AHEAD of the 2023 general polls, theatre practitioners and Nollywood Stars have unanimously endorsed the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Candidate, Bola Tinubu for Presidency and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for the second term with a promise to work for their victory in the 2023 presidential and governorship elections.
It should be noted that Governor, Sanwo-Olu, had earlier announced plans to institute a health insurance scheme for theatre practitioners in the state.
The Governor announced the scheme during a dinner with veterans in the Yoruba Nollywood industry at the Lagos House, Marina on Monday, October 10, 2022.
The dinner was attended by over 100 Yoruba theatre practitioners, directors, producers and marketers, among which were: Tade Ogidan, Lere Paimo, Fausat Balogun, Iyabo Ogunsola, Yomi Fash-Lanso, Charles Olumo, Saidi Balogun, Toyin Adegbola, Taiwo Hassan, Damola Olatunji, Bimbo Akintola, and Eniola Badmus, among others.
The announcement by Sanwo-Olu was commended by the Nollywood actors and actresses at the event who appreciated the Governor for deeming it fit to take care of the health of the theatre practitioners, especially the veterans in the industry.
Recall that in recent times, theatre practitioners battling various health challenges and lacking funds have had to take to social media to beg Nigerians to foot their medical bills. Some are also living in penury due to their inability to work due to old age and health challenges.
Sanwo-Olu, who said he would pay the insurance premium cover for the theatre practitioners, most of whom are ageing, said the Nigerian movie industry and practitioners had played key roles in shaping the development of Lagos.
He said, “To further enhance our intervention, we are going to initiate an insurance scheme to assist Nollywood and give the practitioners free access to health care in public health facilities. This scheme will be specially categorised for professionals in the film business.
“This is yet another token of what the Government can offer those who have shaped our society. The insurance scheme would come in handy for practitioners who cannot afford medical expenses and prevent them from seeking assistance in an embarrassing manner.”
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