The Catholic Artistes and Entertainers Association of Nigeria (CAEAN) of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja has given awards to the deserving winners of its Jesus Christ’s Passion Play Competition 2023.

The event took place recently at the Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Abuja. CAEAN, the umbrella body of Catholic filmmakers, actors, actresses, directors, dancers, musicians, makeup artistes, and costumiers among others in Nigeria, had recently called for entries on a short film on Jesus Christ’s Passion that would attract prizes.

Marcos Habila-led Committee received entries set up by CAEAN Abuja. Adjudicators chaired by veteran actor, Zulu Adigwe, with Prof Barth Oshionebo, and Dr Olympus Ejue, both scholars of the Theatre Arts department, University of Abuja, Ambassador Wahala, a renowned Nigerian comedian among others as members, keenly watched them and announced the winners. St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church Pasali, Kuje won the first prize; Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Wuse Zone II got the second prize; while The Church of Archangel Parish, Durumi/Garuwa, emerged winner of the third prize, respectively.

They were given the cash prizes instituted by the trio of and tagged, Rev. Fr. Patrick Alumuku, CAEAN Abuja, Chaplain first prize for Abuja CAEAN Jesus Christ’s Passion Play Competition 2023; Sir Dr Rufus Ebegba second prize for Abuja CAEAN Jesus Christ’s Passion Play Competition 2023; and Dr Mrs Chinwe Abara third prize for Abuja CAEAN Jesus Christ’s Passion Play Competition 2023.

The CAEAN Abuja chairman, Mr Patrick Nwagbo Obi, who represented the CAEAN Abuja Chaplain, Rev. Fr. Patrick Alumuku, said the prizes were to encourage creativity in the entertainment industry such as; filmmaking, directing, acting, music, dancing, makeup, costuming, etc for evangelism in the Catholic Church.

He added that the Catholic Church is blessed with enough stories that artistes and entertainers can use to make all-year-round productions. Citing the example of the film made by Pete Edochie on Blessed Iwene Tansi, as an instance, Obi said Catholic artistes can focus on the stories of biblical figures like Moses, Abraham, Issac, Jacob, Joseph, David, Solomon etc and saints like Anthony of Padua, Kizito, Joseph, Mary, Patrick, Augustine, Padre Pio, Charles, John Paul II, Theresa, Mother Theresa, Cecilia among others can provide continuous contents.

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