Ovunda Ihunwo Celebrates Nigeria @ 61 With 'Hopes Of The Living Dead'

By Perekeme Odon

It was a delight with one of Nigeria’s finest film theatre directors, Chief Dr. Ovunda Ihunwo fta, as he rehearsed with the cast and crew of his drama troupe, practicing to hit the Garden City, Port Harcourt stage on October 1, 2021, with the play production, Hopes Of The Living Dead, a play written by Prof. Ola Rotimi.

The Rivers state born dramatist, popularly called Dr. Ovunda is a professionally trained actor, dramatist, musician and lecturer of the Theatre Arts Department, University of Port Harcourt. He is a member of the Directors’ Guild of Nigeria (DGN) and Fellow of Theatre Arts (fta).

He has been rocking the various stages and screens dishing out a human angle and politically motivated production addressing topical issues affecting the family and Nigeria in general. In this interview with PTV Media, he reveals the secret behind his successful career and the upcoming play production.

Chief Dr, Ovunda Ihunwo

PTV: What primary, secondary and tertiary institutions did you attend?

Ovunda: I attended Air Force Primary School Port Harcourt, but sat for the First School Leaving Certificate Examination at Community Primary School, Olanada, Rivers state, and proceeded to Government Comprehensive Secondary School, Bishop Crowther Memorial Secondary School, and Army Day Secondary School, Bori Camp, all in Port Harcourt. I attended the University of Port Harcourt where I had my B. A. Theatre Arts, M. A. Film Studies and PhD. Film Studies.

PTV Media: As a kid, what did you want to be when you grow up?

Ovunda: I wanted to be a musician. So I looked forward to studying music but my parents would have none of that. It took some struggle and rebellion before I settled for Theatre Arts.

PTV Media: You are a professionally trained actor, dramatist, film director and lecturer. What ingratiated you to live drama/stage production, and why a drama of struggle with Hopes of The Living Dead, a play that symbolically illustrates the question of our society's plurality to be performed on Nigeria’s Independence Day?

Ovunda: Live drama for me, still has that electrifying feel because of the instant feedback it gets. It also toughens the actor and gives him the latitude to express himself artistically. As for my reason for choosing to stage Ola Rotimi's Hopes of the Living Dead on Independence Day is to awaken our consciousness because we have become a people groping in the dark. Nigeria is now like a rudderless ship heading for the precipice. There is the need for us to search for purposeful and selfless leadership that can steer the ship in the right direction.

Francis Duru and Charles Inojie

PTV Media: Oddly, Ola Rotimi is still a familiar name to many Nigerian Theatre Arts students, lecturers in Theatre Arts departments in Nigerian Universities, and theatre enthusiasts in Nigeria. Can you throw a few lights about the playwright?

Ovunda: Funny enough, I never met him but I have heard and read so much about his strong personality and commitment to the growth of theatre. I have been privileged to produce and direct a number of his plays too.

PTV Media: Hopes of the Living Dead by Ola Rotimi dramatizes and illustrates the historical pre-independence years during the Leprosy’s' Rebellion of 1928-32 with the struggle of the characters to attain a right to exist live in dignity in society. It also tells us through the use of language situated within a historical context clearly depicting the struggle in the context of an inter-relationship between leadership and followership. Why did you choose a play that captures fear, resoluteness and determination, and why Port Harcourt where the story is set with Harcourt Whyte?

Ovunda: Well, it could have been anywhere. Port Harcourt, Lagos, Abuja, etc, but Port Harcourt is my base. In fact, we have plans to stage this play in Abuja and Accra too. My reason for choosing this play is that we have come to that time when the people must take their destiny into their hands and demand leaders that can be held accountable in all facets of society. If the revolution begins in Port Harcourt, others will hear it and take dressing.

Ovunda Ihunwo

PTV Media: Hopes of the Living Dead is a unique drama easy to follow because of its heterogeneous blend of many Nigerian languages used in the dialogue. Ibibio, Hausa, Yoruba and Igbo are among the languages spoken by the characters. Are you going to use your directorial licence to infuse more visible languages due to the way the Nigerian state is going on?

Ovunda: Sure! It depends on what language my actors are fluent with. In this case, I added Ekpeye and Esan languages.

