By PRISCA SAM-DURU &VERA SAMUEL ANYAGAFU

The list of nominees for the 2013 Future of Africa Awards was released last week during a backyard cocktail organized by United States Consulate in collaboration with the Central Working Committee of the Future of Africa Awards.

The programme which held at the Ikoyi residence of the US Consul General, Jeffery Hawkins, was put together in honour of the 2013 Furure Award Nominees.

Omawunmi

Out of a total of 16 categories, Nigerian musicians; Omawunmi, Inyanya, Ice Prince, Osi Ukeje and  EL Majereks, made the list of five nominees for the Entertainment Talent category.

In Journalism category, Monica Mark of Guardian UK, Jude Zolo, Ben Ezeamalu, Toyosi Ogunseye and Ugochi Anyaka, were selected.

Ishaya Bako, Kenneth Gyang, Anthony Ezeokoye, Njideka Aunyili, etc, were nominated in the Arts and Culture category.

Screen goddess and the “Real Me” exponent, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, who presented certificates to    nominees in the Entertainment talent category, commended the organisers of the Award for using the platform to encourage young Africans who are making a difference in their chosen professions.

She also congratulated the recipients for making the list of nominees while urging them to keep the spirit alive for a more developed continent that would impact the world positively.

On state of the entertainment industry particularly Nollywood, the actress decried the quality of movies churned out into the market, noting that the kind of films produced in Nolywood is a reflection of people’s minds. “If producers release  films which are of bad quality and people purchase them, then it means that they are encouraging them to continue but whereby the movies end up not bought, I guess next time, the producer will work harder to release good movies.

Also speaking at the event, the US Consul General Hawkins said, “The goal of the United States is to empower young people to solve their own problems by empowering them to find jobs, and have a voice in the future of their countries, and as such we are delighted to associate with  Nigeria’s Future Awards Africa in its effort to empower youths in order for them to impact positively  to their respective  communities and the society at large. The U.S. government maintains well cordial bi-national relations with the government of Nigeria and would not be left out in collaborating with Nigeria in key areas of its economy.

He further stated that, “ No nation can survive if it neglects to include its youth in governance, political and economic platforms, wealth creation and poverty alleviation.  U.S. government has pursued long-term engagement with young African leaders through a wide-ranging effort led by the White House, the Department of State, and other development agencies, including

Entertainment was supplied by guest artiste, gospel singer, Ese Peters.