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‘Why the Niger Delta region needs a Face’- GODWIN ATTAH a.k.a Dear Kelly

Godwin Attah, popularly known as Dear Kelly is an Akwa Ibom born-songwriter, musician, dancer and motivational speaker. Presently, he resides in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Dear Kelly has over a decade experience in the media/entertainment industry. He also had stint in TV presentation with Muzik Alive on Akwa Ibom Broadcasting Corporation (AKBC) and tasted event planning as CEO of Gold House Productions, organizers of the annual Ibeno Beach Festival, Face of Niger Delta Cultural Pageant since 2006, amongst other projects.

He took his love for his profession a step further by travelling to South Africa to acquire more skills, network with industry key players and learn standard practices. Currently, he is home to further a dream he had initiated years ago before his sojourn.

And the dream to aid in building a Niger Delta of his dreams, as well as serve as an inspiration to other youths from the region is drawing so much support from the interventionist agency, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

In this exclusive interview, he shares his vision for a new Niger Delta, and how his team at Gold House Production and Face of Niger Delta Organization intends to turn the dream to a reality.

How has life been in South Africa?

Life in South Africa has been fun. I told a little of the story in the single I released entitled S.A lover. For me, it is interesting to learn new things, new cultures and new ways of doing things.

What do you miss about Johannesburg?

I miss my S.A lover. I miss the serenity of the city. I miss my dance school classes. I miss my colleagues at Good Morning Africa/Africa Magic.

What brought you back to Nigeria?

I visit Nigeria from time to time. But this time, I came back particularly for Face of Niger Delta 2014; it has been a project close to my heart since 2006.

godwin attahHow did you come about the concept? Why Face of Niger Delta?

Face of Niger Delta is drawn from sincere need to have someone who can tell the story of Niger Delta the way it is, while also helping proffer solutions to the challenges facing the region. Gold House Productions International has received sponsorship from the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to produce an exceptional pageant and event that will showcase talents among youths from the region, hence the search for an intelligent damsel of Niger Delta origin to crown as queen and face of the region, she is to inspire and unite the people and serve as a cultural ambassador amongst other responsibilities.

The star prize, a brand new KIA Rio salon car was unveiled at Ibom e-Library, Uyo by Apostle Sam Ekah, Special Assistant to Governor Godswill Akpabio on NDDC matters. The star prize for Face of Niger Delta 2014 is a brand new car, while the runner up wins a trip to Sun City, South Africa, and other consolation prizes.

Why do you think Niger Delta needs a face?

Niger Delta needs a face because we cannot continue to allow people the decide our fate or tell our story. We cannot continue to allow the situation before us determine the content of our character. I feel that what Niger Delta needs is a new face, and a facelift, both in literal and metaphorical terms. We should showcase the other side of Niger Delta, our rich culture and potentials, instead of the restiveness through which we were initially known for.

On return from South Africa, and as I tour the states in the region, I discovered that the new leadership of the country and NDDC has been working assiduously, and the people are co-operating, even though there abide political differences, one thing is recurrent, the people want peace and are hungry for development, so when they see someone with a genuine intention, they embrace it.

Let us talk about Face of Niger Delta event, what are we expecting?

Come Friday, October 10, 2014, all roads will lead to Uyo, capital of Akwa Ibom State for an A-class event with personalities drawn from the uppercrust of our society. The event itself will enjoy the captivating serenity and ambience of Le Me’ridien Ibom Hotel & Golf Resort, Uyo. It promises to be an unforgettable evening, playing host to the best from the region, and showcasing the union of her cultures.

Guests will be thrilled by electrifying performances from top Nigerian celebrities, mostly of Niger Delta origin. The MCs for the evening will be Nollywood star, Dakore Akande and Raph Edem, and we will be having cultural troupes from all the nine states of the Niger Delta.

What is the Niger Delta of your dream?

Finally, I hope for a Niger Delta where there will be freedom from poverty, where peace will reign supreme, to ensure a society where everyone will not have any anxiety about the basic means of life and work, where poverty and illiteracy no longer exist, where diseases are brought under control, where facilities are provided for education & skill acquisition, and the offer of best possible opportunities for the maximization of human potentials.

What are your plans for this project?

The new Face of Niger Delta will embark on charity and developmental projects in all the nine states of the Niger Delta, in line with the goals of the NDDC, under the umbrella of Face of Niger Delta Organization.

My company; Gold House Production will continue to render professional media and entertainment services to individuals and companies with a high taste for standard in Nigeria and South Africa. As for me, I will just keep doing music. Songs in my last album are timeless, songs of peace, freedom and hope. I intend to remix some of them, and shoot some videos in Nigeria & South Africa.

Can you please give us fresh insight into your background?

Godwin Attah alias Dear Kelly is a graduate of Theatre Arts from the University of Calabar. I currently live in Johannesburg, South Africa, where I just acquired certification in cinematography.

 

-PATRICK OKON

Encomium

Written by Encomium

A media, tech and events company.

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