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Tag: PEACE ANYIAM OSIGWE

  • Family pays emotional tribute to Peace Anyiam-Osigwe on 2nd death anniversary

    Family pays emotional tribute to Peace Anyiam-Osigwe on 2nd death anniversary

    The family of the founder of the African Movie Academy Awards (AMAA), Peace Anyiam-Osigwe, has taken to social media to pay a heartfelt tribute to her on the second anniversary of her death.

    In a lengthy statement, the family celebrated Peace’s “dynamic personality, generosity, and passion for mentoring others”.

    The statement acknowledged Peace’s immense impact on the film industry as the founder and CEO of AMAA and former president of the Association of Film Producers of Nigeria.

    They noted that her memories continue to inspire and uplift them, and that her legacy and contributions to society will live on.

    They also hailed her commitment to youth development and empowerment, as well as her dedication to her faith and values.

    They pledged to continue honoring her memory by keeping her spirit alive in their hearts.

    “Two years have passed since your passage to eternal glory, but the memories of your vibrant life and legacy continue to inspire and uplift us all. Your dynamic personality, generosity, and passion for mentoring others left an indelible mark on countless lives,” the statement reads in part.

    “Your commitment to youth development and empowerment was evident in the various initiatives you supported and championed. In the church, your dedication and service were a testament to your strong faith and values.

    “Your love for God and humanity shone brightly, inspiring others to follow in your footsteps. To our mother, your passing has left a gaping hole that can never be filled. She remembers and misses you daily, recounting memories of her time with you and the profound positive impact you had on her life and the lives of our entire family.

    “As the founder and CEO of the Africa Movie Academy Awards and former president of the Association of Film Producers of Nigeria, your impact on the film industry is immeasurable.

    “As we remember you today, we celebrate your life, your achievements, and recall the beautiful times spent together, your acute sense of responsibility, your concern for the wellbeing of the family and especially your infectious sense of humour.

    “Your legacy lives on through the countless lives you touched, and we will continue to honor your memory by keeping your spirit alive in our hearts.
    Rest in peace, dear sister. Your memory will forever be a blessing to us.

    “May God continue to comfort and strengthen our family, especially our mother, as we cherish memories of our times together. We thank God that you continue to rest in the light of His consciousness.”

  • Peace Anyiam-Osigwe: The true measure of success – By Dakuku Peterside

    Peace Anyiam-Osigwe: The true measure of success – By Dakuku Peterside

    How does one measure success in life, career, business, or politics? There are different yardsticks for different folks. Some measure success based on the material quantity one accumulates, while others measure it based on the quality of life one gets. Some assume it is both and, to a considerable degree, a high level of qualitative and quantitative life experiences linked with material, physical, spiritual, and emotional well-being. Many, however, are indifferent to the rigour of defining success criteria, especially in a society that has deified materialism and worshipped hedonism.

    Therefore, success means many things to so many people. Clayton Christensen, a serial author, and teacher, gave a straightforward yet profound advice on success. He said, “Success is measured by the lives you touch and impact.”

    Here, the extrinsic value of success is the externality of its impact on other people’s lives rather than the person whose success is measured. Considering Christensen’s definition, success transcends the myopic encumbrances of the self and moves into the realm of the selfless. It is no secret that this was the guiding philosophy of a quintessential Nigerian lady who was intentional in lifting many young people out of poverty using their God-endowed raw talents, lifted an entire industry – Nollywood, from grass to international acclaim, and became a beacon of hope for the hopeless, and voice for the voiceless. My Friend, Peace Anyiam Osigwe was an amazon, a rare iroko tree that proved  warmth, love, and kindness to everyone who crossed her path. This fantastic woman, whether in the entertainment industry or her personal life, was conscious of  touching lives and making an impact.

    We lost a true hero, a woman of big dreams  and  a bank of ideas  to the cold hands of death on that cold January 7th. All those who loved her had a rude awakening on getting the news of her demise, and if you are like me, you will never forget where you wereor what you were doing when the shocking news hit you. We never expected it. We know everyone will one day pass on to glory, but Peace Anyiam Osigwe was one person you would assume would live on if there was justice and fairness in this world. She was a good woman and a kind soul who  could not stand someone in pain or suffering. I have often wondered why good people die young and bad people live longer. If death is a punishment for our evil deeds, Peace  would have still been here with us.

