Sam Dede: I Can't Wait to Return to Nollywood

Popular Nollywood actor, university lecturer and incumbent Director- General/CEO, Rivers State Tourism Development Agency, Sam Dede in this interview talks about his desire to return to Nollywood after the expiration of his appointment as well as what fun seekers should expect at this year's edition of the annual Port-Harcourt carnival.

WHAT's your impression about Nollywood since you've been away?

We have a new crop of filmmakers. In some quarters, they refer to them as new Nollywood; it's good. I've seen some of the works they've done. It's quite an improvement on what we used to have. I just hope it is sustainable because it is not easy out there. It's a different ball game.

What we know is that Nollywood grew out of its own steam. It was a deliberate move to tell our own story in our own way and our people have become used to that way of telling our story. So, anything new that is better than what we used to have is very much welcome but I hope we can sustain it.

Are you missing acting?

Yes, I can't wait to return to the industry. I will definitely return to Nollywood as soon as I am done with this appointment. There are so many jobs to be done in the industry.

The fact is that a lot of things have gone wrong while some of us have been away. Some of us have gone into politics; taking up political appointments, while many others have gone into different businesses. We need to come back stronger and more experienced to put Nollywood on the right track

How have you been coping as the Director-General of the Rivers State Tourism Development Agency?

It has been tasking. What you should do is to face the challenges. And the good thing for me is I already had interest in tourism before the appointment came. So, my coming into the terrain and drawing a strategy plan for tourism in Rivers State was not really difficult because the idea has always been there. This is just time to put it down for people to see.

This is what we have done and we are moving gradually into it. Also, being a celebrity opens doors for you and it also gives you a leeway to get through things in life. I think I am using the advantage of the goodwill to get some things going for us.
Source: Vanguard