PTV Media: Ekpeye and Esan languages? That’s so thoughtful of you. Don’t you think Ola Rotimi drew on personal experience as a defender of the downtrodden, by commissioning himself in Hopes of the Living Dead to show his dislike to the Nigerian post-independence leaders merely using the leprosy plot as an alibi?

Ovunda: You may be right. That’s why the play still remains relevant today.

PTV Media: In many parts of Africa, songs, mime, and dance are all part of the theatre, and the playwright demonstrates all that in the play to understand the characters' and society's cultural sensibilities. How are you going to achieve that?

Ovunda: I’m a music lover. It is difficult for me to stage any play that is not total theatre. Hopes Of The Living Dead has a lot of Harcourt Whyte songs, and we have done justice to them in such a way that the audience will not only be entertained with good drama but will also be enthralled with great classical music.

(l-r) Charles Inojie, Ovunda Ihunwo & Francis Duru

PTV Media: Stage or theatre production is very painstaking. While Ola Rotimi obviously has high expectations for the people around him, it's also evident that he was able to overcome the variety of forces that worked against his works. Do you believe in the charge theory of Ola Rotimi during rehearsal when he said, 'Those who show up (for the first rehearsal) remember - in theatre work, my bargain is that of the devil himself: you volunteer your person, I insist on your soul, till the production is over?

Ovunda: I’ve been privileged to work with very committed artists. The realities have changed today. You can’t insist on the soul of a hungry man who also has bills to pay. So, I try to be as flexible as possible but with every sense of theatre discipline.

PTV Media: A film director uses the size of the shot to focus the audiences’ attention- a close-up being the way to give the biggest impact. The actor will be directed to move across the stage to get the audience to focus on that line of dialogue. The proscenium is the biggest difference, but I still want to ask what kind of stage would be befitting for a production like Hopes of The Living Dead?

Francis Duru

Ovunda: In 2018, I staged Hopes Of The Living Dead at the University of Port Harcourt Arts Theatre (Crab), on a Thrust Stage. This time around, the Arena Events Centre, Port Harcourt has a proscenium stage. So it can work anywhere. All the director needs to do is to make necessary adjustments in the blocking.

PTV Media: A director is someone who collaborates with the actors and the production crew to bring a script to life for the viewers and audience. What is the difference between a theatre director and a film director, and what are their responsibilities. 

Ovunda: The responsibilities are the same; directing, interpreting and making sure that other collaborators key into the overall vision. The difference is in the technicalities.

PTV Media: How was the audition and casting of the play, Hopes of The Living Dead? Did you table cast or handpick the actors already in mind?

Ovunda: I had an audition and hand-picked some key actors.

PTV Media: It’s like you took an eye-catching and impactful design in this production with the casting of known popular Nollywood A-List actors like Francis Duru and Charles Inojie into the production. Is it for the box office show or for professionalism?

Ovunda: Apart from being A-List actors, Francis Duru and Charles Inojie are theatre artists and graduates of Theatre Arts from the University of Port Harcourt. It’s like a homecoming for them. You can’t also rule out the box office effect.

PTV Media: I want you to share an effective directorial approach to working with a large cast and crewmembers. How has your approach affected your rehearsals?

Charles Inojie

Ovunda: I always set out what I want to achieve for every rehearsal. I have a chat with my choreographer if there has to be dances, and tell him what I want. I don’t like long rehearsals. For that reason, I segment the play and concentrate on each segment for rehearsal. My cast is always comfortable with my pattern.

PTV Media: Describe a time where you had to fire someone because they weren't the correct fit.

Ovunda: I have not had that experience. However, I have had to fire a lot of actors who think they are indispensable to deter others.

PTV Media: What are the most difficult production problem you had to solve?

Ovunda: I had great challenges when I staged production in Cairo, Egypt. I could not communicate with the lighting technician. To solve the problem, I re-blocked the play, dispersed out some of my lines and turned the rest to voice-over narration. Then, I had to man the lighting booth and did the voice from there.

PTV Media: How do you balance your work and private lives, because I can see you live both lives simultaneously?

Ovunda: That’s the beauty of our work na. We enjoy what we do. So, where others see stress, we see fun while working.

PTV Media: What was casting like in the production, Hopes of The Living Dead?

