OC Ukeje: Africa’s king of the screen

By JAMES EMMANUEL
jemedia7@gmail.com

If the maiden edition of Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards which held in March 9, 2013, at the 5,000 capacity hall of Eko Hotel was a yardstick to measure actors’ successes, then Okechukwu Ukeje, fondly called O.C., is an extraordinary talent who excelled with distinction.

At that prestigious award ceremony, Ukeje did not only emerge as the Best Actor of the Year, his uncanny knacks for roles interpretation was also exceedingly celebrated by both the organizers and keen observers of the Nigerian movie industry globally known as Nollywood.

That was not his only achievement in the year under review. He also carted away many other movie related awards including ‘Best Actor in a Lead Role’ at the Best of Nollywood (BON) awards which held on Thursday, December 5, in Asaba, Delta State.

Others include ‘Best Actor Award’ at the Nollywood Movies Awards which held on Saturday, October 12, where he was rewarded with a brand new Nissan car; AMAA; and the coveted prize for Entertainment and Talents at the Future Awards which held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, among many others.  

“Winning the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards was a humbling experience. I had really powerful people to contend with in my category; people that are really good at what they do. This is Africa and I know I just have a few movies in circulation; it is just really wonderful to know that the viewers know I am good enough,” he joyfully said shortly after the AMVCA.

With a unique combination of good looks, an acting prowess and a great voice, Ukeje has set himself apart as an effervescent actor to reckon with. He stands tall with his phenomenal rise, large fan base, cult-like followership, and off course, the anticipated recognitions from industry stakeholders. No wonder he is the first actor to be named person of the year by Nigeria’s most authoritative voice on entertainment news- Entertainment Express.

More trouble for homosexuals, as Jonathan signs bill banning same sex marriage

Nigeria’s President Goodluck Jonathan has approved a bill banning gay marriage and same-sex partnerships that sparked international condemnation, his spokesman said on Monday.

“I can confirm that the president has signed the bill into law,” Goodluck Jonathan’s spokesman Reuben Abati told AFP, without specifying a date but adding that it happened earlier this month.

Abati said Jonathan signed off on the Same Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Bill 2013 because it was consistent with the attitudes of most people towards homosexuality in the west African nation.

“More than 90 percent of Nigerians are opposed to same sex marriage. So, the law is in line with our cultural and religious beliefs as a people,” he added.

2015: Uduaghan to run for senatorial seat, pledges ‘forever loyalty’ to PDP

Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State has declared his intention to run for Delta South senatorial district election in 2015. Uduaghan, while speaking with journalists in Asaba, said that there was an unwritten zonal arrangement on where the senatorial race would go at every point in time.
 “When it comes to the issue of election, I have a lot to offer, but the election being one year from now is not what I should break my head  over.”
 Refuting the allegation that he was defecting to another political party, Uduaghan said that there was no need for such a move, adding that he was a foundation and a life time member of People’s Democratic Party, (PDP) and will remain there.

Secrets of my 16-year-old marriage-Nollywood’s tallest actor, Nath Ruskin Georgewill

By JAMES EMMANUEL

If you think Hank Anuku is the tallest actor in Nollywood, wait until you come across Nath Ruskin Georgewill, the congenial Nollywood actor whose height is not only intimidating but also causes ripples, especially in the Nigerian movie industry.
In this hearty chat with Entertainment Express, the Rivers State-born brawny actor who is currently the Director of Guild Services in the Lagos State chapter of Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) shared the story of his life, especially the secrets of his 16-year-old marriage.    

Briefly give us an insight about yourself

My full name is Nathaniel Ruskin Georgewill and I’m from the Ijaw tribe of Rivers State. I was born about 43-years ago and expectedly I’m married with kids. I’m an actor, a model and also a business man.  I’ve also been involved in Apape Local Government politics, where I rose to a top position. At the moment, I’m the elected Director of Guild Services of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Lagos State chapter.  I’m six feet six inches tall; a very friendly, nice and wonderful person. Lots of people say I’m the tallest actor in Nollywood; even at that, I don’t intimidate people with my height.

What are the advantages of being the tallest actor in Nollywood?

It enhances my profile among other actors. It also enables me to fit into different and diverse roles. For instance, I can fit into so many roles; I can play the role of a doctor, minister, politician, and so on, but on the other hand I cannot fit into roles meant for shorter people.

Tell us more about your acting career

I actually started as a model in the late 1990.  During my modeling career, I did lots of great jobs. From there I switched over to acting in 2003; at a point I left acting and later came back fully in 2005. Since then, I have featured in over 80 movies, including My Darling Princess, Weeping Tiger, Total Control, Crying Angel, and so many others. I have also written some movie scripts.

What do you think earned you your first movie role?