Steve Olufemi Sodiya is a seasoned filmmaker with over 30 years of experience. Undoubtedly, he has worked on so many projects over the years as a producer, director, editor, consultant, and post-production supervisor. Sodiya, who doubles as the CEO of Nukoncept Studio, takes pride in working with big legends of the industry over the years. A member of the Directors guild of Nigeria (DGN) also one of the board of trustee (BOT) Association of motion picture and entertainment editors of Nigeria (AMPEEN).
Till date, he has worked on several projects including Figurine, The Wedding Party, The King of Boys (part 1 and 2), Ayinla, Ijakumo, Kofa and his latest project Malaika.
Practically, he has worked with the living legend, Tunde Kelani, fondly called TK closely over the years. TK opened his eyes to many concepts about filmmaking, and for that reason, he made a conscious decision to stay on gate-keeping of quality control (post-production) for the films in Nollywood for a while. This gave him the chance to study different approaches to telling stories and, at the same time, makes sure the final output was not devoid of excellent finishing.
Of course, there are no bad stories. It depends on who is telling the stories and how it is being presented. Nollywood is blessed with very interesting and exciting stories, for example, the Malaika story is a family story of someone seeking to have a child of her own. The story could have been approached linearly but he decided to give all the characters a chance for the whole world to see from their own point of view.
“Most times humans refuse to look inwardly when they have a challenge but rather blame external forces. Nollywood has come of age and it is time to bring a new game to the table” Steve explained.
Starting from the background of advertising agency back then, the advent of film-making in Nigeria was very interesting, the Alade Aromire, of blessed memory, attempted and became successful in home video movies, which caught the interest of a lot of us that are already into advertising and TV. That is how the quest of Sodiya into the film world started.
“Everything about film-making to me is always about the story. I remember when I took on the project Afonja in 2002, written by Adebayo Faleti, the same feeling I got before going into the project is the same feeling I had when I jumped on King of Boys by Kemi Adetiba.”
Adding that , “We had limited resources when we started Nollywood and that affected our creative process. And trying to tell our stories back then, we hardly think of going very wild with our imagination because we try to limit the stories to what we can achieve right here in Nigeria. These days, our creative process has changed drastically since the industry is now opened up to endless possibilities. “
“Netflix hand-picked some of us and gave us master classes on production and post-production, that alone says a lot about the potentials the outside world see in Nollywood”.
Speaking about the challenges, Shodiya narrated what it has been like functioning in the industry; “In recent times, the most challenging film I directed was Ijakumo. We had to merge the past and the present, cultural depth and modern-day lifestyle needed together. We did a serious balance while I worked alongside a beautiful mind and experienced Movie Director, Adebayo Tijani, to make sure we could deliver that masterpiece.” “The fight sequence, which we shot for 3 days, was the most challenging one. It was jointly done with the awesome effort of an amazing stunt coordinator, Mr Nollywood David Ugeonyemechi, as well as Hakeem Effects on special effects. The Art Director, Tunji Afolayan, made life easy for us also, and, at the end of the day, we brought the scene to life”.
“Most of the productions I delved into either breaks the box office or brings tons of awards back home. Last year, 2023, one of the projects I co-produced (Kofa) won best film awards at Amaa awards and Afriff as well”
“I have always belonged to a school of thought that believes in reproducing oneself through training and impacting people as one moves up the ladder. Handling multiple projects is very easy when you already have trustworthy and competent hands to work with you with little or no supervision”.
“Malaika is my latest film, the most challenging part of directing this film is handling well over a hundred children in the ‘Ewe orun’ scene of the film. It has never been easy managing children on any film set. Meanwhile, it is even a vfx scene, which requires paying a lot of attention to details”, he concluded.
The Golden Movie Ambassadors Association of Nigeria (TGMAAN) will honor legendary actor Kola Olaiya with the premiere of his latest film, Baba 70, on November 10, 2024. The star-studded event will take place at Alinco Cinema, 1 Akibu Adeniji Street, Jankara, Ojokoro, Lagos, with the red carpet commencing at 4 p.m.
Baba 70 is a gripping drama that centers around a power-hungry landlord, who, after being the first to build and settle in a newly established estate, terrorizes the residents, insisting on being the lifetime chairman of the estate. His tyrannical rule is enforced through manipulative tactics and the use of juju (ritual power) to control the people around him. However, the landlord’s reign of fear comes to an end when the source of his power—his son—dies, exposing his vulnerabilities and ultimately leading to his downfall.
TGMAAN, established 10 years ago, is a professional association of film industry professionals, with Veteran actor, Saidi Balogun as President, Dr Afeez Oyetoro as Vice President, Dr Joke Muyiwa as Treasurer, Tunde Olaoye, a notable director, as Public Relations Officer and Moji Oyetayo (Mama Ajasco) as the Business and Branding Officer. The premiere of Baba 70 is one of the activities marking the 10th year anniversary of the association.
The premiere of Baba 70 is a significant moment for TGMAAN, as it brings together the Nigerian film industry to celebrate the life and career of Kola Olaiya, one of the most respected figures in Nollywood. Ambassador Saidi Balogun, the president of TGMAAN, emphasized the importance of honoring movie legends while they are still alive.