Ovunda: My main challenge was in cutting down on the number of cast and crew. Everybody wanted to be part of it, but I had to use music as a criterion. Casting was based majorly on voice texture and the ability to sing.

(l-r) Charles Inojie, Francis Duru & Cast

PTV Media: With such a large cast and crew, how do you establish and enforce rules in your rehearsals?

 Ovunda: If a director is disciplined, enforcing rules cannot be a heinous task, whether with a cast of five persons or a hundred. I show the way; my phones don’t ring during rehearsals, I keep to time, and comport myself even in my own production. Members of the cast don’t have a choice but to do likewise.

PTV Media: Please, can you share an example of how you helped coach or mentor someone, and what improvements did you see in the person's knowledge or skills?

Ovunda: As an actor trainer, I make sure that my students and mentees have adequate training in theory and practice. I teach them that packaging helps talent. I also engage them in meaningful productions that challenge them, as well as help them pay some bills. Most of them have not disappointed me. Today, I can conveniently give them a project and be assured of their delivery. 

PTV Media: What is your dream collaboration in acting and directing either on stage or screen?

Ovunda: My dream collaboration is getting an international agency to fund a world tour, and participate in as many theatre festivals as possible.

PTV Media: Yes, production is a collective and collaborative venture. However, which actor playing a particular character are you rooting at to make the play come to life?

Ovunda: it is hard to say for this production but Harcourt Whyte has a lot of work to do. I trust him to deliver.

PTV Media: Who are the sponsors behind this great show coming up on October 1^st 2021, and where is the venue?

Ovunda: This production is self-sponsored. Though, of late, we got some support from Fartrek Travels, Daayra Limited, and Grid. We also have media support from media houses in Port Harcourt.

PTV Media: What plan are you making to charge the town and gown together to make one holistic creative family?

Ovunda: We have been in it and it’s working.

PTV Media: What advice do you have for the government concerning the Nigerian theatre industry?

Ovunda: Let Government create a conducive and enabling working environment, and support works of art. For us in Rivers State, we are blessed with a Governor that loves the theatre and has shown tremendous support to artists of whom I am one. We still hope that he does more like establishing community theatres in other parts of the state.

PTV Media: What advice do you have for parents of kids who want to be actors, musicians and directors like you?

Ovunda: Do they still, need advice? I doubt it because the number of students seeking to study theatre and film is growing in leaps and bounds. Our works and achievements have given enough advice.

PTV Media: Describe the next five years of your life and your plan.

Ovunda: By The Grace of God, in the next five years, I would have become a Professor. I plan to establish an academy where I can train and breed professionals. I also plan an international theatre like I mentioned earlier.

PTV Media: If you could pass on one message to your fans, what message would that be?

Ovunda: Hard work and consistency pays. Be good at what you do, and light will shine on you someday.

PTV Media: I wish you all the best of luck come October 1, 2021.

Ovunda: I appreciate you for this beautiful interview. The pleasure is mine. Thanks a great bunch.

 

Chief Dr, Ovunda Ihunwo

A Review Of Ovunda Ihunwo’s “We Are Here, We Are Here”

By Edward E. Imo

Set against the backdrop of the post–Covid-19 pandemic in a developing civilization, Ovunda’s “We Are Here, We Are Here” stands out as a theatrical experiment that harps on the indigenous African antidote to the pandemic beyond observing all its preventive protocols. This was a special presentation on the 2021 edition of World Theatre Day held on the 27th March 2021 with the theme “Building Sustainable Communities.”

Dr. Ovunda Ihunwo

In this presentation, Ovunda adopts the Brechtian technique of “a -play- within a- play” whereby a theatre troupe is rehearsing a play that borders on love and nature and in the process, the director of the play who also goes by the name DIRECTOR, manifests some symptoms of the dreaded Covid-19 virus.  Some days later, the actors receive the news of the death of their director and expectedly,  they are thrown into some psychological trauma which,  in turn,  dampens their rehearsal spirit and excitement. In their state of bereavement and confusion, an elderly man, whom we later identify as Elder Nyekazi, a cultural and traditional activist, enters to commiserate with them. Beyond consoling the actors, Nyekazi educates them on the proficiency and effectiveness of traditional African herbs and health practices. He also charges them to always use their artistry to profess their true African identity as well as extol the rich African cultural heritage. At first, the actors receive Nyekazi’s admonitions with some scepticism but upon further reflection, it dawns on them that Nyekazi’s words are the necessary tonic for them to imbibe the African consciousness while trying to get over the death of their director.

