Two titans of the Nigerian film industry, Charles Inojie and Ali Nuhu, are using their platforms to make noise about the issue of domestic violence.
They’ve teamed up in a new video that is making waves on social media and breaking the culture of silence in Nigeria.
In the recent video Inojie and Nuhu find themselves confronted with a disturbing scenario: witnessing an instance of domestic violence in a restaurant. The two men are faced with a choice. Do they mind their own business or speak up?
This is an issue close to the heart of both Inojie and Nuhu, as it is likely to be for many Nigerians, as research shows 1 in every 3 Nigerian women have experienced domestic violence.
Although Nuhu instinctively decides they should ignore the situation, Inojie declares, “Evil thrives when good men keep quiet.”
Together, they spark a collective demonstration with those in the restaurant by making noise, to show their disapproval and take a stand against the violence. The rallying cry, #MakeWeHalla, is an open invite to us all, encouraging bystanders to show that they oppose domestic violence.
When asked why the veteran actors have joined forces, Inojie explained: “Partner violence is happening all across Nigeria, yet often we stay silent. Make We Halla is about speaking up, so we let it be known that this violence is not acceptable. We are louder together.”
Nuhu said, “From North to South, people are going through domestic abuse and evil thrives when good men keep quiet! Every time we stay silent and watch the abuser have their way, we are giving them power. That’s why I said that this is something that we need to do.”
Inojie and Nuhu are using their platforms to inspire Nigerians to recognize their own power and speak up when they witness domestic violence within their own communities.
“We hope the video inspires bystanders to take action, to make halla in their own way,” says Inojie.
Charles Inojie is an AMVCA Award winning actor. He is a prominent thespian, renowned for his versatile roles in Nollywood productions. With a distinguished career spanning several decades, Inojie has cemented his reputation as a respected figure in the Nigerian film industry with highly rated movies like The Johnsons, Desperate Search, My Baby and Pride of a Woman to mention few.
In the same vein, Dr. Ali Nuhu, who is the the Managing Director of the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC), is a celebrated actor and filmmaker. He is well recognised for his significant contributions to Nollywood and Kannywood. Regarded as the king of Hausa film industry and known for his captivating performances, Nuhu has garnered widespread acclaim for his roles in over 500 movies, earning him a prominent position in the realm of African cinema.