NMA HONOURS OKOTIE WITH LIFE ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Source: nigeriafilms.com
OKOTIE
OKOTIE

Reverend Chris Okotie of the Household of God Church, Lagos, is to be honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award for Exceptional Contribution to the Development of the Nigeria Music Industry, when Nigeria Music Award (NMA) returns to Abuja this month.

Speaking at the church premises in Lagos, while presenting him with a letter of invitation, CEO, Tops Entertainment Ltd and organizer of the award, Chief Tony Okoroji, gave reasons for the decision.

His words, " the release of Chris Okotie's I Need Someone in 1980 was a milestone in the annals of the Nigeria Music Industry, Chris Okotie did not just come into the scene with a new hit song before he changed the entire showbiz culture.

Never before then had the Nigerian popular music scene witnessed anyone so articulate and with sound education, a charm and a good voice. Song after song, Okotie touched a nerve among people, cutting across age, class and ethnic barriers. For several years, Okotie's dominance of Nigeria's popular music scene was almost total and he became the source of inspiration to many on the Nigerian scene."

Okoroji also explained by reason of the award, the awardee is entitled to two reserved seats for himself and a companion. According to him, the presentation will be one of the high points of the star-studded celebration that will be beamed live on television to the entire nation.

In his response, Reverend Okotie expressed joy at the news and thanked Chief Okoroji for his lifelong determination to promote the Nigerian entertainment industry. He noted that the government had a responsibility to tap the immense resources available to the nation in Nigerian music and movie industries. He informed Chief Okoroji that he is looking forward to the date, and promised to be in Abuja to receive the award.

The event also attracted dignitaries including members of the media and research committee of the NMA.