In response to the tragic boat accident that resulted in the loss of five film practitioners’ lives, including renowned actor Junior Pope, the President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Emeka Rollas, has taken proactive measures to enhance the safety and welfare of its members, as he establishes safety commitee.
The AGN disclosed the decision to establish a special committee in a statement signed by its Director of Communications, Kate Henshaw, and posted on its Instagram page. The committee, led by veteran actor Emeka Ike and with Jude Orhorha serving as the secretary, aims to address critical issues related to safety and welfare within the industry.
Among the mandates of the committee is the refinement of existing bye-laws to incorporate provisions for members’ welfare, standard safety guidelines, and set protocols. Additionally, the committee will engage with other guilds and associations to ensure the full implementation of these measures and recommend disciplinary actions against erring members, producers, and production companies. Furthermore, the committee will initiate discussions with relevant stakeholders to draft a general bye-law for the industry and explore establishing a royalty collecting body for performers in Nollywood.
The tragic incident occurred when Junior Pope and four crew members were returning from a movie location on the River Niger, and their boat capsized. Following this incident, the AGN has temporarily banned actors from shooting movies in riverine areas and participating in boat rides, prioritizing the safety of its members above all else. As the AGN moves forward with these initiatives, it strives to prevent future tragedies and create a safer working environment for all those involved in the Nigerian film industry.
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