Lagos CDGN Elects New Executive Members

By Perekeme Odon

The Lagos State Chapter of the Creative Designers Guild of Nigeria (CDGN), which is the powerhouse of creativity in the Nigerian movie industry tagged ‘Nollywood’ comprising of production designers, makeup artists, costume designers and property managers on Thursday, October 31, 2019, elected and sworn in a new executive officers to run the affairs of the guild in Lagos state for the next two years.

Mrs. Joy Osawaru-Akinyemi

At the end of the election, the award-winning costume and production designer Chairman, Mrs. Joy Osawaru-Akinyemi and few other contestants were returned unopposed with a two-third vote cast on the contestants who are Ikechukwu Godwin (Vice-Chairman), Innocent Abah (Secretary), Blessing Awusi (Financial Secretary), Salome Oputa (Treasurer), Leo Omoseebi (PRO), Thelma Odozi-Fiberesima (Provost) and Uche Obiora (Welfare Officer).

A Group Photograph of Elected Officers 

The National Secretariat of the guild endorsed the election under the supervision of Mr. Stanley Orobosa (National Provost) and Miss Sandra Ejikeme (National Treasurer) of the guild who conducted the whole process.

The new chairman in her acceptance speech to the media thanked everyone present to witness and observed the election. She promised to do all the necessary things to uplift the guild in the state. “We will organize seminars, training, and workshops for our members. We have lots of members in Lagos state but what happened in the past really made members not to turn up for meetings or pay dues. However, we are going to let them know that things have changed in the guild because we are changing the narrative to bringing sanity in the state chapter of the guild.”

Chairman Joy Osawaru-Akinyemi Addressing Members and The Press

She went further to state that the guild stands for excellence and creativity in totality and corrected the impression of quacks in the industry. “We have professionally trained practitioners for every creative job. I want to see us working in synergy with producers, directors and professional practitioners as we did in the past with no divides or lines to achieve one goal. Most bad creative jobs you may see or watched are not from our members but quacks who believe they can try something since the industry is an all-comers affair for now until a proper regulatory body of membership is inaugurated by the government.”

She said the guild, which also believes in humanitarian service to mankind and humanity, had visited several motherless baby homes since inception in 2002 to contribute their own charitable assistance in one way or the other will go ahead and do more.

CDGN Lagos State Chairman, Mrs. Joy Osawaru-Akinyemi 

Mr. Tony Anih, former President of the Screenwriters a Guild of Nigeria (SWGN) who was present as an observer urged members of the guild to support the new administration and thanked the members for being calm and confidence reposed in him.

“I want to congratulate CDGN for been one of the calmest guilds in Nollywood with no faction of any sort. Your understanding and diligence have gone round the industry as a professional guild. All that I need from the newly elected officers is to reach out to every member, no matter the differences. The turn out is poor and CDGN been one of the pivots in the Nigerian creative industry is the creative hub of Nollywood with lots of departments in it. Even if we fight, we still have to come together again.” He stated.

Former Screenwriters President, Mr. Tony Anih Handing Over The Certificates of Return

Mr. Anih furthermore advised CDGN members to always ensure to support the executive in any positive ways they can in terms of attending meetings, paying their dues as at when due and whatever help they need to render. “The guild belongs to all of you and not just the executive. Some time ago, the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) was factionalized, but today they have realized and come together”. He affirmed.

Present at the election includes Dennis Nkem Onyemeluonu, Perekeme Odon, Chibuko Ikechukwu, Stella Chikereuba Elumeze, Ezike Ebere Augusta, Nkiru Nwauzor and members of the press.

