Alhaji Adedayo Thomas, Executive Director of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), has described late film director Ms. Peace Anyiam-Osigwe as a trailblazer who paved the way for Nigeria’s film renaissance.
In a condolence statement released on Tuesday, Thomas said the late Anyiam-Osigwe was a visionary and tenacious fighter who was passionate, dedicated and committed to her causes.
“I am still reeling from the unexpected death of my good friend and indispensable ally, Peace Anyiam-Osigwe.
“She was a trailblazer who paved the way for Nigeria’s and Africa’s film renaissance.
“The fickleness and ephemeral nature of life will always cast a mist of mystery; her demise has left me completely hapless and grief-stricken.
“No one could have envisaged that such an affable soul will leave us so soon, even as preparations are in top gear for the prestigious Africa Movie Academy Awards 2023, which she worked so hard to grow to its 19th edition.
“Regardless, we submit to the will of the Almighty God as she is carried home on Angel’s wings. “We are comforted by the fact that she left indelible imprints on the sands of time,” he said.
The deceased’s sacrifices in nurturing latent and budding talents into discovery and emergence will not be forgotten, according to Thomas.
He described the late Anyiam-Osigwe as a humanitarian who took up the cause of humanity selflessly.
She was an unwavering activist for the Nigerian film industry, he said, always advocating for the best for her colleagues and the industry.
“There aren’t enough words to express how much this loving soul means to me.
“History will be certainly kind to you and the successes we recorded at the National Film and Video Censors Board will not be reported without the fond memories of your legacy.
“A rose has withered, the world has lost an amazon, the nation has lost a rare gem, the industry has lost an ethereal personality, and the earth will continually be emblazoned with the beautiful memories of her invaluable impacts.
“Peace,” as I fondly refer to you, may you find peace in the bosom of the LORD, and may GOD ALMIGHTY grant your family and loved ones the fortitude to bear this irreparable and heart-wrenching loss.
“Even after death, you will be a beacon of light. “Goodbye, my friend!” he exclaimed.
Anyiam-Osigwe was a Nigerian filmmaker and entertainment executive known as “the queen of Nollywood films,” according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
She founded the Africa Movie Academy Awards, a globally acclaimed film ceremony.
She died on Monday, aged 54, at the St. Nicholas Hospital in Lagos, following a brief illness.
