By Perekeme Odon
The custodian
of the film art of Nigeria, Directors’ Guild of Nigeria (DGN) on Wednesday
officially inducted 60 successful filmmakers who excelled at 2018 - 2021
screening exercises into to add value to Nigeria’s movie industry.
The ceremony held on January 27, 2021 at
the DGN National Secretariat in Surulere, Lagos endorsed the inducted directors
into the film-making Guild at various levels of associate and full membership.
Before the commencement of
the event, a minute silence was observed for the repose of the souls of the industry’s dearly departed practitioners especially Chico Ejiro, Jim Lawson
Maduike, Dan Nkoloagu and
Ernest Asuzu.
Mr.
Matthias Obahiagbon, the first President of the Directors’ Guild of Nigeria and
Chairman, DGN Screening Committee presented the inductees before the President,
Olorogun Fred Amata for induction and orientation.
In his opening remark, the
President welcomed the newly celebrated inductees who came from
all parts of the country and informed that; “This is an auspicious
event that has traditionally carried out almost in the same time as the DGN
Annual Conventions / DGN Annual General Meeting which usually leads to the DGN presidential
election”.
According
to Olorogun Amata, “Induction is the process for welcoming newly
admitted work-forces and supporting them to adjust to their new roles and
working environments. As inductees, you’re entitled to the rights and
privileges of the Guild of elites and intellectuals in the hierarchy of
production where the director is the head of creativity”. He stated.
He
furthermore reminded them on working hard on their behalf and prompted
them to be of exemplary character at all times. “We are
here for you, and we will be responding to your needs. I want
to remind you that the Guild is here to protect you. DGN
is the custodian of the film art of Nigeria and we pride ourselves in
that".
The President compassionately proclaimed to them that, “Our members
are top professionals in their fields, united in a belief in a standard working
conditions, compensation, and benefits. I emphasize the need
for commitment. As members, you must abide by the rules of
membership by your job description, legal and ethical
responsibilities according to the constitution by development needs; and
also, engage in continuous professional practices in the area of
specialization, to keep pace with current global standards of the profession”.
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Mr. Adasa Cookey & Olorogun Fred Amata
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The Directors’ Guild of Nigeria founded in 1999 represents
numerous practitioners of media professionals across 36 states, including the
FCT in Nigeria and the diaspora who work in film and digital motion pictures,
television programs, commercials, video games, corporate/educational and
non-broadcast productions, new media, television, and radio news
outlets. The prestigious Guild conducts screening exercises
for eligible membership twice a year while induction is sacrosanct to
the AGM and electoral processes that ushered in a new administration to steer
the affairs of the Guild for the next two years.
As the
coronavirus situation evolves globally, the President advised members to be
cautious and help provide some safety stability in these difficult times. “While
the days ahead may seem cloudy with COVID-19, safety measures should strictly
adhere at all times. We should all be comforted in knowing that our work will
continue to be high in demand by billions around the globe. All of the creations you’ve
worked on are so necessary to entertain and will provide relief to so many. We hope you and your families remain safe”.
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| (l-r) Chief Chidebe, Olorogun Amata, Uchenna Agbo & Pere Odon In A Pose With Female Inductees |
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He wished
the new members a safe trip back to their various
destinations; but charged them to be leaders of good, excellent behaviour and
embrace the challenges of being a member of the Directors’ Guild of Nigeria
(DGN).
One of the
inductees from the South-South Zone, Gentle Encourage was filled with euphoria stated that “I thank God for
making my dream come true as I am very filled with anxiety and excited to be
here after a few years of trying. I will abide by the rules and develop my art
and crafts in film-making through the Guild”.
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A Cross Section Of The Inductees
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Present at
the event include Chief Mac Collins Chidebe, Vice President, Directors’ Guild
of Nigeria, Mr. Uchenna Agbo, DGN National Secretary, Mr. Tony Akposheri, DGN
Director of Finance, Mr. Perekeme Odon, DGN PRO, Mr. Victor Okhai, Mr. Yinka
Akanbi, Mr. Famous Otakponmwen, Nigerian prolific video director and
entrepreneur, Mr. Adasa Cookey (Inductee), and members of the press.
