The Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. Idris Aregbe, on Wednesday received a delegation of veteran actors from the Yoruba film industry at his Alausa office to discuss the need for a sustainable health insurance scheme and improved welfare support for practitioners in the creative sector.
The delegation featured some of the industry’s most celebrated icons, including Chief Dele Odule, Idowu Phillips (Iya Rainbow), Salawa Abeni, and Lanre Hassan (Iya Awero), alongside other distinguished stakeholders in the Yoruba film industry.
Discussions focused on the urgent need to establish a structured health insurance scheme tailored to actors and other creatives. The delegation noted that despite their decades-long contributions to Nigeria’s entertainment and cultural landscape, many veteran actors have continued to work without access to formal welfare and healthcare benefits.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Chief Dele Odule stressed the importance of accessible health insurance for veteran actors.
“Health insurance has become a necessity for many of us. While we understand its value from experience, it remains difficult for many practitioners to access affordable coverage. We believe this engagement will draw attention to the challenge and help pave the way for a sustainable solution,” he said.
Responding, Mr. Idris Aregbe commended the veterans for their immense contributions to the growth of the Yoruba film industry and Nigeria’s creative economy. He assured the delegation that the Lagos State Government would explore their request in line with the THEMES Plus Development Agenda, with a view to strengthening welfare structures for veteran creatives.
The meeting underscores Lagos State’s continued commitment to supporting the creative industry and fostering policies that promote the welfare, dignity, and wellbeing of the pioneers whose talent and dedication have shaped the Yoruba film industry into a thriving cultural institution.
