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Scholars, practitioners set to celebrate Zeb Ejiro’s legacy with a book of discourse, tributes

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  • October 10, 2024
  • 4 min read
Scholars, practitioners set to celebrate Zeb Ejiro’s legacy with a book of discourse, tributes

By Editor

AS celebrated Nigerian filmmaker Zeb Ejiro approaches his 70th birthday in 2026, preparations are underway to honour his exceptional contributions to the Nigerian film and television industry. A comprehensive book is being curated, featuring scholarly essays, reflections, and analyses of his career, which has spanned nearly five decades. The project is being spearheaded by theatre scholar and writer, Prof. Sunny Ododo.

Ejiro (born on Februaryr 2, 1956) is renowned for his pivotal role in the evolution of Nigerian cinema, particularly his influence on Nollywood and his work in pioneering television drama at the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA).

Ejiro’s illustrious career began with NTA, where he was instrumental in producing and directing beloved television series that captivated Nigerian audiences. His shows, such as Ripples, Mega Fortunes, and Candle Light, Sweet & Sour, Classique, Secretes and Lies, became household favourites, cementing his reputation as a visionary filmmaker.

Beyond television, Ejiro’s work expanded into Nollywood, where he directed and produced some of Nigeria’s most iconic films, including Domitilla 1 & 2, Sakobi, Sakobi Returns, Mortal Inheritance and Goodbye Tomorrow, Pure Honey, Extreme Measure, Yellow Cassava, Conflicting Shadows, Window Shopping, A Night in the Philippines, The President Must Not Die, Just a Night, New Generation Merciful, Fatal Desire 1 & 2, Nneka the Pretty Serpent and Ikuku, among others. His seamless transition from television to full-scale filmmaking showcased his versatility and marked a defining moment in the development of Nollywood.

Ejiro’s achievements have earned him numerous accolades, including a national honour, Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON), awarded by President Olusegun Obasanjo in 2005. He is also a recipient of the Nigeria Media Merit Awards’ Lifetime Achievement Award and the inaugural Nigerian Academy of Letters Award for Excellence in Humanistic Practice in 2024.

To celebrate this milestone and his enduring legacy, a call for papers has been issued for a book of essays dedicated to exploring various aspects of Ejiro’s impact on Nigerian cinema. This book will provide an in-depth analysis of his creative journey, including his contributions to film directing, screenwriting, television programming, and mentorship, cinematography, film and theatre, film technology, film development and film and popular culture, etc.

Scholars, researchers, and practitioners are encouraged to contribute papers that highlight his influence in areas such as film and television production, film marketing, content creation, and women’s representation in film, film mentorship, Nollywood Networth, Screenwriting. Other topics may include discussions on the technological evolution of the film industry, Ejiro’s directorial technique, tributes and reminiscences, and his role in nurturing future generations of filmmakers.

In an effort to nurture and grow Nollywood as an industry, Mr. Ejiro was instrumental in establishing associations such as Association of Movie Producers, (AMP) and Directors Guild of Nigeria (DGN), thus exhibiting strong leadership qualities that have provided the guilds with a solid foundation. Mr. Ejiro holds Bachelor’s degree from University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

Contributors are to submit well-researched essays between 5,000 and 7,000 words, following MLA (7th edition) guidelines, on or before April 28, 2025. The collection will celebrate Ejiro’s vast contributions to Nigerian entertainment and provide critical insight into his work, examining his legacy within the broader scope of Nollywood’s rise to global recognition.

Submissions should be sent to the editorial team at allforzebjiro@gmail.com and seododo@gmail.com. For any urgent inquiries, contributors can contact 08084872800. This project promises to be a definitive resource on Ejiro’s artistic and cultural impact as he celebrates a lifetime of dedication to Nigeria’s film and television industries.

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Prof. Sunny Ododo (organiser of the book) and Mr. Zeb Ejiro at the Nigerian Academy of Letters (NAL) where Mr. Ejiro was honour with Excellence in Humanistic Practice in 2024

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