 

Motivated by Nyekazi’s wise counsel, the actors go ahead to stage the long rehearsed play and after a scintillating performance, they take a bow and as they make to leave the stage, Director enters. In their fear and panic that they have seen a ghost, the actors make to run but were refrained by Director who convinces them that he did not die anymore because Elder Nyekazi revived him through herbal teas and spices. The play ends on this happy note as Director reiterates the need to adopt traditional African remedies to the deadly Covid-19 pandemic.

Ovunda’s “We Are Here We Are Here” is a full blast artistic statement that amplifies the need for Africans to return to their aboriginal value system that is premised on love, unity and peaceful coexistence. In this performance, Ovunda adopts the eclectic style where Jerzy Growtosky’s Poor Theatre, Vsevolod Meyerhold’s Biomechanics, Bertolt Brecht’s Verfremdungseffekt and Richard Wagner’s Gesamtkunstwerk are fused in some form of “artistic collagism” quite reminiscent of African total theatre experience. Music is used judiciously to accentuate mood as well as convey the emotional dispositions of the characters, costumes are highly suggestive and impressionistic characteristic of experimental performances, the language flourishes between the poetic and the prosaic while characters are more of existential beings without personal history or biography except for Elder Nyekazi whom we identify as a cultural and traditional activist of the Ikwerre extraction. True to the avant-garde performance tradition, characters metamorphose from tables to chairs, forest to love gardens and then back to human beings. Similarly locations and time blend intermittently which are typical of the expressionist drama of August Strindberg.

 

Amidst the excellent adoption of the theatrical experimental approach geared towards the African total theatre orientation, “We Are Here, We Are Here” offer us a strong message of hope. Hope for an Africa that is detribalized. Hope for an Africa that is capable of surmounting the numerous threat of high mortality by the flu pandemic, an Africa that is blessed and fortified by nature against epidemics.  An intelligible Africa that is bound by love, mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, unity of purpose and hungry for rapid development using her God-given resources.

The experimental theatre approach has been Ovunda Ihunwo’s forte since his formative years as a theatre director. This performance is therefore one of his numerous experimental theatre outings. His ingenuity and passion for theatre practice have fetched uncountable awards and accolades including being conferred with the prestigious recognition as a Fellow of Theatre Arts (FTA) by the National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTAP). It would be almost impossible not to doff your cap for Ovunda Ihunwo after savouring his latest theatrical recipe- “We Are Here, We Are Here”.

Edward E. Imo PhD, fta

(Theatre Critic and Reviewer)

Igbinedion University Join Forces With DGN For Capacity Building

By Perekeme Odon 

Nigeria’s premier and leading private university, Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo State have partnered with the Directors’ Guild of Nigeria (DGN) in the area of training and capacity building.

The Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Lawrence Ikechukwu Ezemonye, announced the alliance at the 50th birthday celebration in honour of an icon in the Nigerian film industry, Amb. Lancelot Oduwarene Imasuen, at the Main Library Conference Hall, Igbinedion University, Okada on June 17, 2021.

Prof. Ezemonye in his opening remark acknowledged the contributions of the movie expert and said the historic event afforded a distinctive prospect for the institution’s theatre arts students not only to tangibly interrelate with experts of creative arts but also benefit from the master class that will trail as a major outcome of the colloquium.

“Very distinguished ladies and gentlemen, today is a unique day and this is a token of our reflection on the industry-academia interface. As the pioneer private university in Nigeria established in 1999, 22 years old and still counting, this university has a firm commitment to academic excellence, scholarship and desire to equip our graduates with the tool of survival.”

Prof. Lawrence Ikechukwu Ezomonye

The DGN President, Sir Victor Okhai, who was venerated by the university, expressed his appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor for choosing a very credible partner in Amb. Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen while presenting an award on behalf of DGN in recognition of his works, and co-founder of the Directors’ Guild of Nigeria. 

 

“There is no greater honour than one that comes from home. Amb. Lancelot Imasuen is a beacon of light of which we are proud. We’re happy to be associated with this university and partner with you in the Nollywood master class as you have the authentic resource to tap from. The creative head of any production in the film is the director. It is his vision and everything starts and evolves around him. Everything you see is the director’s signature, that’s why it is called the director’s film." He informed.

