Veteran Journalist, Steve Ayorinde celebrates 30 years of Nollywood

By Adebola Adegoke

Renowned Journalist, Mr Steve Ayorinde, has celebrated his 30 years journey in the Nigerian film industry with a book launch titled 30: Three Decades Of The New Nigerian Cinema – A Bystander’s Verdict.

Ayorinde, during the launch on Thursday in Lagos, said the book chronicled the remarkable growth of the Nigerian film industry.

According to him, the book is borne out of years of honing his trade as a cub reporter, editor and columnist, editor-in-chief, member of the jury for film festivals and commissioner.

He, however, emphasised the importance of collaboration in the future.

“30: Three Decades of The New Nigerian Cinema – A Bystander’s Verdict presents a vibrant panorama of the films and personalities that have reshaped and revolutionised the Nigerian film industry in the past three decades.

“The next 30 years has to be a concerted effort of all quarters of the industry – the artistic and technical aspects collaborating with the governmental and corporate sectors

“The book is now available in leading bookstores such as Roving Heights, Terra Kulture, Alliance Francaise, The Book Sellers, and the University of Ibadan bookshop.

“It is also available on Amazon, Okada Books, Smashwords and Lulu,” he said.

Speaking at the event, the former Governor of Ekiti, Dr Kayode Fayemi, commended Ayorinde for his efforts in preserving the history of the industry.

“I must commend you for bearing witness to history, and ensuring we do not lose a sense of who we are as Nigerians.

“I also need to commend all those who have excelled in this industry and are promoting our culture,” Fayemi said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event had in attendance the former Governor, Lagos, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, former Group Managing Director, First Bank, Dr Bisi Onasanya, and the Director-General, Nigerian Copyright Commission, Dr John Asein.

Also, Mr Brian Etuk, Director of Special Duties, Nigeria Film Corporation (representing the Managing Director NFC Chidi Maduekwe), and Oba Olufolarin Ogunsanwo, Alare of Ilera kingdom, Epe Division Lagos State.

NAN also reports that Ayorinde was the former Lagos State Commissioner for Information & Strategy and later Tourism, Arts and Culture between 2015 and 2019.

He has written several books, his works include A Critic’s Timeless Reports, Abokede: The Man, The Hill, The City and more.

His latest, 30: Three Decades Of The New Nigerian Cinema – A Bystander’s Verdict,” is a must-read for all film enthusiasts, researchers, and film practitioners.

(NAN)