RECENTLY, the Directors Guild of Nigeria (DGN) inaugurated her new national executive. The newly elected officers led by veteran director Andy Amenechi, are to steer the affairs of the association for two years.The ceremony which was held in Halie Sellassie Hotel, Adetola Aguda, Surulere, Lagos was attended by many key players in the Nigerian film industry (Nollywood). Among those present were members of the board of trustee (BOT) of DGN, including Ambassador Segun Olusola as well as cerebral writer and film producer Zik Zulu Okafor; star actor Kanayo O. Kanayo; veteran musician Oritz Wiliki; film academy promoter Victor Ohai; marketer Sir Emma Isikaku; the director-general of National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), Mr. Emeka Mba; out-going DGN helmsman Bond Emeruwa; producer Kinglsey Ogoro; actor Chidi Mokeme; screenwriter Moses Ebere; director Dickson Iroegbu and others.The newly inaugurated executive members of DGN include, Mr Amenechi, (president), Ms Patience Oghre (vice president), Eliel Otote (national secretary) and Chima Okereke (director of fiance).In his address at the occasion, the new DGN president, Mr. Amenechi pledged to move the guild to a higher height, stating that his administration will seek to bring positive changes. 'I make bold to say here that we are prepared and positioned to move the guild forward by the special grace of God,' he said, adding that the change his administration intends to pursue will be done in collaboration and cooperation with all other guilds and supervising agencies in the sector.'A lots of promises were made during the election, but as I said then and like I am saying now, talk is cheap, but action speaks louder,' he emphasised.The director of Mortal Inheritance, Rituals and several other hit Nollywood films said his action plan begins from that day of taking oath of office. Hence he drew out a goal for his team's first 100 days in office thus: 'The Guild will document and keep a comprehensive data base for regular information that will include bio-data, profile, demography, membership identity card, work permit identity card, financial status.' Delving deeper into his programmes for the tenure he informed that there will be improved welfare package for directors in Nollywood as things like life insurance, health insurance and medical care will be pursued for all DGN members at affordable rate. He stated his goals this way: 'We shall also set-up a constitution review committee to handle the much needed response to our 12-year-old constitution. We shall set-up two training workshops on camera appreciation, sound and lighting for film production design with local and international resources persons.'One of the workshops is scheduled to commence first week of December. We shall also hold world-class induction and investiture ceremony to officially conduct and induct old and new members who have not experienced induction since 1999. At the event we intend to hold a fundraiser to help us build a permanent secretariat for DGN. We shall establish a reward system for members through a 'Director of the Year' awards which will carry a substantial monetary award. We also intend to approach NFVCB to support us on most of the problems we have.'The veteran director said for the DGN to implement her programmes and objectives it is important that all her members contribute their ideas, suggestions and recommendation so that all can join hands to make the Guild better. Reaching out to his members, the Ilah, Delta State born film maker said: 'Nobody is an island, nobody knows it all, if you all can contribute your suggestions, no matter how perfect or imperfect, we can only implement the good.' He however told his colleagues that there cannot be significant progress without their financial contributions and active participation.Speaking as member of BOT of DGN, Chief Olusola who was a frontline broadcast film director and producer in the 1950s through the 1980s, before joining the diplomatic corps, first expressed his delight at being part of the event before hinting his surprise at what the guild has grown into.'Though sometimes I switch on my TV to see the progress of the work that you people are doing, I did not realised that it has come to this level,' he said.He urged his younger professional colleagues not to loose sight of the vital role the industry plays in national development.In his own remark, Mba praised the guild and its initiatives, noting that DGN is a clear sign of better things to come in Nollywood. The NFVCB helmsman commended the leadership direction of the DGN national executive that proceeded Amenechi's, citing the tenure as very fruitful.'They put me through some issues, but I think it was for the benefit of the industry,' Mba noted.He however urged members of the association to work together to achieve a better result for the industry. Out-going president of DGN, Mr. Emeruwa said he is delighted to witness the inauguration. He revealed that he did not do his work alone but with the support of other members of the guild. Emeruwa noted the likes of Mahmood Ali-Balogun, Francis Owuchei among other members who he said always came to assist whenever he called on them despite their schedules. The former DGN president's address was full of appreciation. 'The man I took over from, Mr. Felix Duker has never left the guild. The first president of DGN, Mr. Mathias Obahiagbon, any time the guild called on him, he answers. What about Kingsley Ogoro and heads of other associations who joined me. I want to say thank you for making it possible,' said Emeruwa.On the election of his successor, Emeruwa said he was not surprised when Amenechi emerged as the president.'For four years he actually ruled this guild with me. He was chairman of almost all existing committees that worked in the association. He travelled to everywhere for the progress of the guild,' he said of the new president.Appraising the inauguration, public relations officer of DGN, Mr. Iroegbu, said the members are saddled with the responsibility of sustaining the rising pulse of DGN and surpass the structures that have been laid down over the years. The absence of a fold for directors in the motion picture industry motivated the creation of DGN. Past leaders of DGN include, Obahiagbon (1999 -2003), Duker (2003-2007) and Emeruwa 2007-2011).
Click here to read full news..
