By Paulinus Nnah
The Distinguished Senator Ekong Sampson, the Senator representing Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District in the National Assembly, last Saturday graced the premiere of movie, “The Eyes of All”, held at the exquisite Nelson Mandela Hall of Watbridge Hotels and Suites, Uyo.
The federal Lawmaker who applauded the film Executive Producer, Rt. Hon. Patty Etete Ineme, and one of the key actors, Mr. Emem Udo, for the depth in their creative roles and the artists’ display of their talents in the production of the movie, also thanked the audience for turning up in large numbers to partake in the first showing of the film.
Senator Ekong Sampson, after watching a drama production portraying the harsh realities of the obnoxious slave trade as side attraction at the event, opined that, “the stage is very historical.
“Watching your footages on the slave trade, brings out memories; memories of Africa being plundered.”
Recalling such plays as: “This Is Our Chance”, by James Ene Henshaw, “The Trials of Brother Jero”, by Wole Soyinka, as litrary works that deeply relate to the roots and travails of Africans, the Onomkpoinam Mkpat Enin chided the young generation for abandoning the culture of reading and viewing such plays and drama presentations respectively, but instead have become fixated on Big Brother Naija (BBN).
He therefore lauded glowingly the efforts of the production crew, which output he termed as “a job well done. I’m very proud of what you’re doing, because you’re charting a new frontier. You’re working hard to reconnect the past to the present, and to rekindle the artistic spirit in our youths.”
Senator Sampson, who is the Advisor to Watbridge Hotels and Suites, maintained that the part of the hospitality facility was to encourage what the movie outfit was doing, while also intimating that Watbridge Hotels is partnering with Uyo Book Club that meets every last Saturday of the month.
The event also witnessed the presence of the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Anieti Udofia, among many other dignitaries.
