Showing posts with label events. Show all posts
Showing posts with label events. Show all posts

4 Jan 2014

Wole Soyinka's daughter, Iyetade, to be buried Jan. 10th in Ibadan

Wole Soyinka's daughter, Iyetade Verity Soyinka, who passed away on Saturday December 28th after a brief illness at age 48, will be buried on Friday, January 10 in Ibadan, Oyo State. A service of songs will hold on Thursday January 9th while her funeral service will hold at the Chapel of Resurrection, University of Ibadan at 11a.m the next day.
She will be laid to rest immediately after.

Ms Soyinka is survived by her father and two children, a daughter, Oreofe, and a son, Adeoto.

R.I.P

3 Jan 2014

Police recover buried arms in Kebbi

The Police Command in Kebbi on Friday said it recovered some arms buried by unknown persons in Rafin Kukah village in Yauri Local Government Area of the state.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Sylvester Umeh, told newsmen in Birnin Kebbi that the arms were recovered on New Year eve. He said the arms included three AK47, seven magazines, 198 live ammunition and one paranol pistol loaded with eight rounds of live ammunition.

A Good Samaritan reported it to the DPO of Yauri Police Division, Kabiru Abdul, who mobilised to the scene and recovered the arms,” he said.

He called on the public to provide information to the police to help them in the detection and prevention of criminal activities, adding that security was a collective responsibility.

The command will ensure confidentiality of our informants,” he said. He said investigations into the source and identity of the owner of the arms was ongoing.

We at this command will not relent in our responsibilities to ensure that the state is crime-free.

Hmmm cudose guys...

TB Joshua strikes again #2013 prophesy

Renowned Nigerian Prophet Temitope Balogun Joshua, popularly known as TB Joshua, has predicted the fall of corrupt African leaders in 2014.

In a televised message delivered on New Year’s Eve at the Synagogue Church of All Nations (Scoan) where large crowds thronged to usher in 2014, Joshua said African political leaders who thrive on corruption, depriving their people a decent living, will fall by the way side.

Many of the key leaders in political parties will go down in 2014,” he said.

If many key leaders go down with 2014, what will now happen in 2015? Pray for 2015 to be fulfilled. The beginner is not the owner but the finisher.”

What will happen in 2014 will result in the correction of the corruption because many corrupt leaders will go down in 2014,” said Nigeria’s most famous and wealthiest charismatic preacher.

Joshua’s prophecy comes as Zimbabwe has been ranked among the most corrupt nations in the world. According to Transparency International 2013 corruption index — which shows that bribery and abuse of power remains a scourge in most societies around the world —

Zimbabwe gained six places to 157 out of 177 countries among the most corrupt countries in the world. The country is perceived to be highly corrupt, after scoring 21 points in the 2013 index out of a possible 100. It scored 20 points in 2012. Joshua, whose many forensic prophecies about events and people have proven correct, said 2014 would see many political parties facing an acid test of leadership renewal.

There will be a leadership tussle on who will lead and who will be presidential candidate,” he said.

Hmmmm i believe all would be well...

1 Jan 2014

Please read; MEECOE HAPPY NEW YEAR'S MESSAGE

This might be comming late please bear with me.

Well, this is to inform my estimed readers about little changes in this blog, but before then, i would like to write about this blog a little.

MeEcoe.blogspot.com is a blog structured to give NIGERIANS current news; from political, entertainment, sports, to latest fashion trends, buisness, and motivation works in Nigeria and abroad.

Therefore you would be noticing some changes on the website, and the apps on Blackberry, and Android would be available soon for users.

MeEcoe also allows fellow bloggers, readers to post their opinions and articles by contacting the author.

Like the name MeEcoe its all about you and me seeing the world as it is.

This blog is therefore open to advertisement and sponsored post.

Click here to go back to the homepage

Contact the blogger (ecoe); @ ecoe.emmanuel@gmail.com

N.B: MeEcoe would love to see your comments at the end of each post.

