•Organisers partner Global Sentinel, CANAG Comms, others
Gift Wada
A new documentary drama has delved into the extraordinary life of Chief Nana Olomu, a pivotal figure in the history of the Itsekiri people of the Niger Delta.
Produced and directed by Nnamdi Emmanuel Odunze, and written by Aboyowa Ikomi, the stage play explores the rise and fall of Nana Olomu, a chief who stood as the wealthiest and most influential leader of his time.
Nana Olomu, born in 1852 in the Itsekiri, Nigeria Delta region of Nigeria, was a formidable trader and leader. As the Governor of Benin River, he skillfully navigated the complexities of trade between the Itsekiri people and European merchants, refusing to allow foreign control over his territory.
His resistance to British imperialism, marked by his strategic manipulation of trade and refusal to bow to colonial pressures, ultimately led to his exile in the 1890s.
The documentary sheds light on Nana’s life, his interactions with European merchants, and his unwavering defence of his people’s autonomy.
His ability to understand and counteract the British imperialist agenda made him a revered figure, but it also set the stage for a dramatic clash with British forces, culminating in his eventual surrender and exile.
Upon his return to Nigeria in 1906, Nana Olomu lived out his final years in Koko, passing away in 1916. His legacy, however, continues to resonate, particularly through this documentary, which captures the tension and triumphs of his life.
Global Sentinel and CANAG Communications are proud partners in this project, supporting the efforts to bring Nana Olomu’s story to a wider audience. Their collaboration with the production team underscores a commitment to preserving and promoting the rich history of the Niger Delta and its people.
This documentary is a testament to the resilience and strength of the Itsekiri