The Legacy of Knowledge is the Greatest Heritage

"The legacy of knowledge is the greatest heritage."

- https://www.amazon.com/author/ekenyerengozimichaelchima

A paper published by a member of the Faculty of Arts Drama & Film department at Tshwane University of Technology mentions the name "Michael Chima Ekenyerengozi"

From scholars and students in Nigeria to South Africa to America to the UK to the Philippines, the most cited and quoted non-academic writer on Nollywood and the Nigerian film industry is Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima, the Publisher/Editor of the NOLLYWOOD MIRROR® Series, the first book series on Nollywood and the Nigerian film industry since 2013, printed in Raleigh, NC, USA.

Outstanding scholars who have made references to Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima include Prof Nomusa Makhubu, Associate Professor in Art History and Visual Culture at the University of Cape Town and the new Chair of the AGI's Advisory Board and Prof. Naomi S. Baron, Emerita at American University in Washington, DC.

From Wig to Fashion: How Jideofor Rules His World

From Wig to Fashion: How Jideofor Rules His World

- By Ingram Osigwe

When you see these designers: Gianni Versace, Stefano Ricci, Guccio Gucci, Pierre Cardin, Yohji Yamamoto, Ermenegildo Zegna, Cesare Paciotti, Stefano Gabbana, John Varvatos and Tom Ford, surely your mind will readily race to the fashion label, Zeof and then the enigma behind it, Jideofor.

Twenty-five years ago, a young lawyer's path crossed that of delectable young lady. The interplay of  cupid forces would later entangled the two love birds in an inextricable marital journey that have witnessed only pure bliss.

Twenty-five years down the lane, Jideofor and his beautiful better half, Salome, have set an eviable marital example that calls for emulation.

For the man of the moment, his modest rise to success is a study in dexterity, grit-determination to excell and hardwork.

Indeed, the cliche, "a man of many parts" finds expression in High Chief (Barrister) Jideofor Valentine Chukwudebem Ezeofor's life trajectory. Versatility is ingrained in him and this explains the reason a law degree could not sentence him perpetually to courtrooms.

After acquiring a degree in law from the prestigious Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU, Ile Ife, the mandatory one-year post stint at the Law school and then youth service he was appointed Magistrate in Anambra State Judiciary Awka. He served in the Chief Magistrate Courts Ogidi and Onitsha respectively.

However, in 2005, Jideofor resigned from the Magistracy and veered into private business, establishing a limited liability company, Zeof Corporate Identity LTD as the C.E.O.

He was also at thesame time serving as Legal adviser of Sunchi Integrated Farms Limited  as well as Legal Adviser to Earls Court Properties LTD and Jacee Properties Ltd and so many other companies.

Zeof was the pestal on which Jideofor morphed from a full time practising lawyer to a fashion designer. Infact, his label is Zeof Excluzioni. Jideofor designs and makes clothes for the top echelon of society.

Jideofor is a goal-getting young man who has carved a niche for himself through the dint of hard work, innovative ideas and honesty.

Effervescent and genial, Jideofor has the presence of mind to recognise that his beautiful wife, Salome completes him and is an integral part of his success story these 25 years hence he is rolling out the drums to celebrate a silver Jubilee of conjugal bliss in grand style.

***

Ingram Osigwe, MD of Full Page International Communications Ltd writes from Akokwa, Imo State, NIgeria.

SGF Lauds Akokwa Christian Elite Forum's Comittment To Nation- Building

SGF Lauds Akokwa Christian Elite Forum's Comittment To Nation- Building

Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Boss Mustapha has commended the Akokwa Christian Elite Forum for its contribution to nation-building.

He described the Forum as an assemblage of patriots who have the progress and unity of Nigeria at heart saying the Akokwa nation was lucky to have them as sons and daughters.

The SGF was speaking at the annual Akokwa Eminent Persons Dinner powered by the Forum.

The Akokwa Christian Elite Forum hosted Mustapha to this years.

An apolitical and non-governmental Christian body, Akokwa Christian Elites is made up of businessmen and women, professionals, intellectuals and other categories of peace-loving and socially constructive men and women of Akokwa in Ideato North council area of Imo state who believe in the supremacy of God and who live a life guided by Him through the Christian faith.

The annual dinner attracts eminent personalities. Among highly placed Nigerians who had in the past been hosted to dinner by the body include captains of industry, political leaders, academics, professionals, religious leaders among others.

