Host of the popular music reality show, MTN Project Fame, Joseph Benjamin would lead a stellar cast of actors like OC Ukeje, Mercy Aigbe, Tamara Eteimo, Alex Ekubo and Yomi Fash Lanso among others to Port Harcourt, Rivers State on Children’s Day, May 27th for a reading and mentoring session as part of activities lined up for the 2014 Best of Nollywood, BON, awards. Also on the train are President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Ibinabo Fiberesima, Dayo Amusa, Laitan Ogungbile and Sylva Oluchi.
The executive producer, BON awards, Seun Oloketuyi, said, “The celebrity reading session with secondary school students is the first of a variety of activities preceding the BON awards proper in October. The chosen celebrities are past winners and nominees of the BON awards with the exception of Ms Fiberesima who is a passionate supporter of everything Nollywood and is, of course, President of the AGN. We look forward to an exciting time with the kids in Port Harcourt on Children’s Day.”
According to Benjamin, “I am a beneficiary of mentorship from people that I admire in the industry and beyond. So, at any point in time that I am called upon to mentor young ones or impart my success nuggets on those who look up to me, I don’t shy away from it. For me, the BON awards’ reading and mentoring session is one such veritable platform to continue in my self-appointed mission to be a role model in words and in deed.” Speaking on her involvement in the event, Fiberesima said, “Apart from being an actor and President of the Actors’ Guild of Nigeria, I am a Port Harcourt babe and I love the city like I love life itself. That’s why I am excited about returning home on May 27th to be part of the Best of Nollywood Reading and Mentoring session with secondary school students who are the next generation of change makers.”
On his part, Ukeje, who is currently being buffeted with critical acclaim and acknowledgment for the methodical portrayal of his character in the cinematic adaptation of the best selling book on the Nigerian civil war, Half of A Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi-Adichie, said, “People say I am one of Nollywood’s finest young talents which is very humbling no doubt. But, coming this far has not been a smooth ride; what has kept me going over the years is the constant mentoring and motivational words I get from iconic actors.” Ukeje said further, “Who knows? This Best of Nollywood initiative might just spawn the next Lupita Nyongo or Chiwetel Ejiofor or even, OC Ukeje.”
This year’s BON awards would be hosted by the Rivers State government while the wife of the Governor, Lady Judith Amaechi, is the special guest at the Children’s Day event.