Mo Abudu - Women of Rubies

In Editor's Choice January 18, 2021 By Women of Rubies

The Movie “Òlòtūré” Is My Life Story”- Tobore Ovuorie Shed More Light On Copyright Infringement Allegation

Following the controversy that has surrounded Ebonylife Films, the producers of popular Netflix film “Òlòtūré”, journalist Tobore Ovuorie has made a statement addressing the issue.

It all began after the investigative journalist made allegations of copyright infringement towards Ebonylife Films, claiming that “Òlòtūré” which follows the story of a young, naïve Nigerian journalist who goes undercover to expose the shady underworld of human trafficking is an adaptation of her life story which she wrote as an article, “Inside Nigeria Ruthless Human Trafficking Mafia” that was published on August 2014, by Premium Times.

Ebonylife Films responded to the allegations with a statement claiming that ‘Oloture’ is a “work of fiction and was inspired by a variety of true events”. The CEO, Mo Abudu also addressed the allegations in a video posted on her official Instagram page where she said that they sought and obtained the right from Premium Times, the owners of the story, and as such, had fulfilled their legal obligation.

Tobore Ovuorie who said she couldn’t initially view the video as she had been blocked from viewing Mo Abudu’s Instagram page has now responded to the video with a statement “to set the records straight for the sake of posterity.”

Tobore stated that the human trafficking investigation in her story upon which “Òlòtūré” is based had commenced prior to her employment with Premium Times. She insists that the film is not fiction nor about “several other faceless journalists who had done what she did but did not publish their experiences”, but is an adaptation of her work and life story and that it was made without her express permission. “A movie about women victimization cannot end up creating further victimization,” she wrote.

Firstly, EbonyLife claimed that the right to use my life story was legally obtained from my erstwhile employer – Premium Times. Unfortunately for them and as I had earlier informed them through my lawyers, the human trafficking investigation in my story had commenced prior to my employment with Premium Times. It is disheartening that Aunty Mo could in fact mention that she got the right to my life-story (that has impacted on my life since then in many ways) from my ex-employer.

Secondly, I am in shock that Aunty Mo would claim that I was contacted prior to the Movie in one breath and in another breath that the story is not about me but about several other faceless journalists who had done what I did but did not publish their experiences.

If Ebonylife had given me full disclosure from the beginning, we would not be where we are, at this point. Yes, Oloture is an important film to be made but must be done the right way. A Movie about women victimization cannot end up creating further victimization.

Oloture is an ADAPTATION of my work and life-story. I experienced the investigation, the process, and the risks, upon which the movie is based. I also single-handedly authored the publication the Movie relied on. The publication of my experience is what gave birth to Oloture. A Movie about sex trafficking does not need to be centered around a journalist and it does not need to play out the plots of my published story.

Responding to claims that her actions are for money and because the movie gained international recognition, Tobore stated,

My obvious interest had always been to be given appropriate credit for my work, far above the compensatory claim. My lawyers’ letter to EbonyLife had categorically demanded for:

• “Compensation for copyright infringement in the sum of $5,000,000.00 (Five Million US Dollars).

• The immediate inclusion of a proper open credit and end credit in the Movie, acknowledging the adaptation of her work in line with industry standard and practice; and

• Restriction on any further exploitation of our Client’s published life story by your good self, your company and its related companies or affiliates, in any form, including our Client’s post -investigation struggles and experiences, such as her nervous breakdown episodes, which she personally shared with you on set, on or about 6 June 2019 during the recording of the special edition of your program titled: ‘Moments With Mo’ at the Ilupeju recording studio of your company.

The open and end credits of the Movie should be re-edited to read as follows:

Open Credit:
“THIS FILM IS LARGELY BASED ON EVENTS WHICH HAPPENED TO A NIGERIAN INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALIST IN A 2014 PUBLISHED INVESTIGATIVE STORY”.

End Credit:
“THIS FILM IS AN ADAPTATION OF:
WEST AFRICA| UNDERCOVER INSIDE THE HUMAN TRAFFICKING MAFIA, AN INVESTIGATIVE STORY BY TOBORE OVUORIE PUBLISHED BY ZAM MAGAZINE, NETHERLANDS, ON 22 JANUARY 2014 AND SUBSEQUENTLY BY PREMIUM TIMES, NIGERIA”.

