Veteran Nollywood filmmaker, Tunde Kelani, is set to be conferred with a Honorary Doctorate Degree by Lead City University on December 12, 2022.
A statement sent to TCN by his media officer, Segun Oludotun, disclosed that TK as he is fondly called in film circles, will be awarded the Doctor of Letters (Honoris Causa) as part of the institution’s 15th convocation ceremony.
The statement also quoted a letter of nomination for the prestigious award signed by the Registrar and Secretary General of Council to the university, Dr. (Mrs) Oyebola Ayeni, on behalf of the Chancellor, as saying that the award is in consideration of the septuagenarian’s “immense contributions to the arts, cultural documentation and the theatrical traditions of the Yoruba and African culture.
“It is also in recognition of your professional accomplishments as a photographer, media personnel, journalist, film maker and producer and cinematographer of no mean repute,” it added.
Reacting to the nomination in his pre-award statement, Kelani said: “I associated with writers and academics from the beginning of my career which gave my work a greater depth. I therefore, appreciate the award from a reputable Institution, Lead City University. I shall continue to do my best to justify this honour and the support of my colleagues, family, friends, benefactors and our audiences everywhere”.
With a career spanning over five decades, Kelani has specialised in producing movies that promote Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and have a root in documentation, archiving, education, entertainment and promotion of the culture. Notable amongst his works are: ‘Tí Olúwa Nile’ , ‘Ko s’egbe’ , ‘O Leku’ , ‘Thunderbolt’, ‘Saworoide’, ‘AgogoEewo’, ‘Narrow Path’ , ‘Abeni’, ‘The Campus Queen’, ‘Maami’, ‘Arugba’, ‘Dazzling Mirage’, ‘Ayinla’ and ‘Cordelia’ (which was recently completed and is ready for release).