“93
Days” a movie which depicts the true account of how Nigeria faced its first
case of the Ebola Virus and conquered it, premiered at the Toronto
International Film Festival (TIFF) on Friday, 9 September, 2016. The TIFF has
built a reputation for only screening the best films from around the world.
UBA
co-sponsored the production of the movie, which is a profound story of courage
and sacrifice and the call to duty at the risk of one’s life. The movie “93
days” is about the men and women who risked their lives and made sacrifices to
save Nigeria from the consequences of the Ebola Virus outbreak.
UBA,
as a pan - African bank, played a significant role in the fight against the
Ebola virus in the sub region and was pleased to support the story of how the
spread of deadly virus was stopped in Nigeria. In the midst of the crisis UBA
kept its banking doors open every day in the three of the most affected
countries including Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea, an unprecedented act of
corporate courage on the part of the bank and its dedicated staff.
The
banking halls of UBA were kept open to ensure that the residents of the
affected countries were able to sustain economic activities, as there was the
risk of a severe economic crisis following the rapid spread of the
epidemic. UBA also donated money and materials to help stop the spread of
the virus and through the UBA Foundation, made a cash donation of $1 million to
Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea, which were the worst affected by the
epidemic. In addition, the bank donated trucks and other materials to help in
the fight against the Ebola at the height of the epidemic.
Even
though UBA took its support beyond the shores of Nigeria, “93 days” is
centred in Nigeria, which was on the verge of becoming the epicenter of one of
the most devastating diseases known to mankind, when a Liberian Patrick Sawyer
(Keppy Ekpeyong Bassey) stepped on the shores of the country with the deadly
and highly contagious virus. The bravery of health workers at the First
Consultant Hospital, where Patrick Sawyer was admitted largely ensured that the
spread of the Ebola virus was contained.
Explaining
why UBA sponsored the movie, Charles Aigbe, Head, Communications said
that UBA sponsored “93 Days” to educate people about the magnitude of the
threat Nigeria faced, as well as the remarkable courage shown by Nigerians who
risked their lives to save millions of people.
Aigbe
said, “We cannot overstate the importance of recording this historical act of
African heroism. For the first time on the big screen, the world will be able
to see what extraordinary feats were accomplished when Nigerians united behind
a common goal. This is an inspirational story that UBA believes must be told
about the spirit of Africa: one of courage, resilience and persistence.”
93
Days tells the story of Nigeria’s eventual victory over the threat of ebola
that threatened the health of the country. The movie highlights the selfless
contributions of a few courageous Nigerians, particularly Dr. Ameyo Adadevoh
(played by Bimbo Akintola), whose dogged determination to keep the first ebola
victim quarantined at the hospital where she worked, eventually led to her own
unfortunate demise weeks later.
The
film features a star-studded, international cast including Hollywood actors
Danny Glover and Tim Reid, as well as Bimbo Akintola and Keppy Ekpenyong
Bassey.
According
to Veteran filmmaker and co-producer, Steve Gucas, “93 Days is a dramatic
portrayal of the selflessness and bravery that Africa is known for. In telling
this story, our aim is to create a feature film that will resonate with many
people across the world, particularly in Nigeria and the African sub-region.”
Bolanle
Austen Peters, co-producer, describes the movie “93 Days” as “a
masterfully crafted incredible story of bravery and sacrifice and is definitely
a must see. It showcases the best of Nigeria; it is powerful, gripping and an
emotive piece. I am proud.”
The
suspense filled thriller is directed by award-winning movie director, Steve
Gukas and features the best of international and African movie acts such
as TIFF rising star, Somkele Iyamah Idhalama, Danny Glover, Tim Reid, Alastair
Mackenzie, Bimbo Akintola, Keppy Ekpeyong Bassey, Bimbo Manuel, Charles Okafor,
Tina Mba, Gideon Okeke, Paul Adams, Francis Onwochei amongst others.
This
is a movie in which Nigeria tells its own story to the world. The Nigerian
Premiere of “93 Days” is on Tuesday, September 13, 2016, at The Rock Cathedral,
4th Roundabout, Lekki-Epe Expressway, Lagos. It will be in the theatres from 16
September.
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Entertainment