Inoyo Attends Akwa Ibom Movie Producers Inauguration

...discloses why Inoyo Toro Foundation sponsored 33 students in movie production

The Advisor, Inoyo Toro
Foundation, Mr. Udom Inoyo, was among the dignitaries who attended the inauguration ceremony of the Association of Movie Producers in Nigeria (AMP) Akwa Ibom state chapter.

Inoyo, was a special guest of honor at the event held at the Conference Hall of the Watbridge Hotel & Suits, IBB Way, Uyo, last Saturday.

Speaking, in his goodwill message, Inoyo narrated how his passion for acting led him to feature in Wole Soyinka's satiric play, 'The Trial of Brother Jero' at age 17, which was covered by NTA, Channel 6, Aba, while he was a student at the Federal Government College, Ikot Ekpene.

He pointed out that having acted so well, his teachers at the college were not happy that he registered to study Political Science and later Law because they felt he had an authentic calling in Performing Acts.

"I think I may have been good in Performing Arts because at age 17, NTA channel 6, Aba, covered Wole Soyinka’s satiric play, The Trial of Brother Jero, which I played the key role, while a student at Federal Government College, Ikot Ekpene. My teachers at the college were not happy when I enrolled to study Political Science and later Law. But they took consolation in the fact that my younger sister, Eno, at the same FGC, studied Theatre Arts in the university."

Inoyo confessed that he admires movie producers and their pursuit, that besides producing movies to make money, the contribution of stakeholders in the movie industry to the mental well-being of the nation is enormous, though it is yet to be fully appreciated.

He further affirmed the enormous role that movie producers play in creating jobs and promoting the culture of Nigerians as the reason why in 2020, the Inoyo Toro Foundation partnered with The Royal Arts Academy, a film monotechnic based in Akwa Ibom State to train 33 students on a 3 months certificate program in various aspects of the creative and performing arts.

While congratulating the Aniebiet Francis-led executives on their inauguration, the special guest of honor said that he values the body and would like to engage the movie producers in a discussion on how to collaborate with them to aid them to succeed more.

In her inaugural speech, the Akwa Ibom Chairperson of the AMP, Aniebiet Francis thanked the guests for attending the event and informed the gathering that Nollywood has attracted global attention with the movie "King of boys" taking the front role as one of the most talked-about movies on Netflix, hence, Akwa Ibom should take advantage of the global acceptance and recognition which Nollywood is enjoying.

She observed that any government that is serious about job and wealth creation, tourism development, and diversifying her economy must place great value on movie production.

She said: "An investment in the movie industry is an investment in hospitality, food, music, makeup, fashion, etc. The producers are ready, we need sufficient support and partnership to succeed."

The inauguration was attended by the national body, headed by the National President, Association of Movie Producers, Peace Anyiam-Osigwe, MFR, National President, Director's Guild of Nigeria, Victor Okhai; National Grand Patron, Association of Movie Producers of Nigeria, Andy Boyo; Sunny Mcdon BOT Member, AGN; Francis Onwochei Veteran Actor, Director; and Anthony Chukwuma, National Financial Secretary of the AMP. Others dignitaries are the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Local Government, and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Frank Archibong, the Facilitator of Inoyo Toro foundation, Mrs. Imo Bassey, Mr. O. J. Adiakpan, among others.

Highlight of the event was the presentation of an award to the Inoyo Toro Foundation for exemplary partnership in training and upscaling the talents of the youth in Performing Arts.