Doyen of Nigerian Theatre, Hubert Ogunde of blessed memory, Moses Olaiya, Alade Aromoire, Idowu Phillips, Moremi, Lere Paimo and Tunde Kelani are among the great Yoruba movie icons who will be receiving awards at the maiden edition of Yoruba Movie Academy Awards (YMAA), holding in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital on Sunday, June 3.

Also organsiers of the awards have disclosed that “traditional red carpet” and the classy Hummer Limousine shuttle that will serve as a glamorous celebrity shuttle from their respective hotels to the new ultra-modern June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta, the venue of the event will be the major attractions at YMAA 2012.

Ogunde and other Yoruba film icons, according to the organisers, are being honoured  for their contributions to the growth of the home video culture in Nigeria.

They posited that today’s Nollywood started with the Alarinjo Theatre Groups pioneered by great movie icons like the late Hubert Ogunde, Kola Ogunmola, Moses Olaiya, and Ade Love, who notably moved from one region to another, showcasing their works. “The industry also witnessed a major resurgence with landmark contributions from top-notch producers like the late Alade Aromoire, Tunde Kelani and Tade Ogidan among others.” they posited.

Addressing the press, in Abeokuta, ahead of the grand finale, the founder of YMAA, Mr. Tunde Oshinibosi  a.k.a Laface said the essence of YMAA is to honour  and celebrate creativity among the Yoruba film makers.

*L-R, Ogun State Comissioner for Tourism, Chief Olu Adeyemi, Director of CULTURE, and Founder of YMAA, Laface during the press briefing

He identified brand identity, brand development and perception as part of the major challenges facing the Yoruba movie industry, declaring that the time has come for the practitioners to address these issues. “The time has come for us all to contribute our own quota as Yorubas and as Nigerians in the celebration of the greatness and uniqueness of the Yoruba culture and tradition.

It is of utmost importance that YMAA stands out in truth and fairness for the continuous growth and prosperity of the Yoruba race. The Yoruba movie industry must see YMAA as the biggest award in Nollywood. The practitioners must see it as the award to strive hard for,” he said

Also speaking at the event, Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, in Ogun State, Chief Olu Odeyemi  said developing the Yoruba movie industry is in line with the new tourism agenda of the administration of Governor Ibikunle Amosun.

According to him, “we are constrained to lend our support to the institution of these awards, following the laudable objectives of YMAA which includes promotion and development of Tourism in Ogun State through movies, transformation of the state to the movie capital of Nigeria, creation of job opportunities among others, with the hope that the confidence the Ogun State Government has reposed in you through the Ministry of Culture and Tourism will be justified.”

In a nomination list released during the week, Fathia Balogun, Funke Akindele and Bimbo Akintola will be battling for the Best Actress award at the event, which holds at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta as part of celebrations to mark Governor Amosun’s one year in office.