Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2022!

We thank Almighty God for protecting and saving our lives in spite of the frightening challenges of 2021. 

We are more than conquerors and triumpant overcomers and victorious champions through our MESSIAH JESUS Christ, the same yesterday, today and forever.

Romans 8:37- 39-

37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,

39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Onyedum: Celebrating a Goldfish at 60

Onyedum: Celebrating a Goldfish at 60

- By Ingram Osigwe 

Goldfish has no hidding place. That is why at 60, Chief Evergreen Jude Ezeobi Onyedum (Onwa Mbosi) is being celebrated.

A man of the people, Onwa Mbosi at 60, according to his friends and associates, deserves fitting accolades and kind words due to a man who is faithfully serving God and humanity selflessly.

A touching  birthday eulogy rendered by his beloved children perhaps best summaries Chief Ezeobi's personage and unknots the nexus between ageing and goodness of the heart:

"Welcome to your Diamond Jubilee birthday ! You’re not old, you’re classic ! The sixtieth year in one’s life is a significant milestone, a memorable turning point, a touching reminder of the rich, mellowed life that would unfold in the years to come.  Life's milestones are not supposed to be counted, they're supposed to be celebrated. You've got more than half a century of accumulated knowledge and wisdom. May your 60th Birthday remind you of everything that you have done to better the lives of others, including us your children! May you know what a great example you have been to us! May you continue to set goals that change lives! Your 60th Birthday is only the beginning! May this time in your life be the start of new experiences! May you dream as big as you have, in the past, and look forward to the future with optimism ! As you celebrate your 60th birthday, know that life at this age can still be as exciting and fun as any other age. Have fun in your 60s. May your life be Evergreen and May you live long to see your great grandchildren. May you excel even more than you have already done . Age with grace Happy 60th Birthday !

"Lots of love from your Children"

Sixty years ago when he was born in his sleepy village, Umuezike, Mbosi, Ihiala local government area of Anambra state, his birth neither heralded stars nor caused rainbow to appear on the sky, yet, unknown to many a man who would change the narratives of the world around him, a star himself had been born.

Onyedum's journey to life started shortly after his higher education when he joined his brother in business and due to his can do spirit, later moved on to establish his own company, Bravo Products Limited (Bravo Foam) in 1991.

A shrewd business man and goal getter, Onwa Mbosi also went on to establish Evergreen International Services Limited, and Evergreen General Merchandise Limited.

A major player in the foam industry, Onyedum's foam depots  distribution, wholesale and retail outlets are situated in most parts of the country.

He also distributes for Mouka foam limited and has remained the number one distributor of Mouka Foam for 18 consecutive years.

A successful businessman, Onyedum has won several honors and recognitions in the foam Industry which is a testimony of his astuteness in business. Onwa Mbosi was rewarded with the title of “Onwa Platinum” of Lagos for winning the distinguished award of platinum for outstanding sales performances in 2014 from Mouka foams.

Chief Onyedum is a philanthropist who has contributed generously to the development of his home town and his environs has numerous awards and recognitions in Ihiala LGA, Lagos and beyond for his benevolence.

In 1997-2000 he was awarded the “Pillar of Development” by the Mbosi Town Development Union.

He is the President Emeritus of G21 Committee of friends club for 12 year and was indeed the founding President 

He has also been elevated to the position of High Chief Owelle Mbosi since September 2019 among numerous awards in the last few years

Evergreen as he is fondly called has also contributed immensely towards youth development, education and the society at large. In 2014 he received an ambassadorial award from the symbol of hope foundation (NGO) in recognition of his support to the organization. 

A devout Catholic, Onwa is happily married to Chief Mrs. Ogechi Onyedum (Lolo Onedo) and their union is blessed with children.

The sixth year in one's life is indeed a significant milestone, so it is in Onwa's 60th year on earth.

***

Ingram writes from Akokwa, Imo State

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.

Naked Beauty in the Niger Delta

A National Geographic photographer discovers Oma, the greatest treasure of the Niger Delta of NIgeria and he must save her before it is too late.

Naked Beauty is the screenplay of a romantic art film and thriller on the awesome beauty of the Niger Delta region of Nigeria, showing the purity of the nudity of an African virgin on an Island as the personification of the greatest asset of the land which is not her highly priced crude oil, but the people and their exotic cultural heritage. Tonye, a National Geographic adventure photographer from America discovers Oma, the beautiful virgin maiden of Agaja village on Bonny Island who wants more than a village life. And Tonye's exhibition of her exotic beauty makes the cover of the Vogue America magazine. Tonye helps Oma to escape from rape and ruthless militants. She survives a pipeline explosion that killed her closest friend Uli and other villagers. And in spite of her trauma, she gains admission into the University of Port Harcourt.

