Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Nollywood megastar, Anayo Modestus Onyekwere, popularly known as Kanayo O Kanayo (KOK), will feature on this month’s Ikengaonline town-hall meeting scheduled for Thursday, October 26.
The iconic actor would be speaking on the topic, Rituals, Riches, and Realities: The Myths of Money-Making and the Dignity of Labour.
According to a press release by the Editor-in-Chief of the South-East flagship online newspaper, Uche Ugboajah, the two-hour virtual meeting slated for 7:00 pm West African Time (WAT), will be co-hosted by Dr Osmund Agbo; and Dr Chido Onumah.
Participants according to the release, are to join the show via https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85497052208?pwd=aVTNlsa8pJa0FGBP8d5KEhiIpZTDKf.1
It further said the meeting would be transmitted live via Omalicha 91.1 FM Owerri; Ikengaonline Facebook; YouTube and other social media platforms.
While the meeting ID was given as 854 9705 2208, 815298 is the passcode.
Far beyond his native Nigeria, the name Kanayo. O. Kanayo or KOK, strikes an immediate chord in many ears. For the iconic thespian, born as Anayo Modestus Onyekwere, acting is life.
The October Ikengaonline guest, is a graduate of the University of Lagos, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy, and Master’s degree in Political Science.
Kanayo is one of the most respected personalities in the Nigeria movie industry.
He has carved an enviable niche for himself since he began his acting career in 1982 in Aba and Enugu.
Kanayo is one of the pioneers in Nollywood, having featured in the 1992 blockbuster movie, “Living in Bondage,” where he played the character Chief Omego.
He also featured in mega series like checkmate, Ripples, New Masquerade and Village Headmaster.
KOK, as he is fondly called, has acted and participated in over 300 movies, including Rituals, Blood Money, Desperate Billionaire, Across the Niger, October 1, Family Battle and Living in Bondage: Breaking Free.
A United Nations Ambassador and a recipient of the Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR), Kanayo also earned a Law degree, and was called to Bar on 15th September 2020.
Our October guest speaker is eminently qualified to speak on the chosen topic having bestrode the real world of hard-work, honest labour and the make-believe world of drama and entertainment. KOK has played uncountable movie roles involving money-making rituals and it would be interesting to find out from the man many Nigerians jokingly refer to as “nna anyi sacrifice” (Father of Sacrifice) whether there is a any nexus between money making and ritual sacrifice.
Ikengaonline monthly town-hall meetings are meant to discuss topical issues affecting the South-East zone of Nigeria in particular, and the Nigeria state in general.
Former United Nations Special Rapporteur on Trafficking In Persons, Professor Joy Ezeilo, was the guest during September edition.
President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, featured in the August edition where he spoke on the topic, “A New Era for Ohanaeze: Navigating Challenges Embracing Potentials.”
Several other distinguished Igbo personalities had also featured in previous editions.
Former Chairman, National Human Rights Commission, Professor Chidi Odinkalu, featured in the July edition where he spoke on the topic: “South-East Insecurity Nexus: A Holistic View.”
Professor of Entrepreneurial Studies and Founder of Gregory University Uturu, GUU, Professor Greg Ibe, featured in the June edition where he handled entrepreneurship challenges in the South-East.
The Chairman, World Igbo Congress (WIC), Professor Anthony Ejiofor, was on the hot seat in the May edition where he spoke on: “Insecurity in the South-East: The Role of Nigeria Diaspora.”
Former Deputy Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria, Professor Kingsley Moghalu, was the guest on the April edition wherein he handled: “Improving Regional Economy in the Homeland.”
World famous Economist and Nigeria’s two-time Minister for Finance, Kalu Idika Kalu, featured in the March edition and did justice to the topic: “Nigeria’s incoming Government: Prospects & Challenges.”
Former Education Minister, and the current Chairman, Board of Women Political Leaders (WPL), Mrs Oby Ezekwesili, was the guest speaker of the February edition wherein she spoke on “Women in Politics, East of the Niger.”
Other eminent Igbo personalities have featured on the monthly event since its debut in 2022.
The maiden edition of Ikengaonline town-hall featured the immediate-past Senate Minority Leader, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, in July 2022; while the second edition featured a renowned Political Economist, Professor Pat Okedinachi Utomi, in August.
Former President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Nnia Nwodo; US-based academic, Professor Okey Ndibe; West African Regional Director, Ford Foundation, Dr Chichi Aniagolu-Okoye; as well as multi-award-winning actress and Director of Communications, Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Monalisa Chinda Coker, had all featured at different editions of the explosive 90 minutes show.
Ikengaonline is a South-East-focused online media outfit which aims at giving voice to citizens of the South-East, parts of Rivers and Delta states, and highlights the challenges facing the region.
Ikengaonline is a publication of Ikenga Media and Cultural Awareness Initiative (IMCAI), a non-profit entity that seeks to promote positive socio-cultural values, accountability and good governance through media and public education.
It is part of the Collaborative Media Engagement for Development Inclusivity and Accountability Project, a multi-level intervention for media independence and government accountability, managed by the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ) and supported by MacArthur Foundation.
