By Ayo Onikoyi

Director of Nollywood Film Festival Germany (NFFG) and its sister event, the Nollywood Europe Golden Awards (NEGA), Isaac Izoya of Ehizoya Golden Entertainment e.V. has paid a courtesy visit to the new Nigerian Consul General to Germany, Ambassador Dr. Yakubu Dadu for personally attending the recently concluded two-day events.

Izoya noted that despite being only two weeks into his tenure, Dr. Dadu has already showcased his commitment to cultural engagement by personally attending the recently concluded two-day Nollywood Film Festival Germany (NFFG) and its sister event, the Nollywood Europe Golden Awards (NEGA), organized by Ehizoya Golden Entertainment e.V.

 In his welcome remarks, Consul General Dr. Dadu affirmed the Consulate’s unwavering support for the annual Nollywood Film Festival Germany and Nollywood Europe Golden Awards. He also pledged to uphold the Nigeria l-German Street Carnival, a vibrant legacy initiated by his predecessor, Consul General Akande, who he described as leaving “big shoes to fill.”

Isaac Izoya, the Cultural Ambassador, chairs the Nigerian German Street Carnival planning committee and is the curator of the Nollywood Film Festival Germany. As founder of Ehizoya Golden Entertainment e.V., he has organized Nollywood events across Europe since 2002 and is the founder of Nollywood Practitioners Europe. With this established history, the purpose of his visit was well understood.

 In acknowledgment, Dr. Dadu said, “We rely on your experience and the support of Nigerians, especially around Frankfurt, to achieve success. We’re here to promote Nigeria’s rich culture in this part of the world. Culture is the driving force of tourism, and for over 22 years, you have led this effort through Nollywood events. I attended your recent festival and saw the strength of your team. We want to build on that foundation to make Nigeria proud.”

During their discussion, the Consul General introduced Izoya to key members of his team, including the Consul Minister for Protocol, Education, and Cultural Affairs Mr. Abdulwaliu Adetoro Faro and the Head of Chancery, Mr. Abhulimen Ogun. Dr. Dadu also requested video footage from the last two editions of the Nigerian German Street Carnival to aid in planning for next year’s event.

In response, Izoya warmly welcomed the new team to Frankfurt and assured His Excellency Dr. Dadu that, while his predecessor left a remarkable legacy, the Nigerian communities here are ready to support him in stepping into those “big shoes.” he said, “you’ve already started on a positive path by attending our recent Nollywood Film Festival and personally addressing attendees—a gesture that deeply resonated with the Nigerian communities across Germany and was widely shared online. We are committed to helping you succeed, especially if you uphold the open-door policy Your Excellency promised us during your speech at the festival.”

Addressing the Nigerian-German Street Carnival, Izoya urged the Consul General to maintain its momentum in collaboration with Nigerian communities, despite the costs involved. “Let’s make it happen in 2025, Your Excellency,” he said. “With our experience from previous editions, I am confident we have the networks to pull it off smoothly. Nigerians, as well as Germans and other Africans across Germany, are looking forward to it, and we’re here to support your team to bring it to life.”

Izoya also noted that the requested clips from the past two festivals are available on the Ehizoya-Nollywood YouTube channel and promised to share the links with His Excellency. Additionally, he proposed hosting a casual gathering around Christmas to provide an opportunity for the new consulate team to meet and connect with Nigerians in Frankfurt—a suggestion the Consul General agreed to consider and revert in two weeks.

In his closing remarks, His Excellency, Ambassador CG Dr. Yakubu Dadu expressed his gratitude, saying, “Meeting with you is always productive, and having someone with your experience promoting Nigeria’s image through Nollywood here sice 2002 is a tremendous asset. We won’t take your insights and suggestions for granted. With your support and the collaboration of Nigerians in and around Frankfurt am Main, we are confident in our mission to elevate Nigeria’s image to new heights in Germany.”

Dr. Dadu then introduced the new officials including Mr. Faro to Izoya, adding, “Mr Faro, will be your direct contact in cultural promotion activities from henceforth. Please exchange contacts and stay connected.”

The visit concluded with a photo session and exchange of contacts, overseen by Mr. Mohammed Maina Liberty ACI, Immigration Attaché, the last remaining senior staff member from the previous team led by Ambassador Wahab A. Akande. The community also looks forward to celebrating His Excellency’s birthday on November 3. The outcome of this productive meeting stands as a testament of our motto: “The Show Must Go On!”