Dr. Achibi Samuel Dede is a distinguished academic, filmmaker, and strategic leader, widely recognized for his contributions to theatre arts and film studies. He currently serves as the Dean of the College of Arts at Wigwe University and holds a Ph.D. in Film Studies from the University of Port Harcourt, where he specialized in film aesthetics and genre studies. Dr. Dede’s academic journey began with a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts from the University of Benin, followed by a Master of Arts in Film Studies from the University of Port Harcourt, focusing on film censorship and intellectual property rights. He further honed his leadership skills with an Advanced Certificate in Strategic Leadership from the London School of Business and Finance.

Dr. Dede has an extensive portfolio of professional training and workshops across Africa, including specialized courses in documentary production, feature film finance, and narrative development. His expertise is further validated by his membership in prominent professional organizations, such as the Society of Nigeria Theatre Artistes (SONTA), the National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTAP), and the Directors Guild of Nigeria (DGN), where he holds veteran status. With a career spanning over three decades, Dr. Dede has served in various academic and professional capacities. He began his professional journey as a Production/Admin Assistant at the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) College in Jos and later held administrative roles at Teenco Engineering Construction Limited. His academic career at the University of Port Harcourt has seen him progress from a part-time lecturer to a full-time lecturer and later to key positions such as Coordinator of the Cultural Administration and Strategic Studies Unit, and Director of the Nollywood International Centre of Excellence.

Dr. Dede’s leadership and artistic direction have been instrumental in various cultural events, including the Rivers State Carnival (CARNIRIV), the Abuja International Carnival, and international festivals such as the Notting Hill Carnival in London and the Trinidad and Tobago Carnival. His role as Director-General/CEO of the Rivers State Tourism Development Agency and his contributions as a visiting scholar and artist in residence at institutions like the University of North Hampton in the UK and the University of West Indies in Jamaica, further highlight his global impact.

In addition to his academic and cultural achievements, Dr. Dede is a seasoned consultant and entrepreneur, serving as CEO/Director of Immortal Clan Multi-Media Limited/Fisherman Clan Studios. He has also held significant roles in various boards and committees, including the Nigeria Film Institute and the Catholic Organization for Relief and Development (CORDAID).

A prolific speaker and thought leader, Dr. Dede has presented at numerous international conferences and film festivals, including the Global Leadership and Entrepreneurship Summit in Toronto, Canada, and the Niagara Canada International Film Festival. His contributions to the film and theatre arts industry have earned him several fellowships, including those from the Nigerian Movie Makers Hall of Fame and the Institute of Corporate Administration.

Dr. Dede continues to shape the future of film and theatre arts through his teaching, research, and leadership, making him a respected figure in the Nigerian and global arts communities.

Dr. Tertsea Joseph Ikyoive is a distinguished scholar and educator at Wigwe University, bringing several years of international teaching and research experience to his role. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre Arts, two master’s degrees—one in Theatre Arts from the University of Ibadan (2011) and another in Criminology and Forensic Studies (2022) from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. He also holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Language and Media studies from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa.

Before joining Wigwe University, Dr. Ikyoive served as a faculty at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, where he also completed a two-term Postdoctoral Fellowship from 2019 to 2022. His career also includes work as an Academic Assessor and External Moderator at Stadio School of Multiuniversity, South Africa. His multidisciplinary research spans African dramatic literature, cultural studies, performance aesthetics, language pedagogy, digital media, and crime intelligence, with numerous publications in reputable international journals.

Dr. Ikyoive is also an accomplished author and poet, regularly presenting his work at conferences worldwide. He is currently the Acting Head of Department, Communication and Digital Media studies in the college of Arts. He also doubles as the college Examination and Records Officer. He is a member of the university senate and the editor of the University Newsletter. He is actively involved in several organizations, including serving as Director and Educational consultant at IPAT Educational Consultancy and Editing services, Editorial Board member of Fortham Publishers, board member of the Fatilen Empowerment Foundation, and as the board secretary for Ipat Science and Technical College. He is also a Member of the Ife Institute of Advanced Studies, Lagos Studies Association as well as member, Association of Nigerian Authors. His commitment to quality education and creative problem-solving aligns with Wigwe University’s mission of fostering innovation and excellence. Outside of academia, Dr. Ikyoive is skilled in graphic design, book publishing and multimedia production and enjoys playing volleyball and table tennis.