President Okhai extolled the institution and said, “You have done something very special and unique, and the first to affiliate with an authentic Nollywood guild. By your partnership with DGN, you can be sure that your students will not only be receiving lectures but as a matter of duty be mentored by members of the guild. There are so many universities that have an opportunity to do what you’re doing, but they probably never saw tomorrow.“

DGN President, Sir Victor Okhai

The DGN President stressed about the guild establishing student membership to evolve students into practising directors. He emphasized that the DGN Annual Academy Conference on the marriage between town and gown would be implemented soon to afford us the opportunity to tell the genuine Nollywood story with a publication that would be widely accepted globally for the advancement of academics, and for our people to tell the authentic Nollywood story.

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ezomonye, in reaction to the DGN President’s remark asserted that the University would sponsor the hosting of the maiden DGN Annual Academic Conference in furtherance of the creative aspect of the University’s goals for academic excellence.

 

“I will like to remind you, and let you know of our posture that this is the first private university in Nigeria, and in keeping with that first position, we have provided you with an opportunity to hosting your first DGN Annual Academic Conference.” He affirmed.

(l-r) Prof. Lawrence Ezemonye Presents A Gift To Sir Victor Okhai

The Vice-Chancellor furthermore officially announced the signing of an MOU with the Directors’ Guild of Nigeria (DGN) in collaboration with the Igbinedion University, and requested the guild to present the roasters of the master class presenters and when to commence. He assured the guild of the university providing the facilities and logistics for the classes and will be duly incorporated into the institution’s credit hour.

 

“Mentors and mentees are the hallmarks of academic settings, and we have to bring them back. As a university upholding creativity as a device of every human developmental quest, the institution deems it fit to expose her students particularly in the department of Theatre Arts, English and Literary Studies and Mass Communication to the world of experiences honoured by the great Nollywood stars who are present. Beyond that, we shall also be expecting certification of skilled programmes.”

DGN President, Victor Okhai, Presenting A Gift To Amb. Lancelot Imasuen

Present at the event was Prof Mrs Deborah Omotsefe Odejimi, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Igbinedion University, Amb. Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen, Hon. Zibiri Muhizu Marvelous, Edo State Deputy Governor Representative, Prof. Barclays Ayakoroma, Prof. Irene Isoken Ogunloye, Mr Uchenna Agbo, DGN National Secretary, Perekeme Odon, DGN National PRO, Mr Famous Otakponmwem.

 

Others include Jeremiah Onoge, Lovebest Ogie-Moses, Nosa Rex, Diamond Okechi, Ino Moses Jonah, PRO AMP, Edo state, Iyobosa Enaibe Osifo, Ameh Imasuen, staff and students of Igbinedion University.

DGN President, Sir Victor Okhai

Amb. Lancelot Imasuen & Prof Lawrence Ezemonye

(l-r) Famous Otakponmwem, Amb. Lancelot Imasuen, Sir Victor Okhai, & Uche Agbo

(l-r) Dr. Jammy Guanah, Prof. Irene Ogunloye, Sir Victor Okhai & Prof. Barclays Ayakoroma

Mr. Famous Otakponmwem & Sir Victor Okhai

(l-r) Uche Agbo, Sir Victor Okhai & Famous Otakponmwem

Amb. Lancelot 

    Amb. Lancelot Imasuen & Prof. Lawrence Ezemonye

DGN National Secretary, Uche Agbo & Prof. Barclays Ayakoroma

(l-r) Jeremiah Onoge, Lovebest Ogie-Moses (m) & Other DGN Members

 

 

Apostle Henry Osaro Igunbor: The Man On A Mission For Redemption

The Chords of his vocals has become a thundering sound to the kingdom of darkness operating in a seven-fold ministry and his anointing can be likened to the scriptural apostles of Peter and Paul.

This is a phenomenon that has continued to shock the world with countless and indescribable signs, wonders, miracles, and tangible testimonies.

Apostle Dr. Henry Osaro Igunbor

Who is this force to be reckoned with that operates in the double portion of his Father in the Lord, Pastor E. A. Adeboye? Who is this kingdom General and Global Sensation that the Almighty God in heaven has given the mandate to break satanic frontiers and bring the plans of the 2nd heaven’s members to nothing?

