JONATHAN’S $200M TEARS NOLLYWOOD APART

There are indications that President Goodluck Jonathan’s $200 million  wind fall may soon spell doom for the Nigeria’s entertainment industry than it will help to boost its activities.

Within the week, some stakeholders, especially in the motion picture industry under the aegis of the Association of Nollywood Core Producers(ANCOP) spit fire and brimstone in respect of any attempt by any group, or individuals masquerading as the representative of  the industry to hijack the fund.

Jonathan,  at the Silverbird’s 30th year anniversary held in Lagos, last month, had    announced a Federal investment of 200 million dollars (about 30 billion naira) as a direct intervention lifeline for the exclusive purpose of supporting artist and developing the entertainment industry.

This gesture, however received with mixed feelings amongst stakeholders have continued to generate heat in the industry.

In what they termed as a brainstorming session, under the title “ $200,000 for Nollywood, the way forward”, held at White House hotel, Ikeja, on Tuesday, members of ANCOP who were present, including its president Alex Eyengho, Madu Chuikwendu, Emeka Ike, Paul Ogunjiofor, Harris Chuma amongst others, warned that  any attempt by any group, which is positioning itself to hijack the fund will spell doom for the industry.
Mr. Eyengho who spoke on behalf of the association said, at the moment the industry is in disarray and therefore  has no representatives. “ We don’t have any group that is representing the industry at the moment. We learnt that a group is positioning itself as presenting the Nollywood industry to hijack the fund.  This is for the knowledge of Mr. President and the Ministry of Information and Communication.”
According to him, to avoid another round of litigation, ANCOP president said there is need for  the federal  government to take note of their agitation.
“As a major stakeholders in the industry, we believe that there is no better time than now, especially as these elements are now parading themselves as representatives of the industry and are now lobbing Mr. President to hand over to them the $200million which he has promised to support the industry with. We want to say here that as much as Mr. President support to the industry is long over due, it is better late than never.” ANCOP said.
The body however, urged Mr. President to wade into the crisis in the industry, if the $200 million support fund must make any impact on the industry.
On his own, Emeka Ike, assured his supporters that Nollywood will soon be on course again as judgement regarding the case he filed against Segun Arinze over the leadership of Actors Guild of Nigeria(AGN) due to be delivered.