These include Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa of Neimeth International Pharmaceutical Plc., and former Chairman Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), Mr Tony Ewelike, CEO, A. G Homes, Arc. Azike Diribe, a First-class Architect of the Integrated Consortium, Mr Marvel Akpoyibo, retired Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Administration, Professor Pat Utomi of the Lagos Business School, His Excellency  Senator Anyim Pius Anyim (GCON), former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Bar. James Ocholi (SAN), the Pro-Chancellor of Salem University, Kogi State, Arc Ifeanyi Odedo, Managing Director, Sharon Ultimate and Sharon Regency Hotels, Abuja, Dr Uche Ogah(OON), Minister of State, Mines and Steel.

Various speakers at the event praised the dexterity of the brains behind the Forum and paid glowing tributes to them.

Earlier in his address, President of the Forum, Cliff Onyeje said, "we are partners in the socio-economic and spiritual growth of our people.

"Like past dinners, this year's dinner is geared towards this".

 

 

Obi of Akokwa @ 50

Obi of Akokwa @ 50

- By Ingram Osigwe 

Attaining the golden age is a no mean feat. It's a biological, natural milestone that calls for deep introspection and celebration.

One, not everyone crosses the 5 and 0 mark. Many died on the cusp of 50, majorly at 48, 49. Secondly, crossing 50 rekindles hope of longevity.

Therefore, His Royal Highness, Eze (Sir) Ikenna C. Okoli (KSC), Okoli V, Agbakwuruibe III, the 11th Obi of Akokwa, has every reason to be grateful to God. Not only that he has attained the golden age, His Royal Majesty will be clocking 19 years on the throne of his forefathers later this year.

Come February 28, 2021 , all roads will lead to the ancient kingdom of Akokwa. That day is His Royal Majesty's day. On that date, Nigerians from all walks of life, people of goodwill, friends, associates and well wishers will empty into Akokwa to felicitate with Agbakwuruibe 111.

The effervescent Eze ( Sir) Ikenna C. Okoli was born into the Ezesiobuna Royal Family in Obi Uzouhu Village in Akokwa on February 28, 1971.He attended St’ Peter’s Primary School, Akokwa between 1976 and 1982 where he obtained his First School Leaving Certificate the same year. Thereafter, he proceeded to Federal Government College, Azare, Bauchi State and Federal Government College, Sokoto, Sokoto State where he obtained his West African School Certificate in 1987.

In 1990, the young Okoli gained admission into the Abia State University, Uturu in Abia State where he obtained a BSc in Sociology/Anthropology in 1994.

Agbakwuruibe 111 is imbued with the zeal for entrepreneurship, hence after his graduation, as young as he was then, he decided to be an employer of labour as he  incorporated Equipment Alliance Limited of which he is the MD/CEO.

His Royal Highness thus  commenced the business of equipment leasing.Till date Equipment Alliance Limited which is also into Earth and marine equipment leasing, is still operational with Head office at the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

Akokwa is noted for peaceful and orderly ascension to the Obi stool. This explained the seamless emergence of Eze Okoli.After the untimely and painful demise of his late father, HRH Eze Osita C. Okoli (KSC) in the 2002, Eze Ikenna Okoli, as the first son of the late monarch and in line with the primogeniture rule of succession of Akokwa people,  was chosen by his people to ascend the ancient throne as the 11th Obi of Akokwa.

The Obi of Akokwa is deeply committed to the things of God and a dedicated Christian of the Anglican communion faith. No wonder the Ideato Diocese of the Anglican Communion found him worthy of knighthood and conferred him with one.

The same year he ascended the throne the church  investested him as a Knight of Saint Christopher. This was on December 8, 2002.

More wins were in store for him: On the 15th of March, 2005, the Imo State Government under the leadership of His Excellency Sir Achike Udenwa, the then Executive Governor of Imo State recognized and gazetted the name of Eze Ikenna C. Okoli as the Obi of Akokwa with effect from the 5th day of March, 2005.

 HRH Eze Ikenna Okoli  descended from a very long and illustrious line of rulers in the following order:

*Eze Okwarauhu Akokwa

 *Eze Dimonyegbesu Okwarauhu

 *Eze Ezesiobuna Dimonyegbesu

*Eze Dimesoro Ezesiobuna

 *Eze Okwaraononihu Dimesoro

 *Eze Ukachukwu Okwaraononihu

 *Eze Okoli Ukachukwu

 *Eze Joseph Okoli

 *Eze Patrick Okoli

*Eze Osita Okoli

 *Eze Ikenna Okoli (Present Obi of Akokwa)

His Royal Highness, Eze (Sir) Ikenna C. Okoli (KSC), (MSI) Okoli V, Agbakwuruibe III, the 11th Obi of Akokwa is  blessed with three wonderful children.

