Stakeholders of the entertainment industry in Anambra state have continued to give kudos to Governor Willie Obiano for his positive actions towards security of lives and property in the state which in turn has brought about the return of Night life in the entire state.
Showdish went around the state driving through the entertainment triangle of Onitsha, Awka and Nnewi and found out that a new lease of life has been brought about for showbiz and entertainers and their fans also who hiterto lived in fear of kidnappers and brigands who created fear in the entire populace and staunted the growth and thriving of showbiz.
Before now, the mere mention of Anambra state, Onitsha and Upper Iweka spread goose pimple around the body. Showbiz activities ended before time so that fans can get home before the road became free for all desperadoes. Churhc vigils were outrightly cancelled or rescheduled because it may not be safe for church members to move freely at night, Even weddings and cultural events had to be cut short when the party is yet grooving. Bars and regular nite clubs and other entertainment platforms were not left out as proprietors lived with the anxiety of low patronage.
However, all these seem to be a thing of the past as some of these stakeholders explain in a recent tour across the state. These stakeholders who cut across musicians, producers, entertainment providers and businessmen seem unanimous in their thanks to Operation Kpochapu, the anti-robbery, anti-kidnapping outfit set up by Anambra state government of Governor Obiano which has taken care of these issues.
We learnt that of all the litany of points that Chief Obiano seems to be scoring in governance a few months after his inauguration, the main issue after the hearts of entertainers and their investors happens to be the state of security which had hampered their business wholesomely.
Chimex Alex is one of Nigeria's big time music producers with base in the Niger City of Onitsha and says that "I can tell you that night life is gradually returning to Onitsha. I give kudos to Operation Kpochapu because every insane mind is now tamed. Before, church members are made to go early to friday night vigils and leave later than expected because of fear of the unknown. Bandits paraded the streets as if they own it. Bad boys were roaming the town and killing and maiming and robbing people at will. Now posters heralding shows are being seen more than before I have counted as many as five big shows being promoted for xmas and Easter basically because the streets are safer. We at Winners Voices held a big show recently and it was well attended. It was not like this before. I only pray that the government does not relent in this effort so we can enjoy this peace for ever"
Ikem Mazeli, top highlife musician and Mayor of PMAN Anambra state also had something to say about Operation Kpochapu, Willie Obiano and the return of nite life in Anambra state. According to him, " there is no doubt that night life is on the return in the entire Anambra state. I am a regular performer on the entire circuit of Anambra state and know what I am talking about. Things have really changed. You no longer hear the gist of a fan who was coming to your show but never got there because he or she was attacked by robbers while on the way. It is old news to hear some one telling you to play all your best because fans may go home when it is getting to evening. And that is when the the music is getting sweeter. I thank the good governor of Anambra state Chief Willie Obiano for making this happen. If he did not set up the strong security outfit, then we may not be singing these praises to God and pray that God gives him more wisdom to pilot the affairs of Anambra state very well "
Ben Krugers
Ben Krugers is Head of Operations at Krugers Garden Club formerly situated at Isiokwe, Onitsha before it was demolished and is seen as the voice of showbizness in the area. He says that "time became unbearable to nite club operators in Anambra state in the past few years when bad guys held the state on its grip. Patronage dropped so low that you hardly found people at the club. How can an entertainment provider break even and settle all his bills when there are no patrons? Krugers Club has had a good run over the years providing nite club activities like music, drinks and other forms of edibles for a large and ever increasing clientelle but there is no better time than now when there is peace and security in Anambra state. Patrons come in groups at their own time from far away places to enjoy the atmosphere of fun and happiness that we provide. Before now, people come early and may not leave when they become bored. Others who wish to go clubbing later were also restricted because the roads were not free. But now one will be telling a lie if he says it is still the same as before. Groups of fun seekers come and go for other groups to join the next segment of the celebrations at the club. I think that there is a big boom for entertainment lovers at this time and we have Governor Obiano to thank for all these Operation Kpochapu should take credit for doing well".
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