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With Kedere, Dr. Adeola steps into moviedom

By Chuks Nwanne
20 May 2018   |   2:41 am
For someone, who has been in the political circles for a long time, including serving as the SSG (Secretary to the State Government) during Dr. Olusegun Mimiko’s administration in Ondo State, not many would have expected Dr. Rotimi Adeola...

Mimiko, Ade-Ojo, Kelani, Others Commend Filmmaker

For someone, who has been in the political circles for a long time, including serving as the SSG (Secretary to the State Government) during Dr. Olusegun Mimiko’s administration in Ondo State, not many would have expected Dr. Rotimi Adeola to veer into filmmaking. But for the student of Tunde Kelani Film School, filmmaking is a passion too precious to let go.

After months of working on location, Dr. Adeola recently premiered his latest film Kedere (No Hiding Place). Dignitaries, including former governor of Ondo State Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, attended the premiere, which also saw the official launching of Number 9 Film Studio. Other guests, who were among the first set of viewers to see the movie include the Chairman of Elizade group, Chief Ade-Ojo, the Chairman of Mainframe Production, Tunde Kelani, former Commissioner for Finance in Ondo State, Chief Dele Ogundipe; former Managing Director of Wema Bank, Rev. Segun Agbetuyi and others.

In his remarks, Mimiko, who was the Special Guest of Honour, described the filmmaker as a bundle of physical, intellectual and mental energy, adding that he was the engine room of his administration in Ondo.To the former governor, Adelola’s entry into filmmaking is a huge plus for Nollywood. He urged movie producer to do more and create a value system, which is being eroded by western civilisation.”

“We need films that will tell our 400 years of slavery. Rotimi is here; he needs to do more. We need to create our cultural values; let’s try some reversal of cultural imperialism. Adelola can do a lot of things to recreate energy and sense of the world for our people,” said.Speaking at the event, the Chairman of Elizade group, Chief Ade-Ojo, who commended Dr. Adeola for the production, urged viewers to adhere strictly to the lesson of the movie, Kedere. “Whatever you do live after you. Whatever you do either ‘Kedere’ or underneath, everything is known to God. So, there is no hiding place for anybody,” he said.

In his remarks, Tunde Kelani, who trained Dr. Adeola in the business of filmmaking, described his as a humble man, who is passionate about driving change in the society through film.“I was humbled by the humility of Adelola despite his academic achievements when he approached me to study filmmaking after he left office in February 2017. I thought, ‘what else does this man want again?’ But he said he wanted to study filmmaking and he enrolled with us.”

Describing Dr. Adelola is the poster boy for excellence, Kelani said, “He was the best graduating student among his set.”While paying tribute to the former SSG, former Commissioner for Finance in Ondo State, Chief Dele Ogundipe, described Adelola as a dogged fighter, adding, “Whatever he sets out to do, he does it well.”

For former Managing Director of Wema Bank, Rev. Segun Agbetuyi, Adeloa’s decision to delve in to filmmaking didn’t come as a surprise.“There is nobody here that has produced more Doctorate Degree holders than Adelola. As at the last count, he has produced up to 14 Doctorate Degree holders. I also learnt that his wife is also working on her thesis to become one.”

Agbetuyi called on well meaning individuals and corporate organisations to support what Adelola and others are doing in the Nollywood, especially in the area of job creation.

On his decision to veer into filmmaking after years in politics, Dr. Adeola explained, “until one leaves this world, you are supposed to be aspirational. Well, film is a tool for social change and as a psychologist, who has been in government for so many years; I’ve seen the need for social change in Nigeria. And I believe that the most effective tool for social change now is movies.”

The filmmaker observed that, “people don’t read nowadays, but they watch movies. So, my intention is to be able to pass the messages that will engender social change through movies,” he assured.Beyond its entertainment value, Kedere, which was directed by Adebayo Tijiani, comes with lessons for everyone, especially the young people.

“There are three lessons in that film. One is the power of superstitious pronouncement from parents to their children. When a child is still impressionable, you have to be very careful with what you say to that child; it will hunt him/her forever. Secondly, it talks about the danger of jealousy. Then finally, when you are working in an organisation and you have suggestions that might affect somebody’s life, you have to be careful the way you make the pronouncement. These are the things we need to be mindful of in our daily lives,” he said.

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