See the full statement below:

In self development June 15, 2020 By Esther Ijewere

FG Congratulates Mo Abudu Over Netflix Deal

The Federal Government has congratulated media entrepreneur and filmmaker, Mo Abudu, over her partnership with leading global streaming service Netflix to create two original series as well as multiple Netflix-branded films.

In a statement issued in Abuja, the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said the partnership, for on-screen adaptation of Wole Soyinka’s Death and The King’s Horseman and Lola
Shoneyin’s The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives, adds another feather to Mo Abudu’s already well-adorned creative cap.

The minister also described the deal as a big boost for the country’s creative sector, at a time the industry is reeling from the negative effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.

”Coming after Netflix’s first Nigeria original film, Lionheart, this is a great recognition of the immense creative talents that abound in Nigeria and the provision of a global platform for Nigeria storytelling,” he said.

Alhaji Mohammed expressed the hope that this partnership will signal the beginning of a bigger, mutually beneficial working relationship between the streaming service and Nigeria’s Creatives.

Death and the King’s Horseman is a play by Wole Soyinka based on a real incident that took place in Nigeria during British colonial rule: the horseman of a Yoruba King was prevented from committing ritual suicide by the colonial authorities. In addition to the British intervention, Soyinka calls the horseman’s own conviction toward suicide into question, posing a problem that throws off the community’s balance.

It builds upon the true story on which Soyinka based the play, to focus on the character of Elesin, the King’s Horseman of the title. According to Yoruba tradition, the death of the king must be followed by the ritual death of the king’s horseman as well as the king’s dog and horse, because the horseman’s spirit is essential to helping the chief’s spirit ascend to the afterlife. Otherwise, the king’s spirit will wander the earth and bring harm to the Yoruba people. The first half of the play documents the process of this ritual; with the potent, life-loving figure Elesin living out his final day in celebration before the ritual process begins. At the last minute, the local British colonial ruler, Simon Pilkings, intervenes, the suicide being viewed as barbaric and illegal by the British authorities.

While The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives is set in an enclave of modern-day Nigeria where tribal custom and witchcraft still rub up against rationality and science. Ostensibly about polygamy in old Africa, it is a far more universal story of the shifting power-play inside a marriage and sexual envy between women.

In self development September 28, 2019 By Esther Ijewere

MEET VIVIAN WHO GOT MARRIED AT 50 AND JUST GAVE BIRTH AT 51

Meet Vivian 51-year old Beauty entrepreneur and socialite Vivian Chiologi and her husband, top NFF licensed player agent, John Shittu have just welcomed a baby girl. The couple who got married in London at the 5 star Dorchester Hotel on Park Lane in 2016 welcomed their bundle of joy on Thursday 19th April 2018 in London. Sharing the goodnews, Vivian’s very good friend, Mo Abudu wrote an emotional piece, read below.

My darling Viv, today I celebrate you and I thank God for your life and strengthWhat a testimony your life has become. You met and fell in love with JS as we fondly call him when you were about to turn 50. You guys got married. The most beautiful wedding ever. Then came the wait for a child and you were so determined about having this child, we were worried because you had just turned 50 then. But you persisted and yesterday to the glory of God, you gave birth to a beautiful baby girl.

How wonderful is that Sweetheart God loves you specially to do all these wonderful things for youCongratulations darling. JS thank you so much for making our friend so happy. Lord thank you for your love, favor and kindness in the life of Viv and JS. I mean look at this beautiful pic of my darling Besto during her pregnancy and she is 51, incredible. I am also sharing this story to say, never ever give up and with God on your side and with a good heart, all things are surely possible.

In Interviews&profile September 12, 2019 By Editor

CELEBRATING MO ABUDU, A MEDIA MOGUL EXTRAORDINAIRE

Mosunmola Abudu, popularly known as Mo Abudu, is a Nigerian Media Mogul, philanthropist, and former Human Resources management Consultant. She has been described by Forbes as “Africa’s Most Successful Woman”.

Abudu was born in Hammersmith, West London. Her early years were spent in the UK. She attended the Ridgeway School, MidKent College, and West Kent College. She also gained a master’s degree in Human Resource Management from the University of Westminster in London.