He is no other than Apostle Dr. Henry Osaro Igunbor, the presiding President of one of the thriving end-time church on planet earth, The Latter Power Pentecostal Assembly (LAPPA) situated at Bishop Street, Mokola Bus Stop, Egbeda, Lagos State.

The one whose name has continued to evoke trepidation in the ears of the evil ones is the first-born of his family and hail from Ovia South-West in Edo state of Nigeria. He attended Arinze Primary School and Niger College both in Benin City, Edo State. After which he attended Ronik Polytechnic, Lagos, and Instituto Di S. Guiseppe, Grottaferrata, Rome, Italy.

Just as the Almighty God had ordained Jeremiah from his mother's womb so is the case of Apostle Dr. Henry Osaro Igunbor who had a solid foundation in The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) from 2000 and was ordained in 2011 by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, where he served for 15 years as a parish pastor and Zonal Youth Pastor.

According to the man on a mission for redemption, “I went to Europe in December 1992 and joined Christ Apostolic Church of God Mission International Incorporated in Rome as a pioneering member with headquarter in Benin, Edo state in 1998 which is one of the first Pentecostal churches to open a branch in Europe. In 1999, I came back to Nigeria and later started worshipping with The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) at Magodo Estate, Lagos in 2000. I traveled back to Europe and joined a parish of the RCCG in Rome called City of Victory under Pastor Adi Agomoh, who also baptized me by immersion”. He stated.

In 2005 while he was playing the bass guitar on an invitation as an itinerary session musician at a church service with the Christ Apostolic Church of God Mission International Incorporated in Rome, he met Prophet Elijah Iwuji of blessed memory confirmed his calling unto the Lord. After reluctantly accepting the message, God arrested and brought him back to Nigeria in 2006.

He successful resigned from the RCCG after being blessed with a sent forth prayer of love and joy to begin a new path where he started his ministerial sojourn to becoming a General Overseer.  

His famous quote, "Christianity without result is an insult" has been manifested countless times in The LAPPA HOUSE and every one of his ministrations even internationally.

On April 22, 2015, his life turned around as he journeyed into the world of leadership, fame, and spotlight in the ministry. Almost six years after, God has used him mightily to cause wonders that crushed scientific studies by reviving nine dead bodies back to life, six mad people restored their senses, several terminal diseases healed, paralysis crumbled, genotypes changed from AS to AA, child delivery within seconds, marriages restored, financial breakthrough testimonies, captives set free and lots more. All these are in the public domain and church database. He is a father to all and has been able to groom a lot of people under him with pastoral care and love.

He is an author of several books, and recently wrote a book on warfare with details on how to conquer the enemies titled, "The Evil Gate", which is available on amazon.com. 

The legendary Edo state born preacher attended several seminary and theological schools, and holds a Diploma in Theology, World Crusaders Bible College, Lagos, Redeemed Christian Bible College, Lagos (PGDip Theology), School of Disciples of RCCG, Lagos (PGDip Theology), and Dunamis Christian University, Lagos (MTh. Theology & DTh. Theology).

Apostle Henry Igunbor is a certified healing and deliverance minister with a whole lot of testimonies to his name, through Jesus Christ, as he preaches the Word of God with all audacity and fearlessness.

Apostle Dr. Henry Osaro Igunbor

Dr. Igunbor is the Convener of the famous "MOMENT OF SOLUTION (DIVINE ENCOUNTER)” programme that happens every Thursday, 7:30am at his church, and also the lead minister at the FAITH HEALING & DELIVERANCE ACADEMY.

He is currently the Director for Inter-ministerial affair, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Egbeda chapter, Lagos State.

He is happily married to his heartthrob, best friend, and fellow Overseer, Pastor Mrs. Grace Osaro-Igunbor. They are blessed with a daughter, Miracle Osaro-Igunbor.

