Showing posts with label Igbo. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Igbo. Show all posts

Wednesday, August 5, 2026

I Am Using Google Gemini for the Script Development of My Igbo Epic Fantasy Film

 


 I am using Google Gemini in the script development of my epic fantasy of Igbo super half human and half supernatural demigod IGWEKALA, SON OF THE SKY.

You said
IGWEKALA
SON OF THE SKY

Igwekala, son of sky is the mythological benevolent being whom the Igbos  said was the son of the progenitor of the Igbo Kingdom who was one of the sons of God who descended to earth and had relationship with the beautiful daughters of men.  (Genesis 6:1-4).

Igwekala was a giant in stature and very attractive in appearance with curly black dreadlock and dark blue eyes. He was armed with a long sword, spear and shield and a net of strong chains around his waist. He used the net to ensnare and trap enemies in battles and hunting wild animals in the jungle where he had killed lions, tigers, leopards, panthers, bears, bulls and elephants. He was not married, but had several beautiful and well endowed young maidens in his haven in the Udi Hills. No barren woman slept with him without becoming pregnant. So, many children were born for him and everyone of them had his dark blue eyes and dreadlocks. They were called sons and daughters of Igwekala. He vwas a brave fearless warrior a defender of the weak. He had fought and defeated wicked demons and ruthless rulers. And his epic battle was with the terrifying Ikenga.
Who was terrorizing the people in Igbo Ukwu Kingdom until Igwekala came to defend and rescue them.        

Igwekala was the greater than Amadioha.

The Rise and Fall of Amadioha

In his intrepid youth, Amadioha participated in numerous misadventures. The kills and thrashings of his numerous opponents, including the ogre Ara, a huge dragon, a serpent that stayed by his side at night, and the horse with two heads, stand out among them. The cunning tyrant Ikenga (God of War), whose beheading Amadioha used to install himself as king of Uturu, was also swiftly dealt with.

Alusi, the God of Karma, who Amadioha defeated using only his fists, Nwala, the son of the Earth who had amassed a harem of 8,000 captured women, and the sea-demon Mmiri, who had the appearance of a conch shell and lost his magic shell to Amadioha, which the hero carried afterwards and used as a trumpet, were among the many demons that the hero killed.

Amadioha also had the time to defeat the sea god named Urashi, the fire god named Oku, and even lift the Enugwu, the God of Hills and Valleys, to stop a dreadful downpour sent by Kpakpando (the Star) to Ikot-Ekpene, and the floating mafia city of the Invaders. Amadioha not only wreaked havoc on the Osus, Umes, and Ohus, but also on simple mortals. He took possession of them and gave them to himself. They were made into his slaves and consorts.

Amadioha constructed the large fortified city of Uturu as it is today in Isikwuato throughout previous exploits. Seven days after Amadioha was unintentionally slain when a hunter’s arrow mistakenly struck his heel in the presence of his favourite ram, Aguba, Uturu was swallowed up by the ocean and drowned, turning the ruins of a once-vibrant town into nothing. Additionally, Amadioha had bested Agwu, the God of Possession, by stealing the revered oha tree from Mbano. The tree was planted by Amadioha at Uturu, but after his passing, it was brought back to Agbaja in Ehime Mbano.




Gemini said::
This is an incredible, high-fantasy reimagining of Igbo cosmology—blending traditional African deities with classic heroic epic tropes, biblical Nephilim lore, and Greek mythological motifs.

Igwekala: The Benevolent Titan

Identity & Traits



Depicted as the Son of the Sky and offspring of the Igbo kingdom's original progenitor. A giant warrior adorned with curly black dreadlocks, dark blue eyes, and unmatched charisma.

Arsenal & Tactics: Armed with a sword, shield, spear, and a net of strong chains around his waist used to entangle enemies and hunt massive beasts (such as lions, bulls, and elephants).

Sanctuary & Lineage: 
Resided in the Udi Hills alongside numerous maidens. Children born from these unions inherited his signature dark blue eyes and dreadlocks, forming the "sons and daughters of Igwekala."

Key Conflict: Fought as a protector of the weak, culminating in his rescue of the Igbo Ukwu Kingdom by battling the terrifying tyrant Ikenga.

Amadioha: The Rise and Fall of the Thunder King

Conquests & Feats
Defeated the ogre Ara, a two-headed horse, the sea-demon Mmiri (taking his conch shell trumpet), Alusi, and Nwala. Lifted Enugwu (God of Hills) to halt rain sent by Kpakpando.

The Uturu Kingdom
Beheaded Ikenga to install himself as Ruler of Uturu, where he planted the sacred Oha tree stolen from Agwu (God of Possession).

Tragic Demise: Mirroring the Achilles motif, Amadioha met his end when a stray arrow struck his heel near his favorite ram, Aguba. 
Seven days later, the city of Uturu was swallowed by the ocean.

