Lagos State CDGN Honours Nigerian Creative Industry Practitioners

It was a day of glitz, glamour and electrifying excitement away from the usual hustle and bustle, as the family and creative powerhouse of the Nigerian movie industry; Creative Designers Guild of Nigeria (CDGN) stepped out in grand style and gathered together a stunning audience from across the entertainment industry to celebrate yet another successful year with filmmakers and friends.

Mrs. Joy Osawaru-Akinyemi
Chairman, CDGN Lagos State

The talk of the town event dubbed “The New Dawn” which held at No 18 Eric Moore Street, Off Bode Thomas in Surulere, Lagos hosted entertainment practitioners to a fun-filled Year-End Party and award presentations. This event was organized by the Lagos State chapter of the Creative Designers Guild of Nigeria (CDGN) to herald the Christmas festivities and thank filmmakers and media practitioners for their unflinching partnership and support throughout the year.

The end of the year party and award presentations which came off on Thursday, December 12, 2019, saw the Chairman, Creative Designers Guild of Nigeria (CDGN) Lagos State Chapter Mrs. Joy Osawaru-Akinyemi played host to a galaxy of dignitaries, producers, directors, captains of industry, entertainers and distinguished media personalities of the make-believe profession for an afternoon of fun, games and fraternizing marked by stunning exhilarating music, exotic continental / African cuisine laced with expensive champagne and an assortment of beverages.

(L-R) Mr. Tony Anih, Mr. Keppy Ekpenyong-Bassey, Mrs. Joy Akinyemi & Otunba Olawale Bello

In her opening remark, Mrs. Osawaru-Akinyemi welcomed everyone and expressed her exhilaration to see an event of such happening for the first time at the Lagos state chapter of the guild. She cheerfully expressed that since creativity is the watchword of the guild, it is essential to make sure the guild appreciates hard work and dignity by recognizing every positive effort in their little ways.

“You are all welcome to the first-ever end-of-year and award presentation of this great guild. In any creative organization, people are and will always be our greatest asset. Your abilities and contributions are an important key to the development of our movie industry today. As a believer and crusader of hard work and excellence, I want to congratulate all the award recipients of this occasion and charge you to continue to exhale the core values of the Nigerian film industry.”  She affirmed.

(L-R) Mr. Innocent Abah, Mrs. Joy Osawaru-Akinyemi & Mr. Isaac O. David

Award recipients recognized at the CDGN 2019 maiden edition are veteran Nollywood director, Mr. Andy Amenechi, Businessman and Media guru High Chief Elkanah Oghenovo Mowarin and other practicing professionals, including President, Association of Movie Producer (AMP), Mr. Ralph Nwadike, Mr. Keppy Ekpenyong-Bassey, former Lagos State Chairman and National Spokesman, Film and Video Producers and Marketers Association of Nigeria (FVPMAN), Barr. Norbert Ajaegbu, Mr. Tony Anih, and Mr. Isaac O. David. These professionals were exclusively honoured as “As a pillar of Nollywood and an inestimable supporter and ally of our guild,” the honour plaques read.

In his acceptance speech, the former President of Screenwriters Guild of Nigerian (SWGN), Mr. Tony Anih, said even though he found light in the guild, he least expected the award. “ I want to thank God for giving me life and the gift of filmmaking. This is actually coming at a point I least expected from an uncommon and most peaceful guild I will like to appreciate my late father and those who in one way or the other influenced and encouraged me to take up filmmaking and writing as a profession.”

A Cross Section Of All Recipients

Another recipient and veteran frontline production manager/producer, former National President, Association of Movie Production Managers of Nigeria (AMPN) and MD Big Screen Network, Mr. Isaac O. David aka Zicolala, expressed gratitude to God and the CDGN family. “I want to thank God and my family, especially my wife. CDGN is my family and the first guild to have remembered and recognized me. I was part of the writing process of the CDGN constitution. My advice to practitioners is always to try to impact your brothers and partners because you don’t know where we will get to. I will never forget CDGN until I rest. Thank you.”

Mrs. Joy Osawaru-Akinyemi & Mr. Keppy Ekpenyong-Bassy

Veteran actor and Board member National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), Mr. Keppy Ekpenyong-Bassey who was also an award recipient thanked the guild for the award. “Thank you for this award. 30 years ago most of us who came into the industry early had that NTA orientation.  Nollywood grew because the creators decided to attempt to realize the potentials our industry offered. So we grew; and from then till now we have all been struggling to play catch up because the industry has overtaken us, and in truth, all of us here are struggling to catch up with the pace the industry has attained so far. What we are doing at the Board presently is to make sure we take all the guilds along and try to conduct our media literacy campaign to see how we can collaborate and partner for development. We hope to establish a relationship with your guild and your chapter in particular. I promise you that as long as I sit on that board, anywhere we have an activity I will make sure this guild is fully represented.”

