Nollywood actor, Kunle Afod, has emphasized the importance of staying in Nigeria to make a living. He stated that no matter the challenges of the country, he had no intentions of leaving because he believed in utilizing the opportunities Nigeria had to offer.
In an interview, the actor, who has been in the industry for over a decade, expressed his loyalty to Nigerian entertainment, capping it with his coined phrase, “I can’t japa from Nigeria”.
Kunle Afod highlighted that the Nigerian movie industry has undergone significant growth and development in recent years. Despite numerous challenges such as lack of funding and piracy of intellectual properties, he remained optimistic. The actor commended the current state of Nollywood and added that the industry had been a significant source of employment to many Nigerian youths.
Furthermore, he encouraged the Nigerian government to pay more attention to the entertainment sector, as it has the potential to generate huge revenue for the country and earn global recognition.
Kunle Afod also addressed the negative stereotypes often associated with Nigerian movies. He noted that the perception was erroneous, and people should look more closely at the technical efforts put into production. He explained that Nigerian filmmakers had resorted to using upgraded technology, such as drones, high-quality cameras and special effects makeup, to produce films that aligned with international standards.
In conclusion, Kunle Afod has urged young Nigerians not to yield to the temptation of japa (slang for leaving the country). He advised them to embrace Nigeria’s available resources, including its booming entertainment industry, to create a promising future for themselves and the nation.
As a final point, he emphasized that the fundamental solution to the country’s challenges was for every Nigerian to work hard in their capacity to contribute to the growth and development of the nation.
It is imperative for the country’s leaders to take more measures towards fostering the entertainment industry and improving the general welfare of Nigerians. That way, youths would find it more attractive to stay put and ensure a better future.
