Buhari, others pay tributes to legendary Eddie Ugbomah

Eddie Ugbomah was not only a gifted storyteller but a social commentator, activist ----President Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari has joined the entertainment industry to mourn the demise of veteran filmmaker, Chief Eddie Ugbomah, who died at the weekend, at the age of 78.

In a statement by presidential spokesman, Femi Adesina, Buhari condoled with family, friends and associates of the ace actor, director and producer “whose contribution to the development of Nigeria’s film industry remains indelible, starting out early with studies and training in London, before returning in the 70’s to promote drama and movies.

“The President believes Chief Ugbomah was not only a gifted storyteller but a social commentator and activist, as the themes of his stage and tube presentations explored narratives that directly impacted on many lives and advocated better government policies and programmes.”

“Buhari affirms that the departed, who served as Chairman of Nigeria Film Corporation, understood film as a veritable tool for communication, and used it positively for national development.

Buhari prayed that God will grant Ugbomah’s soul eternal rest and comfort his family.

What Ugbomah told me---Shaibu Hussein

Shaibu Hussein, a member of a committee set up to raise funds for the treatment of the late veteran film film maker, who broke the news of his demise said in a chat with our reporter that Chief Eddie Ugbomah told him that he was tired, and was not sure that he would make the surgery.

He said the late veteran film maker was due to undergo the surgery, but the doctors advised that they should wait for few days for his health to stabilize before undergoing the surgery. But while he was scheduled to undergo the surgery on Monday, he died on Saturday afternoon following complications resulting from High Blood Pressure, nerves, his ears and brain.

Eddie Ugbomah: A soldier marches on...

---Zik Zulu Okafor, Former AMP President

I never thought he would die. Too strong, too resilient, too optimistic. Too, too defiant , an epitome of uncommon drama ! May your buoyant soul and defiant spirit rest eternally Chief. Sad Chief Eddy Ugboma, OON, fought all his life to see a better movie industry. He fought federal, state govts, agencies, all for the film maker to find a more conducive space for his trade. Well over 70, he remained unshaking and indeed unshakable about his hope and faith in film. His entire life was a struggle for the motion picture bloc in Nigeria. He didn't see his dream turning a reality, not even glimpses. From talking, he started agitating, then got combative with corrosive comments against all and sundry. He became a lonely , hoarse voice in the wilderness. None heard. He got tired but not disillusioned, but then began to struggle to pay his bills. That was not the life he envisioned. Not him. Once a fully comfortable man, his life diminished, frustration, pain, and agony followed. The horizon carried a gloomy picture but few saw the eerie portrait. A pioneer Chairman of Nigerian Film Corporation, NFC, govt didn't see his shadows not to mention see ing his ailment and intervening. Thanks to Mr Adedayo Thomas, MD, NFVCB, for his humane intervention. His awesome efforts and those of a few others like the ever committed Shuaibu Hussein, Fidelis Duker, Seun Olokuntuyi, plus the AMP President and his Vice were gallantry. Tragically, they couldn't stop Chief Ugboma's journey to a place called PEACE . I salute you guys for standing up. You raise our profile amid blinking hopes of many a practitioner. Nollywood is still a tragic arena. We give smiles to people out there and return home to sit with our family searching for same smile we give to people. Tragic ! But we will press on . With people like the NFVCB boss, Mr Thomas , we can still take a step forward. He is an amazing protagonist in our unfolding drama of hope in a fractured journey. That hope must remain robust and eternal. Surely, some day, in our time, in our finest hour we shall stand solid in the theatre of victory to pay tribute to those who paved our path. Good bye Chief. Rest Chief Ugboma. The sounds of your drum will never be drowned. Now you are the might of silence. And we shall sustain the magistracy of your irrepressible office. Accept my final greeting as i bow for you in loud silence. Peace !!

Eddie Ugbomah was passionate about the industry---Charles Novia

May the soul of Chief Eddie Ugbomah, one of the early filmmakers in the seventies and later the MD of the Nigerian Film Corporation in the 80s, find rest.

He was passionate about the industry, with the passion sometimes misconstrued for a cantankerous slant but he was a man who lived by his visions and never stopped fighting till he passed on a couple of days ago. He used to comment on my political posts on Facebook, now and then.

Damn stubborn old man too! But it was all for a purpose. One of the last from the stock of toughies has transcended.

Ugbomah was 'a father and acquaintance-- Film maker, Teco Benson

Chief Eddie Ugbomah was 'a father and acquaintance. He believed so much in the survival of the Nigerian Film industry. “ I recall how passionate he was when he called three months ago and asked me to be part of a new movement to rescue the industry.