FORMER governor of Ondo State, Dr Segun Mimiko, has described his former secretary to the state government, Dr Rotimi Adelola, as a bundle of physical, intellectual, mental energy and the ‘engine room’ of his administration.
Mimiko, who was a special guest at the commissioning of the Number 9 film studio and the screening of his second movie, ‘Kedere’ (No hiding place), said Adelola’s entry into the Nollywood would give others a run for their money.
He, however, counselled that the Nollywood should do something about subtitling, adding that many people would not allow their children to watch the home video because of the poor English. ” I think that is where Adelola should come in and do it more professionally,” he said.
Mimiko challenged the movie producer to do more and create a value system which is being eroded by western civilisation. “We need films that will tell our story about the four hundred years of slavery (400 years). 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 re-create energy and sense of the world for our people” he noted.
The Chairman of Elizade group, Chief Ade-Ojo said Adelola was his in-law. He admonished him to adhere strictly to the lesson of the movie, ‘Kedere’, adding that “whatever you do, lives after you”. Whatever you do either Kedere or underneath, everything is known to God. So, there is no hiding place for anybody.” He said.
The chairman of Mainframe Production, Tunde Kelani said he was humbled by the humility of Adelola despite his academic achievements when he approached them to study filmmaking after he left office in February 2017.
“I thought to myself, what else does this man want again. But he said he wanted to study filmmaking and he enrolled with us. Adelola is our poster boy for excellence. He was the best graduating student among his set,” he noted.
To former commissioner for finance in Ondo State, Chief Dele Ogundipe, Adelola is a dogged fighter. ” And whatever, he sets out to do, he does it well.”
It was an ovation galore as speakers took a turn to eulogise the seasoned administrator for coming out with the epic movie, ‘Kedere’.
Former managing director of Wema Bank, Reverend Segun Agbetuyi said he was not surprised that Adelola delved into movie production because he is always working to do something new. ” There is nobody here that has produced more doctorate degrees 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 urged the well-meaning individuals and corporate organisations to support what Adelola and others are doing in the Nollywood order to create employment and improve the revenue of the government.
The well-attended launch and movie premiere had in attendance former commissioner for Works in Ondo state, Engineer Gboye Adegbenro, Chief Executive Officer of TPT International, Tokunbo Modupe, among others.