Nollywood stars shutdown Owerri for opening of Imo Film Academy

Nollywood stars especially those from Imo State, on Friday, November 14, 2014 stormed Owerri the capital city of Imo State for the official opening of Imo Film Academy.
The event which took place at Imo College of Professional Studies [ICAPS] Egbu Road, Owerri, saw the Director General of the academy, Hon Nkiru Sylvanus describe the project as one that will bring light to youths of Imo State.

In her speech, Hon. Nkiru described Gov. Rochas Okorocha who commissioned the project as a visionary leader who is planning for the future of Imo youths, adding that Gov. Okorocha’s passion for youths and entertainment gave birth to the project.
Hon. Nkiru who disclosed that the academy will be handling Photography, Acting, Cinematography, Directing, Voice-over, Voice Training, Script Writing, Costume, Make Up, Set/Prop, Lightning, Continuity, Screenplay, Video Editing amongst other courses, said the school will not only train the students but also give them loans to make their own movies.
“Film making made me who I am today, I have made money from it, helped myself and others. I have met presidents and governors because I am an actress” she said.
She urged governor Okorocha to see that the project is sustained by supporting it in every possible way, while urging Imolites to take advantage of the project because it is the only way the academy can achieve the aim for which it was established.
In his speech before declaring the Academy open, His Excellency, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, the executive governor of Imo State, described talent as something that can change the life of a man.
Governor Okorocha described talent as something that is priceless, urging the youths of Imo State to go back to their talents.
He then announced the release of One Hundred Million Naira [N100,000,000] for the running of the center urging the academy to work towards the promotion of Igbo culture through its programmes.
“You will make movies subtitled in English but conveyed in Igbo language; that is the essence of this center; to promote our culture because a man with culture is a dead man.
This One Hundred Million Naira is to encourage Igbo movies subtitled in English” Governor Okorocha said.
He thereafter charged the Actors Guild of Nigeria [AGN] in Imo State to always remain united stating that even if no Igbo man is holding any meaningful position in Nigeria, Igbos can become the best in Nollywood with a project like Imo Film Academy.
Nollywood stars at the event include, Clems Ohameze, Okey McAnthony, Tom Njemanze, MC Ash, Emeka Rollas, Vitalis Ndubuisi, Umez Conac, Salome Okeke, Amayo Uzo Philips amongst other veteran and young actors and actresses.
Imo Deputy Governor, Prince Eze Madumere; Speaker Imo House of Assembly, Hon. Benjamin Uwajumogo and other top government officials also graced the occasion.
The event also had X-Busta, Floxy, Leeroy amongst other artistes performing in it.