Directors' Guild Of Nigeria Inducts 60 New Members

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”.

Mr. Adasa Cookey & Olorogun Fred Amata

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”.

(l-r) Chief Chidebe, Olorogun Amata, Uchenna Agbo & Pere Odon In A Pose With Female Inductees

 

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”.

A Cross Section Of The Inductees

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.

DGN President, Olorogun Fred Amata Addressing The Inductees

(Sitting l-r) Chief Chidebe, Olorogun Amata, Uchenna Agbo & Pere Odon With Male Inductees

 

(l-r) Chris Umana, Collins Aharanwa, Eazzy Ologe, Rev. & Mrs.Ernest Maduka, & Friends

Christopher Nnodim Iheuwa & President Fred Amata

(l-r) Chukwudi Ejiofor, Ifeanyi Chimeh & Saheed Apampa

The Inductees Taking An Oath

President Fred Amata Flanked By female Inductees

President Fred Amata & Etim Patrick Hogan 

Oath Taking By The Inductees

(l-r) Etim Hogan, Mr. Famous Otakponmwen, Mr. Victor Okhai, Gold Dappa & Saheed Apampa

Gold Dappa W. & President Fred Amata

Eric Stephenson & President Fred Amata

A Cross Section of Inductees

(l-r) Chief Collins Chidebe, Rev. Ernest Maduka, Olorogun Amata & Mrs. Ernest Maduka

(l-r) Chief Chidebe, Dr. Akposheri, Olorogun Amata, Matthias obaihiagbon & Uche agbo 

Amb. Cynthia Agbo Ijeoma & President Fred Amata

Dozie Godwin Igbo & President Fred Amata

 Dr. Eriamiantoe Osaigbovo & President Fred Amata

Mr. Saheed Apampa & President Fred Amata

Cosmos O. A Abasi & President Fred Amata

Mrs. Titilayo Akinmoyo & President Fred Amata

Collins Aharanwa & Olorogun Fred Amata

Cletus Clement & President Fred Amata

Prince Apex Chukwuemeka & Olorogun Fred Amata

Chukwudi John Ejiofor & President Fred Amata

The Inductees In A Pose With The DGN EXCO

Love Best Ogie & President Fred Amata

Etim Patrick Hogan & President Fred Amata

Prince Daniel & Olorogun Fred Amata

Mr. Uzozie Nonso & President Fred Amata

Mr. Otoho Ekopima Isaac & President Fred Amara

Mr. Ajalaja Stanley & President Fred Amata

Mr. Iwegbue Shadrack Osereme & President Fred Amata

Libby Ofem-Oke & President Fred Amata

Chinedu Igbokwe and President Fred Amata

Ifeanyi Olishe Chimeh & President Fred Amata

Mr. Peter Abel Okorie & President Fred Amata

Mr. Chris Umana & President Fred Amata

Rev. Ernest Anenechukwu Maduka & President Fred Amata

DGN EXCO In A Pose With The Newly Inductees

(l-r) Mrs. Ernest Maduka, Mr. Dozie Igbo & A Fan

Mr. Umeli Henry Chinoso & President Fred Amata

Mr. George Deegha & President FredAmata

Filmmaker Eazzy Ologe & Rev & Mrs. Ernest Maduka

Dr. Eriamiantoe Osaigbovo Thanking The Guild For The Induction

Amb, Cynthia Agbo Ijeoma Delivering A Thank You Speech

Ekwedike Emeka Emmanuel & President Fred Amata

Gentle Encourage & Amb. Cynthia Agbo Ijeoma

Uche Leonard J. & President Fred Amata

Chinweze Okechukwu & Presidwnt Fred Amata

Shire Nwachukwu Andrew & President Fred Amata

Cyril Udubrakpor & President Fred Amata

Olorogun Fred Amata & A Fan

(l-r) Perekeme Odon, DGN PRO, Adasa Cookey & Ifeanyi Chimeh

A Cross Section Of Inductees