Tears, Emotions As Family Confirms Death Of Popular Gospel Singer, Sammie Okposo

Organisers of Eastern Nigeria International Film Festival (ENIFF) have concluded plans to hold the third edition of the film event in Enugu from November 29 to December 2, 2022 with new innovations.

Recall that since its inception in 2020, ENIFF has attracted over four thousand submissions from creative filmmakers around the world. From Oscar award winning director to first time filmmakers.

A statement jointly signed by the founders, Obianujuaku Akukwe and Chris Odili, ENIFF provides a platform to discover new frontiers in film production, celebrate creative prowess, empower storytellers, encourage the young and upcoming, offer networking opportunities by connecting filmmakers across the globe.

Continuing, the duo stated that ENIFF’s goal was to contribute to the creative economy in the South-East and the growth of filmmaking in Africa.

They noted they were always in conversation with filmmakers across the continent and beyond to keep abreast with new trends in the global industry as well as highlight milestone achievements in African filmmaking.

A revered gospel musician, Sammie Okposo is dead.

His sudden demise at 51 years has thrown the music industry into mourning.

Sammie Okposo was said to have slumped and died on Friday morning and the sad news continued to trend on social media with many paying tributes and eulogizing him on his impact on the Nigerian music industry particularly the gospel genre of music.

While many fans described Okposo’s death as a rude shock considering the fact that he was active on Instagram 15-hours before the sad news hit the internet , other celebrities took to their different social media pages to react to his passing.

Although the statement was silent on the cause of the death of the 51 year old prominent gospel artist, his fans and colleagues have not been able to hold back their emotions , breaking down in tears. The Okposo family from Delta State, released an official statement and it reads, “It is with a heavy heart but with total submission to God that I announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, Minister of God, Sammie Okposo. Sammie slept and went to be

The statement revealed that the quintessential Beyond Nollywood curator, Nadia Denton, was in conversation with award winning Nigerian filmmakers, Chuka Ejorh and C.J Obasi to discuss cultural influence in films and the future of filmmaking in the country.

According to the statement, “The film scholar, Dr Ezinne Ezepue, also engages the with the Lord on the morning of Friday.

“We are consoled because we know that he is with Jesus singing with angels. We kindly request that the family is allowed to grieve peacefully at this time.”

Also the Delta State governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa via his verified twitter handle, @IAOkowa posted, “The news of Sammie Okposo’s death has been shocking. This is because he was a valued asset to Delta State and Nigeria — especially as his songs continue to inspire many to worship our Heavenly Father.”

Veteran actor and former commissioner of Delta State, Richard Mofe Damijo

(RMD) in mourning his passage posted a video of himself and the deceased saying they were together in the United States for a function and he had enjoyed his company and relishing meeting again during the yuletide season.

Sammie Okposo, a gospel music minister, released several albums and has garnered awards right from the 90s when he made soundtracks for Nollywood movies. Sharing Okposo’s video on his Facebook page, fellow gospel singer, Tosin Bee, wrote, “Wow! Still can’t believe this. Just last night we were talking about reaching out to you today, that it’s time to release this project that international docu-fiction film-maker, Val Lopes in a conversation of gazing into the future of Africa through film.

“As part of the activities this year, our partner, the American Film Showcase in ENIFF will serve as part of programs of the United States Consulate to commemorate the 16 Days Activism Against Gender Based Violence. you love so much.

“You poured yourself into it, and constantly following up on the status. Just when we are about to release this project Haaaaaaaa!”

Comedienne Lepacious Bose wrote on Instagram, “No! Nooo!! I refuse to accept this report. Lord, please no.”

Comedian Woli Arole said, “May the Lord comfort the Okposo family. Rest

In Peace, Sammie

Okposo.”

@lolaomotayo_ okoye: “RIP Sammy

Okposo.” @nonsky:

“Such a sad news to wake up to! RIP.” @ brodashaggi:

Njamah wrote on

Instagram, “Sammy why? Why? Answer me. This cut is too

DEEP. So many questions that needs answers.

Sammie Okposo

A cultural group, Roots and Heritage Renaissance Cultural Initiative (RHRCI) has unveiled plans to immortalise and hold a memorial concert for the 10th year remembrance of the veteran musician, Fatai Olagunju Rolling Dollar.

The event according to the group founded by Ambassador Dotun Taylor, will be a series of events to hold in 2023 which will be ten years since the agidigbo master departed planet earth.

The veteran musician, Rolling Dollar known for his major hit, 'Won Kere Si Numba' died in 2013 at the age of 86.

In a statement by the Roots and Heritage Renaissance Cultural Initiative, he is set to be honoured post humously, in his country home in Ede, Osun State, with a museum which will have materials, instruments and paraphernalia of the Agidigbo master.

Also, a concert in Osogbo with the endorsement of the Osun State Government and the Ooni of ife, Ilekoko and others will be involved to immortalise the late musician and celebrate his essence and life and times.

To kick off this event, a courtesy visit was made recently to the family of the music icon. The group stormed the abode of his family, Mrs Zainab Olagunju and her two sons in Lagos

and supplied gifts and funds to ease the pains of the widow and support her small scale business.

Emotions ran high as Mrs Olagunju wept and could not believe, this gesture was made to her who had seemed to be abandoned by many.

Zainab Olagunju had done many menial jobs including being a LAWMA street sweeper, to take care of her home and two sons. Now succour has come from the Roots and Heritage Renaissance Cultural Initiative.