Nollywood has witnessed, in recent times,
deaths of some of its veterans. The likes of Sam Loco Efe, Ashley Nwosu, Pete
Eneh, David Ihieze, Gringory, Enebeli Elebuwa and few others have crossed to
the other side.
Some of the veterans died due to poor medical
treatments after fallen sick. In some cases, they died because they could not
get even less than a million naira for treatment at the hospitals.
The cases of Pete Eneh, Enebeli Elebuwa, Dento
and a few others quickly come to mind in this category. While many have called
for a good insurance scheme for actors in the movie industry, some others blame
movie veterans for not making hays while the sun shines.
Speaking with First Weekly Magazine on the
death of one of the veterans, Nollywood actor-cum-director, Desmod Elliot noted
that the problem is beyond the industry, but that the government ought to cater
for movie stars.
The Glo ambassador expressed dissatisfaction
with the rate Nollywood veterans die because of poor medical attention and the
inability to foot their hospital bills.
He said, “it is not the industry, this is
beyond the industry, it is what the government should do something about.”
When asked if the government should really be
responsible for the welfare of movie veterans, he asked, “what do you mean by
really? Saying that, “this man has brought up the good image of the country,
what are you talking [about]?” This is beyond Nollywood. What can we do?
Nothing, it is sad.”
It will be recalled that the President of
Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Ibinabo Fiberesima has established a health
insurance scheme for actors. The initiative was welcomed by actors and the
general public.
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