Pomp As Oboama Community Celebrates Kanayo, Others

Uzo Chikere and Edward Nnachi

Oboama Ezinihite indigenes resident in Lagos on Saturday, November 29, 2014 rolled out drums and red carpet in honour of their natives who have done well in their chosen fields of human endeavours prominent among whom is Nollywood top thespian, Chief Kanayo O. Kanayo. It was a day also elected to raise N100m for the construction of a Civic Centre by the Oboama Development Union, Lagos Branch at a grand event which held at Ajose Garden of Ikeja Club, Lagos.

It was in deed, a gathering of who is who in Mbaise, sons and daughters of the area, their friends and well-wishers including de cream de la cream in Nollywood, among others.

The event according to its organisers, was the first of its kind in the annals of the Oboama Development Union (ODU) in Lagos.

Oboama is one of the pioneer autonomous communities in Ezinihitte Mbaise LGA of Imo State. Together with her sister community, Umunama, they are historically and culturally acclaimed to be the Nna (father) of all original 13 autonomous communities that make up Ezinihitte Mbaise. Over the last years, the community has institutionalised a norm of recognising its various sons, daughters and friends who have done well in their various chosen careers and impacted on the development of their community.

The sons and daughters of Oboama community in Diaspora have also through their different communal associations identified with this norm in their activities.

It is in pursuance of this, that the Lagos State Branch of the Oboama Development Union on Saturday, found it necessary to recognise its members and friends who have distinguished themselves in their various chosen fields and impacted positively on the development of the community.

Kanayo Onyekwere Kanayo (MFR), a seasoned actor and Chairman, Board of Nigeria Institute of Hospitality and Tourism Studies, amongst other awardees were found worthy of this rare meritorious recognition.

According to the Chairman of the Oboama Development Union (ODU), Lagos State Branch, “Kanayo O. Kanayo, the chief awardee has been singled today for this grand reception for bringing honour and dignity to Oboama.

“Chief KOK is a grass-to-grace man who, by dint of hard work and perseverance rose to the pinnacle of his profession and became the master of the game. He was one of the pioneers of Nollywood and has remained a force to reckon with in the industry”. Osuagwu, said Kanayo’s kinsmen decided to honour and recognize him to further encourage wish him in his strides to better the lots of his people, adding that, “today proves that a prophet can indeed be recognised by his own people”.

The motivational comedian, Okey Bakassi was on ground to felicitate with his friend, KOK. However, the event’s venue and those in attendance became ecstatic with the entry of Osita Iheme popularly known as Pawpaw, and Victor Osuagwu, another Nollywood actor from the Imo clan at about 5.45pm. Their unexpected appearance at the place witnessed a tumultuous welcome by the Oboama Mbaise women, who sang and danced to native songs for them. At this point there was a barrage of photo shots from iphones, ipads, cameras, smart phones and any available device capable of recording images. The effervescent atmosphere at that stage and the conviviality was a proof of the Nollywood character of showing solidarity to one of its own on his day of glory in respect of his positive impact through his contribution to community development expressed in the art.

Apart from prominent faces in Nollywood, key media friends and well-wishers of KOK were on hand to rejoice with him. There was much to eat and drink.

Another interesting aspect of the event was the realisation that the traditional chief/ruler of Oboama Mbaise, Eze J.N. Amaefule who was equally the Royal Father of the day, journeyed all the way to Lagos   to witness the occasion. To many discerning minds, for the royal personage to leave his majestic palace for Lagos just to be part of this noble cause, underscored the importance of the event to the Oboama clan.

Chief Kanayo, had while responding on behalf of other awardees, thanked the entire people of Mbaise and prayed God to meet them at the point of their needs. According to him, with the cooperation of other awardees, all the children of Oboama will be afforded the opportunity go to acquire education just as he vowed that he would see that it was done.

Other recipients of the awards were, High Chief Emmanuel Ekejiuba Iroh, Chief Patrick Chudi Onyekwere, Messrs. Mac Ekechukwu, Emeka Martins and Mrs. Bernadine Amanze Azuka. Listed also as awardees are, Mr. Remigius Onyewuchi Amaefule, Mr. Ikechukwu Benedict Chikezie, Comrade Akoh Cyparain Ndubuisi and Chief Eugine  E. Ezenwa.