Comic-actor, Charles Awurum is rarely perceived as a serious person, owing to his roles in movies. But penultimate Saturday, he proved his critics wrong when he successfully hosted this year’s edition of the Award of Excellence, organized by his outfit, Magic Lens Africa Film Academy, MAAFA.

*Some of the guests with Charles Awurum

The award ceremony, which held at the NAF Conference Centre, Abuja, was the first of its kind, as Awurum believes in celebrating those individuals and organisations who have supported the nation’s film industry in no small measure over the years.

The awardees, about 15 of them, including Abia state governor, Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, were selected based on merit and their contributions towards the growth of the industry. Other awardees were Chief Oziegbe Steve Joseph ,chairman/CEO of Josto Integrated Investment Limited, Elijah Onyeagba, CEO of Countrywide Housing Company, Sir Engr. Anayo Befford Onwuegbu, Chief Kenneth Obinna Ebubeogu, multi-talented actress and singer, Euphemia Chukwu, Mr. James Ume, Dr Olakunle Churchill, South Africa’s Jane Mokagadi and South African High Commissioner to Nigeria, His Excellency, Mr. Lulu Luis who was given Nollywood Global Ambassador award.

Hosted by Chimamkpam Anyamkpa, a seasoned broadcaster and former member of Lagos House of Assembly, and Paul Achiechie, a super model , the award night kicked off with a red-carpet event. It also had in attendance celebrities, lovers of Nigerian movies and politicians. Among them were actor Steve Eboh, who was the award committee chairman, veteran actor Bruno Iroha, Ugochukwu Mayor Favour to mention but a few.

Apart from the presentation of awards to the recipients, the highlight of the evening was the premiere of Igbo comic feature movie, “Mgbechi Onu Ugba” produced by the founder of MAAFA, actor Charles Awurum. The movie, featuring Chiwetalu Agu, Steve Eboh, Bruno Iroha, among other stars, tells the story of a young star who moves about the village intruding in peoples private matters despite her father’s attempt to get rid of her by giving her out in marriage to a man thrice her age.

But what spiced up the evening was the performance by the gyration grand master, AB CowBoy and the duo of Mountain Black and Mad Melon of “Danfo Driver” fame.

In his address, Charles Awurum explained that the award was set up as a way of appreciating the contributions made by some individuals and corporate organizations towards the development of the entertainment industry in the country.

“We believe that this award will go a long a way in making them believe we love and appreciate their contribution towards the growth of the nation’s entertainment industry,” he said.