Nollywood actress and filmmaker, Ego Boyo, has called for government intervention in Makoko, a community in Yaba Local Government Area of Lagos State, which she highlighted in her new film, The Ghost and The House of Truth.
The 51-year-old made the call in an interview with NAN on Wednesday.
“Makoko is one of those things, you have to see to believe, it became a euphemism for the rot and decay, not only of that particular area but of the entire city and the psyche of the individuals who live there. My hope is for the government of Lagos State to really move into that community in a new and meaningful way,” she said.
The moviemaker, however, warned that the intervention should be a holistic approach and must involve the residents in order to succeed, saying: “The solution does not lie in throwing the residents out, but getting them involved in a planned and targeted transformation drive. It cannot be something done to them or for them, but something they actively support, encourage and embrace as well.”
She also advised that the government involve the public and private sectors in plans to improve the community and harness its resources.
The actress cited the South Korean movie, Parasite, as the inspiration behind her new movie, saying: “I was encouraged by the changes at work in South Korea after the release of the Oscar-winning film, Parasite, that focused attention on the living conditions of some of its residents. I hope the Nigerian government can come to see filmmaking as almost a collaborative effort between them and filmmakers, as filmmakers highlight areas that may otherwise go unnoticed.”
The Ghost and The House of Truth is a movie which follows a counsellor’s actions after she discovers her 15-year-old child is missing.
It stars Kate Henshaw as Officer Stainless, Toyin Oshinaike as Uncle Joe, Susan Wokoma as Bola Ogun, Mario Obruthe as Tomi, Imoleayo Olusanya as Nike and Dara Egerton-Shyngle as Susan.
Ego Boyo became popular for her role as Ann Haastrup in the TV series, Checkmate, and as Peggy in the movie, Violated.