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DGN President, Olorogun Fred Amata Addressing The Inductees
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| (Sitting l-r) Chief Chidebe, Olorogun Amata, Uchenna Agbo & Pere Odon With Male Inductees |
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(l-r) Chris Umana, Collins Aharanwa, Eazzy Ologe, Rev. & Mrs.Ernest Maduka, & Friends
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Christopher Nnodim Iheuwa & President Fred Amata
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(l-r) Chukwudi Ejiofor, Ifeanyi Chimeh & Saheed Apampa
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The Inductees Taking An Oath
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| President Fred Amata Flanked By female Inductees |
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| President Fred Amata & Etim Patrick Hogan |
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Oath Taking By The Inductees
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| (l-r) Etim Hogan, Mr. Famous Otakponmwen, Mr. Victor Okhai, Gold Dappa & Saheed Apampa |
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Gold Dappa W. & President Fred Amata
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Eric Stephenson & President Fred Amata
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A Cross Section of Inductees
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| (l-r) Chief Collins Chidebe, Rev. Ernest Maduka, Olorogun Amata & Mrs. Ernest Maduka |
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| (l-r) Chief Chidebe, Dr. Akposheri, Olorogun Amata, Matthias obaihiagbon & Uche agbo |
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| Amb. Cynthia Agbo Ijeoma & President Fred Amata |
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Dozie Godwin Igbo & President Fred Amata
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| Dr. Eriamiantoe Osaigbovo & President Fred Amata |
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| Mr. Saheed Apampa & President Fred Amata |
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| Cosmos O. A Abasi & President Fred Amata |
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Mrs. Titilayo Akinmoyo & President Fred Amata
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| Collins Aharanwa & Olorogun Fred Amata |
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| Cletus Clement & President Fred Amata |
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| Prince Apex Chukwuemeka & Olorogun Fred Amata |
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| Chukwudi John Ejiofor & President Fred Amata |
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The Inductees In A Pose With The DGN EXCO
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| Love Best Ogie & President Fred Amata |
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Etim Patrick Hogan & President Fred Amata
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| Prince Daniel & Olorogun Fred Amata |
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| Mr. Uzozie Nonso & President Fred Amata |
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| Mr. Otoho Ekopima Isaac & President Fred Amara |
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| Mr. Ajalaja Stanley & President Fred Amata |
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| Mr. Iwegbue Shadrack Osereme & President Fred Amata |
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| Libby Ofem-Oke & President Fred Amata |
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| Chinedu Igbokwe and President Fred Amata |
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| Ifeanyi Olishe Chimeh & President Fred Amata |
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Mr. Peter Abel Okorie & President Fred Amata
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| Mr. Chris Umana & President Fred Amata |
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| Rev. Ernest Anenechukwu Maduka & President Fred Amata |
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DGN EXCO In A Pose With The Newly Inductees
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| (l-r) Mrs. Ernest Maduka, Mr. Dozie Igbo & A Fan |
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| Mr. Umeli Henry Chinoso & President Fred Amata |
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| Mr. George Deegha & President FredAmata |
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| Filmmaker Eazzy Ologe & Rev & Mrs. Ernest Maduka |
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| Dr. Eriamiantoe Osaigbovo Thanking The Guild For The Induction |
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| Amb, Cynthia Agbo Ijeoma Delivering A Thank You Speech |
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| Ekwedike Emeka Emmanuel & President Fred Amata |
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Gentle Encourage & Amb. Cynthia Agbo Ijeoma
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| Uche Leonard J. & President Fred Amata |
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| Chinweze Okechukwu & Presidwnt Fred Amata |
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| Shire Nwachukwu Andrew & President Fred Amata |
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Cyril Udubrakpor & President Fred Amata
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Olorogun Fred Amata & A Fan
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(l-r) Perekeme Odon, DGN PRO, Adasa Cookey & Ifeanyi Chimeh
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A Cross Section Of Inductees
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