Government, Not Nollywood Should Cater For Film Veterans -Desmond Elliot

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 Nigeriafilms.com 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.