Movie lovers converged on Sunday, 8th September 2024, at Trinity Event Centre, Maitama, Abuja, for the launch and premiere of “Unity Feast”, a movie executive produced by Timipre Sylva Azikiwe and produced by the late veteran actor, Sir Joseph Zulu Adigwe.
The movie was shot to promote unity among Christians despite denominational, doctrinal, and administrative differences, Mangrovepen.ng gathered.
Former Governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Timipre Sylva, who was the chief launcher at the event, reflected on Adigwe’s life and praised the legacy of the late actor.
Sylva, who is the immediate past Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, was represented at the event by his media aide, Chief Julius Bokoru.
While acknowledging the widow of the late veteran and praying for God to give her the fortitude to bear the loss, Sylva also applauded veteran actor Zack Orji and others for making Nigeria proud.
“To the executive producer, Timipre Sylva Azikiwe, I must say this is a very good job, especially as it promotes Christendom,” Sylva said.
The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr. Dennis Otuaro, who was the chairman of the occasion, highlighted the need for unity regardless of state of origin or religious background.
He said, “If there is no unity, there is no progress. Let unity bind us, irrespective of language, state of origin, or religious background. The most important thing is our ability to live together, identify problems, and solve them together.”
He appreciated actors Duru, Njamah, Azikiwe, Favour Ben, and the crew for putting the movie together.
Represented by Adams Ogomugo Marbo, Head of Peace Building, Conflict Resolution and Stakeholders Management of the PAP, Otuaro also eulogized the late Adigwe for his contributions to the movie industry.
The chief host of the event, the Very Reverend Father Patrick Tor Alumuku, Director of the Communication Department of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja and the Catholic Television of Nigeria, spoke on the growth and development of Nollywood and its prominence on the world stage.
Alumuku paid tribute to Adigwe as a great knight of the Catholic Church and praised his immense contributions to the creation and running of the Catholic Artistes and Entertainers Association of Nigeria (CAEAN).
The Chairman of Citi Polytechnic, Abuja, Dr. Segun Adams, a guest of honour and movie enthusiast was also present at the event.
In his remarks, Orji, who was also a special guest, described Adigwe as an approachable and down-to-earth man.
“He had the ability to make everyone feel at ease with him, regardless of the age difference,” Orji recounted.
Mr. George Adigwe, the first son of the late Adigwe, in his speech, spoke about the love and legacy of his late father.
He appreciated the executive producer for believing in his father’s vision and financing it.
In his speech titled “We Do Not Have All The Time”, Azikiwe shared that the title was taken from a text message the late veteran had sent him during the post-production stage of the movie.
He advised that, like Adigwe, “we should not procrastinate but pursue the assignments God has given each and every one of us to help humanity. This movie is a messenger angel of God Almighty to unite the body of Christ,” he said.
Azikiwe, while appreciating those who played various roles in the premiere of the movie, noted that it would premiere in all Catholic churches in Abuja.
“As per the late veteran’s wishes, it will also premiere in Enugu and Onitsha,” he said.
Mangrovepen gathered that the movie was directed by Obi Okoli (DGN).
