WHAT NEXT AFTER THE JOHNSONS? Veteran Actor/Filmmaker, Eliel Otote A, Speaks Up.
By Correspondent.
Recently, our Nigerian Correspondent caught up with the veteran Nollywood Actor and Director, Eliel Otote A, (Mr. Deputy), on a film location in Lagos, Nigeria. What set out to be a personality interview on what next after The Johnsons, was rather redirected to focus more on the biggest cultural event coming up in Abuja in August, 2024: The Niger Delta Festival of Arts and Culture (NIDEFEST).
With the interviewee, who is also the Director of Marketing for NIDEFEST, a lot was revealed on the preparation for, and the significance of, the first ever Niger Delta Festival of Arts and Culture.
In his words,
"NIDEFEST is to the Niger Delta region what FESTAC'77 was to Nigeria. What DANISH"96 was to Denmark. Both events, I witnessed. One, as a young spectator and the other as an Ambassador and Resource Person respectively. So I know the magnitude of such event. And
Hon. Comr. Peter John Etuk-Akpan JP, who is the Founder and the Director-General of NIDEFEST, knows the significance of such an event, and has diligently chosen a formidable team to steer this epoch-making festival to success.
In his team are:
Comr. William Archibong Ekpenyong as Secretary; Dr Agatha Manfon Effa as
Director of Finance; Comr. Philip Otigbo as Director of Events and Strategy; Pastor Wilfred Inyang Dan Akpan as Director of Administration; Eliel Otote A. as Director of Marketing; Elder Victor John as Director of Historical and Cultural Exhibitions; Hon. Eric Anderson as Director of Operations; Amb. Osatohanmwen Ojo as Director of Publicity; Comr. Emmanuel Akpan as Director of Media; Amb.Victoria Samuel Ekwere as Director of Food and Culinary Arts; Hon Godson Nduka Ujebor as Director of International Affairs; Hon Bassey Opheba as
Director of Contacts and Mobilisation; Hon. Nkoyo Otu as
Director of Protocol; Dr Ifure Ufford-Azorbo as Akwa Ibom State Coordinator; Comdr.Yemmoh Keynus Charles as Bayelsa State Coordinator;
Comdr. Ene Ekpe as
Cross-River State Coordinator;
Comdr. Helen Abeki as
Delta State Coordinator; Amb. Uwa Imadiyi as Edo State Coordinator; Comdr. Michael Useghan as Ondo State Coordinator; Comdr. Ene Wakama
as Rivers State Coordinator;
This is just to mention but a few. Indeed, there are other competent comrades onboard the NIDEFEST train. It behooves on us to work even harder to make NIDEFEST succeed. Once the maiden edition succeeds, subsequent editions will hinge on that success. Now is the work. And trust me, we have hardworkers in the team"
On the issue of sponsorship, the veteran Filmmaker has this to say:
"Well, from my experience as an Event Planner over the years, maiden editions of any events are not usually sponsor-driven. Rather, they are self-driven by people who are determined to succeed. People with a sense of purpose and commitment. Such people plan to succeed, no matter what. Notwithstanding, we are spreading our tentacles to people -oriented and future-focused brands like Zenith Bank, Lee Group of Companies, FCMB, UBA, NDC, among others, for possible collaborations. And we hope they respond positively. If you ask me, this is the best event for them to associate with, no doubt."
When asked the significance of NIDEFEST, Eliel smiled broadly...and looked at the Interviewer and said:
"It's like asking you the significance of life. Culture is our way of life. And that's what NIDEFEST is about. It's a veritable platform to promote and project the rich cultural heritage of the Niger Delta region that was long bedevilled by environmental predators and exploiters. In spite of those setbacks, NIDEFEST is set to rejuvenate and instil a sense of pride and sense of belonging once again, with the annual celebration of Arts, Culture and Tourism of the region."
You have heard from the cultural Icon himself, who is working with like minds for the success of the festival. Without a doubt, they are succeeding. While we look forward to a more personalized interview with this iconic actor on his next acting engagements, we wish the Niger Delta Festival of Arts and Culture Team a resounding success in this 'August event', the maiden edition of NIDEFEST.
