By Stanley Onyekwere
The Nigerian Film Cooperation (NFC) has doled out Zuma lifetime achievement awards to FCT Minister of State, Dr. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu, and 10 other recipients, whose contributions have impacted on the growth of the Nigerian cinema.
Among those who received the Zuma award were a professor of law-Prof. Bankole Sodipo, a veteran Nigerian actor and filmmaker -Chief Adebayo Salami, Nigerian film actress- Hilda Dokubo, broadcaster and novelist- Prof. Kali Uka, accomplished filmmaker- Malam Sule Umar, serving lawmaker- Hon. Segun Odebunmi; and FCTA Permanent Secretary – Adesola Olusade.
Others are: veteran Nigerian actors – Mr. Justus Esiri and Mr. Ashley Chijoke Nwosu, who were honoured posthumously.
Speaking at the closing ceremony and awards night of 2022 Zuma Film Festival (ZuFF2O22) at the weekend, in Abuja, the NFC’s Managing Director, Dr. Chidia Maduekwe, who congratulated the awardees, said such recognition was geared towards motivating stakeholders to further advance the creative industry.
Maduekwe, noted that believes that the creative economy of Nigeria can only grow further if programmes like the Zuma film festival are supported.
According to him, the 12th edition of the film festival – “Show the Money’, was not coincidental, as NFC consciously provided a platform for film entrepreneurs to harvest returns on investment opportunities available in film production, just like past editions which provided impetus to drive some particular and peculiar aspect of the film production chain.
“The success recorded so far at this festival has been overwhelming. We are grateful to all our other partners, domestic and foreign for demonstrating the uncommon zeal in promoting the growth of the Nigerian film industry.
“There is no doubt that our domestic film- tourism shall record increase in activities arising from this film festival. This is in addition to intellectual and practical mentorship programme of the emerging talent component of the festival”, he added.
While disclosing that Zuff 2022 jury adjudicated over 3045 Film entries from across countries of the world over, the NFC boss said over 350 creative/film students were simultaneously trained during the film festival, with the key objective of strengthening the connection between veteran filmmakers and upcoming and digital creative minds.
In her remark, the FCT Minister of State, who expressed her appreciation for the award, called on members of the Nigerian industry to unite and ensure constructive and healthy competition among them.
She stressed that the Nollywood must be given the necessary support to thrive better and compete favourably in the global film market, which can only be achieved through robust partnership and collaboration.
The climax of the week-long Zuma Film Festival, was presentation of awards to winners and life time legendary actors and producers.
While the best actor award went to Ikechukwu Ike from Nigeria, best picture was Uche Udo, Nigeria, best foreign film went to Bangladesh, while best student film went to Kanzi Zange from the People’s Republic of China.
