Yul Edochie Calls for More Positive Representation of Nigerians in Nollywood Films.

Nigerian actor Yul Edochie has called on filmmakers to refrain from perpetuating negative stereotypes by portraying Nigerians as clowns and uncivilized individuals when depicting them traveling abroad.


He emphasized that such storylines not only tarnish the country’s image but also reinforce harmful and inaccurate representations.


Edochie encourages filmmakers to create narratives that showcase Nigerians abroad as problem-solvers, leaders, and champions of traditional values, promoting a more positive and empowering representation of the Nigerian diaspora.


He wrote:


“I wish our producers will stop making films where Nigerians travel abroad, dey mumu. We sell ourselves short with such storylines.

“Oyibo people will never make a movie where a white man is foolish on African soil. Instead they’ll make the white man smarter than all the Africans in the movie.

“It’s intentional. They use movies to sell themselves as superheroes, while we use ours to run ourselves down.
“Let’s make movies where a Nigerian goes abroad and becomes the focal point for Oyibo people.

“He or she always walks with shoulders high, with so much pride and dignity. Always on Nigerian wears. And teaches Oyibo people beautiful things they never knew about us. Offers traditional solutions to problems and becomes a leader over there.

“Let’s sell ourselves as superheroes as well.”