EbonyLife TV

In 2006, Abudu started EbonyLife TV, a network airing in more than 49 countries across Africa, as well as in the UK and the Caribbean. It is a subsidiary of Media and Entertainment City Africa (MEC Africa), EbonyLife TV is located at Tinapa Resort in Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria.

In March 2018, Sony Pictures Television (SPT) announced that they had concluded a three-year deal with EbonyLife TV that would include co-production of The Dahomey Warriors, a series about the Amazons who took on French colonialists in a 19th century west African kingdom.

EbonyLife Films

Abudu established EbonyLife Films. Her first film as executive producer was Fifty. Teaming up with The ELFIKE Collective in 2016, she produced The Wedding Party, which became the highest-grossing title of all time in the Nigerian film industry Nollywood.

Moments with Mo

Abudu is the Executive Producer and host of a TV talk show, Moments with Mo, which is the first syndicated daily talk show on African regional television.

By October 2009, over 200 episodes had been recorded and aired with topics ranging from lifestyle, through health, culture, politics, entertainment, tradition, to music and inter-racial marriages. Guests have included celebrities, Presidents, Nobel Laureates, and the 67th US Secretary-of-State Hillary Clinton, Abudu says the show “highlights the life and accomplishments of a usually well known, but sometimes an undiscovered African individual who by his or her own tenacity and determination has accomplished something, overcome something or been a catalyst for something that makes her or him a role model to others.”

Aired on M-Net with TV coverage in 48 African countries, the show now also airs on terrestrial and cable TV in other parts of the world.

The show’s success and intention to change the world’s perception of the African continent has led to comparisons to Oprah Winfrey, with The Independent and Slate Afrique calling her “Africa’s Oprah” or “Nigerian Winfrey”, respectively.

The Debaters

Abudu is the creator and executive producer of The Debaters, a reality TV show. Funded by Guaranty Trust Bank, it launched on 3 October 2009. The show focuses on “giving Africa a voice” by promoting oratory.

Forbes Africa recognised Abudu as the first African woman to own a Pan-Africa TV channel (2013). She was listed as one of the 25 Most Powerful Women in Global TV by The Hollywood Reporter in (2013) and received the Entrepreneur of the Year award by Women Werk in New York (2014). In 2014, she was honoured with an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters (Honouris Causa) from Babcock University.

In 2019, Mo Abudu was appointed as the Chairperson of the 47th International Emmy Awards Gala, thus making her the First Nigerian to hold that position.

Credit: Wikipedia, pulse.ng, Google

In Career Gems August 7, 2019 By Editor

FUNKE AKINDELE TO MAKE DIRECTIONAL DEBUT WITH NEW FILM, ‘YOUR EXCELLENCY’

Funke Akindele Bello has joined forces with EbonyLife for her directorial debut, Your Excellency.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by EbonyLife Films (@ebonylifefilms) on Aug 5, 2019 at 12:14pm PDT

Funke Akindele has always passed social commentary in everything she’s involved with, right from her breakout in I Need To Know. This time, with “Your Excellency”, she’s taking on the political landscape and adding her signature brand of humour to the pertinent subject matter.

Speaking about the film’s synopsis, Mo Abudu said:

“Your Excellency tells the story of Chief Olalekan Ajadi, a bumbling, billionaire businessman and failed presidential candidate, who is obsessed with Donald Trump.

Just when his campaign looks set to be another disaster, Ajadi is anointed by a major party and becomes a credible contender – all through the power of social media.”

Your Excellency boasts a star-studded cast that includes Lala Akindoju, Eku Edewor, Alexx Ekubo, Osas Ighodalo, Ini Dima-Okojie, Deyemi Okanlawon, Chigul and Helen Paul.

Check out some BTS shots below:

(Photo: EbonyLife Film)

Credit: konbini.com

In self development July 18, 2019 By Editor

“A FEW SUCCESSFUL PEOPLE HAVE STABBED ME IN the BACK” – MO ABUDU

Mo Abudu shared a motivational post on her Instagram page on how to stay focused when irrelevant people stab you in the back as you journey to your success in life.

