Nigerian actor, Olumide Oworu, has expressed a strong belief in the transformative potential of international collaborations for Nollywood, even as he acknowledged the slow pace of development within the industry.
Speaking as a guest on Rubbin’ Minds, a popular programme on Channels Television, the 30-year-old star of The Johnsons Family shared a blend of optimism and candid critique about the current state of Nigeria’s film sector.
I definitely do see more international collaborations for the industry, Oworu stated with conviction, pointing to a future where cross-border partnerships could inject fresh energy, innovation, and visibility into Nollywood.
His comments come at a time when Nigerian cinema is increasingly gaining global attention, with titles landing on streaming platforms and at international film festivals.
However, while his outlook is hopeful, Oworu did not shy away from expressing his frustrations with the industry’s pace of progress. “I am not worried, I am actually more excited to see where it will go because there is definitely potential, there are definitely a lot of opportunities,” he noted.
He emphasized a critical flaw: fragmentation.“I think one of the issues that we have in Nollywood now is a lot of efforts are happening in small pockets and it doesn’t feel like the industry in its entirety is trying to scale up,” he remarked, suggesting that a more unified and strategic approach could help the industry realize its vast potential.
Beyond film, Oworu revealed another dimension of his creativity—music. The actor disclosed that he is currently working on an extended play (EP), hinting that he consider’s stepping into the musical landscape. “I’m exploring my musical career,” he said.
Interestingly, the actor also touched on a shift in consciousness among young Nigerians in the entertainment space. “A lot of my friends and I are having more politically conscious conversations when we are together,” he said, pointing to a growing sense of civic awareness within his circle—a sentiment that mirrors the larger wave of youth engagement in Nigeria’s sociopolitical discourse.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Oworu’s interview goes beyond surface level celebrity chatter. it is a subtle but powerful critique and roadmap. He urges Nollywood to think bigger, act smarter, and come together.
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