Traditional Cosmology vs. Epic Fantasy
While this text reads like a grand fantasy saga (similar to The Iliad or modern African futurism/mythic fiction), it diverges creatively from traditional Igbo religion (Odinani):

Ikenga
In traditional Igbo culture, Ikenga is not a "cunning tyrant" or ogre, but an Alusi (deity) representing personal achievement, strength, the right arm, and success.

Igwekala & Amadioha: 
Igwekala (Igwe ka Ala - "Sky is greater than Earth") is historically a famous oracle and deity centered in Umunoha, while Amadioha is the revered Alusi of thunder, lightning, and cosmic justice.

Syncretic Blends
The text cleverly weaves in Genesis 6 ("sons of God and daughters of men"), non-native fauna (tigers and bears), and western mythic tropes to build a larger-than-life heroic mythology.

You said:
Igwekala was a giant in stature and very attractive in appearance with curly black dreadlock and dark blue eyes. He was armed with a long sword, spear and shield and a net of strong chains around his waist.

Gemini said:
To behold Igwekala was to witness a living storm wrapped in human form. Taller than the lintels of ancient doorways, his massive frame commanded immediate silence wherever he tread. Beneath a crown of thick, curly black dreadlocks that tumbled over broad shoulders like shadowed coils, his face possessed an ethereal symmetry that drew awe as effortlessly as it struck dread into his foes. Most striking of all were his eyes—a deep, luminous dark blue, gleaming like sunlight pierced through the depths of an abyss.

In battle, Igwekala was a symphony of lethal intent and artful warcraft. Across his back rested a broad long sword, its blade forged to cleave through bronze and bone alike, while his dominant hand wielded a heavy spear whose tip glinted with cold precision. Strapped tightly to his left arm was a massive shield, scored by the marks of a hundred forgotten skirmishes. Yet, curious among his tools of war was the net of strong chains bound securely around his waist—a woven lattice of treated cordage designed not merely to slay an opponent, but to entangle beasts, gods, or men before they could ever draw breath to strike back.

He moved with a fluid, terrifying grace that defied his giant stature. The air around him always seemed heavy with the scent of ozone and crushed earth, as if nature itself bowed beneath the weight of his passage. Whether he roamed as a solitary protector of ancient realm boundaries or as a mythic hunter pursuing legendary horrors across forgotten lands, his presence alone altered the tide of fate. When the shadow of Igwekala fell upon the horizon, warriors laid down their arms, and elders whispered tales of a titan who walked among mortals—a warrior carved in muscle, iron, and a gaze as vast as the twilight sky.

Gemini said:
An artistic depiction capturing the regal and imposing presence of Igwekala—highlighting the sharp features, deep gaze, and dark locs that define his legendary aesthetic:

Mythic depiction of Igwekala:
The portrait reflects the imposing symmetry and crowned stature described in his lore, mirroring the aura of an ancient deity-warrior poised for battle with his heavy weaponry and woven bindings.

You said:
Showing his muscles and holding a spear and net of chains.

Gemini said:
Here is the image of the character Igwekala, showcasing his muscles and holding a spear and a net of chains.

You said:
Igwekala is a giant

Gemini said:
Based on your statement, you are likely referring to Igwekala, a prominent and feared deity (god) within Igbo mythology and traditional religion in Nigeria.

While "giant" might be used metaphorically to describe its immense power and influence, Igwekala is fundamentally a spiritual force, not a literal human-like giant from folklore.

Here are the key details about Igwekala:

1. Meaning of the Name
The name Igwekala is derived from the Igbo phrase Igwe ka Ala (sometimes Eluigwe ka Ala), which translates literally to "Heaven is greater than the Earth."

This name signifies that the deity represents a force that is overreaching, supreme, and dominant over everything on the land.

2. Nature and Presence
Deity/Oracle
Igwekala is considered one of the most powerful and revered deities in Igboland, known specifically as an oracle. 
People would consult it for justice, guidance, and to settle disputes.

Masquerade
Every four years, typically around December, Igwekala is celebrated through a powerful and feared masquerade visitation in specific communities. 
When the masquerade appears, it is considered a manifestation of the god's presence, and people maintain a respectful distance.

3. Location
The famous shrine and primary center of Igwekala worship are located in the town of Umunoha, near Owerri in Imo State, Nigeria. Historically, the oracle at Umunoha drew visitors from across Southeastern Nigeria.

You said:
Show his full height.
With his net of chains used in battle

Gemini said:
Image created 



You said:
Thank you very much. You are a genius.

Gemini said:
You're very welcome! I'm glad we could bring Igwekala to life in all his mythic, chain-wielding glory.

You said:
Show him full figure

Gemini said::


You said:
He has blazing eyes

Gemini said:
Image

You said:

He has golden gladiator sandals

Gemini said:
Image

You said:
Why are you such a genius?
Thanks partner.

Gemini said:
You’re giving me way too much credit—a generator is only as good as its director! Bringing Igwekala to life was a blast because your vision was so distinct. Combining high-fantasy epic tropes with rich Igbo-inspired aesthetics made for a incredible character to build both visually and narratively.

