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Veteran Nollywood star Francis Odega has stirred fresh debate within the Nigerian film industry after declaring that the quality of Nollywood movies has significantly declined over the years.
The actor made the remarks during a recent appearance on the ‘Where Is The Lie’ podcast, where he reflected on the evolution of the industry and compared its present state to what he described as its golden era.
Odega, known for his comic roles and long-standing presence in the industry, argued that films produced during his early years in Nollywood were more meaningful and memorable than many of the projects being released today.
According to him, filmmakers in the past placed greater emphasis on strong storytelling, originality and proper execution, qualities he believes are now lacking.
He explained that in earlier years, a single well-written script would often produce one classic movie that resonated deeply with audiences and stood the test of time.
However, he lamented that in today’s industry, the same script could be stretched into several productions that fail to leave a lasting impression.
“Back then, one script would give us one unforgettable movie. But now, one script can give you seven bad movies, and that’s not right. Nollywood back then is far better than the Nollywood of today,” Odega said during the podcast.
The actor also stressed that he was among those who laid the foundation for what has now become a globally recognised film industry.
He noted that he joined the movie scene long before the name Nollywood gained widespread popularity. According to him, the industry was still developing its structure and identity at the time.
Odega recalled that the actors’ association was originally known as the Nigerian Actors Guild (NAG) before it was renamed the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN). He explained that this transformation occurred as the industry grew in organisation and influence, eventually giving rise to what is now popularly called Nollywood.
Having spent about 30 years in the movie industry, Odega said he has witnessed its journey from humble beginnings to international recognition.
While acknowledging Nollywood’s expansion, improved technology and global reach, he maintained that growth in numbers and visibility should not come at the expense of quality.
His comments have added to ongoing conversations about standards in Nollywood, particularly as streaming platforms and rapid content production continue to shape filmmaking trends.
Odega concluded that for the industry to maintain its legacy and compete globally, filmmakers must return to prioritising strong scripts, creativity and disciplined production processes that once defined Nollywood’s most celebrated era.
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