Emeka Rollas, President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, has established a committee to improve the safety and well-being of its members.
This development follows the boat disaster that killed five film workers, including popular actor Junior Pope, on Wednesday.
The Guild made the announcement in a statement penned by Kate Henshaw, Director of Communications, and posted to its Instagram page on Saturday.
The statement went on to say, “Following the recent fatal boat mishap on the River Niger which claimed the lives of five film practitioners, including renowned actor, John Paul Odonwodo, aka Junior Pope, in Asaba, Delta State, the National President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Dr. Ejezie Emeka Rollas, has set up a special committee.”
The message went on to explain that the committee’s goal was to “fine-tune the existing bye laws to include member welfare, standard safety guidelines, and set protocols.”
“Engage all relevant guilds and associations for the full implementation.“Also recommend disciplinary measures against erring members, producers, and production companies.
“Seek further engagement with other guilds/associations and relevant stakeholders on drafting a general bye law for the industry.“Recommend possible requirements in setting up a royalty collecting body or rights collecting society for performers in Nollywood.”.”
Emeka Ike, a veteran actor, governs the community, with Jude Orhorha serving as secretary.
The committee also includes Joke Silva, Omotola Jalade Ekeinde, Francis Duru, Bimbo Manuel, Patience Ozokwor, Hilda Dokubo, Abubakar Yakubu, Gideon Okeke, Anthony Ogbetere, Femi Branch, and Kevin Uvo.
Junior Pope and four other crew members perished after their boat capsized while returning from a filming site on the Niger River.
Following the incident, the AGN prohibited actors from filming movies in riverine areas or taking boat rides.