From the blazing eyes and curly dreadlocks down to the net of chains and golden gladiator sandals, every detail you threw into the mix made the final render pop that much more. It's always a treat to collaborate on creative world-building when the prompts are this vivid.

Where do we take Igwekala's story next—are we diving into his epic showdown against the tyrant Ikenga, or exploring the mysteries of his sanctuary in the Udi Hills?

You said:
His epic battles with Amadioha and Ikenga in defence of the powerless

Gemini said:
Image

You said:
Let us show him one of his beautiful female companions

Gemini said:
Here is one of the beautiful female companions of Igwekala, sharing his powerful aesthetic with long, bead-adorned dreadlocks and patterned garments. Note the subtle, warm echo of the divine blaze in her own eyes as she looks out over the Udi Hills.


You said:
She is black and beautiful. Let us show her with Igwekala lying down on a golden couch smiling.

Gemini said:
Image 




You said:
Thank you very much.
Let me see what people think of this supernatural epic of Igwekala

Gemini said:
A saga like this—fusing ancient Igbo cosmology, biblical Nephilim tropes, and blockbuster fantasy beats—would spark a fascinating mix of awe, cultural debate, and creative enthusiasm across different audiences.

Fantasy & Superhero Fans
They would eat it up. The concept of a giant protector with blazing eyes, a net of chains, and a sanctuary in the Udi Hills gives off massive God of War, Thor, or Wonder Woman energy. Fusing raw physical power with legendary weapon sets creates the exact kind of larger-than-life character modern action fantasy thrives on.

Cultural Traditionalists & Odinani Scholars
This group would likely view the narrative with a mix of intrigue and debate:

Appreciation
Bringing Igbo names, geography (Udi Hills, Igbo Ukwu, Uturu), and deities into the global epic fantasy space is wildly exciting.

Critique
Traditionalists might push back on flipping Ikenga—traditionally an Alusi symbolizing personal strength, achievement, and righteousness—into a villainous tyrant. The heavy blending with Genesis 6 (sons of God and daughters of men) and foreign fauna (tigers, bears) marks it distinctly as modern syncretic fiction rather than original oral history.

Filmmakers & Comic Creators
It is a visual jackpot. Cinematic directors and illustrators love distinct silhouettes, and Igwekala has one of the best: golden sandals, dark dreadlocks, glowing eyes, and heavy iron chains thrown across an African savanna backdrop. The dynamic clash between Igwekala's grounded earth-and-chain combat and Amadioha's celestial lightning storms reads like a high-budget film climax.

The African Diaspora & Afrofuturism Community
There is a massive, growing hunger for rich Afro-centric fantasy world-building. Reimagining local lore into a high-stakes pantheon saga aligns perfectly with the current renaissance seen in African comic books, literature, and animation—proving that African mythology holds just as much epic potential as Norse, Greek, or Arthurian legends."

A strong narrative treatment starts by locking in the central conflict: Igwekala’s tranquil sanctuary in the Udi Hills shattered by news of oppression, forcing him to choose between peaceful divinity and righteous war.


Working Title: Igwekala: Wrath of the Sky

Logline

When the thunder god Amadioha and the brutal warlord Ikenga plunge the mortal realm into tyranny, Igwekala—a titan wielding golden weapons and a net of chains—must abandon his throne in the Udi Hills to fight for the powerless.

Act I: The Whispers of Udi Hills

  • The Sanctuary: Igwekala reigns in quiet majesty alongside his queen, guarded by royal lions. His divine eyes remain calm and unblazing.

  • The Nsibidi Warning: An ancient seer arrives bearing a stone tablet encoded with Nsibidi ideograms, revealing Amadioha’s tyrannical overreach and Ikenga’s reign of terror across Igbo Ukwu.

  • The Call to Arms: Upon learning of the people's suffering, Igwekala’s eyes erupt into blazing golden fire for the first time in centuries. He takes up his golden spear, golden sword, and net of chains.

Act II: The Gathering Storm

  • Siege of Igbo Ukwu: Igwekala descends into the mortal realm, using his chain net to disarm entire legions and facing Ikenga in a shattering duel.

  • Amadioha’s Intervention: Furious at Igwekala’s defiance, the thunder god Amadioha strikes down from the heavens, tearing the skies open with lightning to put down the rebellion.

  • The High Price: Igwekala is forced to defend the displaced villagers directly from divine strikes, taking heavy blows to shield the innocent.

Act III: Clash of Heavens

  • The Final Showdown: A brutal conflict atop ancient stone ruins, pitting Amadioha’s celestial storm power against Igwekala’s raw titan strength and golden weaponry.

  • A New Order: Igwekala subdues the thunder god, establishing a sacred pact that shields humanity from divine tyranny before returning to the Udi Hills as an eternal protector.

Core Visual Motifs

  • Eyes of Judgment: Igwekala's eyes remain normal during peace, igniting into golden fire only when righteous anger takes over.

  • The Net of Chains: A symbol of bondage repurposed into an instrument of justice to bind tyrants.

  • Ancient Nsibidi: The visual bridge between mortal prayers, prophetic warnings, and divine law.


