For over 12 years, families have gathered in Nigeria and other African countries, to watch the adventures of the Johnson Family. ‘The Johnsons’ is a popular television program broadcast throughout Africa on the Africa Magic network. The program focuses on an average Nigerian family in Lagos, Nigeria, with a humorous view of the challenges they face. 'The Johnsons' has garnered praise for its focus on family and traditional African values. They are a stable and loving family who recognize joy in being together amid the craziness of everyday life.
SFC-2023
Elder Nielsen presents Family Values Award to Charles Inojie, television celebrity and actor/writer for the hit show 'the Johnsons'. 2023 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.A major reason for the success of the television program is Charles Inojie, who portrays the patriarch of the family, Lucky Johnson. On 21 June 2023, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints presented Charles Inojie with the Family Values award for his contributions in helping to build strong, loving marriages and families throughout Africa. The award was presented by Elder S. Gifford Nielsen, a General Authority Seventy and the President of the Africa West Area of the Church. See Charles Inojie's acceptance speech here.
The presentation was made during the Strengthening Families Conference in Abuja, Nigeria. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints sponsored this gathering of religious, academic, tribal, and political leaders from throughout West Africa and the world to focus on stronger families through stronger marriages. The two-day conference had over 4000 in person attendees with 250,000 individuals participating virtually.
Inojie is one of Nigeria’s most popular media personalities having appeared in over 250 movies in addition to his work in television. He is also a renowned comedian, director, and writer. But his most important work is with his family. “You never know how rich you are until you have a stable family, and you never know how poor you are until you have a family in disarray,” said Imojie. “Regardless of how much wealth you have amassed, your family is your greatest treasure.” He is married with two children.
In developing the television series 12 years ago, Inojie and the executive producer of the show, decided that they wanted, “to create a show that the entire family could watch together.” They chose to depict a family that, though not perfect, loved each other and worked together through life’s struggles. This, they hoped, would help all of Nigeria. “We wanted to show that family cohesion and love is the best way to combat and defeat poverty.”
With the award, Elder Nielsen also presented Inojie with a framed copy of the Proclamation on the Family, and a statue titled ‘Family Circle’.