At 73, with 50
years of it being spent in the entertainment industry, ace-film maker, Chief
Eddie Ugbomah(OON) does not need to blow his trumpet as one of Nigeria’s
living legends.
Having began his
film career in an American university in the late 50s, produced and directed
some controversial films and documentaries about Nigeria and also presided over
the Nigerian Film Corporation, Ugbomah has seen it all.
Yet, as the song
writer articulated, a prophet is not honoured in his home town. The old
man seems to be calling on his ‘big friends’ and well-wishers to rise in celebration
of his life and achievements while he’s still full of life.
As a matter of
fact, he has set aside the month of July for a double celebration of his
50 years in the entertainment industry as well as his 73rd birthday
anniversary.
The five days
event, which holds in Lagos and Abuja, respectively will also witness the
public presentation of the legend’s autobiography, a musical concert and the
world premiere of his very last film, tentatively titled, “Onyenusi: The Second
Generation.”
Also, there will
be a workshop/seminar focusing on the film industry. The celebration will
climax with the unveiling of Eddie Ugbomah’s foundation.
In a recent
interview with Past Perfect, Ugbomah said, ahead of the historic event
that he has set up a committee of friends which is chaired by the
re-elected president of Association of Movie Producers,AMP, Mr. Zik Zulu Okafor
. The committee, according to him, has among other things, the mandate to
organise, source for fund and coordinate the event.
Specifically,
Ugbomah disclosed that he has sent out letters to three governors who are his
friends, namely Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State, Raji Fashola of Lagos
State and Adams Oshiomole of Edo State, soliciting their support to
make the epoch-making event a success.
He was also
optimistic that the Minister of Culture, Tourism and National Orientation, High
Chief Edem Duke will throw his weight behind the celebration. “I’m
not suffering from neither ulcer nor kidney failure or any other deadly
disease. But I want to be celebrated alive. I am demanding and requesting that
my friends should celebrate me while I am still alive.”
According to
him, “I am announcing the celebration of my 50 years in the entertainment world
as well as the marking of 73rd birthday anniversary in July. The event
will also witness the launch of my autobiography and a musical concert tagged
“Niger Delta stars and their friends.”
While revealing
that he has completed the shooting of his very last film, “Onyenusi: The
Second Generation”, which centres on the predicaments of the Nigerian youths,
Ugbomah, however, announced his plans to quit film making immediately after the
celebration, saying he wants to concentrate more on his Academy and producing
of documentaries.
“I want to
concentrate on producing documentaries. Also, I want to find a way of moving
the music Makers Hall of Fame and Film Makers Hall of Fame to Abuja. We are
currently negotiating to acquire a parcel of land to build a film village
there.
It is a very big
things for me this year. I am calling on my three friends, Governors of
Delta State, Lagos and Edo State to help celebrate me while I am still
alive. I want to be celebrated now that I’m still alive and not when I’m dead
and gone,” said the movie legend.