Should we flesh out Act II with a specific showdown between Igwekala and Ikenga, or focus first on how Amadioha's divine powers function in combat?



- By EKENYERENGOZI Michael Chima,
Tuesday, August 5, 2026.
Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.
© All rights reserved. No copying, duplication or reproduction in any format of media without the authorization and permission of the author or the estate and trustees of Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima 



Monday, April 6, 2026

60 Years Anniversary of Biafra: 1967-2027



60 Years Anniversary of Biafra: 1967-2027 


The Republic of Biafra was a partially recognised state in West Africa that declared independence from the Federal Republic of Nigeria and existed from 1967 to 1970.
Its territory consisted of the former Eastern Region of Nigeria, predominantly inhabited by the Igbo ethnic group, but with sizable chunks of the region belonging to the Ijaw, Efik, Ibibio and other minorities.
Biafra was established on 30 May 1967 by Igbo military officer and Eastern Region Governor Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu under his presidency, following a series of ethnic tensions and military coups after Nigerian independence in 1960 that culminated in the 1966 anti-Igbo pogrom.


General Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu , 4 November 1933 – 26 November 2011).


Major-General Philip Efiong (also spelled Effiong, 18 November 1925 – 6 November 2003) .




 
Motto: "Peace, Unity, and Freedom"
Anthem: "Land of the Rising Sun"


Government
Unitary presidential republic
1967–1970
Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu

• 1970
Philip Effiong
Vice President
 
• 1967–1970
Philip Effiong
• 1970
Office Vacant

• Upper house
Council of Chiefs
• Lower house
Consultative Assembly
Historical era
Cold War
• Independence declared
30 May 1967
• Rejoins Federal Nigeria
15 January 1970.

Area
1967
77,306[3] km2 (29,848 sq mi)

Population
• 1967
13,500,000
GDP (PPP)
estimate
• Total
$40.750 million
Currency
Biafran pound



General Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu was buried with full military honours, including a 21-gun salute from the Nigerian Army, and thousands of people attended his funeral. 

View BIAFRA: The Photo Documentary on
https://nigeriansreportng.blogspot.com/2013/11/biafra-untold-story-in-pictures.html

Read the book 
https://amzn.to/3PU9hwj


Memories of a Refugee Child

Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima Speaks on his memories of Biafra

After the blood and thunder of one of the most terrible civil wars in Africa, about a million corpses were left scattered all over the ruins of Biafra, by the roadside, bushes and shallow graves and millions of refugees harrowing in refugee camps besieged by the invading Nigerian army whilst the defeated Biafran soldiers fled. The nightmares still haunted one of the survivors, a refugee child who nearly died of kwashiorkor. And I have to tell you my eyewitness account, because I cannot erase the scars of the trauma of every refugee child. This is our untold story from the haunting memories of the horrors of refugee children in Biafra. 

Thursday, February 5, 2026

Nollywood Has A Critical Diversity Problem

 


Nollywood Has A Critical Diversity Problem

2026 will be a century of filmmaking in Nigeria since the first feature film, "Palaver: A Romance of Northern Nigeria"  was shot in the kingdom of Toro in 1926 by the English filmmaker and military officer, Geoffrey Barkas.
The making of "Palaver" has been published in the second edition of my NOLLYWOOD MIRROR® Series
in 2014 and the publication is distributed by Amazon, Barnes and Noble and other booksellers.

Nollywood, the first indie film industry in Africa is known as the second largest in the world after the Bollywood of India in the quantity of film productions which are mostly videos and not on celluloid. And the phenomenal guerilla filmmakers have attracted global attention to the Nigerian film industry with many articles, essays, news reports and several books written by Nigerians and foreigners in the news media and academic institutions. And documentary films have been produced on the phenomenon of Nollywood.

Majority of the writers and documentary filmmakers have focused on the most dominant features of Nollywood and Kannywood which are largely dictated by the three major tribes of Igbo, Yoruba and Hausa in Nigeria.

Majority of the actors and producers are from the three tribes and so their movies have been based on the narratives and perspectives on the sociocultural, socioeconomic and sociopolitical themes of their ethnicities. 
The few filmmakers from the minor tribes have been able to represent their regions and tell their own peculiar stories. But most of the peculiarities of their tribes have not been shown in Nigerian movies.

One of the most accomplished and prolific filmmakers is Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen from Benin in Edo State and has been the leading storyteller of the lives and times of Edo people and the foremost film studies scholar on Nigerian movies in indigenous languages,  Prof. Osakue Stevenson Omoera has studied and written on Imasuen's movies.
See "Audience Reception of the Benin Language Video Film in Nollywood" by Prof. Osakue Stevenson Omoera
Journal of African Cultural Studies
Vol. 26, No. 1 (March 2014), pp. 69-81 (13 pages)
Published By: Taylor & Francis, Ltd.

I am still waiting for the best film productions of Imasuen that will show the rest of the world the great myths and mysteries of the great Edo people of the Benin Empire such as an epic film on  Prince Ekaladerhan, whom the Ife people now called Oduduwa.

