Follow Us on Google
From Enweliku Kent Asaba
The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Delta State Chapter, has unveiled a new state secretariat and announced a series of welfare and development initiatives aimed at improving members’ well-being, strengthening the state’s film industry, and expanding infrastructure for Nollywood practitioners.
Speaking during the inauguration of the state chapter’s leadership and the unveiling of the secretariat in Asaba, the Delta State Chairman, Prince Kelvin Uvo Oghogho, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to advancing the interests of actors while urging the Delta State Government to recognize Nollywood as one of the state’s largest employers of labour.
Oghogho described Delta State as the home of filmmaking in Nigeria, saying its contribution to the growth of Nollywood remains unparalleled.
“Delta State is the home of filmmaking, not only in Nigeria but across the Black race,” he said, while welcoming the National President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria and expressing gratitude for the successful hosting of the event.
Addressing members of the guild, the chairman promised improved welfare packages for actors, particularly emerging talents, while assuring veterans of greater recognition and support under the current administration.
He also pledged stronger protection for women in the industry, saying the new leadership would work to eliminate intimidation and create a safer environment for female actors and other practitioners.
As part of its long-term development plans, Oghogho announced the acquisition of 200 acres of land for Nollywood, facilitated through the support of the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku and Hon. Rita Daniels, as well as a new secretariat for the guild, the first of its kind in the state.
Health Insurance and Digital Skills
The chairman disclosed that the guild is finalizing a health insurance partnership designed to reduce the financial burden of medical care on members.
According to him, the initiative will provide health insurance coverage for AGN Delta members, with plans to extend the benefits to practitioners across the Nigerian film industry.
He further announced a partnership with the Delta State Ministry of Science and Technology to equip members with digital and artificial intelligence (AI) skills needed to remain competitive in the evolving global entertainment industry.
The chapter also revealed plans to collaborate with the Delta State Ministry of Energy on projects aimed at supporting the growth and sustainability of the creative sector.
AGN Remains Non-Partisan
Responding to speculation about the guild’s political affiliation, Oghogho emphasized that the Actors Guild of Nigeria remains a non-partisan professional body.
“We are not a political party. We support anyone who supports the Actors Guild of Nigeria and promotes the progress of the industry,” he said.
The chairman expressed appreciation to the AGN National President, the National Secretary, traditional rulers, government officials, members of his campaign team, and supporters for their contributions to the emergence of the current administration.
He also paid tribute to the Director-General of his campaign, describing the individual as a committed supporter whose dedication contributed significantly to the administration’s victory.
Earlier, in his welcome remarks, the National President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Alhaji Abubakar Sanusi, congratulated the newly elected executive members and urged them to see their emergence as a call to service rather than a position of privilege.
He commended members of the Delta State chapter for conducting a peaceful and transparent electoral process, saying it reflected the unity and professionalism that have made the state a leading force in Nigeria’s film industry.
He said, “There is no winner here. The Actors Guild of Nigeria is the real winner of this election. I encourage all contestants to work together in the interest of the guild.”
Abubakar called on the newly inaugurated Chairman, Prince Kelvin Uvo Oghogho, to unite members across all divides, build bridges with stakeholders, and implement the national leadership’s five-point agenda to further strengthen the chapter.
He also charged the incoming executive council members to approach their responsibilities with dedication and humility.
“Leadership is not about the title; it is a challenge and a task to serve. You have been entrusted with the responsibility to serve the members. Do your best and make Delta State the foremost chapter in Nigeria that others will aspire to emulate.”
He, however, expressed confidence in the new leadership while urging them to demonstrate through their performance why Delta State is widely regarded as the home of filmmaking in Nigeria.
The ceremony was well attended by top government functionaries, traditional rulers, and stakeholders in the Nollywood industry.