Happy new year, i love you all...

Be the first to know...

30 Dec 2013

Wole Soyinka's second daughter, Iyetade dies at 48

Iyetade Soyinka, the second daughter of Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka has died aged 48.

Ms Soyinka, formerly Iyetade Apampa, died at the University of Ibadan Teaching Hospital after battling with illness. She leaves behind two children and her parents.

May her soul rest in peace...amen

27 Dec 2013

Waje debuts new haircut, slimmer body at the Headies 2013

The 'I wish' star was spotted at the Headies sporting no less than a short hair do and a trimmer, hotter bod'.

Waje who was also the highest female nominee at the Headies with four nominations. Luck met with her!

Congrats Waje

Alas!! Sunny Okosun honoured!

Despite being disowned by the family after the death of Sunny Okosun, Ethel Okosun and organisers of Exquisite Face of the Universe World Finals deemed it fit last week to honour the singer with a tribute performance at the grand finale of the pageant.

At the event, Eazy Okosun, brother of the popular musician got on stage and performed a number of Okosun’s memorable songs including ‘African Soldier’ and ‘Orimolade’ to the toast of the guests. His performance was punctuated with reminiscence.

The Exquisite Face of the Universe world finals took place last Thursday, at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos and had over 30 beauty queens from different countries compete for the coveted crown. 19-year-old Miss Dominican Republic, Susan Castano, however, emerged winner of the pageant, walking away with the cash prize of $10,000. Miss Sweden Makda Tewoldeberhan was chosen as the 1st runner-up with a cash prize of $4000 while Miss Brazil, Souza Paula was the 2nd runner up with a cash prize of $2000.

I think its a good turn...

25 Dec 2013

Merry christmass from meecoe

Wishing you my readers a merry x-mass, happy celebration peeps.....

21 Dec 2013

The Future Awards Africa 2013 winners

The winners of the 2013 Future Awards Africa are:

Young Person of the Year: Ashish J. Thakkar, age 24
Prize in Advocacy and Activism: Orode Uduaghan-Okpu, age 24
Prize in Community Action: Ife Adebayo, age 30
Prize in New Media: Kingsley Ezeani, age 23 Prize in Journalism: Toyosi Ogunsey, age 29 years
Prize in Business: Saeed Jumah, age 28
Prize in Professional Service: Kayode Temenu, age 29
Prize in Agriculture: Precious Peter Nweke, age 31 Prize in Fashion & Style: Aisha Bello, age 24 Continue...

Prize in Arts & Culture: Kenneth Gyang age 27
Prize in Enterprise Support: Ayodeji Adewunnmi, Opeyemi Awoyemi and Olalekan Olude, ages 29, 25 and 29
Prize in Education: Ottoh Oroondam, age 26
Young Media Entrepreneur of the Year: Uche Pedro, age 32
Prize in Entertainment and Talent: O.C Ukeje age 32

Hmmmmm

20 Dec 2013

D’banj set to celebrate 10 years on stage…steps out with Genevieve

Dapo Oyebanjo popularly known as D’banj is gearing up to celebrate his 10th year in the Nigerian Entertainment Industry come 2014. 
The world has watched D’banj grow in his career and it is no doubt that in 2014, the biggest celebration as well as the biggest project is expected to stem out of DMK Media.

Details of the celebration are yet to be disclosed, but insiders say, it is going to be one of the biggest things that will happen to the nation’s entertainment industry in 2014.

This development is coming just a week after the Kokomaster stepped out with Nollywood actress, Genevieve in grand style. They were spotted at the Gulder Club Ultimate party, which held last Saturday, at Oceanview, in Victoria Island, Lagos. Looking dapper in a white shirt, straight cut black jeans and a black waist coat, D’banj drove into the event in a Black Bentley, seconds after Genevieve came in her G-Wagon.

