as the Principal of the on going MTN sponsored Project Fame Academy. Most of the viewers who bared their minds to us, further praised the organizers of the wave-making event, for selecting Silva, as the head of the academy. In their views, her wealth of experience, as an accomplished entertainer, would further impact positively on the 15 housemates currently vying for honour and glory at the academy. “Joke is neither bossy nor arrogant, she treats the housemates like a true and loving mother, and has also boosted their confidence with advice and counseling. And this is what the housemates need, not a bossy and arrogant principal that would not bring out the best in his/her students. She should keep it up and also ensures that only the best gets the crown”, hinted one of her fans, in an sms sent to us.

Taribo West breezes into celebs hangout, O’jez


Pic-West in National team colours

Though, his intention was to quietly breeze into O’Jez, the highbrow celebrity joint tucked inside the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, incognito, but the sudden and heavy down pour, blew open the cover of ex international and Super Eagles defender, pastor Taribo West. West, who came in with few pals, was sighted and hailed by many while moving to the upper lounge of the hangout, in order to avoid being soaked by the rain.
Swathed in a coloured blazers suit, with his traditional wild hair style conspicuously missing, the Rivers State born ace footballer, no doubt, thoroughly enjoyed himself, before zooming off with his entourage.
We also spotted dandy politico and former governor of Ekiti State, Ayo Fayose. As usual, he sauntered in with his regular retinue of aides, and they all had a blast before leaving.

Monday, October 13, 2008

Stakeholders endorse Nollywood summit


Pic-John Odey, Information Minister

The postponed international summit of the Movie Reporters’ Guild of Nigeria, MORGON, tagged Nollywood Our Nollywood, will now hold elaborately on Thursday, November 20, 2008 at the prestigious Sheraton Hotel and Towers, Ikeja, Lagos, with several dignitaries as Guests Speakers.
The General Secretary of the body, Mr. Chibueze Okereke, in a recent press statement explained that the Nollywood summit is among other plans being put in place by MORGON to reposition the thriving nation’s movie industry globally called Nollywood.
“MORGON was established in the first place to assist in the repositioning process of Nollywood, after the postponement of the earlier date, which was as a result of some technical hitches, the executives recently came together and agreed on the new date.”
Okereke, further described movie reporters and Nollywood practitioners as “partners in progress,” adding that the forthcoming event would be the biggest in Nollywood.
Among dignitaries already billed to deliver topical papers at the historic summit are: Mr. John Odey, the Minister of Information and Communication, Mr. Afolabi Adesanya, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Film Corporation, Mr. Emeka Mba, the Director General of the National Film and Video Censors Board and renowned businessman, politician and academic Prof. Pat Utomi. Coming from the UK to also deliver thought provoking papers at the summit are the duo of Kene Mkparu, the first black General Manager of Odeon chain of Cinemas and Magnus Mbanu, a BBC trained film maker alongside Marc Wishengrad, a leading Hollywood filmmaker, coming from the US. Meanwhile, Mr, Andrien Gbinigie, the CEO of Atlantic Overseas and the Life Patron of MORGON, would be the Special Guest of Honour, at the grand gathering.
President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, popular actor Ejike Asiegbu, alongside the Nigerian Film Corporation and the National Film and Video Censors Board, in separate letters to MORGON, have all endorsed the forthcoming event, which is currently the talk of the town in tinsel town.

Imo film festival set to take off

Having contributed so much to the growth of Nollywood, as a scriptwriter and director, youthful Chimaobim Okoroji, is now set and ready to host the first ever Imo International Film Festival, early 2009. And in order to ensure a hitch free outing, Okoroji, a proud son of Imo State and his crew at Amgrove Production, are already working round the clock.
Highlighting the importance of the forthcoming festival, Okoroji, argued that it would impact positively on the socio-cultural landscape of Imo and the nation in general.
He further stated that it would provide employment, assist in the reduction of youth restiveness and above all, enhance tourism potentials in the state. Shedding more light, Okoroji, who is also the Festival Director, said lectures, seminars, exhibitions, marketing initiatives, screenings, arts and craft, would all be part of the activities lined up for the event.

