Charles Inojie: Nollywood Shouldn’t Be Blamed for Society’s Issues

In a recent interview with Saturday Beat, renowned actor Charles Inojie expressed that the Nigerian film industry should not be scapegoated for societal problems. He argued that the real responsibility lies with parents to instill core family values in the younger generation, reiterating that shortcuts and quick fixes often lead to dire consequences.

Inojie highlighted that phenomena such as ritual killings, internet fraud, spiritual fortification, and organ harvesting are subjects depicted in Nollywood films, but they are not the creations of the industry. He questioned the notion that all Nollywood films are based on ritualistic themes. “The presence of these narratives in film reflects the reality of ritual killings and other societal vices that plague our country, rather than indicating that Nollywood is the source of the problem,” Inojie asserted.

He further commented, “Critics should recognize these films for their ability to shed light on these issues instead of outright condemning them. Are we not aware of cases where pastors have buried human remains under their altars in search of spiritual power, or influential individuals engaging in bizarre rituals at night? Why is it that when these realities are portrayed in films, they attract public outcry?”

Inojie also noted troubling societal trends where parents celebrate their underage children returning home with new cars without questioning the means by which they obtained them.