It was a gathering of eminent Nigerians from different walks of life at the recent public presentation of Azuh Amatus’ two new books, FAMOUS FACES…Interactions with Nollywood Stars and Stakeholders (1&2).

The very colourful and glamorous evening event held inside the expansive marquee of the prestigious Colonades Hotels, in the heart of Ikoyi, Lagos, began with gaily dressed guests storming the exquisite black carpet that was made possible by Abelinis Limited, for photographs and banters.

The star-studded book unveiling event was beautifully and professionally anchored by Nollywood super star, Segun Arinze, who was ably supported by witty OAP, MC Ice Water.

The painstakingly packaged presentation was gracefully and graciously chaired by the amiable, cerebral and unassuming Special Adviser to the President (Media and Publicity), Chief Femi Adesina (OON).

Adesina who was accompanied to the event by his delectable wife, Nike, declared the gathering open.

In his opening remarks, Adesina, swathed in white flowing Agbada, commended Azuh Amatus for writing two books at the same time. He also narrated how he pushed the author to work harder, while working under him as then Daily Editor of The Sun newspapers.

He re-echoed what he wrote in the books’ foreword, saying: “Nollywood is the second largest film industry globally, and I doubt if there’s any other journalist who knows the turf better than Azuh Amatus…Thus when he speaks about the industry, you need to listen, as he knows his onions.”

He added: “Famous Faces will be worth the while of all those who read it. Amatus has done an impressive job,” Adesina submitted.

Delivering his welcome address at the event hugely attended by top Nollywood stars and stakeholders, Amatus, also the publisher of a leading online newspaper, DAYLIGHT, thanked all for coming to rejoice and celebrate with him.

According to him, FAMOUS FACES was his modest contribution to the development, growth and expansion of Nollywood, an industry he loves and has covered passionately as a journalist for over two decades.

“I humbly call on all tertiary institutions offering courses in Mass Communication, Theatre Arts, Creative Arts and other related disciplines to have FAMOUS FACES in their libraries to further expand and deepen the frontiers of Nollywood. FAMOUS FACES is also a handy companion that all friends of Nollywood, fans, movie buffs, practitioners, entertainment lovers, Nigerians and indeed, the rest of the world, must have in their homes and libraries,” the author said.

The books were reviewed by Dr. Chijioke Azuawusiefe, who said: “FAMOUS FACES provides a treasure trove for those researching Nollywood as well as presents a data mine for original Nollywood contents that might not readily be available otherwise.”

Highpoint of the event was the unveiling of FAMOUS FACES performed by Adesina, assisted by Idahosa, Blue Dolphin Oil & Gas CEO, Eddy Ode, Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, Barrister Sam Kargbo (SAN), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and APC-Presidential Campaign Council, represented by Mr. Tope Ajayi, Chairman of Colonades Hotels, Chief Charles Odunukwe.

Others were leading Nollywood filmmakers and actors such as Segun Arinze, Zik Zulu-Okafor, Fidelis Duker, Ejike Asiegbu, Victor Osuagwu, Okey Ogujiofor, Lilian Amah-Aluko, among other dignitaries.

Other Nollywood stars and stakeholders in attendance also included Chinedu Ikedieze (Aki), Jennifer Eliogu, Tricia Eseigbe-Kerry, Chidi Nwokeabia, Chima Okoroji, Mike Nliam, Uche Sam Anyamele, Ifeanyi Ezekwe, Amaka Smart, Moran Cee and a host of others.

Dignitaries such as: Toni Kan, Head, Public Relations, Globacom; Nasir Ramon, Head, Media, UBA; TV personality, Cordelia Okpe; music star, Alex O; Abiodun Oshinibosi, CEO, Abelinis Limited and many others equally graced the unveiling.

Also in attendance was an industrialist and chairman of Bravo Foams, High Chief Evergreen Jude Ezeobi Onyedum, the Onwa/Owelle Mbosi.

Top media executives also stormed the books presentation, among them were Yes International Magazine Publisher, Sir Azuh Arinze and Mr. Shola Osunkeye, publisher, The Crest, who also doubled as the media father of the day. The Niche publisher, Ikechukwu Amaechi; the quartet publishers of CKN News, News Express, The Newsroom and Daily Review, Messrs. Chris Kehinde Nwandu, Isaac Umunna, Emmanuel Malagu and Justus Nwakanma, respectively.

Others were the publishers of Upshots, NewsProbe, NewsNow and SolidNews, Mojeed Jamiu, Casmir Igbokwe, Victor Oriola and Azuh Lilian.

Also in attendance were the Daily Editor of Vanguard, Eze Anaba, the Editor, Saturday Guardian, Chuks Nwanne, alongside the MD/CEO, Inspiration FM, Azubike Osumili, among others.

DJ Walex Jay was in charge of non-stop music at the gathering that had victuals in surplus.