Nigerian actress and filmmaker, Ruth Kadiri has accused the Lagos State Government and media mogul, Mo Abudu of deliberately sidelining her at the 2021 Eko Star Film & TV Awards.
The Nigerian International Film Summit, in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture & Tourism and EbonyLife Place, had organized the Eko Star Film & TV Awards, honouring Nollywood female pioneers, who made significant contributions in the Nigerian film industry.
The event was attended by many Nigerian celebrities on April 12 in Victoria Island, Lagos. Actress such as Kate Henshaw, Toyin Abraham, Osas Ighodaro, Omoni Oboli and Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde received an award.
Ruth Kadiri who did not receive any award took to Instagram to call out Lagos state government and other organizer for failing to award and recognize her.
She accused the organizers of not awarding her despite her efforts over the years as a film maker. She added that reason she was not awarded was because she doesn’t belong to any clique.
She wrote:
“I am a film maker. I am a woman. I am a hardworking woman. I have faced the struggles every woman/filmmaker has faced. Did my name at any point pop up yes. But because I do not belong to a click (sic). Yet again I have been overlooked.
She added: “I will not be pressured. I will keep working hard. @lagosstategovt @moabudu @ijayonah @nifsummit thanks for overlooking me and congrats to everyone who got recognized. the film industry is controlled by women, so if you’re going to do it, do it right or don’t do it at all.”
Meanwhile, her Instagram post received positive reactions from fans and other celebrities who encouraged her.