PTV News Media: DGN Elects And Inaugurates New Executive, Sues For Peace

The heartbeat of Nigeria, Benin City, Edo State, was agog for three days as film directors converged on the serene but culturally vibrant capital's penultimate week for the 2023 National Convention under the umbrella of the Directors' Guild of Nigeria (DGN), with the theme "Charting New African Narratives," from July 13–15, 2023, at the Victor Uwaifor Creative Hub.

A four-in-one National convention—election of a new national executive, induction of new members, ratification of a new constitution, and the DGN annual conference/launching of the first ever DGN Academy Journal by the DGN Academy Conference Team, led by Prof. Emmanuel Emasealu—which brought together filmmakers and practitioners, arts and culture administrators, culture enthusiasts, and thespians from across the country and beyond.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the convention, the DGN President, Dr. Victor Okhai, showed great appreciation to the Governor, Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki, for his immense contributions to the creative industry and talent development, the Edo State Government through Edo Jobs, and the Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub for hosting the august event. He also commended the Vice Chancellor and staff of Gabriel Igbinedion University, Okada, for the partnership.

Dr. Victor Okhai & Chief Gabriel Igbinedion

The DGN conference, anchored by Dr. Ovunda Ihunwo, with Chief Andy Boyo, Mr. Paul Obazele, Prof. Sunday Ogunbiyi, and Mazi Ugezu J. Ugezu as speakers, saw the launch of the first ever volume of the DGN academic journal titled "Nollywood Practise," which documents the history of one of the world’s fastest-growing movie industries with an annual output of approximately 1,800 films. The journal, produced in partnership with Igbinedion University Okada, was presented to members of DGN at the guild’s annual national convention held at the Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub in Benin City, Edo State.

The DGN President, in his opening remark, described the excitement with which papers for the journal were sent as unprecedented. He stressed the importance of documenting the history of the film industry in Nigeria and ensuring that "we tell our story", saying the journal was a means to achieve that pertinent goal.

Speaking at the ceremony, The DGN President emphasized the significance of documenting the history of the Nigerian film industry and making sure that "We tell our story", stating that the journal served as a tool to accomplish that important objective.

"Mungo Park was said to have discovered the River Niger, but our ancestors were already here before he came. That mistake will not repeat itself in our lifetime. We must tell our story, and the Directors' Guild of Nigeria must do the same," Okhai said.

Chief Andy Boyo, Dr. Ovunda Ihunwo, Mazi Ugezu & Paul Obazele

An evening reception with His Excellency, Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, Esama of Benin Kingdom, saw a breathtaking feasting and carnival-like gathering with all the trappings of a cultural festival, from drum ensembles to cultural dance performances, and various gifts were given to members at the event.

The Esama was named patron of the guild and thanked them for the honour, stating that it is a source of encouragement for him to make arts and culture an intrinsic component of all activities in his domain.

An excursion was also taken to Osaretin Festus Isibor's Deep End Villa and Event Centre at Obagie Rd., off Benin Sapele Road, Benin City, and Deepend Hotels and Suites, opposite NTA, one of the leading hotels in Edo State situated in the heart of Benin City, as well as a tour of his multi-billion naira state-of-the-art 20th-century film studio and the horror hunted house.

Chief Igbinedion Conferred as DGN Patron

The 2023 conference concluded with the election, which saw Dr. Victor Okhai return unopposed with 65 votes to lead the guild for the next two years.

Uchenna Agbo, who ran unopposed, was elected Vice President with 64 votes.

Mr. Perekeme Odon was elected for the office of National Secretary with 65 votes.

Mazi Okoli, who received 65 votes, was declared the winner of the Treasurership contest.

Jeremiah Onoge was declared the winner after running unopposed for the position of Public Relations Officer for the guild.

Daniel Chukwueze and John Paul Nwanganga were elected as the new provost and Director of Social/Welfare respectively, and Gold Dappa was elected as the new Financial Secretary. Comrade Ofia Mbaka defeated Libby OfFem-Oke to win the position of Assistant National Secretary.

President Okhai stated in his address that there was no victor and no vanquished, and he urged all of his colleagues to assist him in taking the guild to a higher level.