Why Some Nollywood Celebrities Are Left To Die–Duker

Veteran Nollywood filmmaker and founder of the Abuja International Film Festival (AIFF), Fidelis Duker, has explained why many celebrities don’t get support from their colleagues during challenging times

He spoke on the issue during an exclusive interview with THE WHISTLER.

THE WHISTLER had reported how the entertainment industry had lost many celebrities due to ailment that could be have been cured if adequate care was given on time.

For instance, between January and October this year, the industry had lost no fewer than 15 celebrities with many of them succumbing to various type of illnesses.

Those lost to illness include, Sound Sultan, Victor Uwaifo, David Mela, Racheal Bakam, Ernest Asuzu, Rich Oganiru, Ifey Onwuemen, Victor Olaotan, among others.

Just recently veteran actor Prince Emeka Ani, who suffered a partial stroke had pleaded for financial support because of ill health.

But when asked on why celebrities do not support their own during challenging times, Duker said, “Nobody is out to help you.”

He said everyone needs to work hard to prepare an enabling environment to sustain themselves during challenging period.

When asked about his assessment of the industry, he said, “It has grown over the years, from when I came in about 30 years ago till now, you can look at the astronomical growth and development.

“The industry has done so well, things have changed, technology has come in, many young people have come in, and people are doing very good films.

“I’m very happy, anyhow you look at it we are moving to a point where the industry will be self-sustaining. Many people are feeding purely from the industry, they don’t do any other job but to film. At the initial time was to do film and you are working somewhere else, so the industry has done really well.”