Pic-Ohakim


“There will be the shoot and unveiling of a world class documentary on Imo State and its very rich and robust cultural heritage. All these are geared towards unlocking the huge investments potentials in Imo State, in the areas of arts, tourism and culture.”
Meanwhile, Okoroji, is also calling on both the public and private sectors to support and buy into this global project, holding at the Concorde Hotel, Owerri.

Mokeme, Edozieh, X-Project, others storm US


Pic-Oby Edozieh

As you are reading this, some notable names in Nollywood are already on a two weeks tour of the US.
Headlining the trip, which would see these stars traversing several states in the US are the duo of Chidi ‘GQ’ Mokeme and Oby Edozieh. Others on the bill are; Yemi Fash-Lanso, X-Project, Remi Abiola Saidi Balogun, Murphy Afolabi and Muyiwa Ademola.
The singing trio of X- Project, is the only musician on the trip, being powered by Otunba Tai Balofin, the honcho of New Deal international.
In a brief chat with us, prior to their departure aboard Delta Airlines, Miss Edozieh, disclosed that they were traveling to unveil the new Nigerian Hall of Fame in the US, after which, they would embark on a musical/movie tour. “We are kick starting this tour from New York, immediately after the unveiling of the Hall of Fame, we would also have an autograph signing sessions with our teeming fans”, Edozieh enthused.
Also speaking, Mr. Mokeme, further added that the trip would afford them the opportunity of telling the true story of Nollywood to the world.

Naijas’ angry over Uti’s eviction from BBA


Pic-Uti Nwachukwu

A cross section of Nigerians, especially the diehard Uti fans, are currently not happy with the last weekend eviction of Uti, the only Nigerian at the on going Big Brother Africa reality TV show contest.
Aside their seething anger laced with disappointments, these fans are also alleging high-wired blackmail and orchestrated set up, by the event’s organizers. In one of their numerous sms, that was made available to us, the embittered group operating under the aegis of: www.utifans, are calling for a nationwide protest and boycott of the programme on cable TV.
“Is it fair to call this show Big Brother Africa, when Southern African countries out numbers their West African counterparts, yet, we are the highest sponsors of the show, is it fair?”, asked Chinny Ahaneku, an angry fan.

Ohakim rocks the Coliseum, appoints Bakassi aide


Pic-Gov Ohakim

Imo governor, Ikedi Ohakim, was formally hosted at the Niteshift Coliseum’s high profile Grand House Reception, over the weekend alongside his amiable wife. A large entourage accompanied the honcho of Imo state, to the colourful and star-studded gathering, and they include: commissioners, top dignitaries and a retinue of aides. As usual, the tough talking helmsman, who obviously had fun at the event, fielded questions from both the patrons of the upscale hang out, as well as members of the public.
And to prove that he is abreast with developments in his domain, Ohakim, painstakingly and confidently answered all questions with corresponding facts and figures. He even took a swipe at those he described as enemies of the state and further promised to carry on with his good works, without fear or favour. Ohakim, who was swathed in white and black attire, was also inducted into the club, as a Platinum card carrying member.

Pic-Comedian Bakassi

The governor, who did the celebrity steps with his wife, on the well - lit dance floor, to the consternation of all, openly announced the immediate appointment of top comedian and entertainer, OKB, formerly known as Okey Bakassi, as his Executive Assistant, on Entertainment Matters.
Meanwhile, in his brief remarks, Ken Calebs Olumese, the Guvnor of the Niteshift Coliseum, thanked Ohakim for coming and further urged him, not to relent in his good works for the people of Imo State, especially now that he has become the club’s ambassador.