In her post, the successful media mogul revealed how some irrelevant persons and some perceived successful people have stabbed her in the back as she made her mark in the media and entertainment industry. Read her post below

A good friend of mine shared this African proverb with me yesterday and it made so much sense. “it’s not every dog that barks in the market that you answer”. Just to say that as we are on this journey called life, and as we build, as we start to see and experience some level of success, all sorts of people will come after you. They will even say all sorts, do all sorts, but don’t get distracted. Some of them will even try and use your relevance to make their “irrelevant” lives relevant. It’s all a distraction. What is key is that you continue to stay focused on your end goals.
In my personal journey, I just find it absolutely incredible, that for every stab anyone tries to take at me, believe me a few have tried, some “irrelevant and a few perceived successful ones too, but like magic, GOD just gives me such a GLORIOUS LIFT that just propels me even further. So actually the “Stabs” have become my stepping stones to even greater things. So “Stab” me some more please . I truly am grateful oh Lord. You have stood by me ALL the way. Turning EVERY CHALLENGE into a MIGHTY OPPORTUNITY. So beautiful people, the key is dream big, plan, focus, hard work, tenacity, persistence, team work, do the right thing and serve God, then the magic happens;;,

Credit: LIB

In Career Gems June 19, 2019 By Editor

MO ABUDU TO CHAIR THE 47TH INTERNATIONAL EMMY AWARDS GALA

Media mogul and EbonyLife TV founder Mo Abudu has been announced as the Chair of the 47th International Emmy Awards Gala scheduled for November 25th, 2019 in New York.

The International Emmys made this known in an Instagram post on Tuesday.

Speaking on the announcement, Mo said: “As producers, we are in a unique position to share fresh, authentic, and original stories with a global audience. Our content is not limited by language or culture. Viewers want to see stories that reflect their everyday lives—which can be found everywhere.”

She continued: “At EbonyLife, we believe in changing the global African narrative. And like many, we connect the world with our stories. As a Nigerian television producer, I am honored to chair the 47th International Emmy Awards and be part of an organization that celebrates extraordinary television producers from all over the globe.”

The International Emmy Awards recognises and celebrates excellence in television produced outside of the U.S.

Credit: Bella Naija

In self development May 19, 2019 By Esther Ijewere

“DON’T EVER THINK THE MOST SUCCESSFUL PEOPLE ARE MORE INTELLIGENT OR BETTER THAN YOU ”- MO ABUDU

On a recent Instagram post, Mo Abudu shared tips on how we can overcome our fears and start achieving successes. Above all, the need to believe we are as important like the important people we look up to.

Read her note here

….. I have said it time and time again, IF YOUR DREAMS DO NOT SCARE YOU, THEN THEY ARE SIMPLY NOT BIG ENOUGH!!! Please be rest assured that FEAR is part of the process.

Often times fear is caused by a lack of preparation. Overcoming fear is about being prepared and mapping out your plan. This leads me to the most popular reason you all gave for not achieving your dreams–PROCRASTINATION!!!

I strongly believe FEAR AND PROCRASTINATION work hand in hand. Once you map out your plan and start to work your plan – taking it in baby steps or big leaps and jumps depending on how you approach things, you will start to see progress. This is where PROCRASTINATION ends!!! As I always say, “IF YOU CAN THINK IT – YOU CAN DO IT”.

The challenge is how many of us are moving beyond “thinking” – we have to get up and “Do It”. Please do not be fooled by thinking the most successful people in this world are more intelligent than you or better than you – the secret is that they get up and “do” everyday! Never giving up! Never getting tired! Never taking no for an answer. This is the key to success. So please start drawing up those plans now and start doing!#MoAbudu

In self development March 12, 2019 By Editor

SEVEN FEMALE FILMMAKERS WHO ARE MAKING IMPACT ON THE NIGERIA’S MOVIE INDUSTRY

In celebration of the International Women’s Day, Pulse Movies highlight some of the most inspiring female directors and producers who are making impact in Nollywood industry, in no particular order.

Mo Abudu

Ever since Mo Abudu ventured into filmmaking, she has turned herself into a reputable auteur and a force on both the big screen.

