Encomiums pour in for Late Nollywood Leading lady Peace Anyiam-Osigwe
Practitioners in Nigeria’s movie industry have held an Industry Night of Tributes in honour of one of the industry’s fallen Amazon, the Late Peace Anyiam-Osigwe MFR, February 2, at the National Arts Theatre in Iganmu, Lagos, Apples Bite Magazine reports.
The event was put together by the Association of Movie Producers Nigeria (AMP), in collaboration with the Federation of Registered Nollywood Guilds and Associations of Nigeria.
The event was an opportunity for members of the industry to pay their respects to the late Peace Anyiam-Osigwe, who was an influential figure in the Nigerian movie industry for many years. It was also an opportunity for the industry to come together and celebrate the life and accomplishments of a woman who made an important contribution to the industry.
A moment of silence was observed in honor of the deceased, and then a presentation of the deceased’s life, including highlights and accomplishments, by a family member.
The welcome address was said by the chairman board of trustees Olorogun Zeb Ejiro and immediately afterward, tributes started pouring in.
Leading the pack was The Federation of Registered Nollywood Guilds and Association of Nigeria, followed by the ED, National Video and Censors Board Alhaji Adebayo Thomas, who apologized to the family for not having come to see them yet, the reason being that he’s still in shock.
He narrated how he met Madam Peace in transit outside the country and how she spent 9 out of 10hrs talking passionately about the Nollywood industry and unfortunately this happened.
He further emphasized that Madam Peace was a passionate advocate for the Nollywood industry, and spoke highly of her character, encouraging people to show her the same respect and admiration even in death.
General Manager/CEO of National Theatre, Iganmu Lagos Prof Sunday Ododo also recounted how he met the deceased and how passionate she was about the film industry.
While recounting her experience, Hon. Comm. for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Pharm. (Mrs.) Uzamat Yusuf-Akinbile noted that she believes that Madam Peace’s passion and hard work have allowed her to make a real difference in the industry.
She recounted fondly how she worked with Madam Peace over time in all the training put together by the Lagos State Government. She however concluded that everyone has to eventually submit to the will of God.
Mrs. Bukola Agbaminoja, Executive Secretary of Lagos State Film, and Censors Board hinted that Madam Peace was a caring individual who was devoted to looking out for her, as evidenced by her regular check-ins and advice. The sudden passing of the latter was a shock to Mrs. Agbaminoja and all who knew her, and they are now struggling to cope with their grief.
There was a short interlude before the AMP Patron Chairman Chief Andy Boyo gave his tribute, followed by AMP Past Presidents; Mr. Zik Zulu Okafor, Mr. Ralph Nwadike, Amb Paul Obazele, etc.
Each one spoke fondly of the departed, having worked with her in different capacities to advance the course of the Nigerian movie industry.
Also, Nollywood Presidents of Guilds and Association gave their tributes about her, and notable Nollywood practitioners such a,s Emma Ogugua, Nneka Moses, Fidelis Dukker, Felix Duke, Agatha Amata and many others were not left out too.
They all paid glowing tributes to her work, noting her unwavering commitment to growing the Nigerian film industry.
Speaking on behalf of the Anyiam-Osigwe family, brother to the departed, Raymond Anyiam-Osigwe acknowledged all goodwill messages, and assured that the family and AAMA team are determined to honor Peace’s legacy and continue the work she was doing, making sure her projects are successful and her voice is heard. They are committed to ensuring that her dream lives on.
Mr. Charles and Mr. George Anyiam-Osigwe, her elder brothers, other family members, and AAMA staff were present.
The vote of thanks was said by the Vice-president of AMP, Amb Dr. Queen Blessing Ebigieson who was so short of words because she still has not been able to come to terms with the demise, she thanked everyone who went above and beyond you make the night of tributes a success and prayed for God to give the association and family The fortitude to be lost,
She just said, “It has happened, no one can question God, we submit to His authority and sovereignty.”
She said Peace has been like her mentor and a sister not just to her but to others in the industry, it is indeed a rude shock.
The candlelight procession which brought the event to a close was anchored by Mr. Paul Obazele and led by Pharm. (Mrs.) Uzamat Yusuf-Akinbile (the Hon. Comm. for Tourism, Arts, and Culture), Mrs. Bukola Agbaminoja (Executive Secretary of Lagos State Film and Censors Board), and every other notable attendee. Mr. Adebayo Thomas and others.
There were entertainment and entertainers at the event, of note are children from the AAMA Training School who did a recitation and sang for her, also a young lady whom she was mentoring among others.
Notable among the attendees were: Members of her family led by her elder brother, Mr. Charles Anyiam-Osigwe, Favour Benson, Paul Obazele, Ralph Nwadike, Lillian Amah-Aluko, Pham. (Mrs.) Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuf (Hon. Comm. For Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture), Mrs. Bukola Agbaminoja (Executive Secretary of Lagos State Film and Censors Board), Fred Amata, Joke Silva, Vice President Amb Dr. Queen Blessing Ebigieson, Mr. Tony Chukuma, OLOROGUN Zeb Ejiro, MR Zik Zulu Okafor, MS Chioma Ude, CHIEF Andy Boyo, MS Franca Brown, MS Moji Oyatola, MS Ruth Jacobs, MR AND MRS Keppy Ekpeyong, MRS Memuna Yahaya, AMB Buchi, MRS Nneka Moses, MADAME Agatha Amata, MR AND MRS Fidelis Duker just to mention a few.
Apples Bite Magazine had reported that Peace Anyiam-Osigwe MFR MFR, who had been in a coma for several hours, passed away on January 7 at St. Nicholas Hospital in Lagos.
The event was anchored by Mr. Tony Chukuma, Mrs. Lillian Ama-Aluko, and DR Keppy Ekpeyong.