Dr. Oluwatayo B. Isijola is a distinguished theatre scholar and director currently serving as a faculty member at Wigwe University, Isiokpo. He earned his degrees in Theatre Arts from the University of Port Harcourt, specializing in dramaturgy and theatre directing. His early career included a pivotal role as a technical officer with the Rivers State Tourism Development Agency for CARNIRIV: The Port Harcourt Carnival, after which he spent a decade at the Federal University Oye-Ekiti, where he taught acting and directing for both stage and screen.

Dr. Isijola’s academic research spans a wide array of topics, including performance aesthetics, directing audience attention, tourism, feminism, post-colonialism, counterterrorism, ecocriticism, and Nollywood studies. He has contributed significantly to the field through his publications, notably Drama and Theatre: A Guide for Beginners* (2021) and Actors Delight, Vol 1. (2022). His forthcoming works include Toxic In-laws, Le-Mo Be, and Actors Delight, Vol 2.

A prolific director, Dr. Isijola has over 30 full-length commercial and commissioned theatrical productions to his credit, demonstrating his expertise as a hands-on trainer and mentor to aspiring actors and directors. His work continues to influence and shape the landscape of Nigerian theatre and beyond.

Dr. Obiora Anamaleze is a prolific and globally recognized artist, celebrated for his exceptional skill and creative excellence in painting. His artistic journey began at the University of Benin, where he earned a B.A. (Hons) in Fine Arts (Painting) in 1998. Driven by a passion for artistic exploration and academic inquiry, he later pursued both his master’s and doctoral degrees at the University of Port Harcourt, specializing in Painting and Studio Practice.

Dr. Anamaleze has served as a part-time lecturer in the Department of Visual Arts at the University of Port Harcourt, where he has mentored and inspired numerous aspiring artists. His dedication to both the theory and practice of art led him to establish ARTITUDE Studios, a creative space that has nurtured emerging talents for over two decades.

A committed advocate for the arts, Dr. Anamaleze is a member of several professional bodies, including the Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA), the University of Benin Trained Artists Association (UNBTA), and the Messengers Group of Artists (MGA).

With a career that bridges academic rigor and studio mastery, Dr. Anamaleze continues to contribute meaningfully to the artistic and educational landscape in Nigeria and beyond.

Njoku Kenneth I. (PhD) is a senior lecturer at the Wigwe University Isiokpo River State. As a prolific and well-exhibited artist, he became the first Nigerian to obtain a PhD. in Sculpture (Studio Art) of the Delta State University Abraka in 2015. Njoku obtained Master of Fine Art ( MFA) and Bachelor of Arts (B.A. Hons.) degrees in Sculpture,  of the University of Benin, Benin City in 2003 and1996, respectively.

In 1997, Njoku worn the Edo state government award of excellence. He  lectured at the  University of Benin , Benin City   and F.C.E (T) Akoka, Lagos respectively. Njoku has published in reputable journals both locally and internationally. As a bronze sculptor, he has greatly improved the lost-wax cast technique. Njoku  has also brought about innovation in the area of finishing (patina) of bronzes. His latest exploration is on ‘kinetics’; an exercise that will induce movement as complement  to ‘statics’ in contemporary Nigerian Sculpture practice. His inspiration and references are drawn from cultural elements, especially Nigeria-Igbo Folklores, Masquerade traditions, Songs, Sayings, and the Uri/Edeala body adornment. His works have enjoyed corporate and private collections within Nigeria and abroad. Njoku is the founder and coordinator of the University of Benin Trained Visual Artists. He is a member of society of Nigerian artists, and vice president, Sculptors Association of Nigeria(ScAN).

Charles Victor Coker is a distinguished theatre artist and former member of the prestigious National Troupe of Nigeria, the apex of performance arts in the country. He holds both a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts in Theatre Arts, and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. at Imo State University.

With a career deeply rooted in storytelling, Charles has graced both stage and screen with compelling performances that showcase his remarkable versatility and dedication. His repertoire spans classical theatre, modern drama, and contemporary screen productions, earning him widespread recognition in the performing arts community.

Renowned for his nuanced character interpretations and commanding stage presence, Charles brings depth and authenticity to every role he embodies. His passion for the performing arts, coupled with a profound respect for the craft, continues to inspire audiences and enrich the world of theatre and film.

Belema Papamie has a Ph.D. in Mass Communication and an M.Sc. in Communication and Development Studies both from Rivers State University. He is a member of both the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (now Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria).

He was Head of Strategy and Communication for Southernfield Development Partners Ltd/GTE, a firm of sustainable development consultants, and was Board Advisor with Dawn in the Creeks Ltd/GTE, a special purpose vehicle initiated and funded by the United States Bureau of Conflict and Stabilization Operations to train local filmmakers and content producers in the creeks of the Niger Delta. For a man whose experience in multimedia work began as a one-man entrepreneur when he opened a production studio, Belsounds Productions, and evolved until he has become an outsourced strategist in the field, Dr Papamie likes to describe himself as a hybrid of an academic and a creative with consulting background.

