Ferdinand Ohanekwu Warns of Nollywood Legacy Decline as the veteran actor calls for higher standards while Nkiru Sylvanus backs reform

Veteran Nollywood actor Chief Ferdinand Ohanekwu has expressed fresh concern over what he believes is a troubling decline in professional standards across Nigeria’s film industry, warning that some emerging performers are weakening the legacy built by the pioneers of Nollywood.

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The remarks were made in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja on 30 June 2026, where veteran actress Nkiru Sylvanus also offered a more optimistic assessment of the industry’s future.

Chief Ferdinand Ohanekwu said many younger actors were entering the profession without taking time to study the discipline, ethics and craftsmanship that shaped the industry’s formative years.

“Those coming after us are not watching what we did. They just started flying in the air, thinking they were doing something extraordinary. They are not helping us. They are destroying what we built and the legacies we left behind,” Chief Ferdinand Ohanekwu said.

Chief Ferdinand Ohanekwu added that patience and continuous learning remain essential for anyone seeking a lasting career in film.

“They should be patient, avoid following the crowd and do the right thing they are supposed to do.”

The comments arrive at a time when Nollywood continues to undergo rapid transformation. Streaming platforms, digital production tools and wider international distribution have expanded opportunities for filmmakers, while also increasing competition and lowering barriers to entry.

Industry observers have frequently debated whether the speed of growth has come at the expense of consistent storytelling and acting standards.

Offering a balanced perspective, Nkiru Sylvanus acknowledged that audiences often view the industry’s earlier productions with nostalgia, but argued that Nollywood has evolved into a more inclusive and globally connected creative sector.

“It has become a global market where everybody can become a producer and an actor. And it should not be limited to a particular set of people or faces alone. It is an industry we can all build together and make better,” Nkiru Sylvanus said.

The actress described the industry’s continuing evolution as an encouraging development rather than a setback.

Nkiru Sylvanus noted that her own acting career remains active, although she now chooses projects carefully, accepting only scripts that meet her creative expectations.

“Once an actor, always an actor. I still act, but it depends on the script and what I want to be involved with,” Nkiru Sylvanus said.

One of the most significant themes emerging from both actors’ comments is the importance of quality.

While Chief Ferdinand Ohanekwu stressed preserving the professional values established by earlier generations, Nkiru Sylvanus argued that stronger film distribution networks and sustained investment in compelling storytelling would help Nollywood reach its full potential.

The discussion reflects a longstanding conversation within Nigeria’s film industry. Since Nollywood emerged as one of the world’s largest film producers by volume during the 1990s and early 2000s, veteran practitioners have repeatedly called for stronger training, improved production values and more sustainable distribution models.

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At the same time, the industry’s international profile has grown through cinema releases, streaming platforms and recognition at major film festivals, illustrating both the opportunities and challenges facing contemporary Nigerian cinema.