By Perekeme Odon
Prominent actors and groups within Nollywood have thrown their support behind the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Hon. Desmond Olusola Elliott, who is contesting to represent Surulere Constituency I in the Lagos State House of Assembly elections, scheduled for Saturday, March 11, 2023.
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| Hon. Desmond Olusola Elliott |
In a statement, the Nollywood Mandate Group and Code Door2Door Initiative commended Elliott for his leadership skills, commitment to social justice, empowerment of actors, selfless service, and community development.
"We are proud to endorse Desmond Elliott to continue the good work he is doing representing Surulere Constituency 1". Francis Onwochei, a veteran Nollywood actor, stated. "He is a talented, selfless, and dedicated leader who has demonstrated his commitment not just to our industry but to his community time and time again. He is an outstanding public servant, and we are confident that he will continue to push for improved quality of life for residents in Surulere constituency 1."
Moji Oyetayo (Mama Ajasco), Coordinator of the Code Door2Door Initiative, also affirmed that Elliott's candidature is a testament to the growing influence of the Nigerian film industry on the political stage. "Desmond Elliott is a role model for many actors, producers, and directors. He has represented us well and carried everyone along. He has also shown that with talent, hard work, and dedication, you can achieve great things both in and out of the film industry. We are thus excited to see him take his leadership skills to the next level and make a positive impact on the lives of Nigerians. It is a unanimous decision among actors, especially those in Surulere Constituency 1, that he should continue the good work he is doing."
Francis Onwochei, Coordinator of the Nollywood Mandate Group, opined that Desmond is always eager and willing to drive entrepreneurship in the constituency and, aside from providing training opportunities, has empowered over 1500 Surulere residents to register their businesses free with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), facilitated free medical health insurance coverage for about 1000 residents, and ensured the provision of 300kVA and 500kVA new transformers to various communities in Surulere.
Onwochei noted that education is paramount to him, as scores of secondary schools in his constituency have been trained and equipped with digital technology skills. "Desmond appreciates the power of education to transform lives and is always present and willing to lecture both registered and unregistered members on free-acting training organised by the industry’s guilds and associations. He also rebuilt the Itolo girls' school at Itolo off Eric Moore Road, in addition to his involvement in other school activities around the constituency.
"As part of his efforts to reduce the threat of flooding, he consistently strives to ensure that the canals and major drainages in Surulere Constituency 1 are cleared before the rains begin."
Not only that, but as
Chairman of the AGN COVID-19 Committee, Hon. Desmond Olusola Elliott delivered
relief items to over 1000 constituency members, including actors, during the
height of the global epidemic. He was a major advocate for the vulnerable,
who had been severely impacted by the pandemic, and he also pushed for health
workers, who are on the front lines of the fight against the pandemic.
Therefore, as the State Assembly and Governorship elections draw closer, the coast is clear for the performing Desmond Elliotts to return to the Lagos State House of Assembly. According to Francis Onwochei, "Surulere is the headquarters of Nollywood in Lagos, and all actors, including groups and heads of key associations, are fully behind Desmond Elliott. I can tell you that the coast is clear for him.
The Nollywood Mandate Group and Code Doo2Door Initiatives are known for their ability to mobilise the grassroots and influence public opinion. Their endorsement of Desmond Elliott is a significant development in the political ecosystem.
