Wumi Toriola rallies Nollywood heavyweights for industry reset

Popular actress and filmmaker, Wumi Toriola

Kindly share this story:

Nollywood actress, Wumi Toriola, recently brought together some of the movie industry’s leading figures at a thought-provoking colloquium and end-of-year soirée held at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja.

The event, which was themed “Future of Nollywood: Challenges and Progress,” also doubled as the inaugural edition of what the actress called “The Genesis 1.0.”

The gathering opened with a keynote address by theatre scholar, Prof Mojisola Bimbo-Manuel, who urged practitioners to embrace higher standards and stronger structures if Nollywood must attract serious global and local investment.

She stressed that actors and filmmakers must recognise the weight of their influence, noting that many children trust entertainers more than they trust their own parents.

Also harping on the importance of setting standards, Bimbo-Manuel said, “There are so many people around you who shouldn’t be part of the system. Standards must be reset. People are willing to put good money into filmmaking, but you can only access that investment by delivering good products.”

The academic also noted the lack of clear benchmarks for entry into Nollywood, contrasting it with academia, where qualifications such as a PhD and strict promotion requirements guide career progression. She added that young filmmakers have the power to change the industry if they insist on structure, professionalism and a constitution that can be enforced.

Touching on personal conduct, she emphasised that actresses do not need to “dress sexually to be respected,” while stressing the importance of maintaining a positive public image, especially because many entertainers are parents whose children may face stigma due to negative publicity.

A financial expert, Akorede Idowu, also took the stage, advising practitioners to prioritise their financial stability. He reminded them that fame is fleeting and that the “law of diminishing returns” applies to every career.

He further urged the entertainers present to diversify their income through avenues such as real estate, thrift schemes and multiple small businesses, while staying informed about tax regulations that apply to their sector.

Representing the Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Toke Benson-Awoyinka, the Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Film and Video Censors Board, Bukola Agbaminoja, applauded the industry for its global visibility.

She revealed that several international stars were currently filming in Lagos because of Nollywood’s cultural value and growing reputation. She also noted that the Lagos State Government had disbursed grants running into hundreds of millions to support filmmakers.

Also speaking at the event, actress Bisola Aiyeola shared her experience in the industry, noting that in her 16 years of practising the craft, she had never been sexually harassed.

Meanwhile, the convener of the event, Toriola, urged her colleagues to hold themselves to high ethical and professional standards.

“Character is different from integrity. People may judge me by the roles I play, but no one can say I collected money and didn’t deliver. Integrity must guide everything we do,” she said.

Other personalities at the event include Yewande Adekoya, Dolapo Oni, Bimbo Aiyeola, Regina Chukwu, Adediwura BlarkGold, Madam Saje, Omowunmi Ajiboye, Gbenga Adeyinka, and Opeyemi Ajayi (Managing Director of Cinemax).

Kindly share this story:

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.

Contact: [email protected]

UPDATE NEWS: Nigerians can now invest ₦2.5million on premium domains and profit about ₦17-₦25Million. All earnings paid in US Dollars. Rather than wonder, 👉 click here to find out how it work (Be sure to ask for evidence of clients that have benefitted from this)

Stay informed and ahead of the curve! Follow The Punch Newspaper on WhatsApp for real-time updates, breaking news, and exclusive content. Don't miss a headline – join now!

Stay in the know—fast. Get instant alerts, breaking headlines, and exclusive stories with the Punch News App. Download now and never miss a beat.