TRIBUTES have flooded in for an Oxford Brookes alumnus who was a ‘trailblazer in the Nigerian film industry’.

Peace Anyiam-Osigwe MFR sadly passed away last Monday (January 9) in Nigeria.

She was a Nigerian filmmaker and entertainment executive who was dubbed the ‘queen of Nollywood films’.

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The 53-year-old was the founder of globally acclaimed film ceremony, Africa Movie Academy Awards.

She got her start with a degree in Law and political science from Oxford Brookes University before going on to found the academy in 2005, which is reputed to be one of the most recognized awards for Africans in film-making.

On Twitter, the Oxford Brookes account tweeted: “Very sad to hear that Oxford Brookes alumni [sic] Peace Anyiam-Osigwe has passed away.

“She was a trailblazer in the Nigerian film industry and our thoughts go out to her loved ones.”

Entertainers and celebrities have also paid tribute to the author and entertainment executive.

Actress Rita Dominic said: “We have lost an enigma, an icon, a trailblazer. We have lost a sister. We have lost the founder and director of Africa Movie Academy Award  - it is so difficult to say goodbye.”

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Actor Ramsey Nouah said: “I wish that maybe it’s all a nightmare I will wake up from. You had plans. There were so many heights to reach, so many grounds to break and so many destinies waiting to take flight on the wings of your platform. Life really is fleeting.”

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This story was written by Gee Harland. She joined the team in 2022 as a senior multimedia reporter.

Gee covers Abingdon, Didcot, Wallingford and Wantage.

Get in touch with her by emailing: gee.harland@newsquest.co.uk

Follow her on Twitter @geeharland