Oloibiri gets 13 nominations at AfricaMagic Viewers’ Choice Awards

Taiwo Ajyi-Lycett and Olu Jacob on set of Olibori

Following its success in the cinemas, the exploratory thriller on oil discovery in the Niger Delta, Oloibiri has been nominated in 13 categories ahead of AfricaMagic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) 2017. While speaking to The Guardian, producer of the movie, Mr. Rogers Ofime, expressed joy at the nomination, saying he was elated that the jury found the movie educative and entertaining.

According to him, “What we have tried to do is to make people know that there is a community that has given wealth to this nation and they shouldn’t be neglected. But the community can’t keep suffering, that up until now they still drink water from unhygienic sources like rivers, and they can’t boast of an efficient health centre or electricity.

“I am happy that at the premier of the movie, which was supported by the government, former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, apologised on behalf of past and present governments to the people of Oloibiri for the neglect. But apology is not enough; government needs to take action.”

While urging all to vote Oloibiri for the awards, Rogers stressed that it was important that everyone lent a voice to the struggles confronting Oloibiri community and environs, adding, “If we vote, we are making people know that there is a community like that. People need to be aware, see the community and watch its travails through the film and be moved to do something about their plight.”

Ofime also stated that the movie would go on international tour next year, especially to the doorsteps of countries that own the international oil companies (OICs).

According to him, “Oloibiri will tour about six states in the U.S. from February next year and so we are partners with people who are ready to carry out corporate social responsibility to the community. Hopefully by the first quarter of next year, we should begin to see some changes in the fortunes of Oloibiri as a community.

“The community is not begging for help; they are only asking for what is due to them. They feel very bitter that government has neglected them. We are hoping that they can get support. They need to be able send their children to school so that those children can also live their dreams like other Nigerians.”

Rogers said his vision was to do a major feature film every year, adding, “With my partners, Right Angle Productions, we are already in pre-production for the next movie and we should be on set by August next year. Oloibiri took us one year of planning, eight weeks of shoot and five months of post-production and the result is what we see now. So, we believe in proper planning because if you plan, you definitely won’t fail.”

Oloibiri recently won the Home Vida award for best feature film on transparency, accountability and good governance.