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INSIDER REVEALED: HOW NOLLYWOOD’S PROLIFIC FILMMAKER, CHICO EJIRO DIED OF CARDIAC ARREST!

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Nollywood, the film industry awoke to the worst ever Christmas morning, with the news of prolific filmmaker, Chico Ejiro’s death.

Insiders say. Chico, one of the makers of the Nollywood film industry died Christmas morning in Lagos of cardiac arrest as a result of recurring illness.

A source close to the deceased revealed that Ejiro died at about 2 am on Christmas Day.

According to the source, Ejiro was ill about five weeks ago and taken to a hospital in Surulere where he was placed on admission. But he was discharged after a week.

“From what he said, he had high blood pressure that led to some heart complications and disease. He was recuperating and got better. He even started a production that he was shooting about four days ago but he was not fully involved,” the source added.

The source added that Ejiro was just the supervising director of the new film he was working on. “Although he kept saying that he had not gotten back to his full health; he was still very weak. We were shocked about his death because he was even talking to some of his friends till late last night. I learned he died about 2 am this morning,” the source said.

Zik Zulu, a colleague, and a close friend confirmed the producer’s death. “Yes, it is true, Chico Ejiro is dead.”

Also, the President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Emeka Rollas, confirmed the filmmaker’s death.

“I just learned of his death. The news of his death is so devastating. I do not know the cause of his death; I am still calling around to get the proper information and I am waiting for his association ― The Association of Movie Producers ― to make a statement,” Rollas said.

Ejiro is known to have produced many works some of the last of which include Night Bus to Lagos. He is a director and producer, known for Computer Girls (2003), Polygamy 2: The Final Clash (2002), and Ashanti (2003).

Efforts to speak to his wife, Joy Chico Ejiro proved abortive as an insider told us she is still in shock over the death of her husband.

Chico Ejiro (born Chico Maziakpono; died 25 December 2020) was a Nigerian movie director, screenwriter, and producer. Little is known about Ejiro other than he was born in Isoko, Delta, Nigeria, and that he originally studied agriculture, and he was drawn into video production because Nigerians would not buy blank video cassettes. His enormous body of work was typical of the second generation that started in the 1990s when cheap video-production equipment became available in the country. He owned a production company called Grand Touch Pictures, which is based in Lagos.

Nicknamed Mr. Prolific, he directed over 80 movies within a 5-year period—each one shot in as little as three days. They feature story lines relevant to Nigerians. The exact number of movies he has worked on as either director, producer, or both is unknown, but it ranges in the hundreds as of 2007. He was profiled in an article in The New York Times, dated May 26, 2002 (“When There’s Too Much of a Not-Very-Good Thing” by Matt Steinglass), and in an article from the international version of Time Magazine dated May 26, 2002 (“Hollywood, Who Really Needs It?” by Stephan Faris).

Ejiro was married to Joy Ejiro, and they had four children. He had two brothers: Zeb Ejiro, the best-known of the new Nigerian cinema auteurs outside of the country, and Peter Red Ejiro, also a movie producer.

Ejiro was featured in the 2007 documentary Welcome to Nollywood, which followed him as he made Family Affair 1 and Family Affair 2.

Entertainment

Coal City Film Festival 2024: A Celebration of African Cinema in Enugu…….

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Theo Ukpaa, Shuaibu Hussein, Others Shine at the Event!

 

 

The Coal City Film Festival 2024, hosted at the scenic Nike Lake Resort Hotel in Enugu, Nigeria, was a spectacular showcase of glamour and glitz. This premier film event, the largest in the South East, was organized in partnership with the Enugu State government through the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. The festival celebrates the richness of film, culture, and authenticity while providing a platform for industry stakeholders to enhance their artistic and business acumen.

 

This annual event, dedicated to celebrating African cinema, offered a variety of engaging activities in this year’s edition. Attendees enjoyed free film screenings, master classes, and panel discussions. The festival also featured unique cultural experiences, such as a palm wine and bush meat roundtable, a city tour, an awards gala night, and a lively party, all of which attracted many beautiful faces from the film industry and beyond.

Theo Ukpa On Red Carpet

The 3-day event saw a gathering of filmmakers, actors, policymakers, and development agencies in the vibrant Coal City. Notable attendees included the President of the Actors’ Guild of Nigeria, Emeka Rollas, Film and TV Producer Theo Ukpaa, Dr. Shuaibu Hussein, Ijeoma Onah, Andy Amenechi and veteran actors like Segun Arinze and Obi Okoli, adding to the star-studded ambiance of the festival.

 

A major highlight of the festival was the screening of ‘IFEDICHE,’ a movie that opened the Coal City Film Festival 2024. This special film, made in Coal City, revolves around a cultural meal of Enugu, showcasing the region’s rich culinary heritage.

