The leadership of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), has assured of its commitment towards the transparent management and sustainable development of the Nigerian Movie Industry.

AGN National President, Mr. Emeka Rollas Ejezie, made the commitment in a keynote speech entitled “Transparency and Sustainable Development of the Nigerian Movie Industry”, delivered at the News Express 6th Anniversary Lecture & Economic Stakeholders Forum held on Tuesday, November 20, 2018 at the main hall of Sheraton Hotel, Lagos.

The popular Nollywood actor explained that through transparency, the AGN leadership under his watch has succeeded in charting a new course for the once troubled Guild.

He stressed that the AGN has been unconsciously working in line with some of the objectives of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), adding that the Guild targets sustained, inclusive and decent work environment for all before 2030.

“We are building a strong Actors Guild which will unite our members nationwide in a peaceful setting that will outlive our tenure. So far, transparency has been our watchword. We carry everybody along, including my predecessor, which has been our secret of success,” Mr. Ejezie, who was accompanied to the event by a retinue of Nollywood personalities, said.

He used the opportunity to highlight some of the achievements of his administration.

“In the 8th months of our administration, we produced the first ever AGN mobile application with payment gateway for dues and new members registration. We also introduced the group accident insurance scheme of which over 2,000 members have enrolled,” the AGN President said.

More: “We now have an insurance scheme and it’s good to know that most of our actors home and abroad are keying into the new AGN rebranding process, signing up on the insurance scheme, making use of our mobile app downloadable @ google play store. AGN has also introduced block-chain technology into the entertainment industry: I want to assure you that in no time we will begin to capture our royalties, residuals, even from big pay TV stations in Nigeria that currently feels too big to pay us royalties.

“You’ll be interested to know the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, has thrown his weight behind the AGN Foundation, set up to take care of health needs of veteran celebrities, especially at old age, and also a form of corporate social responsibility for the downtrodden in the society. We use this opportunity to appeal for more financial support from net-worth Nigerians.

“To make sure that it is no longer about acting or appearing on the screen for the fun of it, my administration is working with international bodies in pursuing world best standards as a proud affiliate of Federation of International Actors (FIA).

“Towards this end, the AGN hosted Andrew Prodger, Chief Executive Office of British Equity Collecting Society (BECS), who regretted that the Nigerian creative industry is yet to tap into the treasures of its creativity and its contribution to the country’s GDP.”

The News Express Anniversary Lecture, which drew a full house, witnessed thought-provoking presentations spiced with musical performances by a live band.

Apart from Ejezie, three other eminent Nigerians developed the Lecture theme, “Transparency – Bedrock of Sustainable Development”, from various perspectives. They included other keynote speakers – Executive Director of Media Law Centre, Richard Akinnola; and Honourable Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Lagos State, Kehinde Bamigbetan. The Guest Speaker, Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA); Ms. Hadiza Bala Usman, represented by the AGM Servicom, Chief Patrick Ihekuna, developed the theme from the perspectives of NPA.

One of the highlights of the event was the unveiling of News Express Magazine, jointly performed by Commissioner Bamigbetan and international music icon and business tycoon, Dr Tee Mac Omatshola Iseli (MFR), supported by other dignitaries.

The event, chaired by eminent lawyer and President Emeritus of Aka Ikenga think tank, Chief Goddy Uwazuruike, was streamed live via YouTube, Facebook and WhatsApp.

The News Express Anniversary Lecture and Economic Stakeholders’ Forum is an annual programme that has an established trend of bringing together important business and political leaders from across the country, as well as multifarious professionals and influential media stakeholders.

News Express, which debuted on August 29, 2012, is one of Nigeria’s most popular and influential online dailies. It is read by hundreds of thousands of people around the world and records annual traffic of upwards of 100 million.

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