Prayer Session

Session Before Election

Mr. Tony Anih Swearing-in The Newly Elected Executives

(L-R) Provost Thelma Fiberesima & Fin. Sec. Blessing Awusi

(L-R) Charles Orobosa, Innocent Abah, & Dennis Onyemeluonu

(L-R) Charles Orobosa (National Provost) & Sandra Ejikem (National Treasurer)

Perekeme Odon & CDGN Lagos state Chairman, Mrs. Joy Osawaru-Akinyemi

Uche Obiora Presenting Her Manifesto

Mr. Tony Anih Advising The Newly Elected Officers

Former President, Screenwriters Guild of Nigeria (SWGN), Mr. Tony Anih

Charles Orobosa Counting The Votes

Leo Omoseebi (CDGN PRO)

Innicent Abah Presenting His Manifesto

Salome Oputa Conducting Her Accreditation

Uche Obiora Conducting Her Accresitation

Costume Designer, Nkiru Nwauzor

Vice-Chairman, Ikechukwu Godwin Presenting His Manifesto

Treaurer Salome Oputa Presenting Her Manifesto

Blessing Chikeruba Elumeze Addessing The House

Provost Thelma Odozi-Fiberesima Presenting Her Manifesto

Blessing Awusi Presenting Her Manifesto

Costume Designer Uche Obiora ( Welfare Officer, CDGN Lagos state)

Chairman Joy Osawaru-Akinyemi Addressing Members

Leo Omoseebi (CDGN PRO)

(L-R) Ezike Ebere Augusta & Salome Oputa

Award-Winning Production Designer & PRO Leo Omoseebi Presenting His Manifesto

Charles Orobosa addressing The House

Olorogun Fred Amata Hails Genevieve As Lion Heart Makes Oscar Entry

By Perekeme Odon

The Nigerian film industry has once again done the country proud with an entry at the 2020 Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Science (AMPAS) in the Best Foreign Film category with ‘Lion Heart; a film produced and directed by delectable actress, Genevieve Nnaji (MFR). The category is dedicated to a feature-length motion picture produced outside the United States of America with a predominantly non-English dialogue track.

Genevieve Nnaji

Each year, countries with an approved selection committee may submit one film for consideration for the Foreign Language Film Award Oscar, and only five films are chosen from all international submissions from which a winner of the international feature film category is chosen.

DGN President, Olorogun Fred Amata

The President, Directors’ Guild of Nigeria (DGN) Olorogun Fred Amata in his message said,  DGN which is the custodian of the film art and culture in Nigeria with over 20 years in existence has consistently seeks frontiers of interaction to develop and promote standards that pursue artistic excellence. "This accomplishment has unlocked Africa, and Nigeria in particular, that Nigeria has talent as demonstrated by Genevieve Nnaji, and the capacity to stand tall and compete favourably as equals with her international colleagues.” He remarked.

(L-R) Pete Edochie. Onyeka Onwenu & Ngozi Ezeonu

He went further to say, “Lion Heart, first ever Nigerian entry for the Oscars will be seen by future generations as the break-point of the world judgments of Nigerian film, industry and filmmakers to a very large extent because It is also a phenomenal feat that our innovative performers have received much deserved recognition at the heart of the world’s leading film and cinema community in the Best Foreign Film category.”

DGN recognises the evolving revolution of Nigerian female directors who stand out in making the nation proud with their locally produced movies satisfying Nigerians and impacting various cinemas and international film festivals like the Toronto and Berlin Film Festival. DGN inducted 10 female meritorious admissions into the guild to encourage female filmmakers willing to up directorial roles at the 2018 DGN National Convention in Abeokuta, Ogun state.

(L-R) Genevieve Nnaji, Pete Edochie & Nkem Owoh

Olorogun Amata applauds and salutes the cast and production team of the much-admired movie ‘Lion Heart’ for the stimulating contribution they have made to indigenous Nigerian film-making. “We are exceptionally pleased that the efforts of the Federal Government through various film outfits like the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC) and the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) to promote and create an enabling environment for Nigerian film is bearing fruit. We furthermore extend our congratulations to thousands of nameless and faceless persons who contribute to the realization of a film apart from the actors and the film directors. It is the duty of the Directors’ Guild of Nigeria (DGN) to train, produce and nurture a new generation of Nigerian storytellers, through the help of various film institutions and bodies in the country who will take the captivating accounts of our general knowledge to the world.” The President affirmed.