The second season of GCU, which hosted some of the biggest names in the Nigerian entertainment and media industry had the two celebrities partying and enjoying each others’ company throughout their stay at the event.

Meanwhile, in the past 9 years, as a musician, songwriter, actor and businessman, D’banj has written his name in gold, receiving a lot of accolades for his accomplishments.

His name has opened doors for the entertainment industry in the country.

17 Dec 2013

At last, ASUU suspends strike

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), has suspended its over 5months strike. ASUU President, Dr. Nasir Fagge disclosed this in Minna while briefing newsmen.

The Union suspended the strike after a marathon National Executive Committee meeting held in the Niger State capital, yesterday. The different chapters of ASUU are expected to hold congress meetings on Wednesday, following which academic activities will resume in the universities. The marathon NEC meeting was held to deliberate over the agreement signed Wednesday, last week, by the union executives and the federal government.

The meeting, Vanguard gathered was attended by ASUU branch chairmen and secretaries, the national executive members of the Union, coordinators and past leaders, including members from 52 universities. Public universities lecturers have been on strike since July 1, 2013.

Students should be happy now shei?

14 Dec 2013

Nigerian bags Queen’s medal in U.K. Military Academy

Moses beat 1, 6 other foreign cadets to receive the medal A Nigerian Officer Cadet, Noel Moses, has been awarded the Queen’s medal for best results in Military, Academic, and Practical Studies by the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, RMAS.

Mr. Moses beat 16 other foreign cadets to receive the medal at the Sovereign Parade for Overseas Cadets in the U.K. on Friday.

He undertook a one year course as a senior intake at the academy. Mr. Moses had spent four years at the Nigerian Defence Academy, NDA, before completing his final year at Sandhurst. He said that he was proud to be a Nigerian and the first overseas cadet to receive the award.
I have learnt so much from this academy and I will impart the knowledge on others back home,” Mr. Moses said. The Nigerian Defence Adviser to the U.K., John Ogidi, said Mr. Moses’ award had further buttressed the high standard of education at the nation’s defence academy. He said Nigerians who attended the Royal Academy always performed well and urged others to strive for excellence. The Nigerian Deputy High Commissioner to the U.K., Oluwatosin Lawal, commended Mr. Moses for the feat. “It is a moment of joy for Nigeria and shows that we are blessed. This goes beyond military training, we are indeed proud,” he said. The Registrar of NDA, Henry Ayamasaokwei, said Mr. Moses had vindicated the academy as only the best were sent out. “It also shows that the standards at NDA are high. That is why he could achieve this. And I believe this will motivate other cadets at the academy and encourage them to do well. This would also motivate future trainees to strive for excellence,” Mr. Ayamasaokwei, who led a delegation from NDA, said. The Staff Officer Cadet at the Royal Academy, Dick Crombie, said Mr. Moses represented the best of Nigeria, adding, “We are proud of him.” He assured of continued partnership with Nigeria. The event attracted dignitaries from the military, the diplomatic corps and families of the cadets.

9 Dec 2013

Kenya’s Fina Bank Renamed GTBank

Kenya’s Fina Bank will be renamed Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB), following a 70 per cent acquisition by the Nigerian-based lender, said governor of Central Bank of Kenya (CBK), Prof Njuguna Ndung’u.

The approval for acquisition takes effect as from November 8, 2013. The resulting institution shall be called Guaranty Trust Bank Kenya Limited,” Ndung’u said. Earlier this year, GTB which joins Nigerian peers UBA and EcoBank to expand into the Kenya, said its board of directors approved the majority takeover of Fina Bank at an estimated $100 million.

GTB Chief Executive, Segun Agbaje, who had earlier said the lender “will enter East Africa through a multi-country and scalable platform” confirmed the takeover, adding that it was part of the bank’s effort to benefit from the region’s booming economies.