Saturday, October 11, 2008

Spider, new network soap hits the airwaves


Pic-Actor, Femi Branch stars in Spy

Lovers of quality TV soaps, who have been yearning for some thing different on the saturated airwaves, should get ready for Spider, a new, exciting and refreshingly different soap opera on network TV stations. From the reputable stable of Apreel Ventures limited, the star studded make believe work of art, is expected to come on air in the next couple of weeks, starting with DAAR Communications, owners and operators of AIT.
Painstakingly directed by the trio of Pat Oghre, Kingsley Omo-Efe and Charles Inojie, the production, according to its producer and executive producer, Ariyike Oladipo, is a complete family programme, written and produced to entertain, educate, inform and to further help the family to relax. “Aside being a complete family programme that has been designed to come on air thrice in a week on different network stations, Spider, will also be a reference point on TV. We already have 52 arresting and suspense filled episodes ready for lovers of quality soaps on air to view.” Oladipo hinted.
Speaking further, Lakemfa Jones, the Production Manager of the big budget work, also disclosed that the soap tells the story of four very successful persons from diverse backgrounds and how an unending web of betrayal, seduction, deception, rivalry, intrigues and revenge tore them apart. Among the leading names that sparkled in the soap are:Akin Lewis, Femi Branch, Ronnie Dikko, Memuna Abaji, Thelma Okoduwa, Dare Fasasi, Chinyere Nwabueze, Jaiye Kuti and a host of others.

Faze rules with Originality


Pic-Faze
Since 1995, when he hit the nation’s music scene like a thunder, Oji Chibuzor Richard, famously known as Faze, has not stopped dazzling and churning out hit numbers. In fact, after the successes recorded with the release of Faze Alone and Independent, his two previous works, he recently launched his third and latest effort, on his own label. Entitled Originality, the new work that is gradually penetrating the airwaves and repositioning Faze, as a force to reckon with, is loaded with songs like: Originality, Leaders of Tomorrow, Hold You, I’m in love, Story of my life and several others. At the well attended and very colourful unveiling, which held over the weekend at Planet One, Maryland, Lagos, Faze and several of his colleagues’ thrilled fans with good music. However, the conspicuous absence of Tuface Idibia, his erstwhile pal and singing partner, raised an unanswered question at the party, especially among their crew.

At Vivian Ejike’s old school soiree

As part of the activities marking Nigeria’s Independence, leading female film producer and former top banker Vivian Ejike, organized a one stop party that was graced by virtually all the big names in Nollywood.
The high-octane soiree, which held over the weekend at the upscale Oceanview restaurant, Victoria Island, Lagos, had choice foods and wines flowing endlessly from all the corners of the jam-packed hall. And several Nollywood stars present alongside their Island counterparts, thoroughly enjoyed themselves with good old-school music, on the dance floor. The prom, which lasted till the wee hours of the following morning, also featured wacky attires from some of the guests. Speaking on why she organized the classy bash, pretty Ejike, whose latest flick, When the heart lies, is due for a nationwide release soon, had this to say: “Since life is short and definitely needs some spicing up, I just felt it should be nice for us to come together and groove, especially at Independence…”she enthused.

Editors note-Pics coming soon

Project Fame academy opens with 15 finalists

Whao! The big and long awaited stage is now set for the lucky 15 finalists that recently made it to the keenly contested academy of the MTN sponsored Project Fame West Africa, to slug it out for the ultimate crown and its attendant pecks.
The 15 raw talents were recently short listed at a very colourful and razzmatazz-filled show, put together to officially announce their final auditioning and the commencement of their 10 weeks stay in the academy.

Pic-Femi Aderibigbe aka Kwame is one of the judges

According to the organizers and judges, 12 out of the 18 contestants secured automatic entry into the house, based on their outstanding previous performances in all the auditioning and the final heat show, which preceded the gala nite.
While the other six, were placed on probation and made to perform in the presence of a live audience, in order to vie for the last three slots.
At the end of their wondrous performances, the judges, made up of: Kwame, TeeY and Bibi Brew, carefully chose, Joseph Ankra, Hernette and Bisola, to the admiration of the cheering crowd.
Gongo Aso crooner, 9ice, and rising comedian, Omo Baba, further lit up the show with their electrifying acts alongside the celebrated Spirit Of David dance crew. The other finalists that made it to the academy include: Mbok Nyangya, Dorcas Yeboah, Supreye, Caroline Agbonlahor, Joseph Sarfu and Praise Adejo. The remaining lucky housemates are: Wilmot Banmore, Benedicta Ebute, Ijeoma Adeze, Onyemaechi Offor, Brenda Williams and Betty.
A lifetime fortune, which includes a Toyota Rav4 SUV and the sum of 2.5 million Naira, awaits the ultimate winner. Other mouthwatering Xtracool packages would also be dished out to the other runners up.
Meanwhile, top Nollywood actress, Joke Silva, has been appointed the Principal of the academy. She is expected to tutor the contestants on the various aspects of stardom and how to manage it effectively.