    Last Saturday, I was at the night of tributes ceremony in honour of this great daughter of Africa, and the intensity of emotions in the atmosphere touched me. A ceremony graced by the captains of the entertainment industry from across Africa , A-list actors and celebrities, and her family members turned out to be a celebration of her life as one celebrity after another made emotional renditions of how she touched their lives at difficult times, how she inspired them to be the best they can be, and how she shaped their career and industry in ways no one has done. Celebrities talked of how she took over 200 of them before they became famous to the United States and “disvirgined our passport” and covered all the expenses for the trip. Family members talked about how she was the glue that bonded the big Anyiam Osigwe family. The voices of the ten poor women from a village in Enugu she sponsored to South Africa reached a crescendo in their wailing for their departed benefactor. In the audience, I had an epiphany. It suddenly dawned on me that my friend lived the best life ever – a life of giving joy to people. In the words of Eleanor Roosevelt, “When you give joy to other people, you get more joy in return. You should give a good thought to happiness that you can give out.”

    Peace Anyiam Osigwe was an accomplished literary artist who published a collection of poems. She was a known word artist, psalmist, and renowned filmmaker. But most of all, she was an extraordinary leader. She developed a vision of an entire African film industry and set out to put Africa at the centre of world cinematography recognition. She thought local and acted global. A true African that set out to change the narrative of African films globally. She was among the first known artists to take African Movies to film festivals worldwide, and in doing this, she challenged African moviemakers to raise their standards to global acclaim.

    In 2005, Peace Anyiam-Osigwe founded the Africa Film Academy, now known as the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA). AMAA is a continental film/movie platform created to reward excellence and professionalism in the film industry across Africa and create opportunities through capacity building and idea exchange across Africa. The award ceremony is one of the most recognized awards for Africans in filmmaking. Films that have won awards at AMAA or even been nominated have gone ahead to do well at international film festivals like Cannes, TIFF, Berlinale, and others.

    To demonstrate her selfless intentions, at the 10th edition in 2015, she stepped down as the Chief Executive Officer of the AMAA. Besides recognizing and celebrating filmmakers, AMAA invested in capacity building, helping over 12,000 budding artists build skills and understand the intricacies of the sector. Peace made it a duty to bring the finest talents worldwide to coach our young artists. She mentored many and offered her network to help them advance in the industry. In the same year, she began the AfricaOne initiative to commemorate Africans in the entertainment industry.

    Another impactful initiative was her television programme, “Piece off my mind “, which focused on people’s reactions to societal issues not regularly seen in the mainstream media. This fulfilled her passion for always putting out the other side of the story.

    Throughout her eventful life, she engaged and committed to the cause of the less privileged in society using whatever platform God gave her.

    Beyond her creative entrepreneurship, philanthropy was her second nature. She helped countless people and championed numerous causes selflessly and without any noise. Her philanthropy was the actual sermonic act of giving where her ‘left-hand does not know what her right hand was doing’. She was not noisy about her kindness, and that’s a mark of true success. Mister Rogers opines, “There are three ways to ultimate success: The first is to be kind. The second way is to be kind. The third way is to be kind.” Peace embodied this ultimate success.

    Peace Anyiam Osigwe’s success was seen in her equanimity and Peace of mind, which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing she tried to become the best of which she was capable. Nigerian political and business leaders have a lot to learn from her, especially during this election period and the transition from one government to another. One essential lesson for all is that leadership is about the impact on the lives of others. A good leader loves his people and community  and will be ready to sacrifice himself for the good of the people and the community . Leadership success is only measured in serving the people and the impact that serving has on the people. Just like Peace dared to dream and work for a better entertainment industry for Nigeria first and Africa and the rest of the world later, our politicians must dare to dream and work for a better Nigeria and Africa. Peace has shown that our actions as leaders’ matter. And the intentionality to make a difference in people’s lives is the best approach to successful leadership.

    Peace’s leadership was more remarkable as a woman. Nothing stood in her way of success when a woman decided to lead and make an impact. We need more women leaders in the ilk of Peace Anyiam Osigwe. Sheryl Sandberg posits, “We need women at all levels, including the top, to change the dynamic, reshape the conversation, to make sure women’s voices are heard and heeded, not overlooked and ignored.” We heard Peace’s voice! She created the platforms that gave voice to lots of women in Africa. She began a narrative change in conversations about the film in Africa, but mostly about women occupying executive roles in the film industry dominated by men. She was a titan that other women must emulate.

