Nollywood actress Yvonne Jegede has publicly advised her colleague Regina Daniels to end her marriage if the reported domestic violence allegations against her husband, Ned Nwoko, are accurate. Graphic Online+2Nigeria News Today+2 In a candid social-media post, Jegede told Regina: “You are still very young. If there is violence in your marriage, please pack your bag.” She stressed that “there is never any sugar-coating for me when violence is involved — whether from a man or a woman.” Blueprint+1 Jegede pointed out that abuse should never be excused by status, wealth or gender. She asked critics: if Regina’s husband were poor or younger, would people treat the situation differently? “Would it make a difference?” she asked. Nigeria News Today+1 She also called out fellow entertainers who mocked Regina’s plea for help. Jegede said their reaction was “shameful” and reminded them that “everybody has a story… we are one.” She emphasised the need for compassion rather than judgment. Trending News+1 Speaking as a single mother, Jegede said she has no patience for violence in any home: “I don’t care if you’re a woman or man who is being violent — once violence is involved, I will not sugarcoat it.” She added: “You carry your bag for your own health, mental health… it is better for you to live to tell the story than for you to stay and die.” Trending News+1 This advice comes in the backdrop of the much-publicised marital troubles between Regina Daniels and Ned Nwoko. While Daniels has made claims of violence and distress in their union, Nwoko has countered with allegations of drug and alcohol abuse on her part. The Nation Newspaper+2allAfrica.com+2 Jegede’s message carries a broader social import: that domestic violence affects people across class and gender lines, and refusing to address it is a collective failure. She asserted that no amount of wealth or fame should silence a victim or justify staying in a harmful relationship. Nigeria News Today+1 In sum: Yvonne Jegede’s public counsel to Regina Daniels underscores two key points — violence in marriage is a deal-breaker, regardless of who is the perpetrator or who is the victim, and prioritising one’s mental health, safety and dignity must come above appearances, status or fear of judgement.
Pere Egbi, former BBNaija housemate turned actor and producer, shares his experience of investing N200 million in his film The Silent Intruder, which grossed only N53 million, highlighting the challenges faced by Nigerian filmmakers in cinema promotions. Pere Egbi, the former BBNaija housemate and now actor and producer, has opened up about the financial struggle he faced with his film The Silent Intruder. Despite investing a staggering N200 million into its production, the film only earned N53 million at the cinemas, leaving him with a net profit of just N8 million. Egbi’s frustrations echo the recent claims made by Femi Branch, the lead actor of House of Ga’a, regarding the challenges Nigerian filmmakers face in the cinema industry. In an emotional Instagram post, Egbi shared how his film suffered from poor screen times and limited promotional efforts, which contributed to its disappointing box office performance. The N200 million spent on The Silent Intruder included over N150 million of Egbi’s own funds, plus an additional N11 million borrowed from a friend in London. However, despite this significant financial commitment, the film struggled to gain visibility in the cinema, grossing only N53 million. “I spent over 200 million naira on the production, and it made only 53 million at the cinemas. Out of that, I personally earned just 8 million naira,” Egbi shared in his post, expressing his frustration with the distribution system that he believes hinders local films. Adding to his challenges, The Silent Intruder has not yet been picked up by major streaming platforms like Netflix or Prime Video, even though other films released at the same time have secured deals. Egbi revealed that the financial burden has forced him to leave Nigeria and return to the United States to work and repay the loan. “To the kind-hearted woman who lent me money, I had to go back to America to work just so I can pay her back,” he explained. Egbi’s experience highlights a critical issue in Nollywood—how the cinema industry often neglects local films in favor of foreign productions. Many filmmakers, like Egbi, believe that cinemas in Nigeria offer inadequate screen times for Nigerian films, which results in poor box office returns. Furthermore, the lack of support for independent filmmakers and the challenges in securing fair distribution deals contribute to the industry’s struggles. As Egbi waits for a breakthrough, he has vowed to take matters into his own hands. If by January 2025 no progress has been made, he plans to release The Silent Intruder directly on YouTube, bypassing traditional distribution channels. “Right now, I don’t care about being blacklisted,” he stated, underscoring his determination to control his narrative. Egbi’s bold decision has sparked renewed discussions about the urgent need for reforms in the Nigerian film industry. Many argue that Nollywood’s rapid growth is being stifled by inadequate structures for revenue sharing and film distribution. For filmmakers like Pere Egbi, this situation calls for systemic changes to ensure fair treatment, better support for independent creators, and a more equitable distribution of earnings in the industry. As Egbi continues to pursue his creative vision, his story serves as a call for reform in Nollywood, encouraging discussions on how to improve the industry’s framework for future filmmakers. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
