ODUWA!!! You called me that name, and with it, you ignited a fire within me. I recall your words: “If only you’d calm down, you’d be one of the greatest thespians around here.” Those words shaped me, fueled my passion, and honed my directorial skills.
You entrusted me, an acting major student, with a directorial role in OSB Omoriegbe’s OGISO OWODO. I still wonder what you saw in me that made you take that leap of faith. When you returned from Prof Ola Rotimi’s production in Lagos, we showcased our project, and you proudly declared, “Oduwa Na man you be!” That moment defined my path, and my classmates’s attention to me like who is this guy ?
After Uniport, i returned to Port Harcourt 1998, with a script for “IBUKA King of The Forest,” with me as the director and you as a Cast . Your performance on set raised the bar, and the entire crew, including Milicant Jack and Elder Ejike Asiagbu, can attest to your genius and artistic ability playing against top notch Nolllwood Pete Edochie ,Your humility on set, with me your boy as your director, left an indelible mark.
Then came ISSAKABA Part 3, where you played Ikuku, the interpretation you gave to that role remains iconic in Nollywood till date .Iyooo, Uncle Colly! My master, teacher, instructor, and believer! Thank you for believing in that young Edo boy who came to Port Harcourt with a dream.
Sleep on, dear Uncle Colly, and may your journey be smooth, stumble not upon the hills of Anibode !The entire ISSAKABA cast and crew hail you! Sail through the rivers of Mimikpo, and when you meet Chukwuka Jude Emelionu the ISSAKABA creator Yonder tell him that ISSAKABA shall RETURN soon and thy glory shall once again be trumpeted world over !!! I mourn.
Amb Dr Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen
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