Mo Abudu is the Chief Executive Officer of EbonyLife TV and films. [Instagram/MoAbudu]

Her magic wand produced top Nollywood blockbusters like ‘The Wedding Party’ franchise, ‘Fifty,’ ‘The Royal Hotel Hibiscus.’ Abudu was also responsible for some TV production that includes ‘The Governor,’ ‘Desperate Housewives Africa,’ ‘Sons of the Caliphate,’ and ‘Fifty the Series.’

‘The Wedding Party’ and ‘The Wedding Party: Destination Dubai,’ which grossed hundreds of millions of Naira, are huge success currently ranking as the top two highest grossing Nollywood movies.

In 2017, Abudu was mentioned in The Hollywood Reporter’s annual list of the ‘25 Most Powerful Women in Global Television alongside Angelica Guerra (Latin America), Jane Tranter and Julie Gardner(United Kingdom).

In 2018, Abudu made headlines again with ‘Chief Daddy’ after which she got herself a seat as one of the academy directors for the prestigious Emmys.

Biola Alabi

Biola Alabi is notable for spearheading the berth of one of Africa’s biggest movie awards, Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards, while she worked with Multichoice Nigeria.

Managing partner at Biola Alabi Media Consulting Firm, Biola Alabi

After her exit from the cable TV company, Alabi began working on her production house, Biola Alabi Media. The company delved into movie production and have successfully found space as a major player in the industry.

With the production of ‘Banana Island Ghost’ and ‘Lara & the beat,’ the company has made an impactful contribution to Nollywood.

Alabi went a step further to host a TV show on Arise Network. She has since been a host of the TV station coverage of the Academy Awards, Oscars since 2017.

Kemi Adetiba

Kemi Adetiba carved a niche for herself after shot series of music videos for top Nigerian musicians that included Olamide and Niyola.

Kemi Adetiba has become a leading light for several female filmmakers with her success.

A graduate of the New York Film Academy, Adetiba has worked as an On-Air Presenter, TV show host before she started shooting music videos.

A filmmaker, and television director whose works have appeared on Channel O, MTV Base, Soundcity TV, and BET, Kemi Adetiba made her entry into Nollywood when she worked on ‘Wedding Party 1’ for EbonyLife films.

Adetiba was also responsible for some issue based series and documentaries that include ‘Brotherhood’ and ‘King Women.’

The success of the feature film saw her making her second feature film, ‘King Of Boys,’ a political thriller that ruled 2018.

Aside from breaking her own record with ‘The Wedding Party 1,’ Adetiba was listed as a game changer in 2019.

According to a Nigerian economist, Bismarck Rewane, Kemi Adetiba amongst the 15 people who he believes will shape the country’s economy.

Tope Oshin

Tope Oshin was the only female director on M-Net’s hit soap opera ‘Tinsel’ in its first five seasons – she shot about 350 episodes of the show.

Tope Oshin’s movies in 2018 got several movie awards nominations.

She has produced and directed several acclaimed movies such as ‘Fifty,’ ‘Journey to Self,’ ‘In Line’ among others.

She is also known for directing series such as ‘Hush,’ ‘Hotel Majestic,’ ‘The Apprentice Africa,’ ‘Shuga’ (Season 3 and 6).

Oshin has also directed several short films including ‘The Young Smoker’, ‘Till Death Do Us Part’ and ‘New Horizons.’

In 2016, she directed the documentary, “Amaka’s Kin: The Women Of Nollywood,” a memorial to influential filmmaker Amaka Igwe, who died in 2014, and had before her death, paved the way for most female filmmakers.

In 2017, she shot the critically acclaimed movie, ‘We don’t live here anymore’ and in 2018, she returned to the cinemas with ‘Up North.’

Genevieve Nnaji

Genevieve Nnaji is one of the accomplished Nigerian movie stars with mentions in international media.

Genevieve Nnaji made a first with her movie, ‘Lionheart,’ which was released in 2018.[YouTube/MPM Premium]

The actress has featured in over 200 movies since her career kicked off 20 years ago. She also featured in the film ‘Half of a Yellow Sun’ based on Chimamanda Ngozi’s book of the same name about the Nigerian-Biafran War from 1967-70.

In 2015, Nnaji made her debut as a producer when she co-produced ‘Road to yesterday’ which she also featured in.