Nollywood star, Ejike Metusela, eyes L.G post

After several years in Nollywood as one of the leading lights, top actor cum businessman Ejike Augustine.”Metusela”, has decided to temporarily abandon the motion picture industry, which brought him fame and fortune, for the murky waters of Nigerian politics.
Metu, a thoroughbred grass root politician and former Students Union Leader on campus, is contesting for the post of a Local Government Chairman, in Amuwo- Odofin, in this Saturday’s polls.
Interestingly, Metu, whose wondrous roles in monster hit movies like: Rattle Snake, Father Tansi and several other blockbusters, is still fresh in the minds of movie buffs, is proudly contesting on the platform of the United Nigerian Peoples Party (UNPP).
Already, Metu’s colleagues in Nollywood, are drumming up massive support for him, and are also calling on stakeholders and fans of Nollywood living within his constituency, especially the Festac axis, to vote him in.
“In a brief chat with us, during a whistle stopover at the corporate headquarters of The Sun recently, the pioneer actor, who is on the verge of making history in Lagos, further confirmed that his colleagues in the industry alongside the various guilds in Nollywood, are solidly behind him.
“ The good people of Amuwo-Odofin and my colleagues in Nollywood are solidly behind me. And we shall together transform Amuwo-Odofin, for the good of all Lagosians,” Metu promised.

Thursday, October 2, 2008




CELEBRITY CHAT WITH
AZUH AMATUS
...where the stars bare it all



Fellow bloggers and readers, fasten your seat belts, as we are set to unveil the latest addition in our stable. Watchout for Celebrity Chat with Azuh Amatus, a blog wholly dedicated to the profiling of the hottest and most exclusive stars interviews. Coming soon!

My experience: Exploring Venice in eight days



My recent trip to the beautiful Island of Lido in Venice, Italy, to attend the 65th edition of the Venice International Film Festival, was interesting as well as challenging.

To start with, securing appointment for an Italian visa at the embassy’s Lagos office did not come easy. In fact, I was almost giving up on the trip, when the visa finally came, just a day to the beginning of the 11-day festival. (The experience will be a story for another day).

I was originally billed to leave immediately, the following morning, which was Wednesday, August 27, based on the fact that the London office of Atlantic Overseas, the sole sponsor of the trip, had taken care of everything. But on arrival at the Murtala Muhammed airport, I could not get a direct Alitalia flight to Rome, and after several trials and endless wait at their office, I was advised to go home and come back on Saturday, which was already four days into the festival.




Though, I hate flying with a passion, but I eventually left that Saturday night, on board KLM, the Royal Dutch Airlines, enroute Schipol Airport, Amsterdam, Holland to Marco Polo airport, Italy. The six and half-hours flight was smooth and sleep eluded me for the greater part of the trip.

On arrival at Amsterdam the following morning, the long queue and sea of heads waiting to be cleared at the various immigration desks, immediately reminded me of the ever-busy Oshodi and Ojota bus stops.

After what seemed like eternity, an immigration officer who also demanded for relevant traveling documents from me and asked few questions about my mission to Venice finally cleared me.

Being a lonely traveler, I waited patiently for more than three hours at Amsterdam, before boarding my connecting flight to Marco Polo Airport, Italy, which was less than two hours.

The metre reading airport taxi that took me to my hotel at Malcontenta, an outskirt of Venice, and very close to Padova, collected forty-five Euros from me.

However, an arrival at the hotel, which had been prepaid and booked online by Atlantic Overseas, the front desk officer, in her smattering and heavily Italian accented English, shockingly said my name was not on their arrival guests list.

I blatantly told her to go back to the files on her desktop computer and cross check very well.

She emerged after about five minutes and started scolding me for arriving late to the hotel. Since I was tired and not ready for any confrontation, I told her sorry and collected the key to my room, which was on the first floor of the three – star - hotel Palladio.