    George Meredith rightly says, “A witty woman is a treasure; a witty beauty is a power.” Peace was a treasure, a beauty, and a powerful woman. Her demise shook the entertainment industry to the core. Her end took a fashionista from us. Her passing away took a mighty African amazon from us. Her death has left a gaping hole in our hearts. As we pay our last respects to this Amazon of Peace named Peace, a woman who gave limitless opportunities to and impacted a generation of young people, it is essential to remind ourselves that leadership is not about a title or political office. Nor is quality living about the material acquisition. Success is about the impact and doing the greatest good to the most significant number of people.

  • A place for Peace among the Stars – By Okoh Aihe

    A place for Peace among the Stars – By Okoh Aihe

    Our dear friend, Peace Anyiam-Osigwe, went on a long journey last week and she is not likely to be back soon. No, not ever. She has gone the way of all mortals, living behind a gamut of works packed into her short life span to speak for her in a most voluble way.

    Hers is a life which nobody forgets; her journey lingers in memory, sweetly, like the aftertaste of black soup washed down with generous cold water after a sumptuous evening meal. That residual sweetness resonates a good life and sweetness which a chance encounter with Peace could ignite and remain ever aglow. 

    With Peace, life sparks light and rippling ideas, like a particular night in Finland when the Sun does not go down at all. Do you prefer to call it Nightless Night or the Midnight Sun or even Polar Day? It is one day nature shows another face to keep humans delirious for all of twenty four hours. In bright Sunshine, like Peace and her pot of ideas. 

    Circumlocution can be a way of burying pain my dear, just looking for fitting words to mask a void. Peace’s departure suddenly magnified a void which venerated movie maker, Amaka Igwe, had left years ago, since April 2014. 

    They were two amazons who bonded to promote a nascent industry from different ends and they made strong impressions and left indelible imprints all over for the discerning to behold as clear paths into the future. 

    Peace had boldness mixed with smartness and was formidably built to fly the industry flag beyond the confines  of our nation. 

    I didn’t always know Peace. But one night in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, I can’t remember whether it was at AFRICAST, the flagship event by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) which used to gather broadcasters from Africa and beyond in Abuja every two years, until the coming of this administration, she premiered a documentary on Bayelsa State, the home of Oloibiri – the first location crude oil was discovered in Nigeria in 1956. 

    I remember that night very well. There was outrage. Hardly anybody in the audience agreed with her interpretation of the state in that documentary. Harsh words came in torrents for Peace but her peace was hardly impaired. She had a smile for every criticism, she had a thick skin to deflect very hurting adjectives. 

    “We can always do another cut and voice it all over again,” she said with a stubborn smile. It was the beginning of her climb, a paradigm of one who would stoop to conquer. It was her beginning to reach the world, and she got there in no time. 

    Earlier on we were on a couple of trips to South Africa, at Sithengi in Cape Town, which was one of the pioneer spots where she began marketing her ideas internationally. She was an industry ambassador extraordinaire and had no apologies for her bullish belief in an industry that was to take the world totally unaware. Nobody can diminish her contributions in this respect. 

    Only a few people will have the idea of what it takes to start and fund a film industry academy awards and find a place for it in the global calendar of entertainment events. Before starting the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA), Peace traversed the world film festivals, especially the Cannes Film Festival where she would secure a night to host a party and draw global attention to her creative octopus that was springing out of a beautiful embryo. 

    It was therefore very elevating when a friend conversant with the global film circuit asked about Peace in a far away land. Who is that Peace from Nigeria? She must be very powerful to attract some big star personalities to her party in Cannes.

    I had a suppressed laugh. What Peace wants Peace gets because she is so focussed and very determined to achieve her goals.

    She put together a jury comprising a constellation of movie personalities, which include: Keith Shiri, Steve Ayorinde (Chair of the Jury who, in those days, was arguably the most prominent Nigerian journalist at the Cannes Film Festival), Shuabu Hussein, Bernie Goldblat, Asantewa Olatunji, June Givianni, Dorothee Wenner, Ayoku Babu, Ambassador Savadego Phillip, John Akomfrah, Charles Burnett and Prof Hyginus Ekwuazi. The thirteenth member, Amaka Igwe, took an early exit for a protracted but deserved rest. It was a good cast by all standards and they did their job with relish.