Tears Flow As Nigerian Filmmaker, Chico Ejiro Is Buried

By Perekeme Odon

The remains of the Chairman / CEO of Grand Touch Pictures, Mr. Chico Aziakpono Ejiro aka Mr. Prolific has been laid to rest almost two months after he passed on December 25, 2020

Chico Ejiro

Ejiro was buried on Saturday in his residence at exactly 2.56pm at No. 1 Chico Ejiro Street, off Owhelogbo Road, Ozoro, Isoko North LGA, Delta state. The final journey home had kicked off on Tuesday, February 16, 2021, with a well-attended evening of tributes and service of songs at the National Arts Theatre Complex, Iganmu, Lagos state. 

 

The interment began from Ozoro General Hospital mortuary at 11.47am to his homestead at No. 4, Iyethoto Street, Etivie Community, Isoko North LGA, Ozoro, Delta State. After a lying-in-state ceremony, family, friends, associates, and other dignitaries moved to the church to bid the Nollywood filmmaker farewell with a procession to the Redeem Christian Church of God (RCCG), Royal Zone Parish, Ozoro, Delta state for the funeral mass.  

Mrs. Joy Chico-Ejiro & Son

In his address, the officiating minister, Pastor Emmanuel Odili said Chico Ejiro, in his lifetime, exhibited traits that were enviable, as he never discriminated against anyone, selflessly accommodating and working for the good of others. 

 

He said: “The traits Chico Ejiro exhibited ensured amiable co-existence in the film industry. But regrettably, these traits are being eroded in our society today.”

The reception at the Film and Broadcast Academy, Ozoro was filled to the brim with eminent Nigerian celebrities who came to pay their last respect to the late accomplished filmmaker.

(l-r) Francis Duru, Zeb Ejiro, Justice Atigogo & Ejike Asiegbu

Speaking highly of the late filmmaker, former President, Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Mr. Ejike Asiegbu, said, “Chico was a close friend that gave so much to the Nollywood industry, that’s why we are all here to pay our last respect to him.  I worked for several years with him as his assistant director and also I acted in a lot of his movies. We will miss him so dearly. He was very humble and was always willing to help; even if he could not, he would lead you to others who can help. We are going to miss him dearly.”

 

Another colleague and friend, Mr. Francis Duru said, “Chico is gone. It’s painful, but he left a legacy. What do we owe him? Respect and solidarity; and that’s why we are here. He was a friend and brother who left his mark in the sands of time. We give God the glory for everything.”

Officiating The Christian Burial Rite

The Directors’ Guild of Nigeria (DGN) proficiently represented by its Public Relations Officer alongside Prince Emeka Ani presented a cheque of One Hundred Thousand Naira (N100, 000) to Mrs. Joy Chico-Ejiro as its structure stipulated. In his message of hope, the DGN President, Olorogun Fred Amata advised her that grief never ends, but changes. “May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears as every next level of your life will demand a different version of you.”  He stated.

Ejiro who was featured in the 2007 documentary Welcome to Nollywood produced and directed over 200 movies in his career. He was married to Joy Ejiro, and they had four lovely children. He had two brothers: Zeb Ejiro the best known of the new Nigerian cinema auteurs outside of the country, and Peter Red Ejiro, also a movie producer. 

(l-r) Parish, Nliam, Duker, Azuh, Nwagbara, Opa & Alex

Present to pay their last respects were former President, Association of Movie Producers (AMP), Mr. Zik Zulu Okafor, former President, Directors Guild of Nigeria (DGN) Mr. Fidelis Duker, President, Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Prof. Barclays Ayakoroma, Chief Emeka Rollas, Ejike Asiegbu, Bob-Manuel Udokwu, Vice President (AMP), Amb. Blessing Ebigieson, Francis Duru and Steve Eboh.

 

Others include Prince Emeka Ani, Ejike Metuselah, Comr. Patrick Ikpirima, Alex Enyengho, Justice Atigogo, Mrs Temitope Duker, Azuh Arinze, Berkley Ashiafa, Obi Osotule, Joe Dudun, Hon. Rita Daniel, Sam Obeakemhe, Ben Chukwuma, Tony Chukwuma, Charles Biriabebe, Fifi Godwin Nwokedi, Tony Wyse Inebu, Salome Oputa, Mike Nliam, Myke-Parish Ajaere, Abay Esho, Opa Williams, Collins Onwochei, Benjamin Njoku, and Charles Nwagbara.

