Omo Ghetto: The Saga, The Highest Grossing #Nollywood Movie of All Time So Far

 

Omo Ghetto: The Saga, The Highest Grossing #Nollywood Movie of All Time So Far

Omo Ghetto: The Saga also known as Omo Ghetto 2[2] is a 2020 Nigerian gangster comedy film co-directed by Funke Akindele and JJC Skillz.[3] The film stars Funke Akindele, Chioma Akpota, Nancy Isime, Eniola Badmus, Bimbo Thomas, Deyemi Okanlawon and Mercy Aigbe in the lead roles. This was the second film in the Omo Ghetto franchise and it was also the sequel to the 2010 trilogy film Omo Ghetto

The movie grossed over ₦189 million in the opening week and it historically became the first Nollywood film ever to gross over ₦99 million in its opening weekend surpassing the previous record set by The Wedding Party 2. In its second week, the movie continued breaking box office records by grossing over ₦132.4 million and firmly staying at the top of the Nigerian box office and bringing its 2-week gross to a record breaking ₦322 million and placing it as the fourth highest grossing Nigerian movie of all time.

In its third week, despite seeing a drop of 43% from the previous week, Omo Ghetto still topped the box office and grossed ₦75.4 million bringing its total cumulative to ₦398.5 million just after three weeks. Omo Ghetto was so popular that it accounted for about 65% of the box office in Nigeria.Omo Ghetto kept dominating the Nigerian box office, raking up ₦45.9 million to top the box office. It brought the cumulative box office figure to ₦444.5 million placing it as the second highest grossing Nollywood film of all time after just four weeks, Omo Ghetto the saga is currently the highest grossing Nigerian movie of all time with ₦468,036,300 just over a month 

Omo Ghetto continued dominating the box office in its fifth week grossing ₦35.7 thus bringing its cumulative to ₦480.5 million and becoming the highest grossing Nollywod movie of all time despite the COVID-19 pandemic. The film continued to extend its record by becoming the first Nollywood movie to stay six consecutive weeks at the top of the box office, grossing an additional ₦31.5 million. It also historically became the first ever Nigerian film to gross ₦500 million in Nollywood box office.

The film remained top at the box office in its seventh week, grossing an additional ₦27.3 million.bringing its cumulative to ₦539.6. Omo Ghetto topped the box office in its eighth, ninth and tenth week respectively becoming only the second movie in English speaking West Africa to cross the ₦600 million mark after Black Panther.

Film, Television Industry Booming in Xiamen

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Film, Television Industry Thrives in Xiamen

Statistics show that in 2020, the operating revenue of Xiamen’s cultural industry totaled 116.36 billion yuan ($18.26 billion), growing by 7.3 percent year on year

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XIAMEN, China, December 29, 2021/ -- The three-day 34th China Film Golden Rooster Awards is being held in Xiamen, East China's Fujian province from Dec 28 to 30, drawing a number of A-list stars and industry insiders. The Golden Rooster Awards, which was launched in 1981 (the Year of the Rooster), is a national film awards event sponsored by the China Federation of Literary and Art Circles and the China Film Association. It has developed into China's most prestigious film awards event and has contributed significantly to the development of China's film industry. As the host city of the Golden Rooster Awards, Xiamen has seen rapid development in the film and TV industry in recent years. Statistics show that in 2020, the operating revenue of Xiamen’s cultural industry totaled 116.36 billion yuan ($18.26 billion), growing by 7.3 percent year on year. Xiamen, a coastal city with enchanting natural scenery and a pleasant climate, has been hailed as "a garden on the ocean,” and it also bears elements of Minnan (southern Fujian province) and Western cultures, both of which help the city win the reputation of "a natural studio" and is favored by many filmmakers and directors. The city’s government has designated the film and TV industry as one of the engines to promote economic growth and has aimed to turn the city into a “film and TV capital” in China. The city’s continuous efforts have proved successful. Official data show that as of the end of November, Xiamen had gathered 2,046 film and TV enterprises, of which 350 were newly established this year. More and more industry leaders are choosing Xiamen as their investment destination due to its healthy business environment for the film and TV industry. Xiamen has become a hotbed for film and TV production such as the hit TV series “Minning Town,” which was released earlier this year. At the same time, the rapid development of the film and TV industry has in turn helped enhance the city’s cultural soft power and urban competitiveness, and the beautiful garden city continues to create perfect harmony between man and nature and has become a calling card for both tourists and investors. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of 34th China Film Golden Rooster Awards.   Contact: Lorraine Yuan Email: lorraine@hehutech.cn Tel: +86139 1113 0781 SOURCE 34th China Film Golden Rooster Awards

