Historical PIAE
2008-2013, Rod On Jr., produced and directed on behalf of the American group On-Spot Enterprises and its subsidiaries around thirty international projects throughout Africa, but the observation is the same: more than 90% technicians requested for the production of its events in sites, studios, stadiums, Arenas, complexes, theaters, are non-African residents.
In 2014 the late chairman of On-Spot Enterprises LLC, lawyer Robert Levine, supporting the initiatives of Rod On Jr & Joseph Ismaël for an expansion of the American media group’s activities in Africa; supports the idea of establishing in Africa south of the Sahara a technological university institute specializing in artistic professions, audio-visual and entertainment.
2015, It is the contribution of the various executives and executives of On-Spot Enterprises LLC as well as the various existing subsidiaries in Africa to carry out a survey of the needs in audio-visuals, content creation, and qualified technicians.
2016, a 380-page report is submitted to the On-Spot Enterprises group; then sent to the financial firm Fourmil in England to establish a financial approach based on the needs expressed.
2017, the signals are green, the various firms consulted as well as independent experts to analyze the contents of the reports, are unanimous on the idea of locating in Africa south of the Sahara a cutting-edge university institution allowing the training and specialization of men and women passionate about the professions of Art and entertainment.
2018, Rod On Jr and Joseph Ismaël begin their consultation with different African countries: Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Nigeria and finally Cameroon are positioning themselves to host the project.
2019, the decision was made to build the first technological university of Arts and Entertainment based on a circular economy concept in Yaoundé, Cameroon.
2019, a site of more than 3 hectares of land is acquired through a contract with the Ministry of Cadastre, Domains and Land Affairs of Cameroon (See the Mincaf decree). The site is located in a suburb of Yaoundé, in Ekoko 2, less than 5 minutes from Yaoundé Nsimalen International Airport.
2019, the Institute’s architectural design competition is launched and 4 international firms are participating in the call for tenders:
2020, the duo Rod On Jr & Joseph Ismael expands, leaving room for a group of 7 additional members made up of Mouhtar Ousmane, Jim Peterson, Vincent Versher, Sun Lee, much missed Christian Wangue, MSK and Robert Ekukole.
The new group then carried out a second tour of the capitals of the countries of Africa south of the Sahara. This tour of African authorities concludes with a baptismal name. The institute takes on a pan-African dimension under the name of the Pan-African Institute of Arts and Entertainment (IPAD) and its commercial name is “20 October Institute of Arts & Entertainment”.(PIAE)
2020, consultations are launched to find an international university collaboration that will play the role of academic sponsor for the PIAE. After several consultations including Howard University (Washington DC), Morgan States University (Maryland) and Coppin States University (Maryland), Metfilm School (UK); Bournemouth Film School at Arts University (UK), Vancouver Film School (Canada) and Red Deer Polytechnic (Canada).
2021, an order establishing a working group is established. With around fifteen professionals and experts, Cameroonians, Africans, Europeans, Americans with the aim of managing the preliminaries, until the constitution of the administrative company of the PIAE. Mr Robert Ekukole is appointed Director of the Working Group and Local Representative of the PIAE
2021, a partnership agreement is signed with Coppin States University (www.coppin.edu) and Arusa Music Entertainment (representing PIAE), Coppin States University undertakes to participate in the academic supports of PIAE students, and an opportunity is given to PIAE students, to continue in year 4 and 5 on the campus of Coppin States University in the United States. (see agreement)
2021, the choice of architectural designs from the EPOUNE/EDRAC Architecture Firm (presentation of the architectural firm see attached – link to read) and Beijing Architectural Design are selected and the two firms agree to work together to improve the design of the PIAE.
2021, consultations are launched with the SIC, and the Aeronautical Authority, the ADCs of Cameroon bordering the Ekoko 2 site. At the same time the soil studies are launched and entrusted to the BYYGRAPH GEOTECHNIQUE S.A. firm (see first page of the studies) .
2021, PIAE obtains its opening approval from the Ministry of Employment and Vocational Training (MINEFOP – see the decree) as well as from the Ministry of Higher Education of Cameroon (MINESUP – see the minister’s decision) .
2021, PIAE obtains the support of the Ministry of Arts and Culture (see the minister’s decision)
2022, Feasibility studies are completed, as are geotechnical studies. The construction budget is known, a call for applications to recruit the builder is launched and the Chinese company “WIETC – presentation of the constructor” wins the call to build the shell of the PIAE.
2022, the construction site is secure (see gallery photos) and the first stone for the construction of the future Institute is laid. At the same time, consultations with local Cameroonian and international banking institutions as well as patrons and sponsors are entrusted to Cabinet Fournil and Ted Dawnson.
2022, A financing letter of intent from BDEAC is signed (see letter).
2022 A partnership letter of intent is signed with CNEEC
2022, A letter of intent for partnership is signed with Live Nation US
2022 A partnership Letter of Intent is signed with SBK-TV – (South Korea)
2022 On-Spot Enterprises South Korea Inc acquires 5%
2022 Weihai International Economic & Technical Cooperative Co., Ltd; acquires 15%
2023, consultations with the African Union are launched, the choice of signing a Public Private Partnership (PPP) with the Ministry of Employment and Vocational Training is noted and continued.
2023, Participation in the Africa Celebrates (Logo) Forum in Addis Ababa and signing with Legendary Gold Inc promoter and producer of the Africans Celebrates Shows, establishment of a program financed by Africa Celebrates offering 55 scholarships to 55 African students deserving, whose countries are members of the African Union.
