The day broke with the news of the queen of Nollywood film’s death.
Huge silence engulfed the vast space. The silence isn’t because we lack words to express our grief due to the queen’s departure. The silence is like a blanket of mystery covering the beautiful golden morning sun.
O death, where is thy sting?
“Peace Anyiam-Osigwe, previously Peace Anyiam-FiberesimaMFR (born 30 March) was a Nigerian filmmaker and entertainment executive who has been called “the queen of Nollywood films”. She is the founder of the globally acclaimed film ceremony, Africa Movie Academy Awards. The Guardian documents that she pioneered the screening of Nollywood films at international film festivals. She directed the first music video of hip-hop sensation, P-Square. In 2012, she was bestowed a Member of the Order of the Federal Republic by the Nigerian government for her contribution to the entertainment industry. She is a TED fellow.”
According to a statement issued by the Anyiam-Osigwe family in the early hours of Tuesday.
The family described the late filmmaker as “the Ada of the family and an outstanding personality, trailblazer, titan, pathfinder, go-getter, humanitarian, one-of-a-kind creative”.
Ever since the News broke there has been an avalanche of tributes pouring endlessly over.
Adedayo Thomas, Executive Director/CEO, National Film and Video Censors Board wrote on his Instagram:
GOODBYE MY FRIEND, PEACE MARIA OGECHI ANYIAM-OSIGWE, MFR!
I am yet to come to terms with the rude shock of the demise of my good friend and irreplaceable ally, Peace Anyiam-Osigwe. The fickleness and ephemeral nature of life would always cast a mist of mystery. Her demise has left me completely hapless and grief-stricken. No one could have envisaged that such an affable soul would leave us so soon, even as preparations are in top gear for the prestigious Africa Movie Academy Awards 2023, which she worked so hard to grow to its 19th edition.
Regardless, we submit to the will of the ALMIGHTY GOD as she is carried home on the Angels wings. We are consoled that she left indelible footprints on the sands of time.
Peace was a visionary, a dogged fighter who was passionate, dedicated and committed to her causes. A trail blazer who set the path for the movie renaissance in Nigeria and across Africa. We can never forget her sacrifices in nurturing latent and budding talents into discovery and emergence. She was a humanitarian who selflessly took up the cause of humanity. An unwavering activist for the film industry in Nigeria who will always advocate for the best for her colleagues and the industry. There are not enough words to adequately capture this loving soul. History will be certainly be kind to you and the successes we recorded at the National Film and Video Censors Board will not be reported without the fond memories of your legacy.
A rose has withered. The world has lost an Amazon. The nation has lost a rare gem. The industry has lost an ethereal personality. The earth will continually be emblazoned with the beautiful memories of her invaluable impacts.
Peace, as I fondly call you, may you find peace in the bosom of the LORD, and may GOD ALMIGHTY grant your family and loved ones the fortitude to bear this irreparable and heart-wrenching loss. You will continue to remain a beacon of light, even in death.
Goodbye, my friend!
Alhaji Adedayo Thomas
Executive Director/CEO
National Film and Video Censors Board
Some of her friends and colleagues could only express their grief in a few words:
Kunle Afolayan wrote “Rest on 🕊️😇”
Ajoke Silva wrote also on IG “2023…you have started 🤨! Rest dear aburo. You tried. May the Lord strengthen your family to bear this irreplaceable loss. Greet Amaka Igwe. Chai …death you are bloody rude😥 R.I.P. Peace Anyiam-Osigwe.”
