The President of the Cinema Exhibitors Association of Nigeria (CEAN), Ope Ajayi, has provided clarity regarding the recent controversy surrounding an alleged ban on box office meet-and-greets.
Earlier, reports circulated claiming that meet-and-greet events at cinemas across Nigeria had been banned outright. This sparked widespread confusion among fans and filmmakers, many of whom worried about how the supposed ban would affect the cherished tradition of connecting stars with their audiences during theatrical releases.
However, Ajayi has reassured the public that meet-and-greet events will continue, albeit under a revised structure aimed at promoting professionalism.
The controversy began with a now-deleted report from ShockNG, which claimed that the Film Distributors Association of Nigeria (FDAN) and CEAN had implemented a nationwide prohibition on meet-and-greets.
The report quickly gained traction, sending shockwaves through Nigeria’s film industry. Fans expressed disappointment, while filmmakers raised concerns about how such a policy could impact promotional activities for new movies. The prospect of losing such an interactive aspect of cinema-going left stakeholders concerned about the future of theatrical promotions.
In response to the mounting speculation, Ope Ajayi, who also serves as the CEO of Cinemax, spoke with Nollywire to dispel the rumors and provide clarification. “Meet-and-greets are not banned,” Ajayi affirmed. “Fans will always have opportunities to connect with their stars and heroes.”
He explained that the confusion stemmed from a misunderstanding of a policy adjustment made by CEAN and FDAN. The real issue, he clarified, was not the meet-and-greets themselves but the practice of actors selling tickets directly at box office counters, which has now been deemed unprofessional and unacceptable.
Ajayi went on to stress that meet-and-greet events remain a vital part of the cinema experience in Nigeria. These events allow fans to engage with their favorite stars and bring excitement to theatrical releases.
“These events will absolutely continue,” he reiterated, while also emphasizing the importance of maintaining order and professionalism in how they are conducted. The new policy is not aimed at limiting access but at refining how these events are organized to ensure a seamless experience for fans and stakeholders alike.
To provide further clarity, Nollywire obtained a memorandum dated January 5, 2025, from FDAN Secretary Mary Ephraim-Egbas. The document outlined new guidelines for organizing meet-and-greet events in Nigerian cinemas.
It included detailed instructions for filmmakers on how to conduct such events in compliance with industry standards, as well as penalties for non-compliance. These guidelines were designed to enhance the professionalism of meet-and-greets while preserving their essence as a bridge between stars and their fans.
On January 23, 2025, CEAN followed up with a formal letter addressed to cinema operators nationwide. Signed by President Ajayi, the letter reiterated the importance of the new measures and their role in fostering a professional and enjoyable cinema environment.
The letter emphasized that these policies were not about restricting meet-and-greets but about elevating the standards of how they are conducted. Ajayi highlighted that these steps would benefit fans, filmmakers, and exhibitors by ensuring that promotional events run smoothly and meet international best practices.
Ultimately, the revised guidelines by CEAN and FDAN aim to strike a balance between maintaining the excitement of meet-and-greet events and ensuring professionalism in their execution.
By setting these boundaries, the associations hope to enhance the overall cinema experience while continuing to provide fans with meaningful interactions with their favorite stars. Ajayi’s reassurance has brought much-needed clarity to the situation, reaffirming the importance of these events in Nigeria’s vibrant film industry.