Written by Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima, one of the most notable writers on Nollywood and Dr. Christian Chika Onu, the multiple awards winning Nollywood producer at the University of Port Harcourt, the alma mater of many Nollywood stars.

Video: Gorilla Trek Safari in Cross River State in Southern NIgeria

Gorilla Trek Safari in Cross River State in Southern NIgeria

The rare gorillas of Cross River State in the southern region of Nigeria are among the most critical endangered species of the Gorillas Diehli of  the Western hominid genus Gorilla. Their location is one of the most cinematic scenes in wildlife movies and documentary films.

See The Best Film Locations in Nigeria
http://totnaija.blogspot.com/2014/01/the-best-film-locations-in-nigeria.html?m=1

Gorilla and two babies in front of a tree© Jeremy DArbeau.

The population risks inbreeding and a loss of genetic diversity because there are so few Cross River gorillas and they live in groups that interact infrequently if at all.

HUNTING

The hunting and killing of gorillas is illegal in Cameroon and Nigeria, but enforcement of wildlife laws is often lax. Following conservation efforts, hunting has declined to a low level, but any amount of gorilla killing will have a significantly impact an already small population.

“If we don’t get serious about saving these spectacular species, it’s quite likely that many won’t be around in the years to come.”

- Tom Dillon,

WWF Senior Vice President, Field Programs.

Photos from 

https://www.worldwildlife.org/species/cross-river-gorilla

For your own gorilla adventure, check out our extensive list of gorilla trekking safaris in Africa.

Where to See Gorillas in Africa?

1. Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

2. Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

3. Cross River Gorillas in Nigeria

4. Western Lowland Gorillas in the Central African Republic

5. Different Types of Gorillas in Cameroon

6. The Democratic Republic of the Congo

Cross River Gorillas in Nigeria

Cross river gorillas are one of the subspecies of the western gorilla. Unlike their western lowland brethren, whose presence can be counted in thousands, the number of cross river gorillas in the world is considerably small. There are only between 200 and 300 cross river gorillas left in the area. The border of Cameroon and Nigeria is the only place in the world where cross river gorillas can be observed in the wild. Due to their low numbers,sighting them can be hard, time-consuming work, but is guaranteed to be extremely rewarding. Here are the locations where you are most likely to spot the cross river gorillas in Nigeria.

Best Place to See Cross River Gorillas:

Cross River National Park

Mbe Mountains

Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary

For guided Gorilla Trek Safari in Cross River State, contact me.

The Best and Biggest International Acquisition for NIgerian Content in 2021 Happened on Vuulr

The best and biggest international acquisition deal for Nollywood in 2021 happened on Vuulr

On Vuulr, over 68 hours of NIgerian content was bought by a leading OTT platform in North America and more movies were acquired by an Asian video streaming and video on demand platform, one of the biggest and largest video streaming services in the world with over 280 million users globally and has a streaming library of over 150,000 hours across 12 languages worldwide.

Other major international acquisition, distribution and production deals in 2021 included Lionsgate's acquisition of "A Soldier's Story 2" for video on demand and television distribution across the United States and Canada; Silverbird Group's US$50 mllion deal with AAA Entertainment of South Africa to develop and produce a series of cinematic African feature films in Africa; Kemi Adetiba's deal with Netflix for "King Of Boys: The Return Of The King" political thriller in a seven-part project that is Netflix's first Original Series from Nigeria; Walt Disney Animation Studios and the Kugali Media's Disney Plus Original Series “Iwájú” and lest I forget BBC Studios signed a development deal with Mo Abudu's EbonyLife for a six-part heist crime thriller, "Reclaim".

These groundbreaking deals for content producers in Nollywood and the Nigerian film industry have made International headlines and I am expecting more international acquisition and distribution of NIgerian movies and series in 2022.

Yuletide: House of Odua Brings Ife To Lagos

Yuletide: House of Odua brings Ife to Lagos

Lovers of art and culture will have exhilarating moments this Yuletide season as Shell Hall of Muson Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos will from December 21st to 23rd host a cultural fiesta featuring a rendition of melodious Yoruba music by "Akorin Odua" direct from the cradle of Yoruba civilisation, Ile Ife and a parade of locally made Yoruba fabrics entitled " "Adire Odua".

