by ‘Jola Sotubo

The Nigerian movie industry and even the nation at large is still in shock after the news broke of the death of respected Nollywood filmmaker, Amaka Igwe.

[READ: Sad news: Amaka Igwe, veteran Nollywood filmmaker is dead]

Mrs. Igwe, who was 51 years old, is said to have lost her life in Enugu after a battle with asthma.

Here are 10 reasons why Amaka Igwe will always remain in our hearts as well as on our screens:

1, The name “Fuji House of Commotion” is likely to bring the most poignant of memories for most people about ‘Aunty Amaka’, as she was fondly called. The prolific filmmaker brought us the comedy series that filled hearts with joy and homes with laughter.

2, She brought us the much loved soap, “Checkmate” which shone the limelight on Nollywood icon, Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD)

3, She is known for her grand venture in three-part movie, “Rattlesnake”, which was filmed in the Igbo language but still resonated with Nigerians worldwide

4, She, in connection with Chris Ihidero, brought us “Big Daddy”, a short film on rape and sexual abuse, as part of a social responsibility move  towards creating awareness and seeking solutions to the issue of rape in Nigeria.

5, Her production “Glamour Girls” served to shine a light on prostitution and showed just how far a desperate woman could go.  She featured actress, Liz Benson in the movie serving to add to the latter’s already growing popularity.

6, She wrote and directed the brilliant 1998 movie “Violated” which starred Richard Mofe-Damijo and Ego Boyo.

7, She paved the way for female directors and producers to find their footing in the Nigerian movie industry.

8, She contributed to the growth of Nollywood by giving a large number of actors and actresses their starting roles and also by teaching classes at the School of Excellence in Media Studies which she owned.

9, She was also a lecturer at the Anambra State University of Technology and was easily one of Nollywood’s most gifted and respected filmmakers. She was also the owner of popular radio station, Top Radio in Lagos.

10, She was also a member of the international Board of Trustees for AMAA (African Movie Academy Awards) and part of its jury.

May her soul rest in peace.