EKEOMA, Peterkingsley Chimezie (NCE, BED, MA, PhD).

Dr. Peterkingsley Chimezie Ekeoma hails from Imo State. In his professional art career, he bagged the following qualifications. Upper credit in National Certificate in Education (NCE) – Painting major, Department of Fine and Applied Arts (FAA), Vocational and Technical Education (VOCTECH),Rivers State College of Education.

Second Class Upper Division in Bachelor of Education (BED) – Painting major, Department of Fine and Applied Arts (FAA), Vocational and Technical Education (VOCTECH), Premier University of Ibadan. Master of Arts (MA) -Painting major (Action Painting), Department of Fine Arts and Design, (FAD), University of Port Harcourt. Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) – Painting major (Multimedia Painting), Department of Fine Arts and Design, (FAD), University of Port Harcourt.

He is a Nigerian multi-talented cum multidisciplinary artist, curator, and creative art lecturer in the Department of Fine Arts and Design, College of Art, Wigwe University, Isiokpo.

Dr. Peterkingsley as popularly known is a registered member of the Society of Nigerian Artist, Rivers Chapter and have served in the capacity of Financial Secretary. He as well belongs to other professional bodies such as Sculptors Association of Nigeria (ScAN), The Art Messenger, etc.

Dr. Peterkingsley Ekeoma is well known for his unique multimedia performance painting known as Alla Prima of Echo now Alla Prima and Echo.

He is outstanding in his experimental and innovative approach to art, combining painting, sculpture, music, installation, assemblage and performance to address socio-political, cultural, religious and environmental issues.

Dr. Peterkingsley Ekeoma’s works often incorporate recycled materials and found objects, blurring the lines between art and everyday life. Dr. Ekeoma has carried out several commissioned art projects in public spaces and has numerous visual publications to his credit.

In the aspect of Visual cum Performance arts, this exponent of Alla Prima and Echo Action Painting Peterkings, has had several solo and group art exhibitions and performances at home and diaspora, and has received recognition for his contributions to contemporary African art. As an extra ordinary artist of many parts, Artist – Artiste Peterkings who founded God’s Time Indigenous Chorale, Kiwism Art club / movement has played a significant role in promoting creativity in Nigeria and Africa at large. He is a designer of content:  a dancer, a soloist, an actor and a gifted music composer whose indigenous African choral compositions have attracted many accolades and Awards.

His role in training and supporting young people and emerging artists in our society cannot be over emphasized. Peterkingsley has curated art exhibitions, and organized art workshops, art seminars and residencies, fostering creative exchange and dialogue within the art community.

In all, Peterkingsley Ekeoma Chimezie (PhD) is a prominent figure in the art world, pushing boundaries and inspiring new perspectives through his innovative and thought-provoking works of Art. With his Alla Prima of Echo, now known as Alla Prima and Echo Multimedia Action Painting, he has embarked on several advocacy initiatives focused on environmental protection, discovering ability in disability, human rights protection, insecurity, and more. Dr Ekeoma Peterkingsley Chimezie is presently in his environmental cum mix- media Art embarking on massive research on Recycling found objects towards Waste to Wealth.

Dr. Imo Egbo Edward is an Associate Professor of Dramatic Literature and Film Criticism in the Department of Theatre and Film Studies, University of Port Harcourt. He is currently the Director of the Institute of Arts and Culture (Arts Village) of the University of Port Harcourt.

He teaches Dramatic Literature, Theatre and Film Theory and Criticism, Nigerian Theatre and Drama, Documentary Techniques and Research Methods. Imo has presented academic papers at international conferences, and he is well-published in reputable peer-reviewed journals.

He is a playwright, screenplay writer, actor, singer, adapter, master of ceremonies, editor, arts and culture consultant and event manager. One of his adapted works Ruwhnuoma (a stage adaptation of Elechi Amadi’s The Concubine ) was chosen as the drama entry during the Rivers State Golden Jubilee celebration in 2017. He has also featured in a quite a number of stage performances both on national and international stages. He was part of the drama troupe that represented Nigeria in the Theatre Pomodorro Festival in Milan.

He is a fellow of the Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioner (NANTAP) and member of the Society of Nigerian Theatre Artistes (SONTA). He has supervised several post graduate students in Dramatic literature Theatre and Film Criticism. He brings to Wigwe University an enthusiasm for the development of the teaching and scholarship in the college of Arts.