Covid-19: Omotola, Falz, Others Urge Nigerian Government To Open Cinemas

Nigerian practitioners and stakeholders have displayed their displeasure with the continuous closure of cinemas, as they urged the government to open entertainment facilities across the country.

According to popular actress, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, the regulation measures put in place by the government to prevent the spread of Coronavirus pandemic, cinemas are easier to monitor and regulate more than other business facilities that have been opened nationwide.

She said: “I believe cinemas are easier to monitor and regulate. If other indoor places are open, why not the cinemas? Temp checks, masks, distancing, etc. We need to work together to ensure safer ways to keep the Arts going. Many livelihoods depend on this. It can and must be done as safely as possible.”

In the same vein, ace rapper Folarin Falana also know as Falz said the government decision to keep cinemas closed has worsened the financial conditions of the industry and its practitioners.

According to him, “thousands of people have been left without any way to earn for several months.”

Speaking further, Falz tweeted, “Right now, we don’t see anything but a government that contributes little or nothing to its creative sector and continues to attempt to stifle the sector in every way. The entertainment industry must be allowed to gradually get back in business! Let’s start with cinemas reopening.”

Corroborating the positions, Kayode Adeola, a movie producer and Chief Executive Officer of Studio 109 Limited said government should assist the industry by reopening the cinemas and other entertainment centres as soon as possible.

Specifically appealing to President Mohammadu Buhari, Adeola said if care is not taken, the situation of things at the current moment may lead to collapse of the industry.

“At present, the situation is very critical. Months of closure of business is not what anyone can envisage. With the regulations put in place by NCDC, cinemas and other entertainment centres are easy to control and monitor. If other businesses could open without issue, I believe nothing is stopping us from opening the cinemas. President Buhari, Governor Sanwo-Olu should please come to our aid.” He said.