Should States Fund Late Stars' Kids? Mr Ibu's Children Need Help

Photo: The Punch

When news broke that Mr Ibu's former manager, Dominic Nwuzor, was appealing to Enugu State government for scholarships for the late actor's children, it sparked a conversation that many Nigerians have been quietly having for years. Should state governments step in to support the families of deceased entertainers who gave their all to make us laugh, cry, and feel proud of our cultural heritage?

The Mr Ibu Legacy Lives On

Let's be real - John Okafor, popularly known as Mr Ibu, wasn't just another actor. This man was a cultural icon who brought joy to millions of Nigerian homes for decades. From his hilarious expressions to his memorable characters, he contributed significantly to putting Nollywood on the global map. But like many entertainers of his generation, the financial rewards didn't always match the cultural impact he made.

Now that he's gone, his children are left to navigate life without their father's support. This is where Nwuzor's appeal becomes more than just a request - it's a wake-up call about how we treat our cultural ambassadors and their families.

Why This Matters Beyond Mr Ibu's Family

The truth is, Mr Ibu's situation isn't unique. Many Nigerian entertainers who have passed on left behind families struggling to make ends meet. These are people who dedicated their lives to entertaining us, often at the expense of building traditional career paths or accumulating significant wealth.

Think about it - how many of our beloved Nollywood stars from the early days are living comfortably today? How many of their children have access to quality education that could help them build better futures? The answer might shock you.

The Case for Government Intervention

Some people might argue, 'Why should government money go to entertainers' families when there are so many other pressing needs?' It's a valid question, but here's another perspective: these entertainers were unofficial cultural ambassadors for Nigeria.

Mr Ibu's movies were watched across Africa and beyond. They showcased Nigerian culture, promoted our languages, and contributed to the soft power that Nigeria wields globally. When someone contributes to national development in this way, shouldn't there be some form of social safety net for their families?

Several developed countries have foundations and programs specifically designed to support families of deceased artists and entertainers. It's not charity - it's recognition of cultural contribution.

What a Sustainable Program Could Look Like

Instead of ad-hoc appeals like this one, imagine if Nigeria had a structured approach:

• Entertainment Heritage Fund: A dedicated fund supported by both government and private sector contributions
• Automatic Scholarship Programs: Children of deceased entertainers who made significant cultural contributions automatically qualify for educational support
• Skills Development Programs: Training opportunities for family members to develop marketable skills
• Healthcare Support: Medical assistance for families of deceased cultural icons
• Documentation and Preservation: Programs to preserve the works and legacies of these entertainers while supporting their families

The Enugu Opportunity

If Enugu State responds positively to this appeal, they could set a precedent that other states might follow. Imagine the message it would send: 'We value our cultural contributors, and we don't abandon their families when they're gone.'

This wouldn't just be about Mr Ibu's children - it could be the beginning of a more systematic approach to supporting families of deceased entertainers across Nigeria.

Beyond Government: What We All Can Do

While we wait for government action, there are things we can do as a community:

Support existing foundations that help entertainers and their families. Share and celebrate the works of deceased entertainers to keep their legacies alive. Advocate for better contracts and financial literacy programs for current entertainers so they can better provide for their families.

Most importantly, we can change the narrative around entertainment as a career. When we respect and properly compensate our entertainers while they're alive, we reduce the likelihood of their families struggling after they're gone.

The Bigger Picture

Mr Ibu's case highlights a broader issue about how Nigeria treats its cultural contributors. We celebrate them when they're making us laugh or feel proud, but do we really take care of them and their families in the long run?

As we continue to push for Nollywood's global recognition and celebrate Nigeria's soft power, we must also ensure that the people who build these industries - and their families - are protected and supported.

What do you think? Should Enugu State grant these scholarships? Should Nigeria develop a more systematic approach to supporting families of deceased entertainers? The conversation is just beginning, and your voice matters in shaping how we move forward.