Reopen Cinemas – Nollywood Actors Beg Federal Government

The entertainment industry seems to be suffering a setback as cinemas, clubs still remain closed despite reopening of markets and churches in Nigeria.



In this regards, Nollywood actors have begun an online protest tagged ‘Save cinemas’ calling on the federal government to lift the ban on the closure of cinemas nationwide.

The online protest tagged hashtag ‘Save Cinemas’ flooded timelines with posts from actors and filmmakers such as Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, Rita Dominic, Femi Adebayo and Falz.

Veteran actress, Omotola Jalade Ekeinde on her Instagram page wrote:

“I believe cinemas are easier to monitor and regulate. If other indoor places are open, why not the Cinemas? Temp checks, masks, distancing etc.

“We need to work together to ensure safer ways to keep the Arts going . Many livelihoods depend on this. It can and MUST be done as safely as possible. #savecinemas”.

Rita Dominic alongside a video showing countries that have reopened cinemas and practicing social distancing wrote: ‘Save Cinema’

Osas Ighodaro on her Instagram page wrote: Please Open the cinemas!! With safety and enjoyablity intact of course. Blessings 🙏🏾💜

Femi Adebayo wrote: A lot of us have our means of livelihood tied to the cinemas as filmmakers. What about the workers in this sector, those families are currently going through pain. If we can create a model for churches, banks etc, then we can surely do for cinemas. #SaveCinemas Please we will follow the guidelines 🙏🙏🙏🙏

Falz, writing on his Instagram, complained that the delay in opening cinemas is an attempt by the government to stifle the industry. He wrote:

Restaurants have reopened, airlines have been operating, places of worship have also been permitted to reopen. Let’s not even start to talk about all the videos that have surfaced of political rallies happening, clearly neglecting all safety precautions.

Right now, we don’t see anything but a government that contributes little or nothing to its creative sector and continues to attempt to stifle the sector in every way.

Thousands of people have been left without any way to earn for several months.

The entertainment industry must be allowed to gradually get back in business!!

Let’s start with cinemas reopening!!

#SaveCinemas #SaveEntertainment