(L-R) Leo Omoseebi, Mrs. Joy Akinyemi, Mr. Tony Anih, Mr. Keppy Ekpenyong-Bassey,
Mr. Innocent Abah & Mr. Ikechukwu Chibuko

The delighted CDGN Lagos State Chapter Chairman of Nollywood creative powerhouse affirmed that from this year, it would be a non-stop tradition for the Lagos State Chapter of the guild to annually appreciate and honour practitioners in the creative industry and the media by extension.

“We started the party with the disguise from member to bring the big surprise to a few deserving practitioners by awarding them and will not a renegade. This is our modest attempt at appreciating the enormous contributions of these great practitioners in the Nigeria film industry. I believe by April 2020, the guild will organize the CDGN Nollywood Fashion & Exhibition Week with the general public in attendance.  Thank you to all our members for joining hands to making this event happen with success beyond expectations, and we are waiting for a new appreciative 2020 with more and more thought-provoking creative outings.” She stated.

(L-R) Salome Oputa, Innocent Abah

Present at the event includes Ikechukwu Chibuko (Vice Chairman, CDGN Lagos), Dennis Nkem Onyemeluonu, Perekeme Odon, Salome Oputa (Treasurer CDGN Lagos), Leo Omoseebi (National PRO CDGN), Otunba Olawale Bello, Lizzy Ibe, Ebere Ezike, Lydia Chukwu,  R. Bash Shootz, Uche Obiora (Welfare Officer CDGN Lagos), Blessing Awusi (Fin. Sec. CDGN Lagos), Innocent Abah (Secretary, CDGN Lagos), Sandra Ejikeme, Mrs. Jovita Dennis William, Blessing Chikeruba Elumeze and members of the press.

Mrs. Jovita Dennis Receiving A Plaque For Mr. Andy Amenechi

A Plaque Awarded To Mr. Andy Amenechi

Otunba Olawale Bello Receiving A Plaque For
Olorogun Elkanah Oghenovo Mowarin

Mrs. Joy Akinyemi & Otunba Olawale Bello

A Plaque For Olorogun Elkanah Oghenovo Mowarin

CDGN Lagos VP, Mr. Ikechukwu Chibuko
Receiving A Plaque For Barr. Norbert Ajaegbu

A Plaque For Barr. Norbert Ajaegbu

Mrs. Joy Akinyemi & Mr. Isaac David

A Plaque For Mr. Isaac David

Mr. Tony Anih Receiving His Award

Otunba Olawale Bello Receiving A Plaque For 
Olorogun Elkanah Oghenovo Mowarin

Ebere Ezike In A Pose

CDGN Lagos Secretary, Innocent Abah

CDGN National PRO, Mr. Leo Omoseebi

CDGN Lagos State Chairman, Mrs. Joy Osawaru-Akinyemi

Mrs. Jovita Dennis William

CDGN Fin. Sec. Blessing Awusi

Blessing Chikeruba

CDGN National Treasurer, Sandra Ejikeme

Lydia Chukwu

CDGN Lagos State Treasurer, Salome Oputa

CDGN Lagos Welfare Officer, Uche Obiora

A Plaque For AMP President, Mr. Ralph Nwadike

Ebere Ezike

Perekeme Odon & Blessing Chikeruba

Salome Oputa and Dennis Nkem Onyemeluonu

CDGN Lagos State Members, Lydia Chukwu & Lizzy Ibe

(L-R) Blessing Awusi, Blessing Chikeruba & Uche Obiora

Mr. Keppy Ekpenyong-Bassey Receiving His Award From Mrs. Joy Akinyemi

A Cross Section Of CDGN Members

Blessing Chikeruba & Mr. Isaac O. David

CDGN Welfare Officer, Uche Obiora & Mr. Tony Any

Mr. Keppy Ekpenyong-Bassey & Mrs. Jovita Dennis William

(L-R) Otunba Olawale Bello, Innocent Abah & Mrs. Joy Osawaru-Akinyemi

Uche Obiora & Isaac O. D

DOUYE DIRI: The Visionary Of A New Bayelsa Dream

By Perekeme Odon

A study of the history of opinion is a necessary preliminary to the liberation of the mind. That is why freedom is the liberation of the subjective rule of other men. The progressive historical role of entrepreneurship may be summed up in two brief propositions: an increase in the productive forces of social labour, and the socialization of that labour. But both these facts manifest themselves in different branches of the national economy.

Senator Douye Diri

Politicians are organizing, strategizing and campaigning for elections; and it is the legal right of every citizen above 18 years of age in Nigeria to exercise their civil right and duty without fear or prejudice because freedom is the cynosure in the heart of every human being which connotes liberty in all sphere of life. The gubernatorial election is around the corner and Bayelsa state which pride herself as ‘The Glory of All Land’ needs a vibrant and enthusiastic governor, and that person is Senator Douye Diri; an academically trained teacher, activist, and businessman.

Born on the 4 June 1969 to Chief A.J.M Diri of Kalama-Owei-Wari Compound of Sampou in Kolokuma / Opokuma Local Government Area of Bayelsa state. Senator Diri started his primary education at Okoro Primary School, Sampou and earned his First School Leaving Certificate (FSLC) in 1977 at Rev. Proctor Memorial Primary School, Kaiama (then State School Kaiama), and went to Government Secondary School, Odi, KOLGA, Bayelsa state where he was appointed Dining Hall Prefect and sat for his West African Senior School Certificate (WASSC) in 1981 respectively. 