Apart from Akorin Odua, to also perform at the fiesta are Emerald mass choir from Akure, Ekemini Theatre Troupe from Uyo, Team Definition from Lagos, Ogene Umu Africa from Enugu and UNILAG Carol, Lagos.

Xplicit Dancers and Kenny Blaq will add flavour to the fiesta with their breathtaking performances.

Powered by the House of Oduduwa, tickets for the musical fiesta range from #10,000 to #50,000 while VIP tables for 10 are from #500,000 to #1million.

Tickets can be purchased online at Ariiyatickets  online sales and also at the point of entry on the days of the shows.

PanAfrican Capital Holdings Sets Up The Catalyst Project To Promote African Entrepreneurship

The Catalyst

PRESS RELEASE

PanAfrican Capital Holdings Sets Up The Catalyst Project To Promote African Entrepreneurship

LAGOS, Nigeria, December 13, 2021/ -- In commitment to its vision to deliver exceptional services in chosen markets and create value for stakeholders, PanAfrican Capital Holdings ‘PAC Holdings’ has set up a venture capital project, to be known as The Catalyst (www.TheCatalystAfrica.com), to identify and invest in growth to product-expansion stage companies with convincing business models and market opportunities.

As a proprietary investment company with the focus to offer strategic investment solutions and unlock value across emerging and frontier markets across Africa, PAC Holdings acknowledges the vital role of technology in driving economic growth in Africa.

According to the Venture Capital in Africa Report, “90% of all reported VC deals between 2014 and 2020 were in technology-enabled companies operating across a variety of sectors. Financials accounted for the largest share of VC deals by both volume (22%) and value (26%) from 2014 - 2020, with Information Technology (18%) and Consumer Discretionary (16%) accounting for the second and third largest share of VC deals by volume within the same timeframe.” This trend is expected to continue with more opportunities for technology solutions arising in a post covid world.

Toluwalope Oni, the Global Coordinator of The Catalyst, said, “The Catalyst Project has been set up to facilitate and finance the delivery of technology enabled solutions, as well as promote African entrepreneurship. Our industries of primary focus are pivotal gears of a digital African economy, and these include finance, education, health, agriculture and logistic.”

Some of the objectives for the initiative include driving a culture of innovation and contributing to the delivery of forward-thinking market value across Africa.

“The project’s target is to inject an initial sum of $1,000,000 into ‘growth stage’ businesses that meet its criteria of; a clearly defined minimum viable product, solving a need/gap either on the demand or supply side in Africa, generating revenue enough to cover direct costs, seeking capital to boost expansion required to achieve exponential scale and little or no debt balances in the company’s balance sheet,” the Global coordinator added.

The identified sectors, given current macro-economic realities, represent the key underlying catalyst for Sustainable Economic Growth in emerging and frontier economies. Selected businesses that become successful would benefit from PAC Holdings access to an ecosystem of strategic investors & mentors, and enjoy product/service synergies.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Catalyst.

Media Contact:
On behalf of PanAfrican Capital Holdings Limited
Omolola Ojo
Email: omolola.ojo@panafricancapitalholdings.com

Follow us on:
Twitter (https://bit.ly/3EQyu0j)
Facebook (https://bit.ly/3ynkWGQ) 
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About PanAfrican Capital Holdings:
PanAfrican Capital Holdings “PAC Holdings” is a Proprietary Investment Company with special focus on Key Sectors across Africa including Financial Services, Hospitality & Entertainment, Real Estate & Infrastructure, Agro-Allied & FMCG, Healthcare, Renewable Energy, and ICT & Media.

With specialist subsidiary companies across chosen sectors. PAC Holdings is geared towards offering strategic investment solutions and unlocking value across emerging and frontier markets. The company’s corporate Head Office is in Lagos, with presence in Accra, Nairobi and Mauritius.  With Over the years, we have created strong strategic alliances with multilateral financial institutions such as African Export-Import bank, Africa Development Bank, Africa Finance Corporation, Development Bank of South Africa, Bank of Industry, Nigerian Export-Import bank and other banks across the continent.

For more information, visit www.thecatalystafrica.com

SOURCE
The Catalyst

Akon, Nse Ikpe-Etim and Enyinna Nwigwe in "The American King"

Akon, Nse Ikpe-Etim and Enyinna Nwigwe in "The American King"

You can view the trailer of the new romantic comedy, "The  American King" starring famous African American singer, rapper, actor and businessman Akon, Hollywood stars, Andrew Howard, Nick Moran, Massi Furlan and top #Nollywood stars Nse Ikpe-Etim and Enyinna Nwigwe.

