CEAN President, Ope Ajayi, Clears the Air on Box Office Meet-and-Greet Controversy
The Nigerian cinema landscape was shaken earlier today when reports claimed that meet-and-greet events at cinemas had been banned nationwide. This revelation sparked concern among fans and filmmakers, leaving many wondering about the future of these cherished interactions between stars and their audiences.
However, Ope Ajayi, President of the Cinema Exhibitors Association of Nigeria (CEAN) and CEO of Cinemax, has debunked the rumors and provided much-needed clarity. Speaking to Nollywire, Ajayi reassured stakeholders that meet-and-greets are far from over, though they will now follow updated guidelines to promote professionalism and order.
The Source of the Controversy
The confusion began with a now-deleted report from ShockNG, which claimed that CEAN and the Film Distributors Association of Nigeria (FDAN) had imposed a nationwide ban on meet-and-greet events. This report caused a stir within the film industry, raising concerns about the impact on theatrical promotions and audience engagement.
To address the misinformation, CEAN issued an official statement clarifying the situation. Ajayi emphasized that the essence of meet-and-greets remains intact but highlighted the need to refine how these events are conducted.
What Has Changed?
“Meet-and-greets are not banned,” Ajayi confirmed. “Fans will always have opportunities to connect with their stars and heroes. What we’ve addressed is the previous practice where actors personally sell tickets at box office counters, which is no longer acceptable.”
Ajayi noted that the new guidelines aim to maintain the integrity of these events while ensuring they align with the professionalism expected in the industry. According to him, the decision is not about restricting access but about enhancing the experience for everyone involved.
The New Guidelines
A memorandum from FDAN Secretary Mary Ephraim-Egbas, dated January 5, 2025, provides a detailed outline of the updated regulations. The guidelines focus on ensuring that meet-and-greets are well-organized and do not disrupt regular cinema operations.
CEAN followed up on January 23, 2025, with a formal letter to cinema operators across the country. Signed by Ajayi, the letter stressed the importance of the new measures in fostering a seamless and professional cinema-going experience.
Implications for the Industry
By implementing these changes, CEAN and FDAN aim to elevate the standards of theatrical promotions in Nigeria. The focus is on creating meaningful interactions between fans and their favorite stars without compromising the operational efficiency of cinemas.
The move has been met with mixed reactions. While some stakeholders welcome the effort to bring order and professionalism to meet-and-greet events, others fear it could limit the spontaneity and charm that make these events special.
The Future of Meet-and-Greets
Despite the initial controversy, the new policy underscores CEAN’s commitment to the growth of the Nigerian film industry. Ajayi’s assurance that meet-and-greets are here to stay should calm the nerves of fans and filmmakers alike.
As these updated practices roll out, the focus will remain on ensuring that fans continue to enjoy memorable moments with their favorite stars while preserving the professionalism of the industry.
For now, it seems the tradition of connecting stars and audiences in Nigerian cinemas is not only alive but poised to become even better.
