Top Nigeria’s entertainers, Genevieve Nnaji, P-square and Don Jazzy have exclusively made the list of Most Influential Igbo Personalities, otherwise known as MIIP among other wave making celebrities in the showbiz industry who are of the Igbo origin.
The MIIIP book, in its
2014-2018 editions released early this year which encompasses Nigeria’s
leaders, entrepreneurs, academics and other public figures listed Nollywood
actress, Genevieve Nnaji, music stars, P-square, Don Jazzy and Phyno on its entertainer’s
category.
It includes the likes
of Nkem Owoh, KCee, Flavour, Jim Iyke, Okey Bakassi, Naeto C, D’Prince, Patience
Ozokwor, Charles Awurum, John Okafor, Stephanie Okereke-Idahosa, Rita Dominic,
Chinedu Ikedieze, Osita Iheme, Saint Obi, Frank Edwards, J Martins,
Basketmouth, Uche Ogbuagu, Ugo Stevenson, Amayo Uzo Philips, Andy Ike, Crystal Jane Cosmas (CJ Mama) alongside
others standing side-by-side in the book.
Explaining how they made
it to the book, showbiz critic and publisher of Day-Light online newspaper,
Azuh Amatus described them as prominent contributors of what the showbiz
industry has become since its kick-off.
“The Igbo region is currently referred to as the entertainment capital
of Nigeria. However, the success recorded in the Nigerian entertainment
industry today was highly contributed by Igbo citizens; the industry wouldn’t
have been complete without their immense contributions, giant strides and
commitment. This is one of the reasons this book should be commended.
“In all spheres of human endeavours, they have touched the nation and
those of them in the entertainment industry should be lauded and appreciated,
therefore I strongly believe that this book represents what they have done and
will continue to do for Igbo tribe and Nigeria in general,” he noted.
Writing a foreword on the rationale behind the book, the President of Editors’ Guild of Nigeria and Managing Director of the
Sun Newspapers, Mr. Femi Adesina further hinted that “it is capsule
biographies of not five, not ten, not twenty, but a whopping number of Igbo
sons and daughters, who are torchbearers in society.”
“And don’t think
it is only the old brigade that dominates the book. No, you don’t have to be a
Methuselah before you can be a role model. You have them across all the ages.
The young, the not so old, and the old. It is a medley that gives you a vivid
picture of human society at any given times.
“Like the good scribe, who takes from both
the old and the new, the book gives us a blend of Igbo stars across the
generations. No doubt, the author has opened new frontiers in knowledge and
information. After reading about those listed in this work, you have a feeling
of having known them better. Igbo tribe has good reason to be proud of them.”
Furthermore, the author and one of the prime members
of the editorial team, Ugochukwu Favour-Mayor stated that to celebrate their
tribe, they have worked long and hard to put the book together.
He said: “We need to articulate our views on issues of public interest.
If we must see that new and rescued Igbo region, truth and reconciliation of
everybody devoid of whatever political party or group affiliation is necessary.
The elections are over and whatever strategies political parties adopted then
was for the elections. After the war, we are expected to move to the next page,
which is peace.
“Thank God for
today, things seem to have changed in every sphere of our socio-economic and
political existence. We thank God for this book that will encourage us to
explore and invest in our states and people. It will let us know that we are
capable. It will let us know that we have sons and daughters who can do it,”
Ugochukwu noted.
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