Nigeria Arts Daily

Two years after the death of late business mogul and philanthropist, Capt (Dr) Idahosa Wells Okunbo, Edo born and Africa’s most consistent movie maker and Cultural Ambassador, Chief Dr. Lancelot Oduwarene Imasuen’s led International Students Film Festival, ISFF, is set to Immortalize the late icon.

Following his monumental trajectories in the African and international film industry, legendary filmmaker, Chief Ambassador Dr. Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen has continued to give back to society by creating and dedicating a festival to filmmakers in training taghed ‘International Students Film Festival, ISFF.
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At this year’s award ceremony to immortalize late icon, who was the Chairman of Ocean Marine Solution Limited, many industry leaders, beneficiaries of late industralist’s philanthropy gestures will be honoring the late icon.

Late Captain Okunbo will have his name inscribed and immortalized on the Memorial Award for Best student Overall film at the inaugural International Students Film Festival, ISFF, coming up in Edo at the prestigious premier University, Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo State.

Aside late Captain Okunbo, Chief Raymond Dokpesi, Chairman of Daar Communications and a Chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party who died this year at the age of 71 in Abuja will also be honored with Memorial Award for Best Student Documentary Film.

Nigerian businessman, philanthropist, and founder of Igbinedion University, who is renowned for his contributions to education, business, and philanthropy, the Esama of Benin Kingdom, Chief (Dr.) Sir Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, will also have his name immortalized on the award for the Best Student Film on Culture. The great industralist and educationist is one of the fear Nigerian’s who is greatly supporting his people in many ways.

Others to be honored and immortalized include; Emeh Isong Misodi Award for Best Student Script Writer, Liz Benson Award for Best Student Actress, Late Enebeli Elebuwa Memorial Award for Best Student Actor, Late Chico Ejiro Memorial Award for Best Student Director, Sadiq Daba Memorial Award for Best Student Short Film, Cleopatra Starrets Award for Best Student Make-up, Kennedy Uyi Oviahon Memorial Award for Best Comic Actor and many others.

Speaking to newsmen ahead of the inaugural ceremony that will take place in Edo State from Thursday October 12 – 15, 2023, Lancelot Imasuen said; “this is another little way of giving back to the society. Another. opportunity to remember those selfless late and living icons who gave and are still giving their best to this society; this industry. Late Captain Okunbor was a great supporter of entertainment industry. He gave all within his power to promote arts and culture during his lifetime. He was in the forefront of the fight for the return of all stolen Benin artifacts.”

“The same can be said of late Chief Raymond Dokpesi, Chairman of Daar Communications; a man who was a great supporter of the entertainment industry using his international platform, Daar Communications.”

Lancelot said he shall continue to celebrate both those whose contributions has shaped the entertainment industry positively, mostly especially those who are still living.