It was razzmatazz last weekend in Abuja when the Abia First Lady, Odochi Mercy Orji premiered her much anticipated movie, My Hidden Treasure in line with her first ever talent hunt exercise for secondary school students in the State.
Held at the appointed Kapital Apartments in Gamal Abdul Nasser Close, Near World Bank, Asokoro in Abuja, the event unveiled an offensive fun atmosphere that had galaxy of personalities, both from the entertainment, political and social circles.
The talent hunt search which has today empowered the young Abia students, through platform provision for their talents to grow and be nurtured began with its first local government outing at Umuahia North, where four schools in each area were given an opportunity to hone their skills in acting.
The seventeen days tour at the local government areas that make up Abia state, however, ended with a grand finale, which held late last year at Umuahia Township Stadium.
Consequently, the movie production and hunting exercise aimed at harnessing, discovering and empowering of young talented Abia citizens, who are of secondary school age at the rural areas who due to hardship and lack of opportunity do not have the medium of showcasing their talents.
However, the success of the talent hunt exercise could be credited as being one of the pet projects of the Abia First Lady, through her Hannah May Foundation, which over the years had empowered indigent children, women and youths of the State.
Meanwhile, the students all made a feature in the premiered movie that was shot in Abia State alongside Olu Jacobs, Charles Awurum, Tom Njemanze, Ed Ifeanyi Nnasor, Ijele Ozioma Christy and few notable faces.
While speaking, the Abia First Lady who was ably represented by the Commissioner for women and social development, Hon. Mrs. Bridget Nwaejike commended the project consultant, Charles Awurum through his company, Magic Lens Pictures for braving the challenges of hunting the Abia talents to what they have become.
She however described the result, My Hidden Treasure as a child of ingenuity, which was designed out of creativity and hardwork. “Its thrust is to harness and utilize the hidden talents in our children and youths as future actors and movie producers of repute.”
“It will reawaken the consciousness of our children by discovering their hidden talents which had been dormant, and as well create jobs through the reduction of unemployment in the labour market. I therefore commend Charles Awurum and Magic Lens Pictures for their sincere effort, while praying that this will further promote the exploits of Nollywood,” she enthused.
The head honcho of Magic Lens Pictures, Charles Awurum as a man who hates to do anything in half measure came to be evident when the governor of Kogi state, Capt. Idris Wada in a speech by his Chief of Staff, Joseph H. Daniel described him as a productive gentleman whose achievement is admired by all those around him.
“This is one very beautiful film that is educative, entertaining and illuminating. I like the hands behind it, and that is why we are encouraging each succeeding generation to make the world better than they met it. So, I must commend Awurum for such structure he designed to help the younger generation. Also, thank you to the First Lady for buying the idea.”
Promising to encourage the vision, the Chairman of the occasion, Gen. Ibrahim Badamasi Babaginda urged the First Lady not to relent, adding that within his power he will support the project.
Also present in the evening of ostentation and glam were: Hon. Isah Usman, Diewait Ikpechukwu, Dr. & Mrs. Michael Chinelo Uzoigwe, Etiosa Uyugwe, Wale Adeniyi, Big Daddy, Young Pioneers, Abugu-Eganti Chinyere and host of others.
By: Ugochukwu Favour-Mayor