Sen. Douye Diri

He got admitted into the then College of Education, Port Harcourt, Rivers state where obtained his Nigerian Certificate in Education (NCE) in 1985. Due to his passion for learning and education, Senator Douye Diri gained admission into the University of Port Harcourt, Rivers state where he obtained his Bachelor of Education degree in Political Science in 1990. After graduation, he chose to practice the teaching profession and taught in several government schools in the rural area in the Old Rivers state before the creation of Bayelsa state and later resigned his position as a teacher to pursue a stable determined career in politics.

As the Governorship candidate of the PDP, Senator Douye Diri is here to bell the cat and deliver the cargoes to the good people of Bayelsa state with an agreement between him and Bayelsans in order to advance common goals and to secure common interests of affinity and similarity. His theory of delivery is non-negotiable as he guarantees to produce a government of integrity for the good people of Bayelsa state and respect for divinity. He is the best man with the vision and capacity to govern Bayelsa state come 2020 if given the opportunity.

Senator Diri is like men that have seen all in terms of government and governance right from the creation of Bayelsa State. In the first civilian administration under Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha, he was Executive Secretary of the Bayelsa Youth Development Centre (2000-2002).  In 2005, he was appointed Commissioner for Youth and Sports where he took Bayelsa state to the National Sports Festival at Abeokuta in 2006 under the leadership of former President of Nigeria, Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan while as Governor of Bayelsa state.

Sen. Douye Diri

The former member of the Federal House of Representatives promised to shock those who misjudge him described himself as a principled person and that he is not going to be a stooge nor an underdog in the governorship race.  “It will be very clear to anyone in doubt about who I am, and what I stand for. I choose my friends and those I want to work with, and I desired to work with Governor Dickson and I am very satisfied working with him.” He also stated,

The son of a headmaster, who divinely defeated 20 other aspirants to emerge as the PDP's standard-bearer, is a man whose quest and urge for service is unrivaled. It all started at NDDC when many assumed him to be staff but a political ally and close aide to Chief Timi Alaibe with the vision to consecrate a government in Bayelsa that would be more receptive to the people

Sen. Douye Diri

A lot of people are finding it very difficult to break away from the norms of modern slavery of the unknown, but I say to you, break into the unknown and you will see the mystery of ‘Prosperity in Action’ because of Senator Douye Diri has enormously contributed towards the development of communities, sponsoring over 20 bills and moving a handful of motions to the benefit of his Federal Constituency while in the Nigerian House of Representatives.

Freedom is the goal of every human. It takes time and better readiness through adequate preparation to achieve by building structures and galvanizing constant ideologies that in turn liberates you from being a political prisoner.

Sen. Douye Diri & Mrs. Gloria Diri

Senator Diri also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to be an open-minded umpire and that the security assistance should be professional during the election. "Our appeal is that the security agencies must be professional. INEC must remain an unbiased umpire. If there is that fair playing field, the opponents are neither here nor there to contest in this election. " He asserted.

Every living creature wants to be emancipated from the hands of the oligarchy. Your PVC is the weapon and power to liberate yourself from your distorted state of mind and the bondage and shackles of Bayelsa state political correctitude.

The public-spirited PDP Governorship candidate who loves to be at someone’s service pledged to engage and prioritize Bayelsans first before anything in various business activities that will define their identity. “I promised to involve more Bayelsans in the economic activities of the state and pay greater attention to the issue of security. Our local economy is neither here nor there. The sitting governor has tried to bring in solutions in agriculture, trying to look at our comparative advantage and I intend to build on that. I want us to have a local economy where our people will be directly involved. Those are the things I will build on, but that is not to say we will neglect other sectors." He declared.

(L-R) Sen. Lawrence Owhrudjakpor, Mrs. Gloria Diri & Sen. Douye Diri

In fairness to serving and service, Senator Douye Diri was appointed the First National Organizing Secretary of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), the foremost organization of the Ijaw Nation. He was council Board Member, University of Maiduguri from 2008-2012, Chairman, People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Disciplinary Council, Bayelsa State (2012), Deputy Chief of Staff, Bayelsa State Government House (2012), Principal Executive Secretary from (2013-2014), Federal House of Representatives representing Kolokuma / Opokuma / Yenagoa Federal Constituency (2015-2019), Bayelsa State Central Senatorial district (2019--).

Don’t just sit and feel conquered. Join the struggle for the prosperity of the state today. Vote Peoples Democratic Party, become a member of prosperity train and deliver Bayelsans from unknown and greedy political imbeciles.

A Road Ride Sponsored By Omunate Odon For Senator Douye Diri

(L-R) Perekeme Kpokposei, Olazi Burutolu and Perekeme Odon At Peace Park

A Road Ride Sponsored By Omunate Odon for Senator Douye Diri