It was a strong statement on Who is Who in Nollywood as stakeholders, Heads of Guilds and Associations as well as major Nollywood players gathered at the exotic Zenith Water Margin Chinese Restaurant in Surulere penultimate Wednesday to celebrate the industry at 20.
The gathering cuts across all Nollywood bloc. Those present included, Andy Amenechi, President of the Directors Guild of Nigeria, Zik Zulu Okafor, President, Association of Movie Producers (AMP), Iyen Agbonifo, President, Creative Designers Guild of Nigeria (CDGN), Greg Odutayo, President, National Association of Nigerian Theatre Artistes (NANTAP) Faith Eboigbe, Chairman, NANTAP, Lagos state and Osezua Stephen-Imobhio Osazuwa, President, Independent Television Producers Association of Nigeria (ITPAN).
Others included, Frank Dallas, National Public Relations Officer of Actors Guild of Nigeria, (AGN) representing the President, Ibinabo Fiberessina, Emma Isikaku, Tunji Bamishingbin, Mahmood Ali-Balogun, Ralph Nwadike, Pat Stephen-Imobhio, Vice President, DGN, Famous Walter Mc-Roy Otakponwen, Sunny Mc-Don, Yemi Sodimu, Franca Brown, Joe Dudu, Secretary, AMP Board of Trustees, Arike Oladapo of Dear Mother fame, Jeff Obahon, Francis Onwochei and AMP Executives that include Mike Nliam (Treasurer), Chinasa Joy Onyechere, (Financial Secretary), Franklin Okoro (Secretary General) Femi Ogedegbe (Provost), Neville Ossai (PRO) and Dan-Chris Ebie (Publicity Secretary) among others.
The purpose of the historic gathering was the presentation of the programmes for Nollywood at 20 to the stakeholders and Heads of Guilds. The impressive gathering inspired by AMP president, Zik Zulu Okafor had met in the same venue in April, this year, to exchange ideas.
They agreed that it was laudable and a think-tank comprising Fidelis Duker, Zeb Ejiro, Fred Amata, Okey Ogunjiofor, Zik Zulu Okafor, Victor Okhai and Francis Onwochei was set up to develop an agenda for the celebration. A communication expert and Chief Executive of HQSC, Nnanke Harry Willie later joined team.
At the event, the stakeholders expressed delight over the envisioned celebration and called for the mobilization of all the artistes in Nigeria for the great event.
They condemned the recent attempts of Nollywood practitioners to fragment the industry by forming rival guilds and called for unity in Nollywood and transparency in the management of the celebration of Nollywood at 20.
AMP President, Zik Zulu Okafor, who anchored the event, urged stakeholders to ensure that the celebration is a re-enactment of FESTAC 77 if not surpass it. He listed Thisday and Vanguard Newspapers, Nigeria Television Authority and DSTV as potential partners for the celebration.
Wedding 