7th December, 2012
Nigerian movie practitioners and fans will tomorrow be hosted to the maiden edition of Legends of Nollywood Awards at the Banquet Hall of the National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos. Promoted by Royal Pictures Limited, led by Nollywood star, Paul Obazele, the award was conceived to recognise and honour those who contributed to the development of the television and motion picture industry in Nigeria.
In a statement, Obazele, who is also president of the awards committee, said that aside providing tangible revenue for the country in terms of sales made from products of that industry, Nollywood is also providing intangible revenue as it is helping to market the country across the globe.
“Today, Nollywood is a major Nigeria export to other parts of the world. Although some may argue that the content is yet to be of world class standard, one thing that cannot be taken away from the creative efforts coming out of Nollywood is its acceptance in all parts of the world,” he said.
He continued: “We have so many heroes that do not need to pass on before we start to honour them. Our people are dying and many live in abject poverty because of what the pirates are doing to us. But let us see how to make them relevant and happy before they die.
“This is because Nollywood would not be what it is today if these people had not put in what they had. We are going to look at the yesterday of Nollywood to usher in the today of Nollywood. Legends of Nollywood is a television, film award that cuts across soap opera, sitcoms, series, presenting and talk-shows. It is a pure Nigerian thing.”
Zack Orji, Nollywood star actor and member of the awards committee, said those to be honoured include legends that have passed on. Some of the special guests expected at the occasion are Governors Babatunde Fashola of Lagos and Adams Oshiomhole of Edo as well as the Minister of Information, Labaran Maku.
— Daniels Ekugo