The President, Africa Region of World Craft Council (WCC) and Director General, National Council for Arts and Culture, (NCAC) Otunba Segun Runsewe has described the death 53 year-old founder of Africa Movie Awards, Peace Anyiam Osigwe as a painful loss to Nigerian cultural creative sector.
The Nollywood star died on Monday at St. Nicolas Hospital, Lagos after being in a coma since Saturday.
Anyiam-Osigwe, was popularly known as “The Queen of Nollywood films” because of her passion and dedication to the Nigerian film and entertainment industry.
Runsewe, in a press statement issued today, said her death leaves a vacuum difficult to fill and prayed that God gives the family, and the entire Nigerian culture and entertainment sector the fortitude to bear this sudden tragic loss in a year, the industry intends to create more jobs for Nigerian youths.
His words: “What a loss to our nation and industry. On behalf of NCAC, my family and the entire Nigerian and African cultural tourism industry, I condole the ANYIAM OSIGWE FAMILY.”
Similarly, the Director General of NCAC also commiserated with Mrs. Chika Balogun, former Director General, National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism Studies (NIHOTOUR) who lost her husband recently and buried according to moslem rites of passage.
“Mrs. Balogun is a valued partner and sister and at NCAC, we send our heartfelt condolences, wishing Chika to stay strong over the loss of her dear husband.” Runsewe stated.
Otunba Segun Runsewe further prayed and sent condolences to Mrs Chioma Ezike of Radio Nigeria and Justina Okpanku of Just Tours, both who lost their father and mother, respectively.
“These are trying times for these friends and partners and we thank God for the lives of their parents who lived their full age and gave us these brilliant culture journalists who have been making contributions to the growth culture economy.”
“NCAC stands with you both at this hour of your parents passage. Please remain strong!” Otunba Runsewe said.