As a person who personally knows John Okafor, popularly known as Mr Ibu, I am gutted by his present predicament, and hurt by the way it has now turned into a public affair. A number of people with no knowledge of how the industry works have seized this opportunity to launch offensive agaisnts an industry that is doing a great job in employment and job creation, as well as excellent PR for the nation.

For example, Adamu Garba's response to Mr. John Okafor's distressing plea for financial assistance has stirred up controversy and raised questions about the role of government and industry unions in supporting Nigerian artists. While Garba's call for the Nigerian Film and Video Censors Board to establish a life insurance policy for screen personalities like Mr. Ibu seems well-intentioned, there are several criticisms and concerns that need to be addressed.

First and foremost, the timing of Garba's response has sparked suspicion. Some critics argue that he might be exploiting Mr. Ibu's vulnerability and the public's sympathy for his situation for political gain. Given Garba's history in Nigerian politics and his involvement in controversial issues, it's reasonable to question his motives. When individuals in the public eye, especially artists, face difficulties, it is essential to approach the situation with empathy and genuine concern, rather than seizing it as an opportunity for political grandstanding.

Another critical aspect is the suggestion that the Nigerian government should step in and provide insurance for artists like Mr. Ibu. While it is important to recognize the contributions of artists to the nation's culture and entertainment, the idea of the government providing such insurance raises concerns. The Nigerian government is often criticized for its inefficiency and corruption, and entrusting them with the responsibility of managing insurance policies could potentially lead to mismanagement and funds being diverted elsewhere. Instead of relying on the government, a more viable solution may be to encourage private insurance companies to offer tailored insurance packages for artists and entertainers.

Furthermore, I believe that Adamu Garba's proposal might create a moral hazard. If artists believe that the government will provide insurance to cover their later years, it may disincentivize them from taking personal responsibility for their financial well-being. This, in turn, could lead to complacency and a lack of financial planning, which is not in the best interest of the artists themselves.

Another criticism of Garba's response is that it oversimplifies the complex issue of support for artists. He suggests that Mr. Ibu should have been qualified for insurance based on his contributions to the industry, but determining eligibility for such support is not straightforward. There are numerous talented artists in Nigeria, and creating a system that fairly assesses who should receive insurance and to what extent is a challenging task.

Moreover, I believe that insurance is not the only effective way to support artists in need. While insurance can provide financial security for the future, it does not address the immediate financial crises that artists like Mr. Ibu might face. A more comprehensive approach to support could include an industry-wide fund to help artists during times of illness or crisis. Such a fund could be supported by industry unions, production companies, and even voluntary contributions from successful artists or enthusiasts.

It's also essential to highlight that not all artists in Nigeria are members of industry unions or associations, and many may have legitimate reasons for not participating. Encouraging greater cooperation and coordination within the industry is undoubtedly beneficial, but imposing union membership as a prerequisite for support might be counterproductive. Film Creative Minds Association (FCMA) for example has structures in place for members, but can anyone be forced to unionize? Hell no.

Adamu Garba's response to Mr. Ibu's situation should focus on a more fundamental issue, which is the need for a more robust social safety net in Nigeria. The lack of a comprehensive healthcare system and social support mechanisms means that individuals, including artists, are often left to fend for themselves during times of crisis. While the entertainment industry has its unique challenges, addressing the broader issue of healthcare and social welfare would be a more inclusive and effective solution.

In light of these criticisms, it is worth considering the alternative responses to Mr. Ibu's situation. Former Kaduna lawmaker Shehu Sani's pledge of support, for instance, was more restrained and empathetic, avoiding the political undertones present in Garba's response. Sani's approach focused on offering assistance rather than pushing for government intervention.

Additionally, there is a critical argument that the public and media should play a role in responsibly reporting and responding to artists in need. Instead of sensationalizing their difficulties, it is crucial to verify whether artists have reached out to the right people or organizations for help. Responsible reporting could also help avoid creating a negative image of the entertainment industry and its artists.

Conclusively, while Adamu Garba's proposal to provide life insurance for Nigerian screen personalities is well-intentioned, it has faced significant criticism. The timing, potential political motives, the government's track record, the moral hazard it may create, and the complexity of determining eligibility are all valid concerns. The issue of supporting artists in need is multifaceted, and the solution may require a combination of private initiatives, industry-wide funds, and improved social safety nets, rather than relying solely on government intervention. Addressing the immediate financial crises faced by artists is also an important consideration, and responsible reporting and support from the industry and the public can play a vital role in assisting artists during times of need.

Muoma Obinna


Source: @mrmuomaobinna

What Adamu said is nothing but the truth.
No better time to state the fact than now.