Encomium
‘There’s no stopping Nollywood’- AMP President, ZIK ZULU OKAFOR
PULLING the kind of quality crowd that graced the Nollywood @ 20 celebrations is not a tea party. So, ENCOMIUM Weekly asked the man behind it all, the President of Association of Movie Producers (AMP), Zik Zulu Okafor how he did it. We also took him on his next move as his tenure ends.
Considering the quality of guests you have tonight, would it be correct to say that your plan to rebrand Nollywood has paid off?
That is the implication. The networking toward the greater Nollywood has just begun. Look at the representation from all major embassies, the Consular General from America, Canadian High Commissioner, France, the Presidency…It was awesome.
How did you achieve this?
We worked with Corporate Nigeria, but the greatest support came from Lagos State. Without Lagos State, we wouldn’t have been here tonight.
Many stakeholders were also recognized?
It took a lot of meetings to make sure that nobody was left out. We targeted those who have contributed in building this industry. And I think, to a large extent, we were able to satisfy majority of them. Those we didn’t celebrate tonight would certainly be remembered some day.
Nollywood also came together to speak in one voice?
That is the spirit. You can see the way veteran actor, Prince Jide Kosoko spoke glowingly about Nollywood. You also saw people like Adebayo Salami, Yinka Quadri, Iya Rainbow and veteran actor, Lari Williams. We are one Nollywood. It can only get better from now.
There is, however, the clamour for welfare package for veteran actors, would this ever come to pass?
That is the essence of our gathering tonight to begin to address these issues. We would set up the Nollywood Trust Fund, so that we would be able to meet the needs of some of our ailing members.
The last time we spoke with you, you said you would make your position known as regards returning as AMP President. So, are you giving it another shot?
Yes, we have to consolidate on what we have started. So, I’m seeking re-election.
When is the election?
By this week or so, we are going to constitute the electoral committee.