Notedly, the Akokwa ancient kingdom is a border & nodal  town in Ideato North LGA of Imo state.

It shares boundaries with Aro-Ndizuogu, Uzii, Osina, Akpulu and also a gateway to Anambra state as it shares border with Uga and Umuchu. Akokwa boasts of many industrialist, academics and technotracts.Some of these notables are: Sir Tony Ezenna, OFR, (Ijele Akokwa) Chairman, Orange Group, Chief Charles Anudu, MD/CEO Swift Networks Limited, Chairman of Envoy Oil ltd, Sir Linus Ojimba, Prof. Kevin Ibeh,Commissioner,Commonwealth Scholarship Commission and Pro Vice Chancellor (International) at Birkbeck, University of London, High Chief Fabian A. Onwuachu(Acharaugo) President Emeritus, Peoples club of Nigeria international and Patron/Trustee Peoples club of Nigeria international, Chairman of Tiger foods ltd, Chief Celestine Ebubeogu(Ide Akokwa),Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria 2017 (MBGN), Miss Ugochi Mitchel Ihezue,Late Professor (Chief) Elechukwu Njaka who founded the famous ERNEST GAMES GRAMMER SCHOOL Akokwa.

Others include Late Dr. Otuokere Njaka, the second Republic deputy minority leader of the old Imo State House of Assembly,Engineer Ezekiel Izuogu, The designer of the first made in Nigeria car, John Munonye Nigerian educator and novelist( The only Son), Renowned banker and Economist, Prof Willie Uzoaga and many others 

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Ingram Osigwe ( Enyioha) is the  MD of Full page international communications Ltd

O Tempora, O Mores! Oh! Chico Ejiro!

                                                   Chico Ejiro.

Those celebrating their selfish egos in the entertainment industry of Nigeria while #Nollywood is mourning the shocking passing of Chico Maziakpono Ejiro,  one of the titans of the Nigerian film industry are only confirming their true characters.

Today, I found myself wearing the same clothes I wore the last time we met during the 9th Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) in November, 2019 at the Landmark Retail Boulevard on Victoria Island in Lagos, Nigeria. I was reflecting on what we discussed before the Honourable Federal Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed joined us where we sat in the lobby. 

Without Chico Ejiro and his fellow trail blazers and torch bearers of revolutionary guerrilla filmmaking in the 1990s, the phenomenon of Nollywood would not have become what has attracted the attention of the rest of the world. His over 200 movies have become subjects of film studies and African studies in different universities in Nigeria and foreign countries. 

I cannot imagine going on to produce the new documentary film, "Nollywood Rising" without the prominence of the leading role of Chico Ejiro in the making of the phenomenon of Nollywood.  So, since the shocking news shook Nollywood yesterday, I have been in a surreal mood. As I always do in such unforeseen circumstances beyond human control, I fall back into arms of the great Comforter in communion with the Holy Spirit. For the light of the Holy Spirit shines brightest in the darkest moments of human existence. 

- By Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima,

Publisher/Editor,

NOLLYWOOD MIRROR®Series

NOLLYWOOD is the National Treasure of Nigeria

NOLLYWOOD is the National Treasure of Nigeria

Nollywood is our precious National Treasure. But majority of Nigerians, including the majority of the practitioners in Nollywood don't have this realisation that everyone of the icons in Nollywood is a national treasure; the filmmakers, actors, screenwriters, cinematographers and the other indispensable professionals who have made Nollywood an international phenomenon in filmmaking and in the literary culture of motion picture.

The realisation of the importance and significance of Nollywood is the primary purpose of publishing the NOLLYWOOD MIRROR®Series, the first book series on Nollywood and the Nigerian film industry which has become a vital part of the knowledge base of Nollywood and the history of filmmaking in Nigeria. 

Nollywood is the focus of scholarly researches on African studies, film studies, haute couture and the literary culture of the literature of Nollywood screenplays in numerous universities in different parts of the world.  The  sociocultural, socioeconomic and sociopolitical developments in Nollywood  have only been fully realised by film students and scholars and they are increasing the knowledge economy of Nollywood which is more important to nation building than the short term benefits of the film and TV productions, cinemas and OTT platforms combined.  

The realisation of Nollywood as a very important national treasure of Nigeria will increase the local and global appreciation of the Nigerian film industry and the greatness of Nigeria in the world.

- By EKENYERENGOZI Michael Chima 

Publisher/Editor, 

NOLLYWOOD MIRROR®Series 

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