    AMAA was a major hit ab initio. Luckily she found the ears of the authorities in Bayelsa State who gave impetus to her ideas. It was always a carnival as the entertainment world with all its stars visited Bayelsa once a year. In one of those awards, Cuba Gooding Jr  of Boyz n the Hood fame and Oscar winner with Jerry McGuire was in attendance. There was hardly a better opportunity to market a very small state which would one day produce a President for Nigeria in the person of Dr Goodluck Jonathan.

    Lagos State trailed Bayelsa in domesticating AMAA, and the environment has not just been appropriate but lavish and stupendously inviting, with the right hotel picks and locations to boost the ego of movie super stars, a percentage of whom love to walk with their heads in the wind.

    From the federal government to her home state, Imo, other state governments, professional colleagues and other professions, tributes are pouring for Peace. She deserves them all without demanding them. She earned all the plaudits and should be proud to wear a garland on her way home. 

    The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed described Peace as “a legend, strong and positive force in the nation’s creative Industry’’. He appealed passionately that her AMAA dream should not be allowed to die. 

    But I particularly love the submissions of Rita Dominic and Ramsey Nouah. For Rita, 

    “We have lost an enigma, an icon, a trailblazer. We have lost a sister. We have lost the founder and director of the Africa Movie Academy Award  – it is so difficult to say goodbye.”

    A pained Ramsey said: “I wish that maybe it’s all a nightmare I will wake up from. You had plans. There were so many heights to reach, so many grounds to break and so many destinies waiting to take flight on the wings of your platform. Life really is fleeting.”

    The truth is that so many destinies have already been made from the AMAA platform. Peace was a star maker of sorts. Sometimes, it is not always about the movie but about the right platform for the movie to gain traction and explode. She provided a platform for industry players to shine, from the super star to the little supernumerary who is looking for a place under the sun. Peace put sheen on them and gave them a voice. 

    I am happy to read that the family has promised to sustain her legacy. That is great news to hear as her memory deserves every encouragement. Peace was more than an industry awards organiser. The industry needed her intellect, boldness and determination to put a leg through the door in the pursuit of a broad vision, and she was not selfish in offering all. 

    She was more than an industry impresario; she was also its ambassador. Thankfully, Peace has left us with enough work to last us more than a lifetime. She merits her place among the Stars and may her memory remain a blessing.

  • Gbajabiamila mourns CEO of AMAA Anyiam-Osigwe, says Africa lost a rare gem

    Gbajabiamila mourns CEO of AMAA Anyiam-Osigwe, says Africa lost a rare gem

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila has described as shocking, the death of the founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Africa Movie Academy Award (AMAA), Peace Anyiam-Osigwe.

    The Speaker said the Nigerian and indeed the African movie industries have lost one of its finest and committed members.

    Gbajabiamila recalled that the late Anyiam-Osigwe touched many lives positively during her lifetime, using her network of friends and associates across the continent.

    In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Lanre Lasisi, the Speaker said the late AMAA founder would be remembered for her humanitarian services and positive impact on the industry.

    Gbajabiamila prayed to the Almighty God to grant her eternal rest and give her family and many associates the fortitude to bear the loss.

  • How late Anyiam-Osigwe affected our history – P-Square

    How late Anyiam-Osigwe affected our history – P-Square

    Nigerian singers, Peter and Paul Okoye, popularly known as P-square, have expressed shock following the news of the death of Peace Anyiam-Osigwe, Founder of the African Movie Academy Awards (AMAA).

    The duo in a statement on Tuesday  in Lagos expressed how devastating to learn about the death of Anyiam-Osigwe, whom they had known for decades.

    The family of Anyiam-Osigwe confirmed her death on Tuesday, saying she died after a brief illness at St. Nicholas Hospital on Monday in Lagos.

    Late Anyiam-Osigwe, who was one of the pillars of the entertainment industry in Nigeria, was 54 years old.

    According to Peter and Paul, the history of P-Square can not be written without a mention of Anyiam-Osigwe

    “The late amazon fondly called Madam Peace, apart from being one of Nollywood’s biggest advocates and promoter globally, played an instrumental role in our career.

    “For which we remain grateful.

    “Our hearts and prayers go out to the entire Anyiam-Osigwe family, AMAA, the African Film industry, AMP and the various charities she was a part of.

    “You do not bear this great loss alone, we are with you. God bless and keep you Madam Peace. Rest well. Yours, Peter and Paul Okoye (P-SQUARE),” they said.

