The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) has provided free health checks for Nollywood actors in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as part of its 2026 annual “AGN Health Campaign and Walk for Life” initiative, held on Saturday in Abuja.
Participants received screenings for blood sugar, high blood pressure, malaria, hepatitis B and C, HIV/AIDS, and eye examinations, alongside free glasses and medications administered by health officials.
Speaking with NAN on the sidelines, Salma Aminu, FCT Mayor of AGN and host of the event, urged actors and other industry players to prioritise a healthy lifestyle to prevent potential health challenges.
“This is awareness for actors to take their health seriously, and we believe that if we keep doing this annually, members will remember to do checkups regularly,” she said.
Aminu explained that in addition to the walk, medical personnel delivered health lectures and conducted on-site checkups.
She added that the guild’s HMO scheme complements the initiative, encouraging members to maintain regular health monitoring.
Earlier, Abubakar Yakubu, National President of the AGN, noted that filmmaking is demanding and time-consuming, leaving many actors little opportunity to prioritise their health.
“The annual health campaign is part of our measures to curb the spate of health challenges faced by thespians,” he said, urging actors to enrol in the guild’s health insurance programme for prompt and affordable medical care.
Yakubu also announced the introduction of a sports club to promote regular physical exercise among members.
“Actors are supposed to always be in perfect health, because roles may require physicality, and you are expected to perform well,” he added.
Some participants lauded the initiative. Nazareth Bako-Jesse, AGN Vice President for North-Central, described the programme as essential for Nollywood actors’ wellbeing.
“The AGN health awareness is very important because many actors fall ill on set. Good health allows you to deliver your roles effectively and sustain your career,” she said.
Drew Odoh, Director of Communication, AGN FCT, commended the programme, noting that it demonstrates the leadership’s commitment to actors’ welfare and provides an opportunity for members to maintain proper health checks.