That same lonely evening, on my way to the Central Bus Station in Venice, to explore the city and look for what to eat, because I had not eaten any nice food, since I left Nigeria, I lost my way. But was rescued by the only two Nigerians, I saw once, throughout my eight day sojourn in Europe. In our brief chats, they separately told me, they were on transit in Venice and do not reside in that tourist city.

After searching endlessly for what to eat at the Bus Station and could not find any, a young Italian walked up to me, where I sat and was admiring the aquatic splendour of Venice. The Italian to my consternation introduced himself as a journalist with a name I cannot remember any longer.

He writes for the local paper and wanted to know my opinion about a newly constructed bridge by the Mayor of Venice. When I told him, I was a tourist that just arrived Venice that morning and do not have anything to say. He further insisted that I should rate the bridge over ten percent. Just to extricate myself. I told him eight percent was my take.

He immediately zoomed off after politely declining an offer to have a group photograph with me.

Meanwhile, I spent the next five days attending the festival, which takes place at Lido, which is a beautiful Island in Venice.

Aside traveling on water for two hours to and fro the festival on a daily basis, the other big challenges I encountered in Venice, were language, loneliness and food barriers. English was not the Lingua Franca in Venice, Italy, so I found it very difficult communicating, except for words like “Ciao and Gracia”, that I later picked and started saying to any body around me.

Lack of what to eat in Venice, was another big burden I faced, and in order not to starve myself to death, I resorted to eating only pasta and bread with morning tea as a supplement.

Despite all these, I had vowed within myself not to be weighed down by loneliness. Even when the Foreign Press department confirmed on my first day at the festival, that I was the only person attending the event from Nigeria and Nollywood.

Sincerely, loneliness and boredom saw me attending an evening mass at a Catholic church close to my hotel. A ritual I performed last while in primary school and still under the watchful eyes of my strict and staunch Catholic parents.

After reading the few novels and the many past editions of The Sun, that I took for the trip. I made my bible, my best pal. This was another ritual; I had not done in a while, except when there is an emergency that needs spiritual tackling.

In one of my quiet moments at the seaside Bus Station, I marveled at the efficiency and effectiveness of the Venice Water transport system and wondered why that of Lagos State cannot be made to work same and help ease the perennial traffic on our roads.

Through out my stay, there was no such bad news as a boat crashing, sinking and colliding with another or passengers fighting at the long queues or drowning.

Orderliness was the watchword at the very neat Bus Station flowing with both young and old tourists from all over the world.

Aside the regular commuter boats that could carry over 100 passengers, you could also charter a speedboat taxi or a canoe with uniformed paddlers. And to ensure the security of lives and property, polite, friendly and eagle eyed policemen were constantly patrolling the busy Venice waters in their special speedboats. (Lagos State Government should take a cue from the Italian government, if they truly want to revive their moribund water transport system).

Unlike the taxi drivers of the other European countries that I had visited in the past, who were always willing to chat up a tourist, most of the Italian cabbies I encountered were a bit taciturn. Whenever I tried opening up discussion lines, they usually replied in monosyllables. Even the ones I met on the streets were not any different. I had to give up after several trials and started keeping to myself till I returned.

With a nostalgic feeling, I terribly looked forward to the long and tortuous journey back to Nigeria after spending eight lonely days that seemed like eight years. But before leaving, I noticed that Italian ladies, love to don “wicked micro mini skirts and shorts and do not joke with their sticks of cigarettes”. Their male counterparts also enjoy puffing, especially in places where there are no signs of No Smoking.

I finally left my hotel at Malcontenta by 5am on Sunday, September 7, 2008 for Marco Polo airport to catch a 6:50am connecting flight to, Amsterdam with same KLM.

I nearly shed tears of anger and disappointment for Nigeria, which just turned 48, while waiting for the flight to Lagos.

During the long wait, which lasted for over five hours at the airport’s lounge with other Nigerians coming home from different destinations around the globe, my heavy heart quickly went to our dear Nigerian Airways, which died and was hurriedly buried (cremated), a long time ago in a forgotten grave.

