Raymond Ozoji, Awka
The Nigerian Movie Industry known as Nollywood has sought the partnership and collaboration of the Anambra State Traditional Rulers’ Council to protect as well as promote Igbo language and culture.
This move was made when a Nollywood delegation paid a courtesy call on the royal fathers at the government house Awka at the weekend.
The meeting was a veritable platform for a movie shot in igbo language titled “Anyanwu Ututu” produced by Chioma Okoye, to be presented to the custodians of the igbo culture and tradition.
Leader of the delegation and head Igbo movie producers in the country Chief Osita Okeke Oguno popularly known as OssyAffason, while making few remarks, stressed the dire need for the royal fathers to help protect Igbo language and culture from extinction.
Oguno said Ndigbo controlled 85% of Nollywood movies in Nigeria but appealed for support and endorsements from Ndigbo and other well-meaning Nigerians in showcasing Igbo customs and tradition to the outside world.
The producer of the movie “Anyanwu Ututu” Chioma Okoye made case for children of Igbo extraction to speak Igbo language as well as bear native names; this she noted would go a long way to instill Igbo customs and traditions in them.
Okoye also suggested that television stations in the southeast region should help to showcase drama series produced in Igbo language like “Anyanwu Ututu” to help safeguard the culture and heritage of the Igbo people while making case too for endorsements for Igbo movies.
Responding to the request made by the Nollywood delegation, the chairman Anambra State Traditional Rulers’ Council and the Obi of Onitsha Igwe Alfred Achebe (Agbogidi) assured the team of the collaboration and support of the royal fathers to protect Igbo language and culture.
Achebe on behalf of other traditional rulers endorsed the movie and pledged the support and cooperation of the royal fathers saying that the Igwes would play their part in protecting and promoting Igbo language and culture through Nollywood movies.