Speaking in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the seasoned actor warned that the foundations laid by early practitioners risk being undermined by a new wave of performers who, in his view, are not sufficiently grounded in the craft’s history and discipline.
“They are destroying what we built” — Ohanekwu warns of declining standards
Ohanekwu did not mince words as he reflected on generational shifts in the industry, suggesting that many younger actors enter the profession without studying the techniques and discipline that shaped its early success.
He said:
“Those coming after us are not watching what we did. They just started flying in the air, thinking they were doing something extraordinary. And they are not helping us. They are destroying what we built and the legacies we left behind. What our generation did before is not what our children are doing now. They are just messing us up,”
The veteran urged emerging talents to adopt a more patient and disciplined approach, stressing the importance of learning from experienced practitioners rather than rushing into fame.
He added:
“They should be patient, avoid following the crowd and do the right thing they are supposed to do,”
Different perspective: industry evolving, not declining
Offering a contrasting view, actress Nkiru Sylvanus argued that Nollywood’s transformation reflects natural industry growth driven by technology, expanded access, and changing audience expectations.
According to her, the industry has become more open and commercially dynamic, allowing broader participation beyond the traditional gatekeepers of the past.
She said:
“It has become a global market where everybody can become a producer and an actor. And it should not be limited to a particular set of people or faces alone. It is an industry we can all build together and make better,”
Sylvanus acknowledged that Nollywood is still a work in progress, noting that it has not yet reached its full creative or structural potential.
Balancing legacy with modern growth
While concerns about quality control persist among some veterans, Sylvanus maintained that evolution is inevitable in a rapidly changing entertainment landscape. She also emphasised that personal artistic standards still matter within the expanding ecosystem.
Reflecting on her career choices, she said:
“Once an actor, always an actor. I still act, but it depends on the script and what I want to be involved with. Sometimes, the available roles are not the kind of scripts I want to interpret. So I wait for the right one,”
Call for stronger industry structure
Beyond creative concerns, she also highlighted structural challenges affecting the industry’s long-term competitiveness, particularly around distribution and content reach.
She said:
“If we have effective distribution networks and outlets that support the industry, it will go a long way in making Nollywood stronger,”
As debates continue between preservation of tradition and adaptation to modern realities, Nollywood finds itself navigating a familiar tension: how to honour its pioneering legacy while scaling for a global audience that continues to grow.