The bank already has operations in Cote d’Ivorie, Gambia, Ghana, Liberia and Sierra Leone, and has over 200 branches in Nigeria. Considered one of the most profitable banks in Nigeria, analysts in the industry posit that Guaranty Bank’s growth is fuelled by oil and gas boom in Africa’s most populous nation.

As at 2011, the bank became the biggest bank in the country by market capitalisation. In 2010 it was on the third place behind Zenith Bank and First Bank.

7 Dec 2013

Dr Sid and Simi Osomo's introduction set to hold today

Taking a break from those booring news.

The introduction ceremony of Mavin artist, Dr Sid and his fashion consultant fiancee Simi Osomo will hold tomorrow in Lagos, I have been reliably informed from a source.

Their wedding will hold next year. The couple got engaged on August 7th this year after dating for over a year. Big congrats to them.

With West African Tallest Xmas Tree, Calabar Festival Lights Up Cross River

The season is here again. The annual Calabar Festival is gradually gathering momentum but the Christmas Tree lighting ceremony set the tone for the 32-day end of the year fiesta, reports Jude Okwe in Calabar…
The winter season is here with its cold and haze but Calabar, capital of Cross River State, will not stop having its groove. If you want to catch fun and adventure in the coast, then this is the place to be. Right from a clean environment, hospitable residents, exquisite hotels to efficient transport service, all you need is a pack of excitement to get there and say goodbye to 2013. And as you do, step into Tinapa Business and Leisure Resort for shopping and sightseeing; relax at the Marina Beach to watch the tide at the seascape dance against concrete embankment and have 24 hours fun at the Christmas Village where the final word is friendship.

Tree Lighting Ceremony
A foretaste to these activities was the Christmas Tree lighting ceremony, which was performed by the state Governor Liyel Imoke. The colourful event took place on November 30 at the Millennium Park.

It heralded the commencement of the 32-day Calabar Festival, an end of the year fiesta that is loaded with a potpourri of social, cultural and economic activities that help to relax the mind and calm frayed nerves preparing you for a brand new year ahead. The Christmas Tree lighting ceremony was indeed colourful and attracted guests from far and near. This year’s event was unique. The tree is said to be the tallest in Africa. Imoke lit it up at exactly 12 midnight. The event witnessed a large turnout of people and kickstarted in earnest the 32 days jamboree. Invited guests were spotted busting into dance moves, grinning from ear to ear and exchanging thumbs up, hugs and congratulatory handshakes while listening to music provided by live bands on the erected stage. The list includes politicians, businessmen, tourists, comedians, Nollywood stars, youthful residents of the city, etc. In short, Nigeria’s glitterati graced the occasion, which the rains spared disruption.

Origin of Yuletide Tree

Christmas or yuletide tree has its origin in Germany in the 16th century where devout Christians decorated their homes and surroundings with evergreen conifer ranging from spruce, pine to fir akin to yuletide celebrations. It is usually an artificial tree made from polyvinyl chloride to give it a semblance of a natural tree. This tree is traditionally festooned with such decorations as apples, nuts or dates. The dynamic nature of science and technology ensured that in the 18th century Christmas Tree was now illuminated by candles, which with time gave to colourful lights that twinkle and sing to boot. And in line with its Christian origin, an angel or star is at the tip of the pyramid representing other angels or the Star of Bethlehem from the Nativity. In the 19th century, the Christmas Tree culture spread beyond Germany.

Its lighting is symbolic. The Evening of November 30 The starry evening of November 30th provided enough comfort for guests and residents to witness the event. With the streetlights on and the venue well illuminated, the arena was just the perfect place to begin the weekend. The ceremony was preceded by live band performances by up and coming artistes discovered during the auditioning for the festival. This group falls under ‘’Calabar Has Got Talent’’ category. They are encouraged to harness their talents and thus earn a living from it.

