Amaechi describes Nollywood as a hero of Nigeria

The Governor of Rivers State, Chibuike Amaechi, has described the Nigerian movie industry, popularly known as Nollywood, as a hero of Nigeria because of its efforts in creating employment.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Amaechi spoke on Thursday night at the Best of Nollywood Awards 2014, which held at the Banquet Hall of the Government House in Port Harcourt.

He said that Nollywood’s pivotal role in the nation’s economy had made it possible for some actors and actresses that could not find employment in their fields of study to be gainfully employed.

He said: “Nigeria is a difficult country and Nollywood started as protest literature; as a movement for change.

“Most people went into acting because of unemployment, and Nollywood is a hero for providing work for a large number of Nigerians and helping us tell our own stories.

“You owe the Nigerian society the job to continue to be our hero and this time around you have to help force change in the country.”

NAN reports that BON gave out 34 competitive awards to deserving thespians during the ceremony.

Four Recognition Awards were conferred on Liz Ameye (formerly known as Liz Benson), Nobert Young, Kasimu Yero and Adebayo Salami.

The other winners were Olamide Davids, Best Child Actor; Kayinsola Eniola and Priscilla Ojo tied for Best Child Actress; the movie, ‘Being Mrs Elliot’ won ‘Best Use of Food’; while ‘Cobra’ won ‘Best Use of Makeup’.

‘Best kiss’ went to Majid Michel and Beverly Naya; Movie with Best Social Message was ‘Our Differences’; ‘Best Sound’ went to ‘Render to Caesar’, while ‘Best Special Effects’ went to ‘A mile from Home’.

‘Most promising Actor’ was ‘Abdulateef Adedimeji’; ‘Most Promising Actress’ was Ijeoma Agu; ‘Best Documentary’ went to ‘Bad Budgeting for Development’, while ‘Brave’ won the ‘Best Short Film’.

Best TV Series went to Lekki Wives; Best Edited Movie was A Mile from Home; Best Production Design was Osunfunke; ‘Best Supporting Actor (Yoruba)’ was Dele Odule.

Ayo Adesanya won ‘Best supporting actress (Yoruba)’.

Best Supporting Actor (English) was Femi Jacobs; Best Supporting Actress (English) went to Rita Dominic; Linda Ejiofor got the Revelation of the year (female); and Daniel K. Daniel was the Revelation of the year (male).

Best Cinematography went to Apaye; Best Screenplay was Render to Caesar; Best Comedy was 30 days in Atlanta.

Best Actress in an Igbo Film went to Queen Nwokoye, while Best Actor in an Igbo film was won by Okey Bakassi.

Best Actor in a Leading Role (Hausa) was Sadiq Sanni; Best Actress in a Leading Role (Hausa) went to Asma’u Abubakar; Best Actress (Yoruba) was Seyi Ashefun, while Best Actor (Yoruba) was won by Yinka Quadri.

Best Actor (English) was Tope Tedela; Best Actress (English) was Ivie Okujaye; Director of the Year was Desmond Elliot while the Movie of the Year was Silence.

NAN reports that this was the sixth edition of the awards founded by Seun Oloketuyi, who called on the government at all levels to help the creative industry in curbing piracy.

The event was anchored by actor Fred Amata and On Air Personality, Gbemi Olateru-Olagbegi.