Connect with us

Entertainment

Veteran Ferdinand Ohanekwu Raises Serious Nollywood Legacy Concerns

Published

on

Ferdinand Ohanekwu

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.

Also read: Ini Dima-Okojie Reflects on Pregnancy Battle With Multiple Fibroids

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.

Advertisement

“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.

Advertisement

“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.

Also read: Bisola Badmus Celebrates Son with Deeply Emotional Birthday Tribute

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.

Advertisement
Continue Reading
Advertisement
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Entertainment

My Wife Knew About Actresses I Dated, Says Yinka Quadri

Published

on

Veteran Nollywood actor Yinka Quadri has revealed that his wife was aware of his romantic relationships with some actresses in the industry and treated them cordially.

The actor made the disclosure in an interview on the Africanalist Podcast, where he spoke about his personal life and marriage.

Quadri said some of the actresses he dated eventually became friends with his wife, Sadiat Adenike Quadri. According to him, the women would sometimes approach her and share gossip about his relationships with other female colleagues, even though they themselves were involved with him.

“It got to a stage, I won’t mention the ladies’ names in the industry. They would become friends with my wife and start giving gossip to my wife that I am dating so so so in the industry,” he said.

Advertisement

He added that jealousy sometimes arose among the women. Some of those he was dating reportedly went to his home out of jealousy, only to find that his wife already knew about the relationships.

“And there were some of them that we were dating who went home out of jealousy. Meanwhile, my wife would say she was aware already and she doesn’t fight them because of that,” Quadri said.

The actor further disclosed that some actresses occasionally spent the night at his house when movie productions ended late. He said his wife knew about the relationships and still provided food and care for them.

“Sometimes when production ends late, they would sleep in my house. And my wife is aware I am dating them, she would still feed them and everything,” he stated.

Quadri has been married to Sadiat since 1989. The couple have children and grandchildren.

Advertisement

Continue Reading

Entertainment

Prioritise Talent Over Social Media, Fisayo Abebi Tells Young Actors

Published

on

Actress and filmmaker Fisayomi Amodemaja, popularly known as Fisayo Abebi, has urged young actors to build strong personal brands and rely on their talent rather than fame or social media visibility for a sustainable career in Nollywood.

Speaking in an interview with Sunday Scoop, Abebi, who began acting as a child before moving into filmmaking and production, said having a distinct identity was essential for anyone seeking longevity in the industry.

“As an actor, you should have a brand. You should have something that makes you different. Your talent should be able to speak for you wherever your name cannot speak for you,” she said.

She also stressed the need for dedication and readiness to handle the demands of the profession.

Advertisement

“Any young actor coming into the industry has to know that it is time-consuming, and you have to be fully ready to be diligent and ready for the stress,” Abebi added.

The actress reflected on her own experiences, noting that growing up in the spotlight came with pressure, particularly from being recognised for a character she played as a child.

She credited her family and friends with helping her navigate the attention and remain grounded. Her mother, she said, played a key role by helping her understand that she was separate from the character audiences associated her with.

Abebi also spoke about the challenges of combining her acting career with university education, describing it as stressful at times.

“Sometimes I might have to refund or sometimes I might have to go to the set after finishing my exam. So, that can be very stressful,” she said.

Advertisement

She noted that her journey in the industry had taught her to take risks and build confidence in herself.

Continue Reading

Entertainment

Regina Daniels Spent Months In Wheelchair Due To Health Issues

Published

on

Nollywood actress Regina Daniels has revealed that she spent several months struggling with severe pain and mobility challenges that left her dependent on a wheelchair.

The actress shared the details in a video posted on her Instagram page on Saturday as she marked her 25th birthday, which she described as her “Silver Jubilee.”

Appearing in a wheelchair, Daniels explained that her prolonged absence from social media was due to the health difficulties.

“I know many of you may be surprised seeing me in a wheelchair. Well, welcome to another chapter of my life,” she said.

Advertisement

She stated that the problem began as a minor issue but gradually became more serious, eventually limiting her freedom to move around as she pleased.

“For several months now, I lost my freedom to move around as I please. It started as something minor, very minor, but eventually led to this,” Daniels said.

According to her, the condition took a major turn after the last public gathering she hosted, a Children’s Day carnival. She said she underwent repeated medical tests during the period and joked that she had started calling herself a “lab rat.”

“The pain became excruciating. Sometimes I find myself walking well, and sometimes I just can’t move. I cried,” she added.

Despite the challenges, the actress said there had been significant developments in her recovery, which encouraged her to share the update publicly.

Advertisement

“Well, me sitting here today, in front of this camera, sharing this with y’all, it’s because there’s been some really significant developments in my recovery. And I say, thank you, Lord,” she said.

Daniels did not disclose a specific diagnosis or the nature of the treatment she is receiving. She expressed gratitude to God and prayed for calm as she entered a new phase of her life.

Continue Reading

Trending