JIMI AGBAJE WINS LAGOS PDP PRIMARIES: In my recent picture post, l posted Jimi Agbajes picture as BEST OF THE OTHERS, and there was a reason for that. November 28th 2014, l was one of the many other Nollywood practitioners invited to the prestigious Eko Hotels Convention Center by the Presidency for a dinner with My President, and the Commander in Chief of The Nigerian Armed forces, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan. The rowdiness of the invitees that have come, clutching their invitation cards was mind bogging, you will think the invitation card holds the keys to some vault; and indeed most, if not all of us expected to leave that venue that night with a Presidential handshake. Its not every day that the C.IN.C invites you to have dinner, most of us have rice and stew at home, but this one night was one of those nights you dont want to miss for anything in the world. And so, yours truly carried my card like it meant the world to me. Arriving at the venue wasnt too difficult from my mainland abode either, Mr President visiting Lagos meant the road from the mainland to Victoria Island Eko Hotel venue of the evening event was made an express journey. I kept the invitation card just at the front passengers seat beside me, hoping that some of those security personnel will stop me, so l can inform them l am a guest of the President of Nigeria. Boy, a guest of President Goodluck Jonathan? It looks like its going to be a very good evening after-all. As we made our way through the impressively manned securities into the convention center, l met my colleague and one of the founding fathers of Nollywood, Olorogun Zeb Ejiro (OON). He was looking his Christmas best, and also niftily optimistic like everyone of us were that evening. And as typical of any event that Mr President will attend, there were various political groups and associations, including some would-be political aspirants . It was almost a month to one of the most important calender dates in the world, but that evening, Christmas came early on an evening full of expectations. Unfortunately, the evening began on a sober note, as the Honorable Minister of Culture, and Tourism, High Chief Edem Duke mounted the stage, full of his oratory brilliance to inform everyone that His Excellency President Jonathan though already in the House would not be attending as a result of the triple bomb blast in the ancient city of Kano, as scores of Nigerians have been killed in that afternoon attack. However, what the insurgents probably planned to ruin the visit of the Presidents meeting with one of the most important segment of our nations economic sector(Nollywood) went one without too much fuss . Well, our Presidential Handshake obviously gone for the reason mentioned, but the night still wore on with the expected glitz . On my table was perhaps some of the best minds and brains in Nollywood, Producers/Directors and Event Icons like Opa Williams, Zeb Ejiro, Kingsley Ogoro,Tade Ogidan, Chico Ejiro, Obi Osotule, Mike Nliam, Abby Esho, and My good-self. Soon, there was a slight uproar, and an appreciation applause as His Excellency Senator Musiliu Obanikoro made his entrance. Chants of Koro, Koro, filled the other V.I.P section of the hall. V.I.P? These were politicians and business men who came to attend our own evening, yet they were seated in a rope arena , while those of us who were the real stars were kept outside the so called V.I.P section. I am Ralph Nwadike, and for 33 years of my life, l have been consistent with what l do. I have worked with NTA, done massive programs with A.I.T, and the creator and star maker of Genevieve Nnaji, Ramsey Noah, Regina Askia, Ibinabo Fiberisima, Foluke Daramola, Liz Benson Ameye, and a host of other Nigerian and International Celebrities, was kept with the best in Nollywood outside the roped arena. Well, soon, well determine who the real V.I.Ps are. The man who comes into power for only four years , becomes stupendously rich and above the law, or the man who has worked consistently in his chosen career, made important names for Nigeria, and institutions all over the world are using his works for reference? (I nor wan vex, this is a night of triumph for a very humble personality, in whose honor l am writing this piece) I walked up to Obanikoro, before now, l have tried reaching him on facebook,but he never replied any of my messages. I met him first many years ago at the home of my big brother and the Chairman Emeritus of Daar Communications,High Chief Raymond Dokpesi, during a wedding reception for one of his daughters at his Ajose Adeogun Home in Victoria Island, and he came up to me to introduce himself, seeking my assistance to support his Son who was contesting the Local Government Chairmans seat. Then last year October 1st independence anniversary celebrations as a guest of the Nigerian Consulate in Atlanta Georgia. I was producing The Nigerian Housewives of Atlanta reality show for a friend at that time. This time around, l really want to inform him there is so much l can offer him with some of my creative ideas for the coming elections. He held me by hand, and l narrated how l have tried blocking him. He apologized, giving excuses some folks handle his Facebook account, and l should give him a number to call him. I did, but he said NO, lll give you mine. I am with this number 24/7. Call me tomorrow and lets talk. Indeed, with the music at the back ground, we were shouting , more like having a conversation; but l was happy. Now l can call Koro, and lets see how l can help my PDP win Lagos State.Everyone, and everybody wanted to have a handshake with the happening man.Soon, he was gone, away from my sight, and perhaps my name also erased from his memory. It wasnt too long before l saw him. Quiet, cool as a cucumber, and standing with the gait of a man who knows where hes headed.There was no airs around him, rather he was bowing rather distinguishably with the curtsey of a British Prince. Well, in my mind l was telling myself, l havent really met him, but he belongs to PDP, and l love PDP(Not a card carrying member though) why dont l just go and urge him on. His last attempt at power, he performed pretty well at the polls, even then he was flagging a little known Labor Party. I rose from my chair, and walked up to his chair that was within the roped arena . Good evening Your Excellency, permit me to introduce myself..., he didnt let me finish, he stood up to receive me with a warm handshake. Jimi Agbaje, he said pumping my hands with his warm handshake. Hes won my admiration already. Our discussion didnt really last long, but l asked him to come and meet my colleagues at their table that was pretty a distance from where he sat, and he obliged .Of course my friends were asking if l knew Jimi Agbaje, like l knew Obanikoro? Ralph , dont tell me you have become a politician one of them asked me with admiration. Not really, l began to defend myself, and behold, Jimi Agbaje got up from his chair, and walked all the way up to me and my colleagues. This was indeed a mark of honor and respect for my industry, and at that time l said l will do everything necessary to support this fine gentleman. He asked for my complimentary card, and l gave him with reluctance the last old card in my wallet. What do l care, he cant even give me his card or phone number, when l asked for it. He shook my hands again with a promise to send me a text the next morning. I have heard that before, l told myself, as he returned to his chair, and l returned to the drinking of my red wine. I am not ready for any politician to spoil my evening. The next morning was a Saturday, and l was listening to the morning news when my message alert beeped . It was pretty early also, about 7.35am, and l figured it was one of those unsolicited SMS messages. But behold, it was a text from Jimi Abaje, telling me how great it was of him meeting me, yesterday evening. I mean a Governorship Aspirant, and potential winner and next Governor of Our Lagos State informing me the privilege of our meeting was his. My morning was made. I looked at the text message and assured myself, l will walk the streets for him, when he eventually wins PDP primaries. And to you Jimi Agbaje, your humility no doubt has paid off, you have won the primaries, now let every Great and small Lagosian Stand up now and give our Lagos back to Lagosians by voting in Jimi Agbaje as the next Governor of Lagos State. EKO TUN MADUN SI LABE JIMI AGBAJE.
Posted on: Tue, 09 Dec 2014 00:23:39 +0000
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