"We Must Survive": Filmmaker Omoni Oboli Calls for Unity and Grit in Nollywood, Says No One Is Coming to Save Us

 

Omoni Oboli, a prominent voice in Nollywood, has sent out a deeply resonant message to her peers, challenging them to confront the harsh realities of the industry and urging collective action for survival and progress.

The acclaimed actress and filmmaker, known for her tenacity both in front of and behind the camera, made a heartfelt appeal to fellow actors, producers, and crew members. Her message was clear: the salvation of Nollywood will not come from any external force. It is only through unity, persistence, and mutual support that the industry can overcome its mounting challenges.

Through a powerful statement shared with her audience, Oboli emphasized the importance of intention and action. She pointed out that the industry, though struggling, is filled with people who continue to invest time, energy, and resources despite poor returns. This group, she noted, deserves support, not judgment or criticism.

"Nobody is coming to save us," she wrote. "We are all we have, but we are enough. We must be intentional about our survival." Her words echo a sentiment of urgency and self-determination, underscoring the need for community within Nollywood rather than waiting for outside intervention.

Oboli's message is not simply a lament over the difficult state of the industry. Rather, it is a call to arms, a rallying cry to build resilience in a creative field where uncertainty often reigns. She acknowledged that many people are struggling to make ends meet, and yet they press on. For some, filmmaking is not just a profession; it is a calling rooted in passion and an unshakable belief in a brighter future for Nigerian cinema.

The message was especially aimed at those working tirelessly to sustain Nollywood despite its economic hurdles. She urged the industry not to "choke them," referring to the individuals who bear the brunt of production stress and financial loss but continue regardless. "Let’s support the ones fighting tooth and nail to keep the industry running," she urged.

According to Oboli, this support must not be limited to lip service. It must include practical actions that uplift actors, crew members, and producers who form the lifeblood of the industry. Whether through collaboration, resource sharing, or simply offering encouragement, everyone has a role to play in keeping Nollywood alive and thriving.

A particularly striking aspect of Oboli’s message was her reflection on why people continue to shoot films in such a difficult environment. She explained that, for many, filmmaking is more than a career. It is the center of their lives, a labor of love that continues to give them purpose even amid adversity. Others, she said, remain in the game because they cling to hope, holding on to the belief that the tide will turn.

"God is in our story," she concluded, offering a spiritual reminder that divine guidance is still part of the journey, no matter how tough things may seem. Her message, filled with both raw honesty and tender encouragement, closes with a note of love: "Always remember that I love you."

Oboli’s candid reflection comes at a time when many creatives within the industry are expressing growing frustration over the lack of institutional support, inadequate funding, piracy, and lackluster distribution systems. Despite the challenges, Nollywood has continued to produce content and gain international recognition. However, the burden on individual creatives remains immense.

Her words are a sobering reminder that while the global spotlight may occasionally shine on Nollywood, the engine that drives it is made of hardworking, often underappreciated individuals. Without consistent support from within, the system cannot sustain itself.

The actress’s emotional plea is likely to resonate deeply across Nollywood, especially among the independent producers and upcoming talent struggling to find their footing. It also adds to a growing body of conversations urging the Nigerian film industry to reevaluate how it treats its own, how it fosters sustainability, and how it supports long-term growth from within.

Omoni Oboli’s voice joins a chorus of thought leaders who believe that change begins internally. For Nollywood to survive, it must look to itself, nurture its own talents, and value its contributors not just for their fame but for their dedication and vision. Her message is both a warning and a spark of hope, grounded in the belief that unity and perseverance can shape a better future.