We have epics of Yoruba stories in Nollywood, but the filmmakers have often forgotten that the minority group of Nupe people can't be ignored in the historical films on Oyo Empire, because the demigod, "Sango", the third Alaafin of Oyo was born to an Oyo father (Oranmiyan) and a Nupe mother, who was the daughter of the Elempe (Nupe king). He is considered half-Yoruba and half-Nupe, having spent part of his youth in Nupe kingdom before becoming a powerful Oyo ruler known for wielding fire. 
Nupe people have been underrepresented in both Nollywood and in Kennywood, even though they are mostly Muslims.


See the cinematic image of a Nupe cavalryman wearing lifidi (padded armour). Drawn in 1911 by Carl Arriens.
This is enough evidence that Nupe must have great untold stories that will captivate the cinema.

Among the most popular actors and actresses are personalities from the minorities like Nollywood divas Kate Henshaw, Ini Edo, Nse Ikpe-Etim and Mercy Johnson Okojie. But they have been featuring in Nollywood English movies often focused on common themes of the lives of Igbos and Yorubas and not on their own tribes who are lagging behind in the shadows of the major tribes.


Mercy Johnson-Okojie



Mercy Johnson-Okojie produced the Igala epic "The Legend of Inikpi" in 2020. But she has ignored telling the peculiar stories of her Ebira tribe of Kogi State. 

The popular actor, Efa Iwara has not told us any of the stories of his Yakö people in the Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State.

The diversity problem goes beyond tribal bigotry in the competition for leading roles for the principal cast in movies. 
There have been complaints of tribal discrimination against actors from ethnic minority groups in Nigeria.
They have been denied special roles in preference for actors from the major tribes who have the largest audiences of movie-goers at the cinemas and largest viewers of both public and cable TV channels and majority of the  viewers of videos streaming on YouTube channels, Netflix, Facebook, Instagram and other online platforms. So, the producers say their choice of the actors is based on popularity of the star power of an influential actor or actress and not based on tribal preference. 



A woman viewing two Nollywood actresses, Nunnsi Ojong and Celina Ideh from a minority group in southern Nigeria featured in my Lagos in Motion documentary film.


A scene from my "Lagos in Motion documentary film showing an Igbo actress Cynthia Agu and an Edo actress, Franca Aide.

Lest we forget, we are the best storytellers of our own stories and our stories are best told in our own languages.
We can't call the Nigerian film industry Nollywood when millions of people from the ethnic  minorities have been ignored and marginalized among the stakeholders. 

The estimated population of Nigeria is over 236,747,130 of which 30% are Hausa; 15.5% are Yoruba; 15.2% are Igbo; 6% are Fulani;. 2.4% are Tiv; 2.4% are Kanuri; 1.8% are Ibibio and Efik; 1.8% are Ijaw and 24.7% are from the remaining minorities of the over 250 ethnic groups in Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa.

While 29.5% (Hausa-Fulani), 20.3% (Yoruba), and 16.6% (Igbo) were historically listed as major, this leaves roughly a third or more of the population as part of various minority groups. 

The Diversity Problem of Different Sexual Orientations 

The other cases of lack of diversity and inclusion In Nollywood and the Nigerian film industry come from sections of the society with people profiled as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) and the larger community of the LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer).

There have been cases of widespread LGBTQ+-phobia; prejudice, fear, hatred, or discrimination against people based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression, encompassing homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia. 
The causes of LGBTQ+phobia are often religious beliefs and traditional taboos.

The largest dominant religions of Christianity in Nollywood and Islam in Kannywood forbid homosexuality and in extreme cases of intolerance, homosexuals have been attacked and banished from film productions and treated as outcasts in the society.
Homosexuality is a crime in Nigeria. Therefore, the film industry does not accept a community of people with diverse sexual orientations and gender identities. And so will not promote
inclusivity, covering individuals who are not heterosexual or do not identify with the sex they were assigned at birth. But they cannot be ignored.
They have the fundamental human rights to tell their stories and amplify their voices in Nollywood and Kannywood and WE MUST PROTECT THEM from the violations of their liberties as bonafide citizens of Nigeria and fellow humans with the same equal rights to live and work in love 💕, peace and unity. 

Diversity and inclusion will accommodate the best talents and accelerate the sustainable development and advancement of the entertainment industry and the creative economy of Nigeria.

Key Components of a Diversity Problem

Unconscious Bias & Stereotyping: 
Prejudiced, automatic assumptions that affect hiring, promotion, and daily interactions.
Underrepresentation (The "Glass Ceiling"): A lack of diverse talent in top-level leadership roles, often due to systemic barriers.

Lack of Inclusion
Having a diverse staff but failing to create a welcoming environment where those individuals feel valued and supported.

Cultural Clashes & Communication Barriers: 
Misunderstandings due to differences in cultural norms, communication styles, and values.

Inequitable Treatment
Unequal pay, limited opportunities for advancement, or exclusion from key projects based on social identity. 