Odu Obi Festival: Akokwa Comes Alive!

Odu Obi Festival: Akokwa Comes Alive

The ancient  kingdom of Akokwa will be agog today, 28 December, 2021 as Nigerians from all walks of life throng there for the epochal Odu Obi cultural festival of the kingdom's Monarch, His Royal Majesty Eze (Sir) Ikenna C Okoli (KSC) (MSI)(Okoli V.) Agbakwuruibe III. The 11th. Obi of Akokwa.

The 2021 edition of the prestigious Odu Obi festival is Eze Okoli's second since acesending the throne of his forefathers.

For the monarch, it will be a twin celebration as his second Odu Obi festival coincides with his 19th anniversary on the throne of his forefathers.

The 2021 Odu Obi festival will be graced by prominent Nigerians including His Royal Highness, Aseme-Alabo Duma Jack-Brown, KONGO XVI, Royal  Head  of the Buoye -Omuso (Brown) Royal/Major House, the paramount ruler of Finima, in Bonny local government of Rivers State, His Royal Highness, Igwe (Amb.) Lawrence Agubuzo, Chairman, Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council among other monarchs and personalities across the country.

Deserving Nigerians will be conferred with chieftaincy titles by the Akokwa monarch during the festival.

Some of these include Ingram Adiche Osigwe ( Enyi Oha Akokwa), MD/ CEO, FullPage Communications Ltd,  Dr.Pascal Chigozie, member representing Ideato North/South in the House of Representatives, Dr.( sir) Daniel Nwanneka Chukwudozie, Chairman/ CEO, Dozzy Group of companies,  Mustapha Alhaji Tahir from Mubi, Adamawa, Dr Christian Odinaka Igwe, MD/CEO, Mailand Oil & Gas Ltd.

Others are Chief Chukwudi Ofoedu, a multi-billionaira industrialist and business mogul, Dr Anayo . M Ukeje, a renowned Biochemist, Chief (Sir) Kevin Uwanuakwa ( Agujiegbe Akokwa), Sir Ifeanyi Nwosu, MD/ CEO Mustang Group of companies, Sir Emeka Ifeacho, MD/CEO, Hyde Park Properties Ltd.

To also be honoured with chieftaincy title by the Obi of Akokwa during the Odu Obi festival are Mohammed Bello Mustapha( Kogunan Katagum), Head, Overseas Scholarship Scheme, Petroleum Development Technology Fund ( PTDF), Raymond Chidiebere Nwaigwe ( Obere Agu), Chief Uche Francis Offor, MD/CEO Ufrank Investment Ltd and IL Pelican International Ltd, Chief  Austine Chuma Ozuora, MD/ CEO, Chuzen International Investment Ltd, Nonso .C Osigwe, MD/ CEO, Gommend Gold Enterprises Ltd,  AIG Dasuki Danbappa Galadanchi.

Ijele & Ikenga Akokwa and Chairman, Orange Group, Sir ( Dr) Tony Ezenna will be the chief host of the festival.

Over 10,000 guests and culture enthusiasts across the globe, including Imo state Governor, His Excellency, Senator Hope Uzodinma, are expected at the cultural fiesta.

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.