 

The Festival Jury includes Jude Idana, Theo Ukpaa, Chichi Nworah, Arul Marewad and Charles Okwuowulu.

 

Uche Agbo, the founder and Executive Director of the Coal City Film Festival, expressed the festival’s vision to open the doors of South-east Nigeria to the rest of the world through the medium of film. This year’s festival not only celebrated African cinema but also served as a bridge connecting the local culture and creativity to a global audience.

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2024 Young Orators National Finals

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The city of Ibadan, Nigeria, hosted a captivating spectacle as finalists from across the nation gathered for the 2024 Young Orators national final competition. Organised by the Peat Philips Foundation, this prestigious event serves as the Nigerian franchise of the International Public Speaking Competition, annually conducted by the English-Speaking Union.

 

Akinleye Olu-Philips, Team Lead at Peat Philips Foundation, highlighted Ibadan’s rich literary heritage, underscoring its significance as a nurturing ground for literary talents in Nigeria.

 

Amidst fierce competition, 20-year-old Folakemi Adebayo, a second-year Law student at the University of Ibadan, clinched the coveted title. Torkuma Mimidoo Perpetual (17), a science student from Rosladys College, Gboko, Benue State and Inioluwa Sodunke from De – Glorious Heritage School, Lagos State, secured the second and third positions respectively.

 

Folakemi Adebayo’s victory earns her the opportunity to represent Nigeria at the 2024 International Public Speaking Competition scheduled in London from May 13 to 17. The national final was generously sponsored by Learn Africa Plc, with support from Alpha FC Abuja.

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Charles Inojie, Ali Nuhu’s #Makewehalla Video goes viral, Ignites Dialogue on Domestic Abuse

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In a nation where the discussion on domestic violence often remains shrouded in silence, two power actors have ignited a powerful movement that is resonating deeply across Nigeria.

 

Charles Inojie and Ali Nuhu, through their viral video titled #MakeWeHalla, have initiated a much-needed conversation on the pressing issue of domestic violence.

 

The video features the two talented actors in a humorous yet thought-provoking short video, emphasising the importance of speaking out against domestic violence.

 

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C43iD60Nh7e/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA%3D%3D

 

With their trademark wit and charm, Inojie and Nuhu delivered a compelling message; when Nigerians witness domestic violence, they must make noise, they must ‘halla’.

 

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C5BEb4wMq5h/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

 

The video is capturing the attention of viewers across various demographics, sparking discussions on online platforms.

 

Among many Nigerians who have been inspired by the video is a fast-rising actor and social media influencer, Joseph Momodu.

 

He wrote, “Yesoooo Oga Charles. The voice of the people is the voice of God. Domestic violence is not good and the more reason to really Halla!!”

 

A popular Nigerian film director and social media personality, Falalu Abubakar Dorayi, also known as Falalu A. Dorayi, added his voice against sitting on the fence while witnessing incidents of domestic violence. To him, “Women abuse is a bad behavior. Silence, when we see people doing (it), is like giving a chance to continue. It’s true, everywhere we see signs of “abuse” happening. Let’s expose the secrets. #MakeWeHalla.”

 

“This is powerful. We must halla! Like I always say, to fix this nation, you must fix yourself first. You are a part of the nation; once you fix you, you have fixed the nation. This is applicable to a community where domestic violence thrives,” Lanre Adediwura, an award-winning actor and online personality, opined.

 

A Nigerian actress and online celebrity, Kiitan Bukola, said that Nigerians can’t continue to sit on the fence in the face of domestic violence. “We must halla; we can’t continue to ignore. let’s kick against domestic violence… ,“ she wrote.

 

The success of #MakeWeHalla by encouraging individuals to speak up, is empowering communities to break the cycle of silence and stigma.

 

Inojie and Nuhu’s efforts have not gone unnoticed, as their initiative has garnered widespread praise and support from both fans and advocacy groups alike.

 

Monsurah Hamza with handle @ayotibami0 wrote, “Kudos to Charles Inojie and Ali Nuhu for sensitizing Nigerians on domestic violence #MakeWeHalla.”

 

Elated social media user @oladebuofficial stated, “How do I like this video 1 million times cos Bravo. Thank you for this… #MakeWeHalla.”

 

Bammy_ay wrote, “We really need more of this kind of video to educate people on domestic violence. Do not die in silence! #MakeWeHalla.”

 

@ekumastanleyifeanyi3 simply commented, “Say no to domestic violence.”

 

Through their creativity and dedication, Inojie and Nuhu have leveraged their platform to shine a spotlight on a critical issue that often remains hidden in the shadows.

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