Amaka Igwe remembered in Google Doodle

Amaka Igwe remembered in Google Doodle

Amaka Igwe Biography

Amaka Igwe (2 January 1963 – 28 April 2014) was a Nigerian filmmaker and broadcasting executive. Igwe was the owner of Top Radio 90.9 Lagos and Amaka Igwe Studios. she was recognized as one of the second generation filmmakers who helped begin the video film era of Nigerian cinema. She remained a prominent figure in the industry until her death in 2014.

Emeka Igwe – Early life and education

Uzoamaka Audrey ‘Amaka’ Igwe was born to Isaac and Patience Ene on 2 January, 1963 in Port-Harcourt. Igwe was the fifth of seven children, and the fourth of six sisters. She was known as ‘GCO’ (General Commanding Officer) by her father and ‘Storm’ by her mother because she was always busy with some activity. As a child she acted as a Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture.

According to wiki, She studied at All Saints School and Awkunanaw Girls High School in Enugu. She boxed, played basketball, and was captain of the girls’ soccer team. During her A-Levels at Idia College, Benin, Igwe began to explore her creative side. She taught people the Atilogwu dance, and competed nationally. She also began writing plays and songs. Amaka Igwe wanted to study law, but officials of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) offered her “Education and Religious Studies (Theology)” instead. Hence, she studied Education/Religion at the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University).

From OAU, Igwe jointed the MNET short celluloid film “Barbers Wisdom” as director and then proceeded to the University of Ibadan, where she obtained a master’s degree in Library and Information Sciences. She spent her time during her National Youth Service Corps as a travelling secretary for the Scripture Union. She then worked at the Anambra State University of Technology as an executive director at Eida Information Systems before settling in the creative industry. She married her husband Charles Igwe in April, 1993, and had three children.

Igwe won a number of awards during her career. In 2011, Nigeria recognized her substantial efforts and immense contributions to the creative industry by awarding her with the Nigerian National Order of ‘”MFR,” which stands for “Member of The Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Igwe died in Enugu on April 28, 2014 at 8:30 pm, after efforts failed to save her from an asthma exacerbation. Her funeral was attended by Rochas Okorocha, the governor of Imo State, as well as personalities from the Nollywood film industry.