Over the years, a growing number of Nollywood veterans have been in the news stuck in various stages of illness and seeking for the public’s help. This almost regular occurrence has sparked notions of worry and concern as well as feelings of confusion among industry players and the public.
These feelings have caused star veteran actor, Joke Silva to pray daily that she is never in the position to beg for public support.
In a chat with Sunday Scoop, Joke Silva emphasized the need for actors to take care of themselves. She said: “I don’t think there is anyone in the industry that is not aware of the likelihood of getting broke and this has made us lose good actors in Nollywood. Some people left acting when they saw that it was no longer self-sufficient.”
Speaking further on doing charity for ailing actors, she stated that she didn’t understand why anybody would help a sick actor and publicize it. She said: “I appreciate the work and sacrifices of Baba Suwe and other ailing veterans. They have done what they enjoyed doing but they did it at the expense of their lives. I feel they are entitled to support from the public because they have given too much to society. But I don’t think it is right for you to tell the world that you helped someone. If I come to you for help, I should not see it on the pages of newspapers. Why would you assist me and use it to give yourself some leverage? Why put me in a humiliating position?”
