Circuits Africa, a premium virtual cinema and content distribution platform, has launched a Film Veterans Dignity Fund aimed at supporting aged actors and filmmakers who are no longer actively engaged in the industry.
The Chief Operating Officer of Circuits Africa, Mrs Imade Bibowei-Osuobeni, disclosed this during a roundtable discussion with journalists in Lagos.
She explained that the fund, which was officially introduced in January 2025, is designed to recognise and care for pioneers of the Nigerian film industry whose contributions laid the foundation for the sector’s growth and global recognition.
According to Bibowei-Osuobeni, beneficiaries of the Film Veterans Dignity Fund are entitled to monthly stipends for life, alongside a comprehensive health insurance plan, with eligibility currently set at 70 years and above.
“In January, we registered respected industry veterans such as Pete Edochie, Pa Lere Paimo and Idowu Philips, popularly known as Iya Rainbow,” she said. “They are already receiving monthly payments and have been fully enrolled in a comprehensive health insurance scheme with NEM Health Insurance.”
She added that arrangements were ongoing to expand the programme to accommodate more eligible film veterans across the country.
To ensure the long-term sustainability of the initiative, Bibowei-Osuobeni revealed that Circuits Africa has committed 10 per cent of its revenue to funding the programme.
She noted that the initiative was conceived in response to the difficult realities faced by many retired actors and filmmakers who often struggle financially and medically after years of service to the entertainment industry.
“Several veterans who once entertained and inspired Nigerians end up without a steady income in retirement, sometimes resorting to public appeals for support to meet basic needs and medical expenses,” she said.
According to her, Circuits Africa believes that industry pioneers deserve to live their later years in dignity and comfort, rather than experiencing hardship after decades of contribution to nation-building through film.
Bibowei-Osuobeni reaffirmed the company’s commitment to the creative industry, stressing that Circuits’ vision goes beyond content distribution to include meaningful social impact initiatives that support and uplift stakeholders within the entertainment ecosystem.
