Ben Ezechime, Enugu
Late Nollywood stars and some living legends have been penciled down for awards at the inaugural Nollywood Legends Award slated to be held between September 12 to 14 in Enugu.
Some of the late stars include, John Okafor (Mr Ibu), Enebeli Elebuwa, Sam Loco, Saint Obi, Moji Olaiya, Murphy Afolabi, Pete Eneh, Pope Odonwodo, Ada Ameh, Ernest Asuzu, Amaechi Muonagor, Femi Ogunrobi, Muna Obiekwe.
Others are Victor Oloatan, Karibi Fubara, Ashley Nwosu, Iyabo Oko, Cynthia Okereke, J.T. Tom West, Usman Pategi, Bruno Iwuoha, Sisi Quadri Adedeji Aderemi, Aisha Abimbola, Romanus Amuta, Chudi Amobi, Solomon Ezeh, Dave osagie among others.
Also to be recognised at the event organised under the auspices of Nigeria Nollywood Forum (NNF) are living legends such as Pete Edochie, Patience Ozokwor, Nkem Owoh among several others.
The event, which is sponsored by Brost Global Resources, a renowned Real Estate firm, and supported by Enugu State Ministry of Arts and Culture, will feature a novelty match at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium on September 13, which will culminate into the award night at the prestigious Nike Lake Resort on September 14.
There will also be a special recognition and award for the living legend of folklore music, Chief Mike Ejeagha, at the event.
Speaking of the event, the National President of Association of Movie Practitioners of Nigeria, Ifeanyi Azodo, said that all the guilds and associations in Nollywood have decided to jointly honour its legends both dead and alive.
“We are coming together to honour our own, both living and the dead. I am happy that Brost Global Resources came in to sponsor this idea. I see that as an encouragement to those who are living and even the children of those who are dead will be encouraged.
“As a matter of fact, we don’t get anything from the government. I have been here for several decades but we are yet to feel the impact of the government. It is always good to recognise the efforts of individuals while they are alive.
On his part, the Chairman of the Organising Committee, Chimdi Chiama, said it was regrettable that legends who bring joy to homes in Nigeria and beyond are left unappreciated by society, adding that the Nollywood industry has taken it upon themselves to appreciate their own.
He futher thanked the management of Brost Global Resources and Enugu State Government for taking of the challenge of sponsoring the landmark ceremony.
“We were here when Nollywood started. In fact, we started Nollywood. But when you look now, you see some of the veterans dying, you even see the young ones dying. These are people who bring joy to people’s homes.
“Today, they are no more here to enjoy the fruit of their labour. So what do we do? We love ourselves in Nollywood. Let us remember our past legends and honour the present. We cannot continue honouring people only when they are dead.
“We would have honoured those who are dead while they were alive but now that we remember, we are honouring them alongside the living. Because Nollywood comprises everything, that’s why we are bringing in Mike Ejeagha,” he explained.
