18th March, 2013
The Inspector-General of Police, Alhaji Mohammed Dikko Abubakar and the Minister of Culture and Tourism, Chief Edem Duke are among eminent personalities that have signified their interest to grace the Night of Stars ceremony coming up in Calabar, hours after Saturday’s World Cup qualifier between Super Eagles and the Harambee Stars of Kenya.
Organisers said on Monday that the Senate Leader, Victor Ndoma-Egba will also be at the event, with veteran actor Bob Manuel-Udokwu, a special adviser to Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State also to grace the occasion.
The Night of Stars, conceived to precede the Nigeria Pitch Awards, is an integral part of the latter, uniquely designed to celebrate Nigeria’s local and international football and Nollywood stars annually, where the serving Governor of a state, individual or corporate body is honoured with the Pitch Star Award for their support to the growth of Nigerian football.
According to a statement released by Ademola Olajire, Assistant Director (Media) of Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, this year’s event will honour a number of distinguished Nigerians for their support for the Super Eagles’ triumph at the Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa, and celebrate 20 years of Nigeria’s exciting Nollywood industry.
One of the country’s leading stand-up comedians, Julius Agwu will join Supersport ace presenter, Chisom Mbonu to anchor the red carpet. The red carpet will start at 8p.m, with the event itself kicking off at 9p.m.
Also confirmed for the Night of Stars are the likes of Desmond Elliot, Ejike Asiegbu, Nse-Ikpe Etim, Chika Ike, Keppy Ekpeyong Bassey, Francis Duru, Bimbo Akintola, Fred Amata, Bimbo Manuel and Lancelot Imasuen.