    Former Governor of Imo State, Dr Ikedi Ohakim, also took to social media to pay his tribute to the late  Anyiam-Osigwe.

    “I am deeply sorry to hear about the death of Mrs. Peace Anyiam-Osigwe. I comfort her family in this hour of sorrow and grief.

    “I knew her as a good and gracious lady who accomplished a lot in life. She will be missed greatly,“ he said.

    Anyiam-Osigwe was so influential in the movie industry that she was called “the Queen of Nollywood Films”. In 2020, she emerged as the National President of the Association of Movie Producers (AMP).

  • Family confirms death of AMAA founder, Peace Anyiam-Osigwe

    Family confirms death of AMAA founder, Peace Anyiam-Osigwe

    The Emmanuel Onyechere Osigwe Anyiam-Osigwe clan on Tuesday confirmed the death of the first daughter of the family – Ms Peace Anyiam-Osigwe, Founder of the African Movie Academy Awards (AMAA).

    Anyiam-Osigwe, who was one of the pillars of the entertainment industry in Nigeria, reportedly died aged 54 after a brief illness at a hospital on Monday in Lagos.

    The family, in a statement,  described the her  as an epitome of creative transcendance, who left indelible imprints on the sands of time.

    They said that the AMAA founder was an outstanding personality, trailblazer, titan, pathfinder, go-getter, humanitarian, one-of-a-kind creative, and visionary leader in the film and television industry.

    The  family said they would continue to  do all that was necessary to ensure that her legacy lived on.

    According to them, the AMAA and the Africa Film Academy (AFA), along with their training programmes across Nigeria and the African continent will carry on seamlessly, with the full support of the Osigwe Anyiam-Osigwe Foundation and other agencies she has worked with over the years.

    The family  added that her numerous charities across different religious denominations and other communities would also be continued.

    ”The Emmanuel Onyechere Osigwe Anyiam-Osigwe clan in thanksgiving to God and in the belief that God is good and everything He does is good,  and in accordance with His divine will, pattern and plan, announce the passing to eternal glory of our illustrious beloved daughter, sister, aunt and great aunt – Ms Peace Maria Ogechi Anyiam-Osigwe (MFR).

    ”We will miss the love and companionship we shared with her and we pray that your ”Chi” guides you on the path to God’s everlasting love into the light of His consciousness.

    ”We also pray that God, our Father of all mercies to grant you eternal rest in His heavenly kingdom where His perpetual light will continue to shine on.

    ”We believe you are alive in the life of God because as our father said ”All Is Life And Life Alone”. You continue to live in the hearts of all who love you,” he said.

    The family said they would announce the details of her rites of passage in due course.

    They  appealed to the  public to respect the privacy of the family, as it contemplated God’s love for His children.

    Peace Anyiam-Osigwe was so influential in the movie industry that she was called  ”the Queen of Nollywood Films”. In 2020, she emerged as the National President of the Association of Movie Producers (AMP).

  • Why popular movies don’t win AMAA awards- Peace Anyiam Osigwe

    Why popular movies don’t win AMAA awards- Peace Anyiam Osigwe

    Peace Anyiam Osigwe, the CEO of Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) has revealed the reason “popular” movies don’t emerge winner of its awards .

    Osigwe said this during a media parley in Lagos on Wednesday.

    The press conference was held ahead of the 15th edition of the prestigious award holding on October 27.

    “AMAA strictly operates a jury system. The academy has six stages to the award proper during which entries are critically assessed before selecting the best in the last stage. The movies are assessed by curators of African cinema, critics, professors and renowned film make,” Anyiam-Osigwe said.

    “I always tell people not to be emotionally swayed when results are announced. The entries are always subjected to thorough scrutiny by our independent jurists who often assess them technically. There are technical parts for us as filmmakers that must cross the critical eyes of the jurists and that is what determines which film gets AMAA award.

    “The most popular films don’t also go to The Academy Awards known as Oscars. It is about a particular house style. Also, what appeals in general may not appeal to the jurists, they are looking for quality control and other things such as sound, picture quality, scripting and sometimes relevance. So, a lot of times, there are popular movies out there that don’t win.”

    “We keep making sure that the best quality film in Africa gets celebrated. Our 15 years has been a journey and it is entering we are seeing films getting better and better and the competition gets harder across the continent. This year, looking at the quality of films we have to go through from Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa are getting tougher.”