Pic-Seg Arinze and Kinsley Ogoro
Top filmmaker, Kingsley Eloho Ogoro popularly known as Sir K and famous actor Segun Arinze, are set to drag top hotelier Chief Obodoechina and his Lebanese General Manager, Mr. Hani, to court over an alleged threat to life and assault, over a business deal gone sour. In a petition already submitted to the Nigerian Police and Keyamo Chambers, their lawyers, and entitled: Threat to life and physical assault against chief Emeka O. Obodoechina and Mr. Rony Hani, both of Heritage House Square Hotel, Ajao Estate, Lagos, they accused the men of refusing to pay them after several months of rendering a professional service. Instead, they resorted to physical assault, threat to lives and racist comments. In the words of embittered Sir K and Arinze, the once robust business friendship, which has now broken down irretrievably started on February 10, 2009, when Mr. Hani, a Lebanese and the general manager of the hotel contracted them to package the formal opening of
the hotel on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2009.
“At a meeting in their office, where Chief Obodoechina, the chairman of the hotel was introduced to us, it was agreed that we should provide the following: 12 Nollywood stars, musical band for live performance, pianist, 6 camera professional out broadcast coverage and a compere, for a fee of four million Naira. The chairman through Mr Hani, also requested to purchase our Yamaha piano, for three thousand US Dollars, it was newly purchased for our new rental sound studio. Both parties agreed that they should pay us 50% cash, for the event package immediately in order to commence production and the remaining 50% in barter, while 100% payment was agreed for the piano. By February 13, no payment was made and we were very worried. Hani later begged and told us they had problems with their bankers, but however, promised to pay up the following Monday. He only gave us three hundred thousand Naira cash, to enable us offset some minor debts, with a promise to
pay all outstanding debts on the morning of the event, which he did not do, but came up with new excuses. We went ahead to do their job after several pleadings and promises. They both started avoiding our calls the following Monday. But we usually got through to them by using unknown lines. While these were going on, we were also under pressure from the artistes and the crewmen that worked for us. Even when we told them the coverage tape was ready; they still refused to pay us. They also had our piano, which we would have been renting out in our studios. We eventually resolved to retrieve our piano on May 20th, and told them to now pay for only the accumulated rent. Mr. Hani invited Arinze and I to the hotel on June 6, while we were talking the chairman walked in and rudely told us he was upset and disappointed with us for taking our piano away. I courteously told him that we should be the ones to be upset and immediately left to pay my bills at the
bar. Hani quickly stood up, slapped and shoved me aside, boasting that he would deal with me in Nigeria and nothing would happen. The chairman also joined him in grabbing me by the collar and holding me very tight to the throat, choking and yelling insults on me. He even called on his security to lock me up and get some Mopol to deal with me. All the pleas from Segun and some of his astonished workers, fell on deaf ears. He eventually let go after some minutes, then I was already gasping for breath”.
Sir K, who is also asking for Police protection based on the threat to his life, aside the four million Naira, also wants the chairman to pay him an additional nine hundred thousand Naira, being the ‘demurrage’ incurred for the piano, for the period of days that it was being used at the hotel.
Ogoro, the producer of Osuofia in London and other hit movies, said he has told his lawyers to also file for a separate case of assault, trauma and disgrace caused him by the chairman and Hani, on June 6.
While reacting angrily to the above accusations in the morning of Wednesday, June 10, 2009, Mr. Kenneth Mbakwe, the Deputy General Manager of the hotel, said his boss and the general manager neither harassed nor threatened Sir K and Arinze. He also insisted that they did not owe them a dime, maintaining that they should go to the court and seek redress, if they feel offended. “They are even the ones owing us money, we are the aggrieved party and not them. They fraudulently collected money from us and refused to deliver as promised. We have all the relevant documents to prove to the world that we were cheated and even owed by them in a business deal. Our chairman and hotel are law abiding citizens with the highest regards for the rule of law.” We would definitely reveal more on this crisis currently tearing the erstwhile business partners apart.
Youthful filmmaker, Ephraim, rules Abuja
Chiejina Ephraim Onyemaechi, one of Nollywood’s youngest
directors is currently in Abuja working on a big budget movie project in collaboration with his Hausa partners. Onyemaechi, who learnt the art of movie making while under tutelage at the House of Macro, is also a graduate of Mass Communication from the Institute of Management and Technology, Enugu.
Though, he started as a production assistant under the watchful eyes of Mr. Simisola Opeoluwa, the boss of House of Macro, but later rose to the positions of a coordinator as well as a continuity person. He also won a recognition award from the Censor’s Board, during his stint as a continuity person. Through dint of hard work and perseverance, he eventually rose to the positions of a production manager and later assistant director, when he joined Annex Production. Aside paying his dues in his chosen career, Onyemaechi, has also worked with virtually all the big names in Nollywood in his fast paced career, spanning over a decade. He produced and co directed Beautiful Soul, the 2009 AMA Awards nominated flick, in the Best Nigerian Movie, Soundtrack and Original Screenplay categories. A native of Ogbunike, in Oyi LGA of Anambra State, the emerging filmmaker recently finished production on his first major work as a producer/director. The work featured
leading names like: Olu Jacobs, Jim Iyke, Mercy Johnson, Ali Nuhu, Maureen Ihua, Laclass Ozougwu and several others. The intrigues filled movie is from the stable of A-Town Productions
Abuja. Shedding more light on the project, its executive producer/CEO of the outfit, Mr. Moh'd Bello Mo-Allahyidi, promised to take movie making to the next level with the didactic film in the nation’s capital, adding that there aim is to increase the tourism potentials of Abuja through filmmaking. Also speaking, the Managing Director of the fast growing total entertainment company, Mr.Idris Moh'd Ahmed, hinted that they would soon be hitting locations again, for another riveting movie, featuring both Hausa and some notable Nollywood cast.
