Nollywood actress, Foluke Daramola Salako, on Monday advocated for aged veteran artistes to be brought back into acting on screen.
The actress, who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, expressed her passion for veterans, whom she described as role models for various households.
Daramola said that many of the aged veterans were disheartened and frustrated, adding that some are sick and neglected.
“I have realised that not all of these veterans are sick; some are only frustrated because they are no longer relevant as actors and actresses.
“Worse of all, people no longer relate with them.
“I am close to many of these aged veterans and I find their conditions disheartening. So, I thought that I should launch a pension or health scheme and award gala for them through my Foundation.
“This will be like giving them another chance to be on screen again. Some have had their legs amputated; some have bad eyes, but if they can be on screen again, it will give them a sense of belonging,’’ the Nollywood actress said.
Daramola, who is the President, Passion against Rape and Abuse in Africa (PARA) Foundation, a NGO, said she would use her NGO to bridge the gap between the aged/sick veterans and Nigerians willing to help.
“PARA is partnering with pension and reinvestment insurance companies strictly for the right utilisation of funds generated.
“We are trying to bring back these old faces to the consciousness of the public, as money generated will be used in producing a series by the veterans.
“We also intend to partner with the Lagos State Government to start the health insurance scheme as we cannot handle this alone.
“We can kick this off through funds realised from the series, and I believe this veterans will also be invited for more roles when other filmmakers see them on screen again,’’ she said.
Daramola said that she was inspired to embark on the project because she had an aged mother, adding that she would also grow old one day.
“I have an aged mother, so I feel the need to undertake this project because these older ones have entertained a lot of people, homes, and even inspired us.
“We watched them when we were younger. They were our role models. They encouraged and inspired some of us to be who we are today.
“I believe I will grow old one day and when I get to that position, I want to be able to look back and say I have in my own little way bridged the gap between aged veterans and those that can help,’’ the actress said.
