In a recent interview, veteran Nollywood actress Patience Ozokwor shed light on the trend of ailing actors turning to social media to beg for financial assistance. The actress, who is known for her iconic roles in Nigerian movies, explained the reasons behind this phenomenon.
According to Ozokwor, the main reason why actors resort to begging for money online is due to the lack of a proper support system in the Nigerian film industry. She stated that unlike in other countries where actors have unions and organizations that provide financial aid in times of need, Nigerian actors are left to fend for themselves.
The actress also pointed out that the nature of the film industry in Nigeria is not stable, making it difficult for actors to have a steady income. She explained that most actors only get paid when they are working on a project, and the pay is not always enough to sustain them during periods of unemployment or illness.
Furthermore, Ozokwor highlighted the issue of actors not being able to save for the future. She stated that due to the irregularity of work and low pay, many actors are unable to save for emergencies or retirement. This leaves them vulnerable and with no other option but to turn to social media for help when they are in need.
The actress also addressed the issue of actors living beyond their means. She stated that many actors feel the pressure to maintain a certain lifestyle and image, which leads them to spend beyond their means. This, coupled with the lack of financial stability in the industry, puts them in a vulnerable position when faced with unexpected expenses.
Ozokwor also emphasized the need for actors to have proper financial management skills. She urged actors to learn how to budget and save their earnings, as well as invest in other sources of income to secure their future.
In conclusion, Ozokwor called for a change in the Nigerian film industry, where actors are provided with a support system and financial stability. She also urged actors to be more responsible with their finances and not rely solely on their acting careers for income. With these changes, she believes that the trend of ailing actors begging for money online can be reduced significantly.