Nollywood stakeholders on Tuesday held a candle night in honour of founder of the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA), Peace Anyiam-Osigwe.
The event which was organised by actress Patience Ozokwo in Enugu, had many actors, actresses and film producers in attendance.
The candle procession started at Okpara Square, Enugu, and ended at Golden Valley Lounge, Independence Layout where prayers and tributes were said in honour of Anyiam-Osigwe who died on January 9.
Speaking at the event, Patience Ozokwo said the candle night was their own little way of appreciating and honouring the deceased for her work in the movie industry.
Paying tribute to her, the movie star described Anyiam-Osigwe as “a great woman, so organised, articulate and a kind-hearted person.”
She added that through her generosity, many Nollywood actors and actresses were lifted and taken to where they never expected.
“Her interest is to take others where never dreamt of, including older persons who had not achieved a lot in the industry.
“When I heard of her demise, I was shocked because we are like sisters but in all, I thank God for a life well spent.
“I said she cannot be buried without doing something like this for her,” Ozokwo said.
Also speaking at the event, actor Nkem Owoh said Anyiam-Osigwe was a different woman in the movie industry.
He added that the impact she created in the industry would not die, saying, “I have great respect for her works through AMAA.”
Owoh said “Peace Anyiam-Osigwe is irreplaceable and her contributions to the movie industry can never be erased.”
He said the Nollywood family gathered to give her their last respect and to her family, “I say may God give them the fortitude to bear the loss”.
Chairman of Association of Movie Producers of Nigeria (AMP), Enugu chapter, Johnpaul Nwanganga, described the late Anyiam-Osigwe as a friend, mother and teacher, saying that her death is a huge loss to the industry and entire nation.
“We will immortalise her by keeping and building on those legacies she left behind,” Nwanganga said.
