The ELFIKE Film Collective, a partnership between EbonyLife Films, FilmOne Distribution, Inkblot Productions and Koga Studios, organised a one-of-a-kind premiere of ‘The Wedding Party 2 in Dubai’, last Sunday, at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.
They upped the ante with the event, courtesy of an Arabian-inspired dress code and matching décor. Throngs of guests, dressed in gorgeous ‘Arabian chic’ outfits, added to the spirit of the occasion.
The premiere had some of Nigeria’s most celebrated and influential individuals in business, entertainment and politics in attendance, including the wife of the Vice President of Nigeria, Mrs Dolapo Osinbajo; Mrs Toyin Saraki, wife of the Senate President; Senator Florence Ita-Giwa; former governor of Cross River State, Senator Liyel Imoke and his wife; Mr Tony Elumelu, Chairman, United Bank for Africa; Mr Herbert Wigwe, Chief Executive Officer, Access Bank; Lady Maiden Ibru, Publisher, Guardian Newspaper; and Mr Nduka Obaigbena, Chairman, ThisDay Newspapers.
In her keynote speech, Mrs Osinbajo expressed her enjoyment of the original film and praised the cast and crew for their desire to change the Nigerian narrative positively. “Thank you for showing a different Nigeria to the world – a beautiful and strong Nigeria,” she said.
Minister of Information and Culture, Mr Lai Mohammed, spoke about how proud he was to be leading an industry that is growing and improving in leaps and bounds, exemplified by films, such as ‘The Wedding Party’ and its sequel. In turn, the minister was praised by members of the ELFIKE Collective for his exceptional leadership at the federal level and his accessibility whenever his assistance and intervention are required.
Mo Abudu, Chief Executive Officer, EbonyLife Films, was grateful for the turnout. “Thank you all so much for showing up tonight; it means a lot to us. It is important to keep telling positive stories about Nigeria. You’re in for a treat with this sequel,” she said.