Former governors of Ekiti and Lagos States, Dr Kayode Fayemi (CON), Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode and former Group Managing Director and CEO of First Bank of Nigeria Limited, Dr Bisi Onasanya were some of the dignitaries that joined renowned journalist, Steve Ayorinde, during the unveiling of his latest book, ‘30: Three Decades Of The New Nigerian Cinema – A Bystander’s Verdict’. The book which chronicles the remarkable growth of the Nigerian film industry, also known as Nollywood, was unveiled at an exclusive event on Thursday, May 18, at the Mike Adenuga Centre Ikoyi, Lagos.
From timeless classics like ‘Asewo To Re Mecca’, ‘Living in Bondage’, ‘Glamour Girls’ and ‘Mortal Inheritance’ to recent box office hits like ‘King of Boys’ and ‘Eyimofe’; faces such as the legendary Taiwo Ajai-Lycett, Pete Edochie and Richard Mofe-Damijo to the scintillating Bolanle Austen-Peters and dashing Damini Egbuson, among others. ‘30: Three Decades of The New Nigerian Cinema – A Bystander’s Verdict’ presents a vibrant panorama of the films and personalities that have reshaped and revolutionised the Nigerian film industry in the past three decades.
The launch event was chaired by Dr Fayemi, who commended Steve Ayorinde for his efforts in his opening speech: “I must commend you for bearing witness to history, and ensuring we do not lose a sense of who we are as Nigerians. I also need to commend all those who have excelled in this industry and are promoting our culture.”
The event also had in attendance top government officials, the Director-General of the Nigerian Copyright Commission, Dr John Asein; Brian Etuk, Director of Special Duties, Nigeria Film Corporation (representing the Managing Director/CEO of the Nigeria Film Corporation, Chidia Maduekwe), among others.
The royal father of the day, HRM. Oba Olufolarin Ogunsanwo, Alare of Ilera kingdom, Epe Division Lagos State, expressed his delight, noting that it was a significant milestone in the growth of the Nigerian film industry.
Presenting the book, Steve Ayorinde, whose compilation of the collection is borne out of years of honing his trade as a cub reporter, editor and columnist, editor-in-chief, member of the jury for film festivals and commissioner, shared the importance of collaboration in the future. “The next 30 years has to be a concerted effort of all quarters of the industry – the artistic and technical aspects collaborating with the governmental and corporate sectors.”
Ayorinde is a renowned journalist and former Lagos State Commissioner for Information & Strategy and later Tourism, Arts and Culture in Lagos State between 2015 and 2019.
He earned a Master’s degree in Globalisation and Communications from the University of Leicester in the UK. His career in journalism began in 1991 at the Guardian Newspapers, before he moved on to The Comet. Years later, at The Punch, he rose through the ranks to become the Daily Editor of the newspaper. He was also the MD/Editor-in-Chief of National Mirror newspapers between 2011 and 2013.
A prolific writer who has written several books, his works include ‘A Critic’s Timeless Reports’, ‘Abokede: The Man, The Hill, The City’ and more. His latest, ‘30: Three Decades Of The New Nigerian Cinema – A Bystander’s Verdict’ is said to be a must-read for all film enthusiasts, researchers, and film practitioners.
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