In 2018, she made her directorial debut with the movie, ‘Lionheart.’ The movie became the first Nollywood movie to be acquired by Netflix before release. It was premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and got good reviews.

Nnaji has since signed a management deal with a top US talent management firm and has been working on new grounds to break into Hollywood.

Bolanle Austen-Peters

The managing director and founder of renowned Arts and Cultural organisation, Terra Culture, Bolanle Austen-Peters ventured into filmmaking with “93 Days,” a stirring depiction of how the deadly Ebola virus was contained in Lagos.

Bolanle Austen-Peters’ directorial debut, ‘The Blings Lagosians’ features top Nollywood actors. [Instagram/TheBlingsLagosians]

Bolanle Austen-Peters Production is popular for producing critically acclaimed musicals such as “SARO the Musical,” “WAKAA!” and “FELA and the Kalakuta Queens.”

In 2018, Bolanle Austen-Peters took it a notch higher as she made her directorial debut by shooting her second feature film, ‘The Blings Lagosians.’

Biodun Stephens

Biodun Stephens resigned her job as an On-Air Presenter to study filmmaking and scriptwriting at the London film academy.

Biodun Stephens is a filmmaker and writer that has been impacting the Nigerian movie industry. [Biodun Stephens]

Upon her return, she immersed herself into making a change in Nollywood and partnered with Koga Entertainment to make the movie, ‘The Visit,’ which went on to open doors for her.

Working with several individuals, Stephens made headlines again with the interesting drama, ‘Picture Perfect’ in 2017.

In 2018, Stephens joins Tope Oshin as one of the female filmmakers working with M-Net and Multichoice Nigeria to create content for Africa Magic.

Stephens is billed to released a faith-based feature film, ‘Joba’ in 2019.

Credit: pulse.ng

In Career Gems February 28, 2019 By Editor

MO ABUDU TO RECEIVE THE 2019 MÉDAILLES D’HONNEUR AT MIP TV

Media mogul, Mo Abudu is set to receive the 2019 MIPTV Médailles d’Honneur in Cannes alongside three other television executives. The other three are Stéphane Courbit (France) Jane Millichip (United Kingdom) and Ilene Chaiken (USA).

Mo Abudu who has been described by Forbes as “Africa’s Most Successful Woman” shared the exciting news via her Instagram page.

GOOD MORNING BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE. I AM THANKFUL AND OVERJOYED AT THE NEWS OF BEING ONE OF THE 4 RECIPIENTS OF THE 2019 MÉDAILLES D’HONNEUR AT MIP TV. THIS NEWS WAS ANNOUNCED YESTERDAY💃🏽💃🏽💃🏽. SO OFF TO CANNES IN A COUPLE OF MONTHS TO RECEIVE THIS MÉDAILLES D’HONNEUR. I AM SO EXCITED AND MOST GRATEFUL FOR THIS RECOGNITION OF OUR WORK AND MORE THAN ANYTHING, THAT OUR STORIES ARE NOW MAKING A DIFFERENCE ACROSS THE GLOBE. WE MUST BE IN THE ROOM!!! OUR STORIES MUST BE TOLD, HEARD AND SEEN – LOUD AND CLEAR!!! YES, WE ARE CHANGING THE NARRATIVE!! IT REALLY IS HAPPENING!!! ALL THANKS AND GRATITUDE TO MY AWESOME GOD, THE INCREDIBLE AND RESILIENT EBONYLIFE TEAM AND MY DEAR FAMILY AND FRIENDS THAT ARE ALWAYS THERE FOR ME. I PRAY WE TRULY ALWAYS HAVE REASON TO CELEBRATE ONE ANOTHER🙏🏾❤. LINK IN MY BIO. #MIPTV2019 #CANNES #CHANGINGTHENARRATIVE #AFRICATIMETOSHINE #NIGERIATIMETOSHINE

The MIPTV Médailles d’Honneur is usually awarded to senior executives who have, through their talent, leadership and passion, made a significant contribution to the world of television and the development of the international TV community.

The four will receive their MIPTV Médailles d’Honneur at a cocktail and awards ceremony taking place in Cannes, France, at the InterContinental Carlton Hotel on Monday 8 April 2019.

Credit: fabwoman.ng