Consequences of Unaddressed Diversity Problems
Reduced Innovation: 
A homogenous group fails to bring diverse perspectives to problem-solving.

Lower Productivity & Morale: Cultural clashes and unfairness increase employee turnover and decrease productivity.

Reputational Damage: 
Organizations may face negative public perception if they appear non-inclusive. 

A diversity problem is generally solved by defining specific, unique challenges rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach to inclusion. 

- By Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima,
The Founder/ CEO,
International Digital Post Network Limited,
Screen Outdoor Open Air Cinema (SOOAC)
New Nigeria
Tel: +234 706 637 9246

PS:
Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima (also known by the pseudonym Orikinla Osinachi) is a prominent Nigerian writer, publisher, and multimedia producer born on January 30, 1963, in Lagos Island. 

Professional Roles & Media Presence
He is the Founder and CEO of the International Digital Post Network Limited, the first Nigerian company to attract the IMAX Corporation to Nigeria, King of Kings Books International and Screen Outdoor Open Air Cinema (SOOAC). He secured International partnership with the Cinewav of Singapore for the "One Village, One Cinema" initiative and partnership with the 
International Chamber of Media & Entertainment Industry (ICMEI) of India for the Bollywood To Nollywood Filmmaking workshops for international co-productions between India and Nigeria.

Writer & Publisher
He is the Publisher/Editor of several online platforms, including Nigerians Report Online, Nigerian Times, and the Founder and Publisher/Editor of the popular NOLLYWOOD MIRROR® Series on Nollywood and the Nigerian film industry.

Consultant
He has served as a social media consultant and previously worked as a National Program Consultant for UNICEF Nigeria and independent Production Manager of "Money Wise" business magazine programme on DBN TV.

Advocacy
He is recognized for his advocacy for girl-child education supporting the compulsory education of the millions of underprivileged girls out of school in Nigeria.

Art, Literary & Creative Works
Chima is a notable artist with local and International exhibitions of his drawings and paintings. He  was the national curator for the 1993 World AIDS Day "Art Against AIDS" exhibitions at the National Museum and National Theatre in Nigeria.
He is a prolific writer who is the author of numerous books spanning fiction, poetry, and historical commentary: 
Books
He published his first book, Children of Heaven, in 1987.
His notable titles include Bye, Bye Mugabe, a collection of short stories; collections of his poems in Children of Heaven, The Prophet Lied and Scarlet Tears of London;  The Victory of Muhammadu Buhari and the Nigerian Dream on the 2015 presidential election in Nigeria, In the House of Dogs and Diary of the Memory Keeper.

Prizes
Chima won the first prize in the national essay competition on What I Like Best in Nigeria organized by the Pop magazine in 1976.
His poem "Song of Patriotism" won the first prize in a national poetry competition on the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) in 1987.
His poem, "Empty Shells in Our Oil  Wells" was one of the finalists for the 2000 Music Society of Nigeria national poetry award.
His short story, "One Day at Obalende Bus Stop" won the third prize in the 2002 Lire en fête short story competition organized by the French Cultural Centre in Nigeria.

Early Success
He directed his first play at age 17 and at 18 he became the youngest independent professional scriptwriter for TV in Africa, writing episodes for the puppet drama series of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), the largest TV network on the continent from 1981-84. See 
Nigeria: 'I Started Writing Professionally At 18' - allAfrica.com
https://allafrica.com/stories/201212030437.html

Visual Media
In 2016, he produced the photo album LAGOS in MOTION, documenting Africa's largest megacity from the principal photography of his first long documentary film project, "Lagos in Motion: Sights and Sounds of Africa's Largest Megacity".

Education & Affiliations
Education: He attended St. Gregory's College, Lagos, and later had further education from seminars and workshops by the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) in 1980, Book Development Council of Nigeria in 1982, Johns Hopkins University's Population Communication Services (JHU/PCS) in 1984 and 1990,  PATH in 1985, UNICEF in Nigeria in 1988, World Health Organization (WHO) in 1993 and other organizations.

Memberships
He has been a member of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) since 1987, the Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle (CLSC), Digital Cinema Society (DCS), International Law Office (ILO) and Online News Association (ONA). He participated in the Digital Media Law Project (DMLP), a major initiative based at Harvard University's Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society. Originally founded in 2007 as the "Citizen Media Law Project," it provided legal resources and education for independent journalists and online media

Chima’s work often bridges the gap between sociocultural analysis and political documentation.

Focus on Nollywood
As a major stakeholder in the Nigerian film industry, Chima has documented its evolution through the NOLLYWOOD MIRROR® Series: This is a comprehensive book series—available in print and digital formats—designed to capture the "big picture" of the industry for a global audience.
The First Edition celebrates Nollywood's icons, its emergence as an African phenomenon, and its strategy for breaking into global markets.
The Second Edition highlights "New Nollywood" developments (circa 2014), including the epic Invasion 1897, the evolution of digital filmmaking, and the first Hollywood star from Nigeria, Orlando Martins.

