Foremost Nollywood actor Metu Augustine Ejike has predicted a brighter future for Nigeria entertainment industry , following media participation in film making.
The veteran actor cum maritime practitioner who made this known on Saturday , after receiving an award courtesy, Prestige Blended Magazine, stated that the Nigerian movie industry has transformed to wealth despite the COVID19 pandemic earlier in the year , thus with loads of ideas from both media houses and film makers.
The Rattle Snake frontman also revealed that with the proliferation of both traditional and online television stations the movie industry will further contribute to the nation’s economy .
According to him, media practitioners especially television houses have invested massively to encourage the sector growth adding that thespians are busy on how to come up with new ideas, concepts and innovations in furtherance to entertain, educate and enlighten the world about the Nigerian culture and heritage.
The movie practitioner who is staging a big comeback said, he is deeply involved in movie production and would also appear in some of the films as actor due to pressure from directors.
Ejike fondly called “Methuselah” has featured in movies like ‘Rattle Snake,’ ‘Up to Rush,’ ‘Farewell to Babylon,’ ‘The Night Fall’ and others and at the time was rated one of the best actors in Nollywood.
Ejike who also doubles as the Chairman ,Board of Trustees (BOT), Association of Registered Freight Forwarders of Nigeria (AREFFN), said ” I am humble with this award.
The frontline journalist said hard work would always attract awards noting that before the COVID19 pandemic up till date, a total of six movie production were produced and five minor movies awaiting conclusion.
“Nollywood is revolving and within the COVID19 era people did not have enough content (movies) to watch. These days it’s no longer a question of marketers no, when you are done with your production, there are ready made television, DStv channels that are ready to buy your production from you so far it meets the required standard.
“So I don’t think we have had it so good then now. I can tell you that everything that has to do with the industry is on super speed”,he added.
Earlier , Publisher of the Magazine, Mr Mc Anthony Onuoha described Ejike is a role model of note , saying “When youths were referred by our President sometime ago as lazy, l am convinced that he might have cast his mind way back to reflect on the hyperactivity that was inherent in the very youthful days of the likes of the man we are honouring today.
According to him, Ejike is the youngest BOT chairman among the five registered freight forwarding associations under the Council for the Regulations of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN).
Giving a vivid background check on the actor, Onuoha said ,”Ejike started working in line with his destiny as a young man, and that made him a celebrity when most of his mates were still trying to find a foothold.
“Some of you here can readily attest to that if you can recall the breathtaking movie that became the delight of most of us then, Rattle Snake, in which he featured as Peter alongside veteran actor, Okechukwu Okoronkwo “the godfather.
“To fulfill his potential, as well as be in control of his destiny as it is often said that our destinies are right in our hands, he trudged on to get education and its certificates and testimonials, a staunch Unionist and Former Students Union President.
“Metu Agustine Ejike is a Graduate of Mass Communication and Law. A seasoned Maritime Practitioner who has paid his dues in the industry.
“Those who know him refer him as “a man of words” because of his oratory prowess, and that indeed has endeared him to legions making him man of the people. Indeed, “Ejike Metusela” is a household name.
“For his unique skill in adding an unusual touch to whatever is laid before him, the Veteran Actor and Journalist still maintains relevance in the movie industry as Executive Producer of movies even as he stays afloat in the Maritime sector, not only as a Customs Broker but as one that has held key positions in the apex maritime association, Association of Nigerian Customs Licensed Agents,ANLCA, as Secretary Seme Chapter.
“Every man of capacity and ideas will always love to pitch his tent where he would be given free hands to bring his expertise to bear so as to effect development and progress, you all will agree with me that institutions evolve only with men of ideas as captains.
” The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Metusela MARITIME AND LOGISTICS SERVICES LIMITED,and Chairman ,METUOBI INVESTMENT LIMITED is today, the Chairman, Board of Trustees of ASSOCIATION OF REGISTERED FREIGHT FORWARDERS OF NIGERIA, AREFFN, of which members of the revered association here present can attest to his Noble input within the very short time he holds sway as its BoT Chair.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, this man of orchestrated abilities, with a blend of celebrated maturity is also the Publicity Secretary of South- East NDIGBOAMAKA PROGRESSIVES; one of the Apex Igbo groups, he is a veteran Compere
as well as renowned Footballer and activist extaordinaire.
“Metu Augustine Ejike is happily married and has lovely children.
“In all, l do strongly believe that those who work hard to succeed aren’t lucky but are rewarded, for this singular reason, the Prestige Blended Magazine, a flamboyant general interest magazine
By Roland Ekama
