In a landmark move to recognise and support the pioneers of African filmmaking, Circuits Global
Solutions Limited (Circuits) launched the Film Veterans’ Dignity Fund in January 2025—an
initiative dedicated to providing lifelong financial and healthcare support to elderly film veterans
who laid the foundations of the continent’s film industry, starting with Nollywood.
The initiative is further strengthened through the support of NALA, a purpose-driven fintech company committed to reducing the cost and improving the reliability of remittances to Africa from the diaspora.
Despite their immense contributions to African storytelling, many of Nigeria’s pioneering actors
now face limited access to basic healthcare and financial stability. Their names, once celebrated
in the golden age of African cinema, have slowly faded from public view, and their legacies often go unrecognised. Circuits is working to address this gap through the Film Veterans’ Dignity Fund.
Launched in December 2024, Circuits has rapidly emerged as Africa’s fastest-growing virtual
cinema, offering premium African entertainment to global audiences via mobile devices, smart
TVs, and the web. Its growing catalogue features exclusive content from renowned talents such
as Toyin Abraham, Femi Adebayo, Mercy Aigbe, Lateef Adedimeji, Ramsey Nouah, and Ayo
Makun.
More than a streaming service, Circuits is building the infrastructure to showcase
African culture globally, while also delivering world-class international entertainment to African
viewers.
As part of its commitment to legacy and impact, Circuits introduced the Film Veterans’ Dignity
Fund to provide monthly stipends for life and comprehensive health insurance to film veterans
aged 70 and above. The first honourees—Chief Pete Edochie, MON; Chief Lere Paimo, MFR;
and Idowu Philips (Iya Rainbow)—were celebrated at ceremonies in Lagos and Ibadan between
30 January and 1 February 2025.
Each received a commemorative plaque, their first stipend,
and health coverage through NEM Health, a subsidiary of NEM Insurance PLC, granting access
to a network of over 2,000 hospitals and 1,000 pharmacies across Nigeria. Since their induction,
these honourees have continued to receive monthly stipends.
Commenting on the initiative, Imade Bibowei-Osuobeni, Chief Operating Officer at Circuits, said:
“Our industry has been built on the sacrifices of those who came before us, who
gave everything, often without structure, support, or long-term security. The Film
Veterans’ Dignity Fund is our way of saying: we see you, we thank you, and we will
not forget you.
This is only the beginning. We are expanding the scope of the
initiative to support the wider creative industry.”
One of the honourees, Chief Pete Edochie, praised the initiative, saying it was a great
honour to have his work in social development through films recognised. He mentioned
that the monthly payments he receives feel like retirement benefits, leaving him very
happy and proud to see his lifelong work acknowledged.
NALA, the fund’s partner, is an international money transfer company that allows individuals and
businesses to send money from the UK, the US, and the EU to several African countries,
including Nigeria.
With a mission to build payment systems for the next billion people, NALA is
committed to improving economic opportunity in underserved markets by reducing costs and
increasing the reliability of cross-border transactions.
Together, Circuits and NALA are sending a powerful message: Africa’s cultural icons will not be
forgotten. Plans are already underway to expand the fund to include more veterans and to
produce archival interviews, documentaries, and storytelling content that preserves their
legacies for future generations.
In an age of instant content and fleeting fame, this collaboration is a timely reminder that the
people who shaped African cinema deserve more than applause—they deserve honour, dignity,
and care. Through the Film Veterans’ Dignity Fund, Circuits, with the support of NALA, is
ensuring they receive exactly that.