The new movie, Slave Warriors, recently released into the market by Nollywood actors has put Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital in the news, while projecting African values and culture. The movie which was shot in Rivers State featured veteran actor, Mr. Segun Arinze, Mr. Gideon Okeke, Kate Ezeigbo, Tosin Adeyemi, Prof. Ihunda Ovunda, as lead actors and was produced by Makavilla Production Limited in collaboration with Triad Creativity Company.
The movie, ‘Slave Warriors’ was directed by Mr. Alex Joseph, while the script writer and producer is Mr. Justice Ibezimako Onu with BlessMarvel Omenka as the co-producer.
Other casts include Mr. Jude Isichie and Kenneth Osunwa, Chairman of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Rivers State chapter.
Speaking during a recent press conference to launch the movie in Port Harcourt, the Chief Executive Officer of Desgol Entertainment Worldwide and organiser of Rivers International Film Festival (RIFF), , Kate Chidinma Ezeigbo, explained that, ‘Slave Warriors’ movie came at a time when Rivers State needed fresh vibes and positive news. According to her, “all that you’ve heard of the state in recent time is either political crisis, this crisis and that crisis.
“For once, there could be a positive story concerning the State, for instance, we had actors coming in from different parts of the country down to Rivers State and there was no issue of kidnap, neither were there issues of harassment, so it goes a long way to tell that Rivers people are very hospitable people.
“It goes a long way to tell that we have the right locations to shoot any kind of job that you want to shoot whether as a local producer or international producer in Rivers State.
“I will like to use this medium to also encourage producers anywhere that you can begin to think deeply about using Rivers State as your most preferred choice for movie production, there are beautiful sites in Rivers State and we have our very rich cultural heritage here.”
On the movie, Ezeigbo who is one of the lead characters said, “here from Rivers State, we are telling the beautiful story of slave warriors, an African epic story that cuts across seven Kingdoms, displaying a lot on African culture and way of life of the people from here, Rivers State.
“While doing the research, we got to find out that ‘Slave Warriors’ movie is the first epic web series shot in pidgin English in the world.”
The movie is believed to be the first ever epic web series, shot in pidgin English, with over 4,000 scenes.
The movie aims at showcasing safer approaches to conflict resolutions, settling communal clashes without crisis, killing or protests.
‘Slave Warriors’ director, Alex Joseph explained that the whole idea in the movie is to, “project the intricate, rich cultural heritage of Africa and Africans. We did everything in pidgin English to be able to communicate effectively.
“The movie is completely africanised, we made it very local where everyone who watches it will understand.”
Also speaking aveteran nollywood actor, Segun Arinza revealed that the movie tells the authentic African story.
Arinze described the production process as “a very interesting journey.
“ It was a fine experience for me, considering that I came on set haven read the script in English and director said everything is going to be in pidgin english to be able to communicate effectively with the audience.
“It’s not as if we don’t speak pidgin english but having an entire series in pidgin english was incredible.
“ Everything about the production was top-notch.
“ I was very impressed with the team, the director Mr Alex, it was interesting and I am looking forward to get the reaction of the viewing public” Arinze said.

