Nollywood Stakeholders Seek Govt’s Intervention

Stakeholders in the Nigerian Movie Industry known as Nollywood have reiterated their call for the intervention of the government in the industry.

Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting facilitated by a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, who is also a movie star, Hon. Desmond Elliot, the movie practitioners emphasised that there is need for the promulgation and enforcement of appropriate laws to enhance the development of the industry.

A member of the Assembly, Hon. Olusegun Olulade, had set the ball rolling at the event, which held at Lateef Jakande Auditorium on the Assembly premises, as he said that the House was willing to work with the practitioners to develop the industry.

While expressing his passion for the industry, Olulade said that piracy is a criminal offence that must be checkmated as it is a common enemy of the players in the industry.

“Producers and marketers expect returns for their works; if the industry is doing well, everybody would want to be part of it. Nollywood is a very vital sector of our society that everybody must support. We will support you to end piracy,” he said.

A renowned producer and film-maker, Lancelot Imasuen, emphasised that motion picture has benefitted the Lagos State government immensely, adding that a place like Surulere in Lagos should be made a place of attraction as it houses Winnies Hotel, where actors gather to unwind.

“Lagos State Government has not shown enough commitment to the development of the movies industry. 75% of Nollywood films are made in the state, while 80% of the practitioners live in the state. A place can be designated for the industry in the state,” he said.