LAST Saturday will remain green in the eyes of motion picture lovers in the country, as the Nigerian Moviemakers Hall of Fame was launched at the VIP Lounge of the National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos.
The event, a gathering of artistes, members of the academia, stakeholders, screen stars, top government functionaries and the media, it was a major attempt to recognise talent and effort in the industry.
Founded by the Delta State-born filmmaker and culture critic, Eddie Ugboma, the hall of fame was conceived to stimulate the advancement of the nation’s movie industry.
Organised in conjunction with Edifosa Film Academy, Ilogbo near Badagry, Lagos, the initiative saw some notable cultural producers such as the Nobel laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka; veteran actor Sam Loco Efe; veteran sound technician Femi Aloba; television and film producer and administrator, Jimi Odumosu; veteran actress of the Yoruba speaking movie industry, Evangelist Felicia Oyebode a.k.a Efunsetan Aniwura; actress Clarion Chukwura; producers Zeb Ejiro and Ralph Nwadike; Pat Apo; actor Saint Obi; the President of the Association of Movie Producers of Nigeria, Paul Obazele, and actors Emeka Osai and Fred Amata honoured.
Ugboma said he received his inspiration from the numerous hall of fames in the United States of America. He said the induction was necessary in order to preserve the history, findings and achievements of each generation for the next generation to learn from.
He said if there had been a hall of fame to induct people like Femi Robinson, Duro Oni and Bobby Benson, the youth would go to such institutions and learn from the records of accomplishments of such dedicated art professionals