The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) has lifted the suspension imposed on Adanma Luke, the producer of the movie “The Other Side of Life.”
This decision also includes the removal of the ban on filming in riverine areas, which had been enforced following the tragic incident that claimed the life of a popular Nollywood actor, earlier this year.
On April 10, 2024, a boat carrying the crew of the film “The Other Side of Life” capsized in the River Niger near Cable Point, Asaba, Delta State.
The incident claimed the lives of Junior Pope, a prominent Nollywood actor, and four other crew members.
The tragic loss sent shockwaves through the Nigerian film industry and highlighted the urgent need for stringent safety measures on set.
Junior Pope, known for his impactful roles in Nollywood, had been a significant figure in the industry.
Following the incident, the AGN suspended Adanma Luke indefinitely.
The guild’s decision was rooted in concerns over safety protocols.
The suspension also extended to a ban on filming in riverine areas and using boats for scenes, reflecting a commitment to safeguarding actors and crew members from similar dangers in the future.
“The safety of our members is paramount,” said Emeka Rollas, the National President of AGN, in a statement issued shortly after the incident.
“We cannot afford to compromise on safety, especially in scenarios as risky as riverine filming.”
However, the statement released on Saturday said that the guild had reviewed and updated its stance on the matter.
AGN National Secretary Abubakar Yakubu, who issued the release in the name of the president, said the review was done during the guild’s recent National Executive Council meeting.
“The National President of the Guild, Dr. Ejezie Emeka Rollas, MON, uses this opportunity to announce the lifting of the suspension placed on Adanma Luke, producer of the movie ‘The Other Side of Life,’ where star actor Junior Pope and four other crew members lost their lives in the Anam River,” Yakubu stated.
“The President also lifted the ban on filming in riverine areas but cautioned members to apply all safety standard measures recommended in the AGN Bylaws,” he added.
The lifting of the suspension and the ban has been met with mixed reactions from the industry.
While some view the move as a necessary step toward returning to normalcy, others remain cautious about the implications for safety standards.
The statement quoted Rochas as saying that while the suspension had been lifted, the guild would maintain a rigorous oversight of safety protocols.
“Our priority remains the safety of all participants in film productions,” Rollas said. “We are committed to ensuring that such tragedies do not recur.
“The decision to lift the ban comes with a clear directive to adhere strictly to safety measures outlined in the AGN Bylaws.”