The waiting game for the governor and his entourage was soon over. At 10.10 pm, his convoy nosed into the venue. With the state song, National Anthem and prayer over, the ceremony commenced without much ado. On the governor’s entourage was a former military governor of the state, Air Vice Marshal Gregory Agboneni. Some comedians that entertained that night were at their best. Ace comedian I Go Die led the pack. His ribs cracking jokes left top government officials and their wives, the Minister of Culture, Tourism and National Orientation Chief Edem Duke and night crawlers on the edge of their seats as the comic relief was the balm they needed to sooth their nerves after a hard day’s work. Nollywood Stars Nollywood stars that graced the occasion included daughter of the soil Kate Henshaw, Rita Dominic, Gideon Okeke, Bryan Okwara and many others. Some executive directors from First Bank Nigeria Plc were not left out. The Nollywood stars will float their own carnival band to entertain the people of Calabar and the world on carnival day.

The event is usually beamed live on notable cable television stations in the world. With music at the background for the ears and stage dance for the eyes, the event got into its groove with everybody in a state of ecstasy. Simply put: guests were treated to high octave entertainment that will linger in their memory for the rest of the festival. Imoke: This is the Place to Be At midnight, Governor Imoke symbolically lit the giant tree. He got a thunderous applause for it. This was accompanied by fireworks, which made the Millennium Park looked like a war front for the display of inter-ballistic missiles. “We remain that place in Nigeria where every Nigerian will be proud to be, where every Nigerian will say is one state in the country where you can see the governor walking about associating with his people. He is not afraid, he is part of the crowd, and the people are warm, happy and beautiful,’’ Imoke had said. He advised the young to rise above their inhibitions by discovering their musical talents and creativity so as to become self- reliant. He recalled vividly how a musical star from the state, Inyanya, and many others talents were discovered in shows staged in Calabar. Today, Inyanya, the Odukpani Local Government Area, Cross River State born artiste, has become a household name in Nigeria’s music industry. Imoke extolled the Calabar Festival, which he observed is a period of boom in the hospitality industry, economic and social activities. This makes the people happy as they smile to the banks. The festival, he added, provides that opportunity for the people to showcase their creativity in craft and memorabilia to earn income. It is one event that brings out the creative instincts of the citizens in a healthy competition. According to him, since the Calabar Festival and its star event, Carnival Calabar, have come to stay, innovation would remain the watchword. Every edition, he said, would throw up new activities-all to make the fiesta better given the intense competition by other states in the country.
As a crowd-pulling event, the governor explained that everything would be done to make it the best organised carnival in Africa, which in the main would attract more tourists and participants. Carnival Calabar, he added, had become a world brand as tourists every year continue to make enquiries about it coming down to participate. Thus, in Nigeria today, the two brands recognized by the world are Nollywood (home movie) and Carnival Calabar, he said. The tallest Christmas Tree, he maintained, would go down in Nigeria’s history as next to the biggest flag in Africa. The flag is hoisted at the Millennium Park waving at the cityscape of Calabar.

The pace is set, calabar knows how to rock it...

