By Felix Kuyinu
Member at the Lagos House of Assembly, Honourable Desmond Elliot, has canvased for government’s support for Nollywood in ensuring greater heights in the movie industry.
The lawmaker who represents Surulere Constituecy 01 called on the government to improve the welfare in the industry in a target to meet up with other movie industries worldwide.
Elliot, a movie tycoon, made the call when addressing newsmen during the joint candlelight procession held in honour of three deceased Nollywood actors— John Okafor (popularly known as Mr. Ibu), Zulu Adigwe and Amaechi Muonagor— in Surulere
He said, “I am also calling on the government to pay slightly more attention to the industry, just like it is done everywhere else in the world, including Hollywood (USA) and Bollywood (India). Film industries should have some special attention given to them by the government. I think it’s time to start having that kind of thing in Nigeria.”
When asked about the trend of actors seeking financial support from the public when they are ill, he quickly replied saying, “It is an industry of make-believe that makes people believe that everybody is very rich. There is only so much the guild can do really.
“Also, don’t forget that they are precious to their families. If there is one breadwinner in a house, they would have to cater to their nuclear and extended families.
“When I became an actor and star, I couldn’t believe the number of cousins I had. There were too many (of them). You can imagine someone like Mr Ibu and the kind of load he was carrying. He was probably the breadwinner of the whole clan, not just his family.”
