Renowned actor Charles Inojie has stated that the Nigerian film industry, Nollywood, should not be blamed for the societal issues prevalent in the country.
According to him, rather than creating the problems, Nollywood highlights societal ills, exposing them to a wider audience.
In an interview on Sunday 26th January ,2025, Onojie emphasized the importance of parents and guardians taking responsibility for instilling strong family values in younger generations. He pointed out that societal challenges such as ritual killings, spiritual fortification, internet fraud, and organ harvesting exist outside of Nollywood’s influence, noting that the industry merely reflects realities already present in the community.
Addressing criticisms that Nollywood promotes such themes, Inojie said: “Can we in good faith say that all Nollywood movies are drawn from ritual themes? The fact that these stories exist is evidence that ritual killings for spiritual fortification, political power, money-making, and organ harvesting occur in our society. These are not creations of the film industry.”
He continued, “Instead of condemning these films, we should commend their expository nature. Haven’t we heard stories of religious leaders burying human remains under pulpits for spiritual powers? Or influential individuals performing unimaginable rituals in the dead of night? Why do people criticize the depiction of such issues in movies while ignoring their real-life existence?”
Inojie also condemned the celebration of ill-gotten wealth within families, attributing part of the problem to a lack of proper parental guidance.
“We’ve seen parents throw elaborate celebrations for underaged or unemployed children who return home with expensive cars, never questioning how they acquired them,” he highlighted.
He stressed that Nollywood should not be held accountable for these societal issues. “Nollywood did not create these problems. What we need is to return to the fundamental values of family and community. Parents must teach the younger generation the dignity of honest labor and remind them that shortcuts often lead to disastrous outcomes.”
The actor called for a collective reevaluation of societal norms and emphasized the need for reorientation.
“If we want real change, we must go beyond pointing fingers at Nollywood. Instead, we should address the deep-rooted moral decay within families and communities. Instilling discipline and promoting hard work are the first steps toward a better society,” he concluded.
Inojie’s remarks highlight the role of Nollywood as a mirror reflecting societal realities and urge citizens to shift their focus from criticism of the industry to addressing the underlying causes of Nigeria’s social problems.
