It was an outflow of eulogies at the industry night dedicated to the late Nigerian filmmaker and entertainment executive, Peace Anyiam-Osigwe.
The tribute program was held on the 2nd of February 2023, at the National Arts Theatre in Iganmu Lagos, and brought together veterans in the Nollywood sector, including the Lagos State commissioner for Arts, Culture and Tourism, Mrs Uzamat Akinbile Yussuf.
An all-white gathering, the Anyiam-Osigwe family fluttered as celebrities took turns, conveying their condolences, characterising the ace movie producer and President of the Association of Movie producers of Nigeria as a trailblazer who left indelible imprints on the sands of time.
In her short, the honourable commissioner for Arts, Culture and Tourism, States, “Peace Ayiam-Osihwe, for the short time that I came to know and encounter her was an outstanding personality, trailblazer, pathfinder, go-getter, humanitarian, and one-of-a-kind creative and visionary leader in the film and television industry”.
“She left indelible imprints on the sands of time and her legacy must not be abandoned by the entertainment sector,”.
“The news of her death was shocking and a huge loss to the Nigerian industry, my heartfelt consolation to her family” Mrs Akinbile asserted.
From the leap, Nigerian Gospel star, Buchi Atuonwu, who serenaded guests in attendance with his gospel tunes, depicted Anyiam-Osigwe as a pillar in the Nigerian entertainment industry who must not be sobbed over but celebrated for a life well accomplished here on earth.
According to Buchi, Jesus Christ (the only begotten son of God) spent only 33yrs on earth, yet he’s celebrated for accomplishing the greatest assignment to mankind.
“It is not about the number of years you spent, but what you accomplish while here that matters. We must live a purposeful life like our dear sister Peace, that’s why she is loved by many today” Buchi added
The all-white confluence was anchored by Ambassador Dr Queen Blessing Ebigieson and harmonised by Nollywood actor, Keppy Ekpenyong-Bassey.
Award-winning Nigerian actress and producer, Joke Silva, described the late Peace as an industry daughter to her husband, Olu Jacobs.
According to Mrs Joke, Peace Anyiam-Osigwe took actors and actresses in Nigeria across Africa, bestowing Nollywood with more formidable merits.
“One thing nobody can take away from her is how she prolifically packaged the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA), which for me is the African OSCARS”.
“For the legacy, she’s left in the industry, her family should not hesitate to call on us for any support that will keep her philosophy and memory at the frontiers of our realm” Mrs Joke concluded.
Also acknowledging during his tribute, former Association of Movie Producers (AMP) President, Mr Paul Obazele, said Anyiam-Osigwe’s lifetime had been impactful in the filmmaking industry, citing her as a backbone to many.
“Her death is a big blow to Nigeria and, most notably, the entertainment industry as a whole”.
“May God continue to comfort her family, loved ones, colleagues, and the entire Nigerian entertainment industry, and may He grant her soul eternal rest,” Mr Obazele noted.
“May God continue to comfort her family, loved ones, colleagues, and the entire Nigerian entertainment industry, and may He grant her soul eternal rest,” Mr Obazele noted.
More tributes came in from the Nollywood Presidents of Guilds and Associations, ED National Video and Film censors board, Jetta Amata, and Segun Arinze, before the remarks by the Anyiam-Osigwe family.
In his sober assertions, Ralph Nwadike sympathised with the family, the Association of Movie Producers and the entire Nollywood industry on the demise of the renowned filmmaker and Founder of the African Movie Academy Awards, Peace Anyiam-Osigwe.
He shared his close working experience with the late Peace Anyiam-Osigwe, referring to her as one of the pillars of Nollywood in Nigeria.
“She was a bundle of talent and one of the best filmmakers not only in Nigeria but also on the African continent”.
“She used her God-given talent to advance the course of mankind and contributed immensely to the creative sector through African Movie Academy Awards and African Film Academy” Ralph Nwadike added.
Later speaking to news reporters during the event, Popular comedy actor, Victor Osuagwu said, “Madam Peace, as she’s fondly called, is one of Nollywood’s biggest advocates and promoters globally, who played instrumental roles in the careers of different talents, both old and new”.
“She catapulted the Anyiam-Osigwe name, and engaged herself in various charities to uplift the poor and downtrodden,” Victor Osuagwu elucidated.
A candlelight procession was also held in honour of the departed movie producer.
Late Peace Anyiam-Osigwe was the founder of the African Movie Academy Awards and the President of the Association of Movie Producers.
