A carnival of thoughts, colourful guests at the virtual unveiling of ‘Reflections…’

THE virtual presentation of Reflections: An Anthology of thoughts on Nigerian Movie Industry – Pioneers, Creativity & Tenacity, written by veteran journalist and media trainer, Femi Akintunde-Johnson, popularly known as FAJ, was a carnival of thoughts with a cast of top and high net-worth guests.

The book, Reflections, is over 300 pages and focuses on the history, creativity, and growth of the Nigerian film industry. It is available in e-book and paperback formats, both online (Amazon and Smashwords) and in Nigeria through the author’s website (https://fajswhatnots.wixsite.com/fajalive – or by private placements).

Hosted by the Culture Advocates Caucus, CAC, and moderated by former Arts editor and later, editor The Guardian on Sunday, Jahman Anikulapo, the presentation held via Zoom, kicked off by 5.05 pm and lasted till 7.30 pm, with a capacity crowd all through.

Chairman of the event, Yomi Badejo-Okusanya, the Group MD of CMC-Connect Ltd., and president of Africa Public Relations Association, during his short speech, praised the author for his daring and fun nature which made him take up projects that led to some of the growth the Nigerian Entertainment industry witnessed in the ’90s and 2000s.

Pastor Tunde Bakare, the Serving Overseer of Citadel Global Community Church (formerly The Latter Rain Assembly), and his wife, Layide, conferred spiritual blessing to the occasion, describing the author as one who is tenacious in his pursuit of the good of humanity though his endeavours. He prayed that the author would have more grace to cover more grounds in all his endeavours. He also praised the veteran journalist for his positive contributions to the development of the film industry in Nigeria.

In his remarks, the author, former Entertainment Editor at Punch newspaper, former Executive Editor at FAME Weekly, National Encomiums and lamely Treasure People, the author who the moderator repeatedly referred to as the ‘godfather of Nigerian entertainment reporting’, thanked all who were in attendance.

FAJ said: “Contrary to the usual pattern of writing history from the premise of past events, the history of motion pictures in Nigeria is a more difficult assignment, as the industry is still a thriving and continually evolving sector of the Nigerian economy and society. As you can see, it’s still an ongoing project…a nightmare for anyone trying to document its contours and eras. Players change, trends evolve, transitions happen. In the last three months, after writing in the present tense, I have had to revert to the past tense with the demise of Chico Ejiro and Uncle Ladi Ladebo…for example.”

Speaking further, FAJ revealed: “A lot of patience is required … actors, directors, and other workers in the industry are forever nomadic, sort of…and where the internet can be misleading or would sometimes take you off course, you’d need the interventions of real players to correct and validate available information and data. My debt of gratitude to those who responded positively to our prods and queries…and those who continue to support our efforts all through the decades.”

In attendance were top billers in the film and entertainment and media industry, including: Chris Obi-Rapu, who directed and produced the history-making “Living in Bondage”, veteran producers/marketers Ganiat Meshioye, wife of the late Yemi Meshioye, reputed as the father of Video Reversal Film; Matthew Simpa, who worked with Meshioye then, and is author of ‘ReversalFilm Making: To God’s Bedroom and Back, the Untold Story of Nollywood Revolution;’ veteran actress, Joke Silva, renowned producers and directors, Femi Odugbemi, Lancelot Imasuen, Fidelis Duker; popular actors including Edmond Enaibe, Kate Henshaw, Soibifaa Dokubo, and others. Film activists and administrators in the house included: Peace Anyiam-Osigwe, documentary film maker and TV producer, Yinka Akanbi.

Media and culture activists and scholars present included: Lanre Arogundade, Yomi Opakunle, Professor Akin Adesokan, Dr. Arnold Udoka, Dr Shaibu Husseini. The media was heavily represented with the veteran broadcaster, Sesan Ekisola, ex-editor now cleric, Kunle Hamilton, ex-editor of Punch and commissioner for culture in Lagos, Steve Ayorinde, publisher of YES magazine, Azuh Arinze, editor of Ovation international, Mike Effiong.

Other guests included, Sola Adewunmi, Deji Adeagbo, Lemi Ghariokwu, Nyaknno Osso, Dr. Funke Omidire, Chinelo Chikelu, Pastor Kayode and Titi Adeosun, Marcel Okeke, Lampe Omoyele, , Pastor & Mrs. Funsho Ige, Johnson Onime, and a host of others.