Amaka Igwe... The Brain Behind Check Mate Is Dead

One of the Nollywood Popular film producer, director, and writer, Amaka Igwe is dead. She reportedly died of an asthma attack last night.The news of her death which came to many as a shock, was contained in a statement issued Tuesday in Lagos by The Nigerian Entertainment (NET).

The statement said that Amaka died on Monday night in Enugu after a brief illness. Reputed for her professional and brilliant concepts, Amaka produced breathtaking sitcoms like Checkmate and Fuji House of Commotion. She is producer of the award winning movie Forever and founder of Amaka Igwe Studios and Top FM Radio.She is one of the foremost movie directors in Nigeria today, a leading player in the motion picture industry.

Her death has triggered lots of reactions from the public, with many expressing surprise at what was seen as the sudden death of the Nollywood star.

One of the earliest reactions came from former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, who described Amaka as the jewel of the Nollywood industry.

Atiku, in a tribute to Amaka, expressed shock at her demise, describing her as a major player in the Nigerian movie industry.
Atiku recalled that Mrs. Igwe's first major production: “Decrees of Fate” won four awards at the National Festival of Television Programmes in 1988.

“Amaka (Igwe) was one of the pioneers of the movie industry. Her presence in Nollywood grew to become quite impressive as she amassed a number of well received movies,” Atiku said.

According to him, her long-running TV drama serial “Checkmate” and the sitcom “Fuji House of Commotion” regularly held families spellbound.

Similarly, former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, noted that the death of Amaka was not only a blow to Nollywood, but to the country at large.

Amaka hails from Obinagu, Enugu, Nigeria is survived by her husband and children.
May Her Gentle Soul Rest In Perfect Peace!