Alecturer at the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE), Rumuolumeni, Port Harcourt, Prof Chibuzor Chile Nwobueze, has called on government to be impartial and objective in tackling issues that precipitate crisis in the region.
Nwobueze, a Professor of Peace and Conflict Studies, made the call recently while delivering the 64th inaugural lecture of the university titled, “Live and Let Live: A Framework for Sustainable Peace and Development in the Niger Delta, Nigeria” at the university auditorium.
The Associate Dean, Postgraduate School, said government should ensure that developmental agencies are well supervised, monitored and funded to pursue their objectives to reality.
He also called for an upward review of the fines paid for oil spillages and gas flaring in Nigeria, saying that it would go a long way in discouraging these activities.
Government, Professor Nwobueze added, “should embrace collaboration and joint problem-solving frameworks in the area of artisanal refining and ensure that the venture provides employment to the locals”.
According to him, “the fact that they can design those makeshift refineries means that with the right training and support, people involved in the illegal venture can do it professionally and at a larger and regulated scale.
“The entrepreneurial prowess demonstrated in artisanal refining by the Niger Delta youths can be transformed for huge economic gains, not only for the youth of the region, but also for the Nigerian economy”.
Nwobueze noted that discouraging and putting an end to artisanal refining in the Niger Delta requires a comprehensive approach that will consider the root causes of the tradition, promote alternative livelihood options, strengthen law enforcement and regulations, promote community engagement and participation, and also address the negative impacts of artisanal refining on the environment, public Health and socio-economic development.
For the country to succeed in protecting the society from crime, the 64th inaugural Lecturer stressed that much creative efforts and programmes have to be put in place.
“By implementing these strategies, the Nigerian Government and other stakeholders can contribute to sustainable development and peace in the Niger Delta”, he said further.
The peace expert noted that “the Niger Delta region has high population of uneducated, unemployed and idle youths who are highly prone to violence.
“The frustration resulting from that weak political, structural and social peace building frameworks forced many members of the community into revolutionary violence”.
He continued that “violence will change nothing. Only a joint problem-solving strategy characterised by collaboration and consensus building will do.
“This approach leads to different forms of fence mending, acknowledgement of wrong doing, forgiveness, expression of mercy, reconciliation, trust, confidence building and peace.”
Professor Nwobueze remarked that there can be no development in a place where there is no peace.
He defined peace as “non-violence and constructive management of disputes, good governance, respecting the rights and dignity of others, sound business environment, high level of human capital, low level of corruption, efficient and effective communication system, freedom from want and fear, sustainable human security and good neighbourliness”.
According to the peace expert, the environmental problems currently being faced by Nigerians can no longer be solved by individual nations or by using military, bureaucratic or autocratic methods as these only increases opposition and delays remedial efforts.
“What is demanded”, he opined, “is the collective actions of everyone. To implement sustainable solutions to global environmental problems, all stakeholders need to learn to work together.”
Prof Nwobueze, therefore, advocated for “greater prioritisation of youth needs in all situations since they are the main actors in security and development issues”, hinting that neglecting their basic needs has knock-on effects on society.
He emphasised that an approach which prioritises youth welfare requirements would have positive knock-on effects on society in times of peace building.
Nwobueze encouraged Nigerians to remain selfless in service, patriotic in action and focused on nation building, no matter the challenges faced today.
He also advised that no matter the grievance against, or expectations from the Government and Oil Companies, Niger Deltans must understand the peace building value of being good to one another.
For the Peace Expert, there is no justification whatsoever for criminality, and lawlessness should also not be tolerated.
In his remarks, the Acting Vice Chancellor of IAUE, Prof Okechuku Onuchuku, charged all to maintain peace, stressing that one who invokes the storm on his people cannot prevent his house from destruction.
He advised agitators against inventing crisis, emphasising that they may not have control over the outcomes.
Professor Onuchuku appealed to the Federal Government to provide modern and adequate infrastructures to the people of the region, especially since that is where the resources sustaining the country is coming from.
While calling for alternative dispute resolution, he stressed the need for peaceful coexistence for growth, progress and sustainable development, “the kind that will not jeopardise the future of unborn generations”.
He also called for peace building to be included in the school curriculum.
In a vote of thanks, Professor Anthony Adele Orlu expressed gratitude to all who graced the event and urged them to sustain the peace for the country to move forward.

By: Sogbeba Dokubo

The newly appointed Sole Administrator of Andoni Local Government Council of Rivers State, Surveyor Ataejit Francis, has promised to run an all inclusive government that will embrace all citizens in the area, irrespective of their political views.
Francis made the promise recently while assuming office at Ngo Town, the headquarters of the Local Government Area.
According to him, his leadership within the approved period will ensure creation of opportunities to boost an improved working and developing environment for every citizens in the area.
“I’m committed to ensuring all inclusive leadership, creating opportunities for an improved working and developing environment. For me to achieve this, I need your commitment and loyalty.
“As Local Government Sole Administrators, we were charged by the State Sole Administrator on specific areas of sanitation, community development, job creation, primary health care delivery, and primary education that will impact the lives of our people.
“We all know that local government is the closest arm of government and as such should understand the needs of the people as well as develop ways of serving them better”, he said.
The LGA Sole Administrator thanked the State Sole Administrator, Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd.) for finding him worthy of an opportunity to serve under him at the third tier of government.
He assured that he would put his best into work in order to deliver on impacting developments in the area.
“I want to thank God for His grace and opportunity to serve our State and local government area.
“I want to also give my profound gratitude to the Sole Administrator, Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd.) for finding me worthy of an opportunity to serve under him.
“For the trust reposed on me, I assure him that I will do my best to ensure that the task assigned to my office is delivered with utmost result.
“This is our first official meeting and I see it as the beginning of purposeful journey, and one that will require us to work together in sincerity, resilience and shared responsibility to ensure the progress of the people of Andoni.
“May I use this medium to state that the success of any administration is not sorely dependent on the leader, but a collaboration of every citizens of the area. I, therefore, solicit your cooperation to enable us achieve success”, he stated.
Francis urged staff of the local government council to demonstrate dedication to duty with renewed energy to give the best to the people of Andoni.
He warned that his administration will not tolerate any form of laxity or accommodate behaviours that will create insecurity and act of criminality in the area.
“The time of laxity is over, we must rebrand and ensure a result-driven and an accommodating behaviour in every sections we undertake.
“Hard work will be the hallmark of this administration. We will not settle for mediocrity, we will reward diligence and commitment, and will also not hesitate to address negligence and under performance.
“Every department is expected to function with clear goals. Considering my background, having served in the civil service, in the State Ministry of Housing Authority, the foundation of any meaningful development is transparency and integrity’’.
“I expect all staff to uphold the highest ethical standards in their conduct to financial dealings in relation to the public”, he stated.
Surveyor Francis said his administration will not be selective, but will be anchored on uniting all political actors and citizens into one fold of love, unity, and a progressive dreams.

By: Enoch Epelle