By Prisca Sam-Duru

For a much bigger, better and bolder Nollywood, representatives of registered guilds and associations in the film industry, under the aegis of The Federation of Registered Guilds and Associations of Nollywood recently renewed calls for the establishment of an Arts Endowment Fund.

The Endowment Fund for the Arts, according to the Chairman of The Federation, Dr Victor Okhai, will “provide financial backing for ambitious projects and emerging talents” to drive the much needed transformation in the industry.

The federation also advocated for tax holidays from the government so as to make it easier for new and existing productions to thrive. While promising to make loans and grants accessible to support filmmakers and creatives, The Federation also called for the comprehensive review of the National Film Policy to reflect today’s realities and dynamic nature of the industry.

Dr. Okhai who spoke during a conference in Lagos, where representatives of some guilds and associations in Nollywood were present, also declared that, “To attract investment and grow our sector, we must implement policies that foster a conducive environment for growth.”

Speaking further he said, “Today, we stand at the dawn of a new era for Nollywood. This momentous occasion is the culmination of years of dedication, hard work, and vision. For the first time in our storied history, guilds and associations from the North, East, West, and South of Nigeria have come together under one unified body: the Registered Guilds and Associations of Nollywood, also known as The Federation. This union is not just a symbolic gesture; it is a powerful testament to our collective strength, our shared vision, and our unwavering commitment to the future of Nollywood.

“The presence of the presidents of all our guilds and associations here today is a profound statement of our unity. It is a declaration that we have made this choice willingly, recognizing that together, we are stronger. Together, we can speak with one voice—a voice that will resonate in the halls of government, in boardrooms, and on the global stage.”

He noted that Nollywood which was “born out of a small-scale, grassroots movement, has grown to become a global phenomenon. It started with filmmakers who had nothing but their passion and a borrowed camera, yet today, our industry stands as a beacon of cultural expression and economic opportunity. This is the power of determination and unity—our story, our journey, our triumph.”

On that note, he advised the government to push money into film production noting that the industry boosts the country’s economy as well as provides jobs for Nigeria’s teeming unemployed youths.

On the huge progress made so far in the industry, Okhai cited the success of one of its big movies. “A true-life story that epitomizes our potential is the international success of “The Wedding Party.” This film, produced by a diverse team of talented individuals from various parts of Nigeria, showcases how collaboration within Nollywood can lead to groundbreaking success. “The Wedding Party” not only broke box office records but also put Nollywood on the global map, proving that when we come together, we can achieve extraordinary feats.”

He went further to say that “The Federation is more than just a name. It is our opportunity to work closely with government bodies and organisations both locally and internationally. By forging these partnerships, we will enhance our creative economy, secure better opportunities for our members, and establish Nollywood as a global powerhouse. Our unity will drive job creation, foster innovation, and create opportunities that were once unimaginable.”

He then imagined “A Nollywood where every talent, from actors to directors, from scriptwriters to set designers, can thrive and reach their full potential. A Nollywood where our stories are told with authenticity, where our culture is celebrated, and where our industry is recognized for its excellence on the world stage. This is the vision of The Federation.

“We are not just here to celebrate our unity, but to pledge our commitment to work in harmony. With The Federation, we will seize every opportunity, transform our dreams into reality, and shape the future of Nollywood.

“Our industry has faced numerous challenges, but it is in our challenges that we find our strength. Together, we will overcome obstacles, advocate for better conditions for all our members, and ensure that the world recognises the brilliance of Nollywood. We will leverage our diverse talents and experiences to create a more robust and dynamic industry.

“Today, we make history. Today, we become pioneers of a movement that will contribute to the growth of our nation’s creative economy. With The Federation, we are not just participants in an industry; we are leaders, visionaries, and champions of our culture.”