Nollywood Actor/Movie Producer, Femi
Ogedengbe stunned Nigerians when he announced on Facebook that he had
named his twins, born on the 27th May, Nollywood and Hollywood.
Although, he received a lot of criticism for doing that, Femi is hitting back at his critics.
In a press statement sent to BON, the Actor
said the two industries have directly and indirectly influenced him
positively, especially in terms of fame and riches.
Read statement below:
“The level of hypocrisy in Nigeria is just
too high or how do I explain the attack I and my wife have received on
different blogs for adding Nollywood & HOLLYWOOD among the names we
gave our bundles of Joy : King Praise Micheal Victor Tochukwu Jesuogbo
Iyinoluwa Hollywood & Queen Grace Michelle Victoria Peculia
Chimamaka Jesukomeh Opeoluwa Nollywood.
I guess all those who condemned us have been
so blinded by Hatred that they couldn’t see all other names but the
HOLLYWOOD and Nollywood. Anyway, thanks for noticing me, my wife and our
children, but What is really bad in those two names?
It always come with different interpretations depending on how every one percieve it from their stand point.
Most people who criticise the names gave
their reason, they said ;the two industries (HOLLYWOOD & NOLLYWOOD)
are synonymous with immorality .
And I wonder if they are truly alright at all
because if they are normal, they will know that despite some of the
negative reports from Nollywood, It is safe for Nigerians to declare
Nollywood day because this is an industry that has consistently put our
name in the world map and when you are fortunate to travel out of
Nigeria, then you will realise we Nigerians are the only people that are
not proud of NOLLYWOOD.
If we choose to look inward, then questions
like ; where and What would have been of Names like, Tonto Dike, Mercy
Johson, Jim Iyke Kevin Ikeduba , Odun Adekola , in a country where
unemployment is at it highest level.
I for one will still be in the back street
of Mushin hussling or dead like 35 of my childhood friends who all died
between 1990 – 1995 around wuraola in pako Eleja Area because they all
decided to take the short-cut (armed robbery). But thanks to Nollywood, I
am now Femi Ogedengbe! It is a pity that people will seat in the
comfort of their homes,hide behind the freedom that such platform as
Facebook and all other social network provide to judge the logic behind
the actions of people they don’t know.
Here in Nigerian there is a town called
Umuagwo & Umueke (descendants of snakes) and you don’t think that is
weird enough but some of you whose family names are something around
the neighbourhood of Esubiyi,Sango these and Ogun that Join in condeming
a name that has its origin in such a vibrant industry as Nollywood that
has engage more Nigerian youth in one way or the other and have helped
in no small measure in putting smile on our collective faces unlike the
Nigeria corrupt politicians who we shamelessly sing their praise ..
In as much as I appreciate everyone who
congratulated me and my wife Nkechi Diane,the matter wey dey face
Nigeria pass Femi Ogedengbe name pikinses Nollywood & Hollywood. Abi
Na bro’s Boko “insecurity” Haram we want talk about abi na corruption
we wan yan…In my little way I have addressed the issue of corrupt
politician in my 1994 movie (Tear of the GHETTO)What have you all done
to show your displeasure ?
Nothing but you wan carry placards to protest my children names …..uncles and aunts make una park well oh …Long live Nigeria”