5 Dec 2013

Zuma, South Africans Mourn as Mandela Dies at 95

Freedom fighter and former President of South Africa, Dr. Nelson Mandela, is dead.
He was reported to have died Thursday in South Africa after several months of ill-health.
The South African President Jacob Zuma Thursday announced Mandela’s death in a television address.
Our nation has lost his greatest son. Our people have lost a father. Although we knew that this day would come, nothing can diminish our sense of a profound and
enduring loss,” Zuma said.
His tireless struggle for freedom earned him the respect of the world. His humility, his compassion and his humanity earned him their love.”
CTV News reports Zuma as having said he has ordered all flags in South Africa to be lowered to half-mast, where they will remain until after what will be a state funeral.
Mandela, who inherited a country on the verge of civil war and torn apart by racial violence, will forever be remembered for
bringing hope and reconciliation to South Africa. Controversial for much of his life, he ultimately became a beacon of optimism for
people both at home and around the world.
The iconic leader -- known for his charismatic personality, soft-yet-stirring speeches and charitable work post-politics -- spent 27 years
behind bars for opposing white rule in his country before becoming South Africa’s first black president in 1994, reports CTV News..
Mandela became increasingly frail in recent years and was hospitalized several times in the
past few months, receiving treatment for pneumonia, an ongoing lung infection and gallstones.
Though he served only five years in office, Mandela is recognized in the world over, often seen as someone with great dignity and moral authority.
While he sought a quiet family life in retirement, he continued to meet with notable dignitaries and celebrities, weigh in on international affairs and conflicts, and champion causes in which he believed, including poverty and HIV/AIDS.
At age 85 and amid failing health, he was forced to announce he was “retiring from retirement,” in 2004, retreating from the spotlight as much as possible. His last major
public appearance was in 2010, when South Africa hosted the World Cup of Soccer. He was greeted by thunderous applause but made no speech.
Known for his unyielding optimism, Mandela leaves behind a lasting legacy -- with countless parks, schools and squares named in
his honour.
His birthday is a public holiday in South Africa, where Mandela is affectionately known by his clan name, Madiba.
Mandela’s Life behind bars, In Power For too long known as a political martyr, Mandela was sentenced to life in prison in the
1960s for trying to overthrow the pro-apartheid government.
He served 27 years of hard labour, mostly at Robben Island, looking forward to his only perk -- a 30-minute session with a visitor
once a year. While in jail, Mandela unified the prisoners, foreshadowing the leadership skills he would use when he became the country’s first fully-representative democratically elected president.
His release on Feb. 11, 1990 was brought about in part by heavy economic sanctions imposed on South Africa by dozens of countries, including Canada.
As the world watched on television, Mandela walked confidently toward the prison gates, his wife Winnie at his side. A huge throng of
reporters and thousands of supporters wait to greet him, a scene he later described as "a
happy, if slightly disorienting chaos." CTV  News

RIP Mandela.... A true legend

Tara Durotoye, Folake Coker make Forbes list of 20 Young Power Women In Africa

2013 Forbes Africa annual list of “20 Young Power African Women” has been released and three Nigerian enterprising women made the list. They are: Beauty entrepreneur Tara Fela Durotoye, the founder and CEO of House of Tara International; fashion designer Folake Coker, founder and CEO of Tiffany Amber and medical doctor Ola Orekunrin, founder of The Flying Doctors. Well deserved. See the full list on Forbes website.

Alarming; Truck diverts into classroom, kills 7 school children

A truck driver Thursday, at Ogbor Hill area of Aba, Abia state, lost control and rammed into a classroom killing 7 school children.
Fifteen other school children also sustained various degrees of injuries during the accident.
They were pupils of Glorious International Academy located on 42 Opobo road, Aba.
The truck with Registration number, Akwa Ibom AA 702 KTA was said to be on its way to Ovom waterside to evacuate sand when it lost control and rammed into the fence of Glorious International Academy located on 42 Opobo road.
The pupils were said to be having their morning devotion in a classroom when the incident occurred.
According to eyewitnesses account, the pupils have concluded their examinations and were said to have returned to the school to have
their end of the year party.
When the media visited the school, police and operatives of Federal Road Safety Corps were seen inspecting the scene of the accident even as sympathizers were seen in groups discussing the development.
Blood stains covered the floor of the classroom, just as broken desks, biscuits, plates which were to be used for the end of the year party for the pupils.
Also, some parents and relations who lost their children and wards were seen weeping uncontrollably while others were making inquiries regarding the whereabouts of their
children and wards.

Heeya, pray the govt. intervenes...

