Circuits Drives Economic Growth in Nollywood with Digital Cinema and Welfare Initiative 

Photo Credit : Circuits

Africa’s fast-growing virtual cinema platform, Circuits, is redefining Nollywood’s economic landscape by introducing a welfare and digital cinema initiative that combines financial security for veterans with opportunities for job creation and economic expansion. 

At a Lagos roundtable, Chief Operating Officer, Mrs. Imade Bibowei-Osuobeni, revealed that Circuits’ Film Veterans’ Dignity Fund provides monthly pay for life and comprehensive health insurance for ageing screen icons, including Chief Pete Edochie, Idowu Philips (Iya Rainbow), and Chief Lere Paimo. 

“This is not charity; it is an economic responsibility. The men and women who built Nollywood’s cultural wealth deserve lifetime dignity, not abandonment,” Bibowei-Osuobeni said. 

The initiative addresses decades of financial injustice in Nigeria’s multi-billion-naira film sector, ensuring that pioneers who shaped the industry are protected and respected. 

Digital Cinema as an Economic Engine 

Circuits has deployed a scheduled, pay-per-view virtual cinema model across Africa, securing content from Nigeria, Uganda, Zambia, and more. Films premiere at specific times, mimicking traditional cinema experiences, and ensuring creators receive real-time, measurable income. 

The platform combats piracy aggressively, having removed over one million illegal channels and URLs in under a year, protecting both creative earnings and national economic growth. 

Circuits also partner with states like Ekiti, which committed $15 million to the Creative Impact Fund, training residents, producing state-owned content, and generating new revenue streams while creating jobs and digital skill opportunities. Fifteen other states are in various stages of collaboration. 

Expanding Opportunities for Youth and Communities 

Circuits’ broader programs focus on economic inclusion and youth empowerment: 

• Community Cinema Model: Screening films like Agesinkole: King of Thieves Part 2 at affordable prices across South-West towns. 

• Kids’ Corner: Launching family-friendly content to boost engagement. 

• LaunchPad Youth Programme: Over 1,600 trainees employed in digital marketing, content operations, and technical roles across 25+ states, with a goal to empower 1 million young Nigerians in 18 months. 

• Tourism & Hospitality Training: Partnership with NIHOTOUR to digitally upskill workers, creating new job pathways. 

“Creativity and digital work are now economic lifelines,” positioning Circuits as a multi-sector economic network linking technology, entertainment, and tourism- Bibowei-Osuobeni 

Circuits is not only honouring Nollywood veterans but also building a sustainable digital and creative economy for Nigeria and Africa. By blending welfare, innovation, and skills development, the platform sets a blueprint for economic inclusion, job creation, and cultural preservation.