By Ayo Onkoyi

Judith Iwu has called on the Nigerian government to come out with clear plans to assist the entertainment industry, particularly Nollywood.

She also enjoined the Emeka Rollas-led actors’ guild to position itself strategically to be able to do more for its members, especially in view of the biting hardship in the land.

Speaking on the backdrop of deaths in Nollywood lately, Judith Iwu, canvassed the need for sustained prayers for Nollywood and other members of the entertainment industry.

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According to her, the way the likes of Mr Ibu and Junior Pope passed was too devastating and made a case for improving welfare conditions in the industry.

Speaking on the government’s role, she stated that “When President Goodluck Jonathan included Nollywood in the Nigerian budget, and was about to build us a film village here in Lagos, the plans were shattered by his successor.

So for now, I don’t know what the government has in store for Nollywood and their plans to enhance Nigerian film industry.Without finding new ways to bolster the film industry and prioritise welfare, more actors could fall sick and eventually die, she lamented.

 “Nollywood is really improving, however the economy of Nigeria is not helping matters. Actors tend to overwork themselves just to make more money and take care of their families; they shoot till 2am, eat carbohydrates afterwards, while some binge regularly on alcohol,” Judith Iwu added.

According to her, such a lifestyle isn’t healthy for anyone, invariably making some actors to fall sick and eventually die at some point. She admitted that the industry also has its share of bad eggs who patronise diabolical means or poisoning to erase their competition.

“I was a victim of poisoning on set once, till today we don’t know who did it.  However, such people who use poisoning as their weapon to delete their competition, should know that the sky is big enough to accommodate every star,” she stated. 

In order to improve movie practitioners’ lot, Judith Iwu said they need to start looking out for themselves.

Her words: “After the passing of Junior Pope and the circumstances surrounding his death, I pray that our National President, Emeka Rollas, makes actors’ welfare a priority. Also, actors should learn how to invest wisely in lucrative businesses, so they don’t overwork themselves; they should embrace discipline. It’s not about shooting a hundred movies in a year. If you don’t take care of yourself, who will?”

She stressed the need for more actors to seek further training and hone their skills, saying this would impact not just on the industry but also on their livelihoods.