Representatives of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Lagos State Government, the Italian business community in Nigeria and other stakeholders are scheduled to attend the premieres of The Oratory.
The movie, which raises awareness on the plights of street children in society, is scheduled for a premiere on 20th November in Lagos and 27th November in Abuja.
According to the Movie Producer, Dr Cyril Odia, SDB, The Oratory is based on an African-American missionary inspired by the Italian Saint Don Bosco, renowned for dedicating his life to the betterment and education of street children, juvenile delinquents, and other disadvantaged youth.
The Oratory was filmed in Rome, Atlanta, Lagos and Turin, featuring a galaxy of Nigerian and international movie stars like Enyinna Nwigwe, Celeste Marcone, Florence Uwaleke, Andrea Charles Ukpong, Rich Lowe Ikenna and was directed by Obi Emelonye.
Speaking further, Dr Odia noted that over one hundred thousand (100,000) street children were vulnerable to negative societal issues such as violence, sexual abuse, trafficking, and crime. He described this situation as a time bomb that required concerted efforts by local and international stakeholders to rehabilitate Street Children.
Proceeds from the movie premieres would be used to resource existing shelters in Lagos and Ibadan and open up new Child Protection Centers for street children across Nigeria.
Premieres for The Oratory have already been held in Dublin, London, Turin, Venice and will screen roadshow style in four continents and over 16 cities before year-end.