Movie and entertainment stakeholders are considering the adaptation of the book ‘Olu Makinde: Master of His Game’ written by journalist, Tade Makinde, about the life and times of his father, who died ten years ago, into a movie.
The stakeholders made this known last Sunday in Ibadan during a three-in-one event, comprising a foundation unveiling, a book launch, and institutionalisation of awards in honour of Olutade Makinde, who was an entertainment journalist, an influential music promoter, and a former columnist with the Nigerian Tribune newspaper.
During the launch of the book, the author stated that he did not write it with the mindset of getting it adapted into a movie, that he just wanted to document his late father’s life.
“Three guests at the book launch broached the idea to me. They were the secretary general of NANTAP, Mr Adeniran Makinde (not related); the book reviewer, Dr Jimo Emma; and the CEO of Afromultimedia Studio, Dr Idris Olagoke Badmus. I actually liked the idea,” he said.
He further said that the movie idea is a good suggestion, adding that, for now, “I do not know anything about who will produce, fund, and distribute the movie. However, I am trying to imagine how a movie about a journalist and a musician of King Sunny Ade’s global stature will resonate with movie fans.”
In light of this, he sought the support of his late father’s friends and colleagues to make the movie a reality.
Makinde said that whatever his late father achieved as a journalist, “he gave us a good education and taught us to be content.”
Dr Idris Olagoke Badmus, CEO of Afromultimedia Studio and the chief launcher of ‘Olu Makinde: Master of His Game’, after launching the book with a generous amount to provide 1,000 copies to libraries and higher institutions in Nigeria, suggested that the book be adopted into a movie, but will require him talking with his partners in New York, Dallas, and Nigeria to see how to make it a reality.
At the event, Senator Babafemi Ojudu, the host of the event, described the late Makinde as a great entertainer whose advice and support many musicians and entertainers benefited from. The senator showed interest in the proposed movie project, adding that it will help to promote Ekiti State.
The special guest of honour of the event, a former governor of Kano State, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, commended Tade Makinde for writing the book to preserve the legacy of his father.
The chairman of the planning committee of the event, Ambassador Dr Yemi Farounbi, stressed that Olutade Makinde might be dead, but he lives on in the hearts of his friends and loved ones who gathered to celebrate his life and legacy.
The former Nigerian Ambassador to the Philippines commended the son of the late journalist for writing the book and recommended it to everyone.
The book reviewer, Dr Emmanuel Jimo, described the book as a photo studio, a memorabilia, a testimonial, and a biography of a fulfilled music lover and entertainment journalist.
The mother of the day, the chairperson of the National Association of Nigerian Traders (NANTS), Princess Aderonke Adedoja; and other personalities delivered goodwill messages.
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