Nollywood Actors Commend DSTV For Launch Of Igbo Channel

A cross section of Igbo Nollywood actors have commended the DSTV for
launching the Igbo Channel in its television station.

Some of the artistes who spoke at the end of the event in Enugu on
Friday expressed satisfaction with the development.

A singer and actress, Onyeka Onwenu, said the inclusion of Igbo
channel in the DSTV bouquet was commendable and long overdue.

"It is a wonderful thing and long overdue. Finally it is here to
revive our culture and language," Ms. Onwenu said. "If you lose your
language, you have lost your culture and your identity."

Ms. Onwenu, who is also the Director General of the Women Commission,
Abuja, however, stressed the need to improve the content of Igbo
programmes and movies.

"The idea of women showing off their bare bodies is not part of Igbo
culture," she said. "There is a depth to our culture of core values,
integrity, success and entrepreneurship."

The actress urged the young people to strive to know their culture,
calling on parents to speak the mother tongue to their children for
true identity.

Veteran actor, Pete Edochie, said he was fulfilled with the launch of
the new channel.

"I feel fulfilled because we, the Igbos, had wanted a medium through
which to revive our ailing culture," Mr. Edochie sqid. "This is it."

Mr. Edochie called on governments of the South East and the private
sector, to sponsor programmes in the channel, to sustain the culture
and language.

Earlier, the managing director of the DSTV, Joseph Ugbe, said the
broadcast station introduced the Igbo channel, following persistent
requests from the people and the media.

Mr. Ugbe expressed delight at the massive support of the people over
the launch, and promised to work with the Nollywood to sustain the
channel.

Others who commended the DSTV for the gesture include Patience
Ozokwor, Genevieve Nnaji, Kalu Ikeagwu, Gideon Okeke and Ossy Ukeje.
--NAN