Guardian

Eyengho is FIAPF Vice President

PRESIDENT of the Association of Nollywood Core Producers (ANCOP), Mr. Alex Eyengho has been elected as the Vice President of the International Federation of Film Producers Associations (FIAPF). With his election, Eyengho made history as the first African to occupy the high office in FIAPF. Created in 1933, the Federation is a recognised global trade organisation dedicated to the defense and promotion of the legal, economic and creative interests of film producers throughout the world. The election of Eyengho came during the General Assembly of FIAPF held in Cannes, France on May 18. Recall that through the efforts  of ANCOP and the former Regional Secretary for FEPACI for West Africa 1, Madu Chikwendu, Nigeria became a member of FIAPF in May 2011 at the Cannes International Film Festival in France. Eyengho thanked FIAPF members from over 28 countries of the world for the confidence reposed in him with the election, stating that his victory was not for ANCOP alone, but for Africa. “My election is not about me or ANCOP. It is about deepening the Nollywood brand. It is about attracting maximum respect to Nigerian film producers at the international level. It is about Nigeria. It is about Africa. This is a confirmation and testimony to the fact that we are on the right track in Nollywood. The election is over. We must get to work immediately,’’ he said. Delta State-born Eyengho holds a first degree in Mass Communication from the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Liverpool, and another Master’s degree in Media and Communication (MSc.) from the Pan- Atlantic University, Nigeria. Eyengho, who is also the President of the Association of Itsekiri Performing Artistes (AIPA), has produced, directed and acted in films such as Oma tsen-tsen and Nanna of the Niger Delta; AMAA-nominated Suara La; Beyond Obligation (1 & 2), Ogodobiri, Judgment Day, Second Coming, Scruples, A Queen for Domingo, Back to Africa etc.

New film boss to fight piracy, produce Cartoons in local languages

The newly appointed Managing Director/Chief Executive of  Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC), Dr. Danjuma Wurim Dadu, assumed office last Wednesday with a pledge to re-engineer the Corporation for the transformation of the country’s film industry and make it one of the best in the world. Dadu said he would pursue sustainable programmes and activities in order to reposition NFC to tackle trends in film development. The NFC boss said he would work towards the corporation’s production of cartoons in the three major Nigerian Languages and Pidgin English. Speaking at the handover/takeover ceremony, Dr. Dadu in a statement signed by the NFC’s Head of Public Affairs Brian Etuk thanked President Goodluck Jonathan for his appointment as the fifth CEO of the agency assured that his tenure as CEO will witness tremendous improvement in the service delivery of the Corporation’s mandate.  Dadu acknowledged the giant strides recorded by his predecessors in office, and stressed that no stone would be left unturned to ensure that he (Dadu) contributes his quota to the growth of the NFC and the Nigerian Film Industry. Dadu stressed that operations of the NFC was going to be “Business in Character”, within the framework of the transformation agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan. He assured filmmakers, members of the various industry guilds and associations, including other stakeholders of better days ahead. Earlier at the handover/takeover ceremony held at the NFC’s Headquarters in Jos, the Executive Director (Operations) and Acting Managing Director, Mr. Tekena Benibo, who was represented at the ceremony by Mr. J. B. Olayishade, the Corporation’s Director of Administration, stated that Management and Staff of the Corporation were indeed pleased to have Dr. Dadu as the new Chief Executive of Nigeria’s Apex film agency, the Nigerian Film Corporation. Benibo noted that Dr. Dadu was inheriting a formidable workforce, very dedicated to the spirit and character of the NFC and mostly, a vibrant Nigerian Film Industry.

Fun, excitement at Nnenna and Friends children show

Fun-seekers, who attended the Nnenna & Friends Children’s Day Show, at the National Theatre Iganmu, Lagos, were overwhelmed by the spectacular presentations of the multitalented Nnenna & Friends Music and Dance Group; the outstanding performances by  Benita, Papa Ajasco & Company, comedian Akpororo,  Linda; dance groups Trace and The Commissioners; as well as the exceptional MCs - wapTV’s very own Omo Nla and Mazi Ukpaka. Several corporate bodies interested in child development, including Indomie Noodles, Ribena, Procter & Gamble, Promise PE Gold, Toasties Bread Chips, Panda Paracetamol, McVities Happy Faces and StarTimes, partnered with Wale Adenuga Productions in actualising the renowned entertainment company’s promise of putting together the most amazing Children’s Day show in Nigeria with brilliant performances, tight security, conducive environment and lots of gifts and prizes to go round the audience members. The event, which was attended by over 6,000 kids and their families, was fully recorded and would be televised on wapTV (on StarTimes) across Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, Mozambique, Central Africa Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi and Guinea to be enjoyed by the channel’s millions of viewers.

 Shindig for Lanre ‘Mama Awero’ Hassan today

Today at the Blue Roof of the LTV 8 on Lateef Jakande Road, Ikeja, Friends, family members and colleagues of the veteran actress, Lanre Hassan, who is better known as Mama Awero will gather for a grand reception in honour of her golden jubilee on stage. The likeable actress, mother and grandmother, who was born on October 3,1950 to the family of Alhaji Adisa Rufai Hassan and Alhaja Rafata Asake Hassan of Imaro compound Isale-Eko, Lagos, began her theatrical career five decades ago. Married to Mr. Aliu Adeshina, their marriage is blessed with children. Mama Awero as she is fondly called had her early education at Saint Peters Primary School, Faji, Lagos between 1956 and 1963. It was however in 1963 that her love for acting became immense. A pioneer member of Young Stars Concert Party,  which later transformed into Ojo Ladipo Group,  under the late Ojo Ladipo who was popular as Baba Mero. Later, she received mentorship and trained formally in acting under the guidance of Chief Olude, a foremost drama scholar who ran the then Lagos School of Dramatic Arts. This was between 1969 and 1971. When Ojo Ladipo died, the Ojo Ladipo Group was renamed Awada Kerikeri Organisation (AKO) and Mama Awero stayed on. She has not looked back since then and has not done anything else apart form featuring in movies, television and stage productions. Todays shindig is powered by Deji Etiwe run Albasit Communications and it is supported by City People Entertainment Company, and LTV. Time for the shindig is 2pm and performance is by King Saheed Osupa.