Nigerian film industry requires government assistance to improve – Odunlade Adekola

Odunlade Adekola, an actor and filmmaker, has urged federal and state governments to support the country’s film industry in order for it to create jobs and earn foreign exchange.

Adekola made the announcement while speaking with reporters on the sidelines of his first award, the ‘Odunlade Adekola Films Production (OAFP) Award 2022,’ in Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State.

The acclaimed actor, who acknowledged that the film industry is also affected by the current economic downturn, urged private organizations and financial institutions to invest in the film industry.

“If the government, private sector, and financial institutions can invest heavily in the film industry, it will go a long way toward bringing large financial foreign exchange earnings into Nigeria while also reducing unemployment,” he says.

“As you can see, we’re not doing too badly, and we’re getting better every day.” We can do even better with help from the government and other stakeholders.”

“Our people are doing fantastically well. However, things would improve if the government could provide a proper structure for Nollywood, allowing those who invest in the industry to profit. We would be able to make money from what we produce and sell to Nigerians here in Nigeria if the government provided a proper structure for Nollywood.”

Aside from acting, Adekola trains people with interests in acting, film production, directing, and other areas in order to impact knowledge, share experience, and propel the industry to global prominence through his ‘Odunlade Adekola Film Production, OAFP School.’

In this vein, the OAFP award 2022 was established to recognize and encourage production crews in the film industry, particularly those working behind the scenes and those who have distinguished themselves.

Many of the awardees received cash prizes ranging from N300,000 to N500,000.

He promised that the award would be an annual event in which talented individuals would be recognized in order to promote the industry.

“In addition to providing relaxation and entertainment through comedy films, we also provide life lessons and knowledge.” We have a significant impact on society, and this is an effective means of communication for advertisers to reach their target audience.”

Segun Ogungbe was named “Best Director of the Year,” Tokunbo Oke was named “Best Producer of the Year,” and Monday Abiose was named “Best Director of Photography of the Year.”

Others include Olakunle Olabode as Best Editor of the Year, Hammed Obafunmilayo as Best Sound Recordist of the Year, Nifemi Ezekiel as Best Gaffer of the Year, and Afeeze Sanyaolu as Best Set Designer of the Year.