The Oratory, a movie which seeks to raise awareness amongst key stakeholder publics on the plight of homeless and street children throughout Nigeria, is set to premiere in Abuja, the nation’s capital.
Speaking during a press conference held in Lagos, Gbenga Adebija, Chairman Organizing Committee said the movie features an impressive array of both Nigerian and international movie stars.
According to him, the movie was shot at various locations in Rome, Atlanta, Lagos and Turin.
He disclosed that The Oratory is an internationally acclaimed movie which has received rave reviews all over the world where it has premiered in places such as Dublin, London, Turin and Venice.
“Indeed, just this weekend, on Saturday 20th November 2021, we held the first leg of the Nigerian premiere at the Filmhouse Cinemas in Surulere, Lagos. Feedback from broad-ranging stakeholders confirm that it was indeed an excellent outing, comparable to other premieres held around the world.”
“The second premiere in Nigeria will hold this Saturday, 27th November 2021 at the Genesis Deluxe Cinema, Ceddi Plaza Abuja. Just as with the Lagos Premiere, tickets sold out within a short time and we expect packed halls and an exciting experience for all those who attend the Abuja premiere.”
Giving an insight into the movie, Adebija said “The Oratory is not just a movie, it is actually an integral aspect of a broader multi-dimensional initiative which not only reminds us individually and as a collective of our civic responsibilities towards street children but also creates an inclusionary framework for the upliftment of homeless, delinquent and juvenile youths who are at risk of negative societal issues such as violence, sexual abuse, trafficking and crime.”
The Nollywood factory in collaboration with the Salesians of Don Bosco produced the movie which was directed by Obi Emelonye, a Nigerian film director, who has directed several award-winning films.
The organisers also received support from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), towards the depopulation of children on the streets.
The Oratory tells the story of a Black-American Catholic priest, who after struggling to find his purpose, was inspired by the life of Don Bosco in Rome, and began his journey to helping others.
Starring in the movie is Enyinna Nwigwe, a Nigerian Actor, Producer, and Creative Entrepreneur. Other actors in the movie are Rich Lowe Ikenna, Florence Okechukwu, Lawrence Nwali, Andrea Ferrara, David Davidson, Stephen Ogunnote, and others.
Speaking at the press conference, Denis Onoise, Child Protection Specialist at UNICEF, said the organisation is particular about poor children and how to help them live better lives.
“Sometimes, a lot of them because of poverty are not able to go to school, so they are on the street. Many of them are not able to access healthcare, again, they have a problem being on the streets. Sometimes, they don’t have a home where they can sleep.
“These are the children we are interested in, but we are not able to meet these children and work with them directly. But we have organizations and people who work with children, those we call our partners,” he said.
Onoise said UNICEF works through direct intervention with governments, but a percentage of its financial aid goes to organization like Don Bosco and the Salesians that help street children.
“We give funding and support for them to be able to do their work and cater for these children on the issues I have raised like education, being on the streets, and healthcare, they need funding,” he said.
One of the priests at the press conference, Mark Anthony, said it is important to get children and youths out of the streets to avert the looming danger of having this population of people abandoned on the streets.