"The film mixes the spirit of Eddie Murphy and Arsenio Hall, the provocative ideas of The New York Times‘ 1619 Project, with the shadow of the Trump presidency colliding and conflating to create a unique oddball experience. "
- The Black Film Magazine

SYNOPSIS:

When a High Priestess arrives to fulfill a 400-year-old prophecy, she chooses a troublemaking American to become the King of Africa. He and his friends are jetted away to take the crown and bring their street smarts to a new international level of mischief before discovering that with great power comes great responsibility. Can the new king save his country and Make Africa Great Again?

View the trailer on
https://www.visionfilms.net/film-detail?id=d8d46041-4028-ec11-8288-0e415c66ce57

"Eagle Wings", The Best War Film in the History of Filmmaking in Nigeria

 

"Eagle Wings", The Best War Film in the History of Filmmaking in Nigeria

"Eagle Wings’, a Nollywood and the Nigerian Airforce film collaboration is the best war film in the history of filmmaking in Nigeria since "Palaver", the first film shot in NIgeria by the Academy Award winning English filmmaker, Geoffrey Barkas in 1926.

Other notable NIgerian war films include "Ija Ominira" (Fight For Freedom) of 1979 directed by Dr. Ola Balogun and produced by Adeyemi Afolayan, aka "Ade Love", classified as one of the classics of the Cinema; 

"Cry Freedom" (1981) by Dr. Ola Balogun, "Battle of Love" (2003),  "Across the Niger" (2004), "Laviva" (2007) and "76" (2016) by Izu Ojukwu.

"Eagle Wings" is one of the best NIgerian films in 2021 and the best in original screenplay, best cinematography, best casting, best visual effects and the best directing in combat choreography.

“The film explores the often tragic, yet thrilling business of fighting for life, peace, and the freedom to love in the face of great violence. An uplifting journey through a terror-filled landscape and the power of newly found love, faith, duty and sacrifice ," said the director Paul Apel Papel.

Eagle Wings’ follows the story of an Air Force Fighter pilot who must navigate his way to safety amid an insurgency. It highlights the sacrifices of the military in combating insecurity and keeping the peace of the nation. The movie also explores the often tragic, yet thrilling mission in battling for life, peace, and freedom to love, in the face of great danger.

Starring Nollywood stars Enyinna Nwigwe,Femi Jacobs, Yakubu Mohammed, Francis Duru, Sadiq Daba, Keppy Ekpeyong, Uzee Usman, Saeed Muhammed, Patience Ujah, Jamila Ibrahim and  Abdul Zada.

The film is a poignant action war drama about an Airforce Fighter Pilot who is caught in the harrowing world of insurgency.

The director and producer, Paul Apel Papel, is a Colorado Film School-trained filmmaker.

“Overall, it is an uplifting journey through a terror-filled landscape and the power of newly found love, faith, duty and sacrifice,” he noted.

With this project, Papel said he will be able to successfully tell not just any story, but an original African story from a place of power and grace.

Papel said he has pushed all boundaries and taken new risks, not just with the storyline, but also with the quality of production he seeks to put out.

This first of it's kind to be shot using the Atlaslensco Orion 2x Anamorphic lenses on the ARRI Alexa Mini cameras, shooting OpenGate-the first to be ever done in West Africa and Nollywood. 

Alexa Mini is the favourite of the best DPs in Hollywood. ALEXA Mini LF was used to shoot the British war film "1917" (2019) by Sir Roger Alexander Deakins CBE, winner of five BAFTA Awards for Best Cinematography, and has had fifteen nominations and two wins for the Academy Award for Best Cinematography.  Sir Samuel Alexander Mendes CBE, Academy Award winner for "American Beauty" (1999) directed "1917" and received ten nominations at the 92nd Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Director, and three wins, for Best Cinematography, Best Visual Effects and Best Sound Mixing.

*Eagle Wings" can be converted to an IMAX film by DMR (digital re-mastering). IMAX's 3D conversion technology enables live-action movies that were originally shot in 2D to be converted into stunning IMAX 3D.

#Nigeria #nigerians #Nigerianarmy #specialforces #armedforces #military #airforce #soldiers #security #insecurity 

#film #africa #love #war #battle #insurgency #terrorists #bokoharam #terrorism #entertainment