By Joshua Olomu

The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), an umbrella body for professional screen actors in the Nigerian film industry, known as Nollywood, has unveiled its national office in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that filmmakers and actors drawn across the country, government functionaries, members of the diplomatic community and other stakeholders were present at the inauguration in Abuja.

Hannatu Musawa, Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, while unveiling the new office, lauded the current leadership of the AGN for starting and completing the project.

According to the minister, represented by Mrs Ugochi Akudo-Nwosu, Director of Entertainment and Creative Economy Department of the ministry, the project is historic and pivotal to the growth of the industry.

“This milestone is a testament to the growth of the AGN and the reflection of the vibrant potential of Nigeria’s creative economy, and today we celebrate the vision, resilience and collective effort of the sector.

“The creative economy is the new oil well of our great nation, as it provides a strategic platform to tell our stories, preserve our heritage and project Nigeria’s soft power across the globe.

“Nollywood as the world’s second largest film industry is a shining example of what Nigerians can achieve when talent meets opportunities,” she said.

According to her, actors as the face of the industry play a vital role in shaping perceptions, inspiring change and driving economic growth.

“This new office symbolises more than just a physical space, it represents a hub for creativity, collaboration and innovation.

“It is a home where actors can strategise, engage and continue to elevate the standards of the profession.

“Abuja, our nation’s capital, is more than just the political heartbeat of Nigeria. It is a city of unity, diversity and untapped potential.

“While Lagos has long been regarded as the entertainment hub of Nigeria, Abuja possesses the unique opportunity to become the complementary and competitive destination for Nigeria’s Arts, Culture and Creative Economy,” she said.

She noted that the opening of the AGN’s national office in the FCT would fast-track efforts to make the territory a creative and entertainment hub.

According to her, the ministry is working towards repositioning Abuja as a global entertainment hub, to boost tourism, create jobs and enhance Nigeria’s soft power diplomacy as part of the ‘Destination 2030’ plan.

Earlier in his speech, Dr Emeka Rollas, the AGN National President, said the project was part of efforts to create a conducive environment for actors across the country to easily access the guild’s services.

He, therefore, urged the FCT leadership to identify with the guild, especially in nurturing teeming youths in the territory who are interested in the film industry.

“As the largest association in the culture sector in Africa, we are determined to take our place of pride at the forefront of the evolution of the sector.

“To achieve this onerous task, it became imperative that we must put in place the necessary infrastructures to help carry out this enormous task effectively.

“Today’s ceremony is yet another milestone that attests to the phenomenal transformation that the present leadership of the guild has continued to unveil.

“The key objective is to create a conducive environment to help create access to our services and enhance our capacity towards provision of more welfare packages for members.

“It is our firm belief that these projects will enhance the image and capacity of the guild to provide all necessary support to members.

“It must be noted that for any organisation to flourish, it requires a vibrant and dynamic leadership taking into cognisance our position as cultural ambassadors and influencers.

“In order to ensure continuous efficient and effective mandate delivery, we will provide cutting-edge services to build a seamless association which will be people centred and technology driven.

“We are focused on motivating members towards self- development, sustainable career growth and job satisfaction,” he said.

In his remarks, Sen. Ned Nwoko, Chairman, Board of Patrons for the AGN, expressed delight at how Nollywood has evolved into a global brand over the years.

According to him, the Nigerian motion picture industry is a goldmine that can turn the economy fortune of the nation, if given the right support.

“They have grown on their own from inception to where they are now, So they need support, and we must develop the sector into the formal economy.

“They need to be supported and regulated just like other professional bodies in Nigeria are regulated and supported by the government compulsorily.

“Look, practically every Nigerian is involved in Nollywood as some people are financiers, others are producers and many are actors, among others,” he said.

Some Nollywood actors who spoke with NAN on the sidelines expressed fulfilment towards the project, describing the new edifice as a unifying point for all actors across the country.

Highpoint of the event was the unveiling of the prototype of the AGN Galleria, a proposed multi-purpose creative hub in the FCT, and the launching of the ‘AGN Super AP’ for membership enrolment. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

JOSH/IAA