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.