by Thinus Ferreira
China's StarTimes pay-TV service behaves as if the deadly Covid-19 pandemic is non-existent in Nigeria, with StarTimes Nigeria that held a shockingly bad in-person media launch event for the new Okirika comedy series with no Covid-19 safety protocols being observed and completely flouting safety measures like social distancing and the wearing of masks.
Around a fifth (20%) of all Nigerian workers have already lost their jobs because of the Covid-19 pandemic in the West African country, while new infections and new deaths because of Covid-19 continue to be reported in the country.
There were hugs, no masks and no social distancing as StarTimes Nigeria COO Tunde Aina, Okirika producer Muka Ray, StarTimes Nigeria CEO Alex Jian, and StarTimes content director Viki Liu got together at a media launch for the show on Wednesday night at the Marriott Hotel, Ikeja in Lagos.
Also hugging and partying it up at the Covid-unsafe and selfish event organised by StarTimes Nigeria were StarTimes Nigeria CEO Alex Jian, along with the Okirika cast including Iyabo Ojo, Mr. Macaroni, Zicsaloma, Muka Ray, Jide Kosoko, Olaiya Igwe, Yinka Quadri, Binta Ayo-Mogaji, Toyin Abraham, Toro Aramide, Yvonne Jegede, Jide "Jblaze" Oyegbile, and Kitan Bukola.
None of the cast nor StarTimes Nigeria executives think that they have Covid-19, could possibly spread Covid-19 or that having a large media event without masks or social distancing is a potential Covid-19 super-spreader event.
Okirika, named after the rowdy Nigerian markets for imported second-hand dresses, will be broadcast on the StarTimes Nollywood Plus, StarTimes Yoruba, PBO and Wakaati TV channels on StarTimes.
Production on Okirika will start during the second week of October, filming in a real Okirika market in Lagos, with the comedy series that has a tentative starting date for broadcast from the second week on December 2021.
Viki Lui, StarTimes Nigeria content director, said that "With Okirika, StarTimes is demonstrating its commitment to satisfying the growing demands of viewers for local content".
"I was attracted to the Okirika story the first time I read the pitch. People have every reason why they buy luxurious stuff but might have all kinds of reasons why they choose to buy Okirika. The story about Okirika is very interesting and it's what everyone should look out for".
Alex Jian, StarTimes Nigeria CEO, said "StarTimes is going to invest more in local content. Today, we are reuniting for our second project this year. We are still on the journey, welcoming new partnerships, investing in fresh ideas, providing a stage for young talents".
