Chief Owurah Agility Ezeoke is the Founder and National Coordinator of Nollywood New Yam Festival & Awards. He is also currently the National President, Association of Entertainment Practitioners and the current Chief Protocol Officer to the National President, Actors Guild of Nigeria, Chief Emeka Rollas Ejezie.
Hailing from Umuoji, Idemili North LGA of Anambra State, Chief Onwurah’s cultural journey began in the embrace of tradition. Bestowed with chieftaincy title at an early age by his father, Chief Cyril Onwurah (Akpaniteaku), he imbibed the essence of cultural richness during formative years spent immersed in village gatherings and celebrations.
Steering the helm as the Chairman of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Abuja Chapter from 2010 to 2017, Chief Onwurah’s influence amplified. His tenure saw the fusion of cultural celebration with the Guild’s expansive network, transforming the New Yam Festival into a nationwide spectacle and held annually in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja since 2012.
Rising as the Chief of Staff to Actors Guild of Nigeria National President further cemented his commitment to preserving cultural roots.
Dumkenenna Odera Nathan (DON) Nnadi is the Chief Executive Officer of Virtues & Nobletouch (VnT) Nigeria, a foremost IT, Multimedia & Entertainment group of companies that offer a wide range of services to the Nigerian Entertainment, IT, Real Estate, Media & Public Relations industries, amongst others.
He is a versatile Business Development and Branding Coach with over 15 years of expertise across IT, Public Relations, Corporate Communications, and Media. A seasoned strategist, he has consistently delivered impactful results in industries such as hospitality, advertising, events management, and entertainment. His work spans business growth, brand development, and strategic communications, with a track record of elevating brand presence and achieving measurable success on an international scale.
He is currently the Director of Communications and Head of Marketing and Sales for Nollywood New Yam Festival & Awards and also runs the day-to-day affairs of designFiX digital and multimedia Company.
Emeka Rollas is the managing Director of Rolling Pictures Ltd. and Booben Rolling Pictures Uganda Ltd., a movie production company that also offers Public Relations/Advertising consultancy to discerning clients of the private and public sectors of the economy.
This Results driven, self-motivated, resourceful and versatile actor with track records of building and maintaining great team to achieve maximum result sits currently as the National President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria and a long-standing member of Nollywood New Yam Festival & Awards as its host.
Steve Eboh, famously recognized as Ajebo, stands as a multifaceted Nigerian talent and a celebrated figure in Nigeria’s entertainment realm, Nollywood. His noteworthy performances in films like Extreme Measure 1, 2, and the acclaimed Lionheart propelled his prominence in the industry. With roots tracing back to Achi in Oji River LGA of Enugu State, Eboh’s versatile career spans across acting, production, television, and philanthropy.
His academic foundation at the University of Lagos, where he earned a degree in mass communication, laid the groundwork for his impactful journey, establishing him as a revered and multifaceted talent. He is the Director of Protocols at Nollywood New Yam Festival.
Monalisa Chinda, a Port Harcourt native born to Ikwerre parents, is a prominent figure in the Nigerian entertainment industry. Her educational journey traversed Army Children’s School GRA and Archdeacon Crowther Memorial Girls’ School in Port Harcourt, culminating in a degree in Theatre Arts from the University of Port Harcourt.
Her illustrious career commenced with the movie “Pregnant Virgin” in 1996, followed by “Above the Law” in 2000, catapulting her into the cinematic limelight. She has since graced numerous film productions, showcasing her talent and versatility.
In 2012, she achieved a milestone as one of the first four Nollywood actors to grace the cover of Hollywood Weekly Magazine. Her diverse career pursuits led her to venture into TV hosting with her show “You & I with Monalisa,” taking a brief hiatus from acting in November 2014.
Beyond the glitz of the entertainment industry and as a UN Ambassador, Monalisa is deeply committed to charitable causes, dedicating herself to philanthropy, hence the birth of Arise Monalisa Foundation. She amplifies her voice through her column “Monalisa Code” in The Sun Newspapers, addressing social issues and relationships.
Her involvement in the cultural arts extends to her role as the Chairperson of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) for the 2023 edition of the Nollywood New Yam Festival & Awards where she also championed ”Folk Tales with Monalisa” at the Children’s Cultural Festival. Presently, she serves as the Director of International Affiliations & Brand Relations, leveraging her expertise in nurturing cultural endeavors and upholding ethical standards.
Monalisa Chinda stands as an epitome of talent, resilience, and dedication, contributing significantly to the cultural landscape and entertainment realm in Nigeria.
His Royal Magesty, Ngene Nwoye Josephat is the crown king of Akwuke. The Ishek V (Onyishian of Akwuke) Akwuke 1 of Akwuke. He is in charge of Chieftaincy Title affairs and coronation related matters at Nollywood New Yam Festival & Awards.
Tonto Charity Dikeh, born on June 9, 1985, shines as a prominent Nigerian actress and philanthropist. Her commitment to social causes led her to establish “The Tonto Dikeh Foundation” on August 27, 2000, marking a significant step in her humanitarian endeavors. In a notable move, she took on the role of deputy governorship candidate for the African Democratic Congress in the 2023 Rivers State gubernatorial election, receiving a warm reception from the people of Port Harcourt following her announcement for the position.
She has until recently, pitched tent with the All Progressives Congress whilst serving as Nollywood New Yam Festival’s Special Duties Director.
Mrs. Noni Okocha is the Co-Founder and CEO of I am The Future of Nigeria Youth Initiative (IFON), a Non-Governmental Charity Organization that caters for the well-being of the youth of Nigeria.
She is the Director of Inter-School Affairs at Nollywood New Yam Festival & Awards,
Ambassador Linda Ekezie grew with the festival over the years, from when she was crowned Face of African Culture to when she was made head of Lgoistics and Protocol and now officially the Project Manager for Nollywood Cultural Heritage Festival 2025, the 13th Edition.
