By Osagie Alonge
For several weeks, there had been speculation that this year’s edition of Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) might not hold in its traditional home, Bayelsa. Because of the political situation in the state, there had also been doubts about the possibility of the awards holding at all.
But the founder of the awards Peace Ayim Osigwe says no matter what the case may be, the awards must take place.
These uncertainties are due to the on-going political crisis rocking the Niger Delta state. Insiders say although the government of Bayelsa have always bankrolled the event, the recent developments in the state will make it difficult for this year’s project to get priority attention. ‘With all that’s happening, hosting an awards show will be the last thing on the Governor’s mind’ said one source familiar with the situation.
Bayelsa has played host to the awards since its inception in 2005 (except in 2007 when it held in Abuja).
‘It is true that Bayelsa is AMAA’s traditional home; it is equally true that the state has hosted AMAA except for one edition but that is not to say that it can’t go elsewhere. We once held it in Abuja and that is why we have said it repeatedly that we are open to sponsorship or hosting by any state’, Ayim Osigwe said.
Ayim Osigwe who is also the chairman of the awards says a press conference will be held this month where all questions concerning the awards will be discussed and answered.
In 2007, the awards was moved to Abuja after the State’s governor Timi Sylva was sacked by the court and then the state declared the safety of the AMAA guests could not be guaranteed.
Nominations for 2012 have not been announced.
1 comment
with due respect and utmost curtesy i would like to crave your indulgence on the subject matter of probably not hosting the next amaa award in bayelsa state and i speak as a stakeholder concerning this development.amaa has become a traditional birthright to bayelsa state and we frown to the clause of may not hosting it in bayelsa state,i think and i believe that we are solidly ready to host the event and i speak with the the minds the director general of tourism.i am hoping to further dicussions with the amaa management so we can bring the glory of the award back to its original home.