The pain and anger became unbearable; when I started seeing the way several KLM planes and that of other countries proud national carriers were arriving and departing. The one billion dollar question on my mind, which I could not find an answer to, even till date was why, did the Nigerian government kill Nigerian Airways? Imaging the joy of sighting your country’s national carrier in a foreign land, especially at an international airport as big as Schipol. Despite this global failure, we still have people parading themselves as ministers and officials of the Aviation Ministry. What a big shame and disappointment!

No doubt, the journey was smooth and fun-filled with the hosts and hostesses pampering us with assorted foods and choice drinks. But the oven type heat that brought heavy sweat on my face and whole body while waiting for my luggage at the purveyor belt, immediately reminded me that I was back at the unending hustling and bustling associated with Nigeria and Nigerians.

MORGON fixes Nov.20, for Nollywood Summit


Pic-Mr. Afolabi Adesanya,NFC Boss



THE postponed international summit of the Movie Reporters’ Guild of Nigeria, MORGON, tagged Nollywood Our Nollywood, will now hold elaborately on Thursday, November 20, 2008 at the prestigious Sheraton Hotel and Towers, Ikeja, Lagos, with several dignitaries as Guests Speakers.

National President of the body Mr. Azuh Amatus in a recent press statement explained that the Nollywood summit is among other plans being put in place by MORGON to reposition the thriving nation’s movie industry globally called Nollywood.

“MORGON was established in the first place to assist in the repositioning process of Nollywood, after the postponement of the earlier date, which was as a result of some technical hitches, the executives recently came together and agreed on the new date.”

Already, a sub-committee to source for sponsors for the event was recently inaugurated at O’jez Restaurant, Surulere, Lagos, over the weekend. The mandate of the sub-committee is to get a title sponsor as well as other sponsors for the epoch summit.



Pic-Mr Kene Mkparu, GM Odeon Cinemas, UK

“Gone are the days whenpeople would not want to associate with Nollywood, the industry has come of age, practitioners are gradually getting things right, but it is not yet time to climb to the top of the mountain and shout. That is the essence of the Nollywood Summit and other events that will help shape the sector. As people who cover and monitor activities of the industry, we have watched it evolve from nothing into world reckoning, and we are extremely proud of Nollywood,” added Justin Akpovi-Esade, the guild’s Vice President.

Azuh, further described movie reporters and Nollywood practitioners as “partners in progress,” adding that the forthcoming event would be the biggest in Nollywood. “As partners, we expect the same cooperation from Nollywood practitioners such as the one given to us during our investiture ceremony/launch, where over 500 star actors, producers and directors turned up.”

Among dignitaries already billed to deliver topical papers at the historic summit are: Mr. John Odey, the Minister of Information and Communication, Mr. Afolabi Adesanya, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Film Corporation, Mr. Emeka Mba, the Director General of the National Film and Video Censors Board and renowned businessman, politician and academic Prof. Pat Utomi.

Coming from the UK to also deliver thought provoking papers at the summit are the duo of Kene Mkparu, the first black General Manager of Odeon chain of Cinemas and Magnus Mbanu, a BBC trained film maker alongside Marc Wishengrad, a leading Hollywood filmmaker, coming from the US.

Meanwhile, Mr, Andrien Gbinigie, the CEO of Atlantic Overseas and the Life Patron of MORGON, would be the Special Guest of Honour at the grand gathering.Mr. Odey, according to MORGON’s spokesman, Uche Olehi, is expected to deliver the Keynote Address.

He called on corporate bodies to support the initiative: “We tagged the Summit Nollywood, Our Nollywood because actually the industry is purely a Nigerian creation, so we all have to put hands on deck to help it grow. For corporate Nigeria, the era of paying lip service to Nollywood is over, this is the time to come and back an initiative that will make the sector grow to match the much-talked about international standard.”

President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, popular actor Ejike Asiegbu, alongside the Nigerian Film Corporation and the National Film and Video Censors Board, in separate letters to MORGON, all endorsed the forthcoming event. According to Mr. Asiegbu, organizing something like this would definitely go a long way in helping to redefine and reposition Nollywood. “The Actors Guild of Nigeria is totally in support of the forthcoming Nollywood Summit. I wish MORGON all the best,” Asiegbu submitted.