Meanwhile, elated Onyemaechi, who has since relocated permanently to Abuja, is currently on locations lensing another heart wrenching flick with his dedicated crewmembers. “I first moved from Enugu to Lagos, and now I’m in Abuja, doing what gives me joy-filmmaking. And I hope to remain here as a youthful and focused filmmaker with a vision to empower youths through entertainment.”
SKP ignites Abuja showbiz scene
It is an incontestable fact that when it comes to entertainment in Abuja, the nation’s seat of power and capital, Sam Kargbo Productions (SKP), is one name that truly stands out.
The holistic entertainment outfit owned by an Abuja based top lawyer and management expert/consultant, is arguably responsible for well over 50% of entertainment jobs coming out of Abuja and its environs.
With several Lagos and Abuja based acts on its label, SKP, is truly a force to reckon with when the issue is entertainment or showbizness.
X-Project, one of the big groups on the label, was discovered and nurtured to an international height by amiable Kargbo and his dedicated team at SKP.
With a knack for discovering and turning raw talents into super stars, SKP, is gradually spreading its tentacles into other countries on the continent, especially Sierra Leone.
The production house that boasts of fully equipped modern day studios in Lagos and Abuja, for all its artistes, has also produced some hit Nollywood movies, among them, the internationally acclaimed Blood Diamond, which was directed by Teco Benson, in Sierra Leone and Nigeria respectively.
Speaking on his plans for the nation’s entertainment industry, Kargbo, happily disclosed that SKP would continue to support and promote laudable ventures in the sector. “At SKP, what we do basically is to discover talents and help nurture their burgeoning careers to enviable heights. We believe so much in youth empowerment. Since we now operate from Abuja, we also intend using entertainment to draw more global attention to Abuja, because the Hon. Minister of Abuja, is also entertainment friendly.”
The entertainment guru further hinted that he hopes to embark on a nationwide music tour, which would kick start from Abuja soon, adding that the name SKP, is synonymous with entertainment in Abuja as well as the nation.
On why he left Lagos, the well-traveled Barrister, insisted he did not abandon Lagos for Abuja, but only relocated to open new grounds in the Federal Capital Territory, for entertainment to further blossom. “We still have an ultra-modern studio and a corporate office with workers in Lagos. But I prefer working in Abuja with my artistes, so that I will have enough time to monitor their progress and professional input. Again, Abuja for me gives them time to concentrate 100% on their productions, because its serene and conducive”. We would keep you updated as Kargbo unveils more plans for SKP and the nation’s entertainment landscape, in the days ahead.
Lagos Govt endorses Arewa Eko pageant
Pic-Gov Fashola with Sir Alex Ferguson, Coah, Man U
Arewa Eko Beauty Pageant (AEBP), a unique and refreshingly different pageant, which aims at promoting the rich cultural values of Lagos State as well as further help to increase the social and ethnic awareness of Lagos ladies, has berthed with so many promises.
According to youthful Barrister Ogunsanya Adedapo, the honcho of Sena ‘P’ Concept, organizers of the pageant, which holds in the month of November, amid razzmatazz and glitz, the event; has been endorsed by the Lagos State government and some corporate bodies. In her words: “The ministries of Tourism/Inter-Government Relations, Local Government/Chieftaincy Affairs as well as the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, have all endorsed Arewa Eko beauty pageant. We are also grateful to them for endorsing and standing by us, she enthused.
Commenting further on the aims and objectives of AEBP, Adedapo said: “The main objective for this pageant is creating a platform where vital issues that concern the development process of our core cultural values and heritage would be addressed.
We also intend bringing back those glorious days when the dress code of the Lagos woman was appreciated. Above-all, we aim at creating avenues for our young Lagos women to express their talents, skills and intelligence. The pageant will also kick against our contestants showcasing attires that are close to nudity. We would only showcase and demonstrate only the attires sewn and worn by Lagosians all over the world. It is going to be an annual event that would further help to remind us about our great historic background, values, unity and diversity”, she explained.
On who is eligible to participate, Adedapo, said a contestant must be a Yoruba lady, whose state of origin must be Lagos. She must also speak Yoruba and English fluently. Must be between the ages of 18 and 26, single and also possesses an SSCE.
While in camp, the contestants would be groomed by a team of experts on how to catwalk, choreograph and also receive lectures on etiquette, history and culture of Lagos State, as well as the art of interacting with people, especially personalities.
Meanwhile, series of entertainment activities already lined up for the grand finale include: comedy, music, traditional dances, fashion shows, mini art exhibitions, photographic displays, drummers’ displays and raffle draw.
A brand new car, N1m cash, an all expenses paid trip to Dubai and one year wardrobe allowance, awaits the eventual winner, while there are consolation prizes for the two runners up and other contestants. The organizers also promised that the eventual winner would have an interesting and adventurous reign, touring communities in Lagos State, while promoting her pet project. For more on the coming pageant, visit: www.arewaeko.com
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