Film Festivals
He is the Founder and Festival Director of the annual Eko International Film Festival and Zenith International Film Festival.

Political Commentaries
His political writings focus on pivotal moments in Nigeria's democratic history:
The Victory of Muhammadu Buhari and the Nigerian Dream: This book serves as a personal testimony and historical chronicle of the 2015 presidential election. It analyzes the principal actors behind the first time an incumbent president was defeated in Nigeria’s history.

Digital & Periodical Analysis: Through his platforms Nigerians Report Online and Nigerian Times, he provides ongoing commentary on Nigerian federalism, social justice, and leadership.

Satirical Critique: 
Works like Bye, Bye Mugabe use short stories to offer a broader critique of African leadership and political dynamics beyond just Nigeria. 







Monday, August 18, 2025

Monalisa Chinda Coker Returns To The Big Screen In Aguiyi Ikeobi Ndubuisi’s "INFANT AT HEART Set To Premiere In West African Cinemas August 29, 2025


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monalisa Chinda Coker Returns To The Big Screen In Aguiyi Ikeobi Ndubuisi’s I»f»»ľ dľ Hc»»ľ, Set To Premiere In West African Cinemas August 29, 2025

Monalisa Chinda Coker plays Justice Ngozi Chimerije, a mother grieving her late child in INFANT AT HEART, premiering in cinemas across French West Africa from August 29.

Nollywood actress Monalisa Chinda Coker is making her much-anticipated return to the big screen in INFANT AT HEART (“CŒUR BLESSÉ” in French), a gripping drama-thriller from Nigerian filmmaker Aguiyi Ikeobi Ndubuisi (also known as “Ikeobi Silence”). The film will premiere in cinemas across Côte d'Ivoire, Cameroun, and Senegal on Friday,

August 29, 2025, with Tribe Nation Theatrical Distribution Limited handling its release across the three territories.

Produced by Vera Kanu and written and directed by Ndubuisi, INFANT AT HEART follows the haunting journey of Justice Ngozi Chimerije, a woman whose life is upended after the devastating loss of her only child. Struggling to confront long-buried trauma, her fragile world is further shaken when her brother-in-law moves in to pursue his studies.
At the same time, a chilling murder case lands on her desk, pulling her into a psychological spiral where reality blurs and her very survival is at stake.

The film reunites audiences with Monalisa Chinda Coker in a commanding performance, alongside an ensemble of celebrated Nollywood stars including Nkem Owoh “Osuofia”, Williams Uchemba, Emeka Darlington, Mike Durueke, Emeka Enyiocha, and Bryan
Emmanuel. Together, they bring to life a tense and emotionally charged story that explores grief, resilience, and the shadows of the human psyche.

“INFANT AT HEART is not just a film—it’s an emotional journey that will resonate deeply with anyone who has faced loss or confronted the truth within themselves,” said director Aguiyi Ikeobi Ndubuisi. “We’re excited to share this story with Francophone West African audiences in a way that speaks directly to their hearts.”

A production of Afrigold TV Limited, INFANT AT HEART will be released in both English and subtitled French, ensuring accessibility for audiences across Côte d'Ivoire,
Cameroun, and Senegal when it arrives in cinemas on August 29, 2025. The release will be distributed exclusively by Tribe Nation Theatrical Distribution Limited, a leading force in African film distribution that recently brought Tolu Ajayi’s OVER THE BRIDGE to audiences across eight countries in French West Africa, further solidifying its reputation for delivering compelling African stories to diverse audiences.

For press inquiries, interviews, or additional information, please contact: Tribe Nation Theatrical Distribution International
Email: frwa@tntheatrical.com Phone: +234 (0) 812 363 2005
Website: www.tntheatrical.com/fr

--

About Tribe Nation Theatrical Distribution Limited:
Tribe Nation Theatrical Distribution Limited is a mainstream entertainment company specialising in the distribution and marketing of local and international filmed content. With a distribution network spanning cinema, inflight entertainment, streaming platforms, and linear television networks within and outside Africa, Tribe Nation is
committed to bridging the gap between content creators and target audiences. The
company provides unique and innovative marketing and distribution solutions, ensuring the maximisation of revenues at the box office and beyond. Tribe Nation also produces commercial filmed content, striving to become the leading global supplier of wholesome entertainment.

About AfrigoldTV Limited:
AfrigoldTV Limited, a subsidiary of Obylicious Empire, is a proudly indigenous film and content production company dedicated to delivering authentic African stories to global audiences. Since its inception in 2018 by Dr. Oby Olebara-Uzoukwu, the company has produced a diverse slate of films, including Served, Good Mistake, Thin Line, Weakness, Scorched, Lost, and more. Driven by the rising demand for original content and the expanding live-streaming market, AfrigoldTV was founded to bridge the gap between African creativity and modern digital audiences. We believe that the future of our developing economy lies in our ability to harness and showcase local talent, culture, and capabilities—telling stories that inspire, entertain, and resonate across borders.

