Top Nigeria’s entertainers, Genevieve Nnaji, P-square and Don Jazzy have exclusively made the list of Most Influential Igbo Personalities, otherwise known as MIIP among other wave making celebrities in the showbiz industry who are of the Igbo origin.
The MIIIP book, in its 2014-2018 editions released early this year which encompasses Nigeria’s leaders, entrepreneurs, academics and other public figures listed Nollywood actress, Genevieve Nnaji, music stars, P-square, Don Jazzy and Phyno on its entertainer’s category.
It includes the likes of Nkem Owoh, KCee, Flavour, Jim Iyke, Okey Bakassi, Naeto C, D’Prince, Patience Ozokwor, Charles Awurum, John Okafor, Stephanie Okereke-Idahosa, Rita Dominic, Chinedu Ikedieze, Osita Iheme, Saint Obi, Frank Edwards, J Martins, Basketmouth, Uche Ogbuagu, Ugo Stevenson, Amayo Uzo Philips, Crystal Jane Cosmas (CJ Mama), Andy Ike alongside others standing side-by-side in the book.
Explaining how they made it to the book, showbiz critic and publisher of Day-Light online newspaper, Azuh Amatus described them as prominent contributors of what the showbiz industry has become since its kick-off.
“The Igbo region is currently referred to as the entertainment capital of Nigeria. However, the success recorded in the Nigerian entertainment industry today was highly contributed by Igbo citizens; the industry wouldn’t have been complete without their immense contributions, giant strides and commitment. This is one of the reasons this book should be commended.
“In all spheres of human endeavours, they have touched the nation and those of them in the entertainment industry should be lauded and appreciated, therefore I strongly believe that this book represents what they have done and will continue to do for Igbo tribe and Nigeria in general,” he noted.
Writing a foreword on the rationale behind the book, the President of Editors’ Guild of Nigeria and Managing Director of the Sun Newspapers, Mr. Femi Adesina further hinted that “it is capsule biographies of not five, not ten, not twenty, but a whopping number of Igbo sons and daughters, who are torchbearers in society.”
“And don’t think it is only the old brigade that dominates the book. No, you don’t have to be a Methuselah before you can be a role model. You have them across all the ages. The young, the not so old, and the old. It is a medley that gives you a vivid picture of human society at any given times.
“Like the good scribe, who takes from both the old and the new, the book gives us a blend of Igbo stars across the generations. No doubt, the author has opened new frontiers in knowledge and information. After reading about those listed in this work, you have a feeling of having known them better. Igbo tribe has good reason to be proud of them.”
Furthermore, the author and one of the prime members of the editorial team, Ugochukwu Favour-Mayor stated that to celebrate their tribe, they have worked long and hard to put the book together.
He said: “We need to articulate our views on issues of public interest. If we must see that new and rescued Igbo region, truth and reconciliation of everybody devoid of whatever political party or group affiliation is necessary. The elections are over and whatever strategies political parties adopted then was for the elections. After the war, we are expected to move to the next page, which is peace.
“Thank God for today, things seem to have changed in every sphere of our socio-economic and political existence. We thank God for this book that will encourage us to explore and invest in our states and people. It will let us know that we are capable. It will let us know that we have sons and daughters who can do it,” Ugochukwu noted.
