A private organisation, the Society for the Advancement of Entertainment and Trust, in collaboration with stakeholders, has launched a N1 billion trust fund to support the welfare, healthcare and long-term financial security of Nigerian entertainers and creatives.
The initiative, promoted by entertainment practitioner Victory Okelezo, popularly known as Kupa Victory, was unveiled in Lagos under the theme, “Life After the Art.”
The organisers said the fund, which has a long-term target of N5 billion, would provide sustainable support for creatives and reduce reliance on public appeals during medical emergencies and financial difficulties.
Speaking at the launch, Okelezo said the initiative was inspired by growing cases of illness, financial hardship and deaths among entertainers, despite their contributions to the country’s cultural development.
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Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, described the initiative as timely and called for greater access to health and life insurance for entertainers.
He said entertainers and other creatives should be protected through existing laws and institutional support rather than treated as beneficiaries of charity.
Falana pledged legal support for the trust fund and urged stakeholders, insurance companies and government agencies to strengthen the implementation of health and insurance laws for Nigerian creatives.
