Monday 23rd of November witnessed the gathering of a-list actors, guild heads and other stakeholders in the motion picture industry. The event was the media parley for Nollywood Outstanding Personality Awards (NOPA) 2009 at KexDonalds Restaurants and bar, Ogba.
The briefing was held to update the public on developments about NOPA.
In his statement, the CEO of NOPA, Mr. Stanley Okoronkwo posited that NOPA “is instituted to celebrate excellence and honour high achievers, institutions and corporate bodies that have contributed to the existence, growth and acceptance of Nollywood as a universal brand.” “Some of these people still believed in Nollywood and gave it their best even when the industry could not put foods on their tables. They made it what it is tody and this is why we celebrate them.”
Okoronkwo also stood his grounds on the fact that the selection of the awardees is completely by merit and not favouritism. “It is for those that deserve to be honoured. NOPA does not know ethnicity, religion or creed. I am sure that our list will speak for itself.
On that note, he listed out the names of the awardees and the reasons for honouring them. Those on the list include: “phenomenal talented duo of Chinedu Ikedieze (Aki) and Osita Iheme(Pawpaw), evergreen actress Kate Henshaw Nuttal, Stehpanie Okereke for her never say die spirit who bounced back stronger after her accident, Emem Isong for her creativity s a producer and screenwriter, pioneer make up guru, Dagogo Diminas, Director of photography Jonathan Gbemutor for his versatility and top director, Adim Williams whose movies have brought so many stars into limelight.”
“Otunba Mike Adenuga was named Nollywood man of the year for his passion for the entertainment industry and upliftment of NOllywood while Dr. Walter Ofornagoro will be investitured with a Life Achievement for his contributions to Nollywood and works of arts in general while in office as the Minister of Information and Culture and as the Director General of NTA whose impacts are still felt and unrivalled”
Also, “former governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu will be given a Special Recognition Award for his tenure during which Nollywood reached its peak due to his provision of a conducive environments that encouraged the activities of Nollywood; while Chie Albert Barry Ezenwanne, the CEO of Today’s Cars will be honoured for his supportive role to Nollywood by availing his vehicles for movie productions especially in its early days.”
Others include Vanguard Newspaper for its incisive coverage and reportage of Nollywood and movie critics, Shuaibu Husseni and Oji Onoko who will receive the Diamond Pen Awards.