2 Dec 2013

Keshi Appointed UBA Chairman UBA House

The appointment of Ambassador Joe Keshi as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of United Bank for Africa Plc (UBA) has put to rest the speculation on the return of Mr. Tony Elumelu as the chairman of the bank. Elumelu retired from UBA as the group managing director on July 31, 2010, and there
had been speculation that the founder of Heirs Holdings might return to the UBA Board following the expiration in August 2013 of the
three-year regulatory restriction placed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
A statement quoted Elumelu to have expressed satisfaction over the appointment of the new
chairman.
"The choice of Ambassador Keshi as the Chair of UBA is one that will bring significant value to the shareholders of the bank. He is highly qualified and experienced to lead the board.
His international clout and strong experience in policy formulation and execution will definitely bring significant insight to board
deliberations," he said.
He further stated: "It is clear that UBA is strongly pushing for industry dominance whilst exploiting the abundant opportunities in Africa through its unique platform."
However, it was gathered that some industry watchers who are close to Elumelu, believe his status is now beyond banking board room
affairs following the success of Heirs Holdings, which has significant investments in power, oil and gas, hospitality, real estate,
agribusiness and healthcare.
The Tony Elumelu Foundation he founded in 2010 is also helping him to actualise his passion to create more entrepreneurs across
Africa.

Comments! Whats your opinion?

Do you think 'Fast & Furious' is in limbo with Paul Walker's death?

As friends and celebrities said goodbye to Paul Walker on Sunday, fans and analysts pondered the future of his most famous franchise,  Paul Walker poses with the car that he drove in 2003'3 "2 Fast and 2 Furious.in case you hadn't heard walker died on saturday read more here..
"Walker, who died in a fiery car crash Saturday afternoon in Santa Clarita, Calif., north of Los Angeles, was in the middle of shooting Fast & Furious 7 , which is expected out July 11, 2014.
Throughout Hollywood, the news resonated. From co-stars Tyrese and Ludacris to high-profile fans including Lady Gaga, stars bid farewell to the 40-year-old actor, who was killed along with friend Roger Road, 38, identified as the driver of the 2005 Porsche Carrera GT which lost control and hit a tree
before bursting into flames.

Furious co-star Vin Diesel posted a picture of him and Walker arm-in-arm on Instagram with the caption: "Brother, I will miss you very much. I am absolutely speechless."
The Los Angeles County Sheriff's
Department did not list a cause of the crash Sunday, though it said speed was a factor.
The death leaves Universal with a macabre decision: How does it move forward with the franchise?
Tragedy is nothing new to studios selling movies. When Heath Ledger was discovered dead in his loft apartment in New York in January 2008, Warner Bros. had to gingerly
market his newest movie, The Dark Knight, in which he played The Joker. In 1993, Brandon Lee died of an accidental gunshot wound on the set of Miramax's The Crow.
"Those movies didn't even change their release dates," says Jeff Bock, vice president of box-office data firm Exhibitor Relations. "You have to be delicate in how you market the movie so as not to offend.
The studio has time to let the tragedy pass.
They don't have to decide now about rewrites or how they go forward from here.
But you can be sure this will be the biggest movie of the franchise."
In a press release Saturday, Fast and Furious distributor Universal Pictures did not mention changing the release date or content of the latest installment of the racing series. The studio made no further
comment on Sunday.
"Paul was truly one of the most beloved and respected members of our studio family for 14 years, and this loss is devastating to us, to everyone involved with the 'Fast & Furious' films, and to countless fans," the studio said in its
statement.
Those fans will determine the future of the street-racing series, which began in 2001.
"He and Vin were the Butch and Sundance of the franchise," says Paul Dergarabedian of industry firm Rentrak. "Just by the reaction online, you can tell people are
responding like they lost a friend or family member."
The key friend being Diesel, who serves as a franchise producer, Bock says. While Diesel did not respond to interview requests on Sunday, analysts say the future of
the series could rest in his hands.
"About the only thing that would stop Fast & Furious is if Vin decides he's done," Bock says. "He's known as an emotional guy, and Universal will have to see what he wants to do. The series is too big and too loved for it to end any other way."

R.I.P Walker...