“We believe in celebrating our icons when they are with us, not just after they are gone. Kola Olaiya is one of the pioneers of Nigerian cinema, and his contribution to the growth and development of the industry, both on and off the screen, is immeasurable,” Balogun said in a statement.
“Through his work, he has not only entertained millions, but has also paved the way for many young actors and filmmakers to follow their dreams. This premiere is a tribute to his enduring legacy in Nollywood.”
Kola Olaiya’s career spans several decades, during which he has earned recognition for his remarkable acting range, his contributions to the growth of Nigerian cinema, and his mentorship of emerging talent. His versatility has seen him play a wide range of roles in both television and film, leaving an indelible mark on the industry.
Baba 70 promises to be a testament to Olaiya’s career, featuring a compelling story that explores themes of power, corruption, and the consequences of unchecked authority. The premiere event will be attended by key industry players, celebrities, and fans, all coming together to celebrate a man whose work has significantly influenced Nollywood’s rise as a global force in the entertainment world.
In addition to the film’s debut, the event will also feature performances and speeches, providing a platform for the Nigerian film community to appreciate Olaiya’s tremendous impact. The evening will serve as a reminder of the important role that seasoned actors and filmmakers like Olaiya continue to play in shaping the future of Nigerian cinema.
For Balogun and TGMAAN, the Baba 70 premiere is not just about a movie release, but about recognizing the contributions of the individuals who have built the foundation of Nollywood and celebrating them while they are still with us.
As the red carpet event approaches, excitement is building in anticipation of an unforgettable evening that will honor the life, work, and legacy of one of Nollywood’s true legends, Kola Olaiya.
Sade Ajayi is not only devoted Christian but a gospel music minister and a lover of ministerial affairs that has been doing music for quite some years but has now decided to raise the bar as she is set to unveil her fresh single titled Ore Ofe (Grace).
The melodious single which has an infusion of danceable praise medley is set to drop on the 15th November 2024 across all platforms for good music lovers.
In her words, she expressed her excitement while anticipating the release of her official single
She stated that the song is a reflection of her personal walk with Christ, where she has experienced his unending grace as inscribed in the lyrics.
“By His grace, I have been saved through Christ who strengthens me. This truth has brought peace to my life, and I hope it resonates with everyone that will be touched by my song’’ The Ekiti State born singer said.
She further said explained that in the midst of life’s chaos, GRACE is a reminder of the peace and salvation we found in God’s love.
‘’It’s not just a song—it’s a message from my heart to the world as an invite to us all to return to the grace of Christ” She added.
As part of the efforts to drive tourism in Enugu state, Governor Peter Mbah has invested billions of naira in the state tourism sector.
The investment is part of the broader plan to beautify the state as well as upgrading the parks and develop numerous projects in the tourism sector across the state.
The program, according to the Executive Chairman of Enugu State Tourism Board, Dame Rita Mbah, is part of the state’s strategy to key in into this year’s world tourism day theme to promote the connection between tourism and peace
“So, by preserving our cultural and natural heritage we can reduce tension and nurture peaceful co-existence,” Mbah said.
She explained that the state government recently commenced the first stage of Enugu city beautification project from the Enugu gateway at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport.
She hinted that the state government removed the barricades at the airport gate and replaced them with modern security cameras to give tourists and visitors to the city a peaceful feeling as they arrive the state.
‘’We are also creating and improving the ambience at our airport gateway by introducing art murals which depict our cultural heritage with welcoming works of art and photos of some of our landmarks.
‘’Moving from the Airports, the capital territory is working towards ensuring that we have a welcoming view by removing unnecessary items that create eye sore. The ministry of environment is also working towards making sure that our green areas are maintained,’’ She stated.
Speaking further, Mbah said that the tourism board is almost done with the first phase of the city beautification and roundabout scheme.
‘’We are upgrading about 13 roundabouts in the first phase, planting flowers and upgrading our parks.
“We would discuss the upgrade of the parks. We are also looking at one some major projects that would enhance tourism in Enugu.
“Also, on the card are the development of the International conference centre, the development of a 5-Star Hotel, development of Hotel Presidential, and the development of a 300-bed hospital for medical tourism.”
According to her, when completed these projects have the capacity to put Enugu on the global tourism map.
‘’For example, the international conference centre would cater to many conferences within Africa and Nigeria. When people come for conferences, the 5- 5tar hotel will come in handy because of its proximity to the conference centre within the same vicinity.
“Not only that, the International conference centre also houses an amusement park; a theater; event centre and retail shops. So, the centre serves as a one stop shop for tourism activities.’’
Dame Mbah also disclosed that the state government recently awarded a contract for the development of five recreation parks across the state. They include the Edward Nnaji Park, Unity park, Ejindu Park, Ngwo Park and Eze park.
’The Edward Nnaji park will house a state of the art game arcade, amusement and water park, while the other four parks will be equipped with football pitches, five aside pitches, basketball court, lawn tennis court, quad bike arena, horse rides, kiddies recreation and fun equipment.
She also hinted that the state government is taking the annual Unity Christmas park to a whole new level.
‘’The metal fabrication for this year’s Christmas park started over a fortnight ago with over 30 indigenous welders working day and night to create a memorable Christmas fun for all.
‘’With all these projects and over 1,000 projects going on at the same time in Enugu State, I am proud to say that indeed we handed over our future to a governor that understands the assignment and he has continually proved to us that indeed tomorrow is here,’’ she added.