The much publicised November edition of the Creative Industry Group CIG Industry Night,that held at the Kulture Yard on Friday October 27, 2023, could have been easily mistaken for the Grammys or perhaps the Oscars , as music and TV stars flooded the venue to celebrate the ever indefatigable Copyright Society of Nigeria, COSON Chairman High chief Tony Okoroji.
The event which kicked off with a red carpet session at about 6pm at the Kulture Yard, owned by the multiple awards winning gospel reggae icon Buchi, was supported by Havana drinks, makers of De-Rider bitters and gin, and also the Lagos State Government ministry of Basic education services (BES).
As the guests arrived in numbers, the CIG live band took to the stage to perform beautiful renditions of some of the special guests, High chief Tony Okoroj’s songs, like the hit track Juliana amongst others.
Guests were thrilled with drinks and sumptuous meals, courtesy of the Copyright Society of Nigeria ( COSON), ,Supported by Havana Beverages Limited, makers of D-Rider Bitters. and the Creative Industry Group (CIG)welfare department.
There were also electrifying performances, that got guests glued to their seats clapping, and up on their feet dancing at the same time.
The Mc of the event was the talented humor merchant, KoffiThaGuru who mesmerized the crowd with his highlife skills, he also did not fail to use his anecdotes as usual, to treat issues bordering on education, suicide, and the current grueling situation of the country.
Top celebrities and dignitaries that came for the event included, Sir Shina Peters, Patrick Doyle, Chief Mrs Clarion Chukwura Abiola, Righteousman and Carol Cee, DG of Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON) Bernice Ashibuogwu, Alex O, Buchi, the president of CIG Amb. Felix Duke and his amiable wife Lady Capriz, ZDon Poparella, Amb.Cornel Udofia with members of the Gladiators, Captain Emma Anyanwu, Lagos State Government ministry of Basic education services (BES) director, Adeyemi Adebayo , High chief Tony Okoroji himself with his entourage, amongst many others.
Officially opening the performances was the fast rising Afro Pop sensation, Ashny, and Kasi of Top Records.
Other artists that performed included, POG, Janey Krest, Tesla Miles, Emperor Zigzag, Super Don, Muaire, Cassy, Rasnoweapon, and Bizzyboi.
The event crescendo was when it was time to present the award to the special guest, High chief Tony Okoroji. As he was ushered to the stage with a stand ovation and magniloquent adjectives by the MC KoffiThaGuru, that cracked everyone up. He also went ahead to take the concise citations of the legendary entertainment mogul who is undoubtedly one of the forerunners of the Nigerian Entertainment Industry, and whose professional relationship with music, started when he was only 18 years old, at the College of Immaculate Conception (CIC) Enugu. His first recorded works as an artist, was in 1976, an album titled Super Sure . He released the album with the name Alex Tony Okoroji , under his own label , Love Records .
The award was presented by legendary gospel reggae don Buchi, assisted by the Amb. Felix Duke, Sir Shina Peters and Righteousman, as KoffiThaGuru continued churning out highlife tunes to the amazement of all.
The humble entertainment empresario , High chief Tony Okoroji, gave his speech of thanks amidst high emotions, as he thanked his daughter Alex Okoroji, who came all the way from the United States to support him, everyone that came out to show love, and especially the Creative Industry Group CIG for the life time achievement award of recognition. No doubt those who attended the event will aggree, that it will not be forgotten in a hurry.
By Jav Fredericks Imoni . Vice Chairman Media Sector CIG.