In the ever-evolving Nigerian film industry, female practitioners are breaking barriers and shaping the future, especially in the realm of production. One such trailblazer is Wumi Toriola, a renowned actress and producer, whose efforts are making indelible marks on the industry.

Toriola, who has consistently proven herself as a creative force, recently organized a groundbreaking colloquium and end-of-year soirée themed “Future of Nollywood: Challenges and Progress”. This event, dubbed “The Genesis 1.0”, was held at Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos and brought together key Nollywood stakeholders for an in-depth discussion on the standards, professionalism, and future of the Nigerian film industry.

Keynote Address by Professor Mojisola Bimbo-Manuel

The event featured a thought-provoking keynote address by Professor Mojisola Bimbo-Manuel, who called on practitioners to take responsibility for shaping the future of Nollywood. She emphasized the critical role that actors play in society, noting their influence on young audiences who often look up to them as role models. Professor Bimbo-Manuel underscored that Nollywood must adopt higher standards to attract serious investment in the industry.

She also highlighted the lack of structured entry criteria in Nollywood compared to academic institutions, where clear qualifications are required. She asked, “Before you can become a professor at UNILAG, you must have a PhD. What is the benchmark for getting into Nollywood?” Her message was clear: for Nollywood to grow and thrive, there must be professional standards and accountability.

Financial Well-being of Nollywood Creatives

In addition to the discussions on industry standards, Akorede Idowu, a financial expert, also addressed the attendees, urging Nollywood creatives to prioritize their financial well-being. He advised them to save, invest, and diversify their income streams, stressing that it is crucial to plan ahead for the future, especially as younger talents continue to emerge in the industry.

Idowu also encouraged practitioners to stay informed about the tax laws that apply to their work, so they can better manage their finances and prepare for any eventualities.

Government Support for Nollywood

Bukola Agbaminoja, Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Film and Video Censors Board, spoke on behalf of the Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Toke Benson-Awoyinka. She pledged continued government support for the creative sector, noting that many global stars are now coming to Nigeria to shoot films, impressed by the quality of local talent. Agbaminoja also highlighted the state government’s provision of grants, running into hundreds of millions, to support filmmakers.

Wumi Toriola’s Call for Integrity

As the host, Wumi Toriola charged her colleagues to uphold integrity in their work. She stressed that character is different from integrity, and emphasized the importance of fulfilling one’s duties in every project. “People judge me by how I shout in movies, but you will never hear that I got paid and failed to do my job,” she stated. Her message resonated deeply with the audience, as she called for the industry to operate with integrity in all its dealings.

A Star-Studded Event

The event was graced by notable figures in Nollywood, including Yewande Adekoya, Dolapo Oni, Bimbo Aiyeola, Regina Chukwu, Adediwura BlarkGold, Fausat Balogun (Madam Saje), Omowunmi Ajiboye, Idris Aregbe, and Opeyemi Ajayi (Managing Director of Cinemax), among others.

The occasion also followed the successful launch of Wumi Toriola’s YouTube channel, wumitoriolatv, and the success of her co-produced film, Gingerrr, which made its way to cinemas.

Looking Ahead

Wumi Toriola’s event was a powerful reminder of the need for higher standards in Nollywood and the commitment required to take the industry to new heights. As she continues to break new ground both as an actress and a producer, Toriola remains a shining example of excellence, professionalism, and integrity in the Nigerian film industry.