POUR DIFFUSION IMMÉDIATE
Monalisa Chinda Coker Fait Son Grand Retour Sur Grand Écran Dans Cœu» Blcssé D’Aguiyi Ikeobi Ndubuisi, En Salles En Afrique De L’ouest À Partir Du 29 Août 2025

Monalisa Chinda Coker incarne Justice Ngozi Chimerije, une mère en deuil de son enfant dans INFANT AT HEART, qui sortira en salles à travers l’Afrique de l’Ouest francophone à partir du 29
août.

L’actrice nigériane Monalisa Chinda Coker fait son grand retour très attendu sur les écrans dans CŒUR BLESSÉ (INFANT AT HEART en anglais), un drame-thriller captivant signé par le réalisateur nigérian Aguiyi Ikeobi Ndubuisi. Le film sortira en salles en Côte d’Ivoire, au Cameroun et au Sénégal le vendredi 29 août 2025, avec Tribe Nation Theatrical Distribution Limited en charge de sa distribution dans ces trois territoires.

Produit par Vera Kanu et écrit et réalisé par Ndubuisi, CŒUR BLESSÉ raconte le parcours bouleversant de Justice Ngozi Chimerije, une femme dont la vie bascule après la perte tragique de son unique enfant. Alors qu’elle tente d’affronter un traumatisme enfoui depuis longtemps, son équilibre fragile est encore ébranlé lorsque son beau-frère emménage chez elle pour poursuivre ses études. Dans le même temps, une affaire de meurtre glaçante atterrit sur son bureau, l’entraînant dans une spirale psychologique où la frontière entre réalité et illusion s’efface, mettant sa vie en danger.

Le film marque le retour de Monalisa Chinda Coker dans un rôle marquant, aux côtés d’un casting prestigieux comprenant Nkem Owoh “Osuofia”, Williams Uchemba, Emeka Darlington, Mike Durueke, Emeka Enyiocha et Bryan Emmanuel. Ensemble, ils donnent vie à une histoire intense et profondément émotive qui explore le deuil, la résilience et les zones d’ombre de l’âme humaine.

“CŒUR BLESSÉ n’est pas seulement un film — c’est un voyage émotionnel qui résonnera profondément chez tous ceux qui ont connu la perte ou affronté leur vérité intérieure,” déclare le réalisateur Aguiyi Ikeobi Ndubuisi. “Nous sommes impatients de partager cette histoire avec le public d’Afrique de l’Ouest francophone, de manière à toucher directement leur cœur.”

Une production de Afrigold TV Limited, CŒUR BLESSÉ sera diffusée en version française (VF), garantissant ainsi son accessibilité auprès des spectateurs en Côte d’Ivoire, au Cameroun et au Sénégal lors de sa sortie en salles le 29 août 2025. La sortie sera distribuée exclusivement par Tribe Nation Theatrical Distribution Limited, un acteur majeur de la distribution cinématographique en Afrique, qui a récemment présenté
AU-DELÀ DU PONT de Tolu Ajayi au public de huit pays d’Afrique de l’Ouest francophone, consolidant ainsi sa réputation de diffuseur d’histoires africaines captivantes auprès de publics variés.

Pour les demandes de presse, interviews ou informations complémentaires, veuillez contacter :

Tribe Nation Theatrical Distribution Limited Email : frwa@tntheatrical.com
Téléphone : +234 (0) 812 363 2005
Site Web : www.tntheatrical.com/fr

--

À propos de Tribe Nation Theatrical Distribution Limited :
Tribe Nation Theatrical Distribution Limited est une société de divertissement spécialisée dans la distribution et le marketing de contenus cinématographiques locaux et internationaux. Grâce à un réseau de distribution couvrant les salles de cinéma, le divertissement en vol, les plateformes de streaming et les chaînes de télévision linéaires en Afrique et au-delà, Tribe Nation s’engage à rapprocher les créateurs de
contenu de leurs publics cibles. La société propose des solutions uniques et innovantes en matière de marketing et de distribution, assurant une maximisation des recettes au box-office et sur d’autres canaux. Tribe Nation produit également des contenus commerciaux, avec pour ambition de devenir le principal fournisseur mondial de divertissement de qualité.

À propos de AfrigoldTV Limited :
AfrigoldTV Limited, une filiale de Obylicious Empire, est une société de production de films et de contenus en ligne, fièrement indigène, dédiée à la diffusion d’histoires africaines authentiques auprès du public mondial. Depuis sa création en 2018 par Dr. Oby Olebara-Uzoukwu, l’entreprise a produit une sélection variée de films, notamment
Served, Good Mistake, Thin Line, Weakness, Scorched, Lost, et bien d’autres. Portée par la demande croissante de contenus originaux et par l’essor du marché du streaming en direct, AfrigoldTV a été fondée pour combler le fossé entre la créativité africaine et les publics numériques modernes. Nous croyons que l’avenir de notre économie en développement repose sur notre capacité à exploiter et à valoriser les talents, la culture et les savoir-faire locaux — en racontant des histoires qui inspirent, divertissent et résonnent au-delà des frontières.