Pallbearers carrying The Remains Of Chico Ejiro

Chico Ejiro Lying-in-state In His compound in Ozoro Village

Children Of Chico Ejiro Displaying His Photos

Chico Ejiro Children

Chico Lying-in-State In Church

Mike Nliam & Abay Esho

Chico Ejiro Buried At His Residence

(l-r) Prof. Barclays Ayakoroma. Ejike Asiegbu & Francis Duru

Charles Nwagbara & Michael Parish

(l-r) Steve Eboh (Ajebo) & AGN President, Chief Emeka Rollas

Ejike Metuselah & Bob-Manuel Udokwu

Prof. Barclays Ayakoroma & Pst. Jammy Guanah

(l-r) Mike Nliam, Fidelis Duker & Opa Williams

Celebrity Journalist, Azuh Arinze & Abay Esho

(l-r) Alex Eyengho, Prof. Barclays Ayakoroma & Obi Osotule

(l-r) Mrs. Tope Duker, Azuh Arinze & Zeb Ejiro

Steve Eboh aka Ajeboh

(l-r) Charles Biriabebe, Francis Duru, Perekeme Odon, & Ejike Asiegbu

Sam Osiakpe Obeakemhe & Joe Dudun

Mr. Zik Zulu Okafor & Mr. Azuh Arinze

(l-r) Charles Nwagbara, Berkley Ashiafa & Dr. Opa Williams

Justice Atigogo & Clement Mudiaga Enajemo (Mudi)

Prince Emeka Ani & Mr. Fidelis Duker

(l-r) Opa Williams, Fidelis Duker, Bob-Manuel Udokwu & Azuh Arinze

AMP Delta State Chapter with Iyke, AMP VP, Blessing Ebigieson, Solomon Apete

Michael Parish & Perekeme Odon

(l-r) Blessing Agofure, Ese Martins, Dr. Opa Williams & Alex Eyengho

Mike Nliam & Abay Esho (Safari)

Michael Parish & Charles Biriabebe

Bob-Manuel Udokwu

Solomon Apete & Kingsley

Nollywood Film Director Alex Eyengho

Kome Chico-Ejiro

Mrs. Fifi Godwin-Nwokedi

Berkley Ashiafa & Collins Onwochei

(l-r) Ben Chukwuma, Sam Obeakemhe & Comr. Patrick Ikpirima

Ejike Asiegbu & Charles Biriabebe

Comr. Patrick Ikpirima & Ejike Asiegbu

Henry Ejeta, Eazzy Ologe, Francis Duru & Charles Biriabebe

Ejike Asiegbu & Francis Duru

(l-r) Charles, Opa Williams, Alex Eyengho, Prof. Barclays & Obi Osotule

Bob-Manuel Udokwu & Solomon Apete

DGN Presenting A cheque To Mrs. Joy Ejiro

AGN Isoko Zone

(l-r) Blessing Agofure, Fidelis Duker & Friday Akpobome

(l-r) Prof. Barclays Ayakoroma, Salome Oputa, Fifi Nwokedi & Bob-Manuel Udokwu

Sam Osiakpe Obeakemhe & Tony Chukwuma

(l-r) Charles Nwagbara, Mike Nliam, Joe Dudun, Fifi & Abay Esho

(l-r) Mike Nliam, Fidelis Duker, Opa Williams & Alex Eyengho

Comr. Patrick Ikpirima & Ejike Asiegbu

AGN President, Chief Emeka Rollas & Michael Parish

Bob-Manuel Udokwu, Solomon Apete & AMP Delta State

AMP VP, Blessing Ebigieson & AMP Former President,  Zik Zulu Okafor

Azuh Arinze & Clement Mudiaga Enajemo (Mudi)

Abay Esho & Collins Onwochei

Mrs. Tope Duker & AMP Vice President, Blessing Ebigieson

DOP Jocole & Kevin Uvo

Actor Bob-Manuel Udokwu & Director Henry Ejeta

(l-r) Ben Chukwuma, Fidelis Duker, Obi Osotule & Blessing Agofure

Fifi Godwin- Nwokide & Salome Oputa (CDGN Reps)

(l-r) Obi Osotule, Tony Wyse, Ben Chukwuma & Collins Onwochei

Tolu Agienoji & Morris Zeb-Ejiro

Mr. Fidelis & Mrs. Tope Duker

AMP VP, Solomon Apete, Iyke & Delta State Members