Members of the Nigeria Oscar Selection Committee with the chairman, Chineze Anyaene 

He furthermore acknowledged the reconstituted 12-member committee of Nollywood stakeholders of the Nigerian Oscar Selection Committee (NOSC), Chaired by Chineze Anyaene and other members who are Mildred Okwo, Mahmood Ali-Balogun, Ngozi Okafor, Charles Novia, Abba Makama, Bruce Ayonote, Ramsey Nouah, Chioma Ude, Shaibu Husseini, Adetokunbo “DJ Tee” Odubawo and CJ Obasi for all the efforts.

“I am convinced that many other exhilarating Nigerian films will follow the marvelous success of ‘Lion Heart’ because the entry will open up new opportunities for Nigerian talents to shine. Through the entry of ‘Lion Heart’ in the Oscars, we hope filmmakers will develop more awareness of the exceptional talent Nigeria possesses and what wonderful scenery and landscape our lovely country has to offer. The Nigerian entry to the Oscar is an indication of the entrance of native Nigerian filmmaking. Today we can sincerely say that we are on the right path and there is no stopping us, now!” He stated.

Kanayo O. Kanayo & Genevieve Nnaji In 'Lion Heart'

Global film audiences have been watching and buying Nigerian films with their wallets and their feet. Before the Oscars entry, the film ‘Lion Heart’ has won analytical commendation. The film, though uniquely Nigerian, has a widespread charm and its road to the Oscars has been covered with various other awards.

OPEN LETTER TO PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI GCFR. FROM THE CREATIVE INDUSTRY GUILDS & ASSOCIATIONS

TO THE PRESIDENT.

FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA

GENERAL MUHAMMADU BUHARI GCFR.

ASO ROCK PRESIDENTIAL VILLA,

FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY,

ABUJA.

GENERAL MUHAMMADU BUHARI GCFR

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT OF NIGERIA; CREATIVE INDUSTRY FINANCE INITIATIVE (CIFI) LOAN PROGRAM.

1. The Nollywood Guilds and Associations of Nigeria with over Five million active members seize this opportunity to thank President Muhammadu Buhari and his administration, for affirming the critical role of the Nigerian Creative Industry especially Nollywood as the main empowerment instrument for millions of Nigerian youths. Nollywood is a frontline partner with the Federal government of Nigeria to actualize President Buhari's laudable vision of creating 100 million vital youth jobs in four years. It was therefore welcome news when the President announced the single digit 22 Billion Naira loan facility to the Creative industry, to spur the immediate creation of millions of youth jobs annually.

2. The entire Nigerian Creative Industry greeted the Federal government's intervention with initial euphoria, but immediately after engaging the leading Nigerian Banks spearheading the actualization of the program, we have since sadly realized that the structure of the program as being implemented by Central Bank of Nigeria CBN, and the two leading Banks (Access Bank and Guarantee Trust Bank) is completely flawed and will not achieve the expectations of Mr. President.

3. It was expected that both CBN and the two main Nigerian Banks would at least consult with the Nollywood leadership, blessed with over 500 years of combined applicable global experience in the entertainment industry, to jointly craft an innovative, technologically advanced film production and distribution strategy and master plan that will not only sustain the Nigerian Creative industry, but will ultimately satisfy President Buhari's critical mandate of massive job creation for the teeming Nigerian youth population. Though the Nollywood leadership had already internally developed a unique and strategic master plan for the Creative Industry based on 25 years of tried and tested solutions with excellent Proof of Concept applications, CBN completely ignored and relegated the 15 Federal government registered Nollywood Guilds and Associations and shockingly imposed impossible conditionality for the CIFI loan application which no single practicing creative industry company can meet. This rather unfortunate action by CBN portrays a very sad, haughty, paternalistic and disdainful view of Nollywood, the Industry that single handedly raised Nigeria's economy to the number one position in Africa. The result of CBN's ill-advised strategy has left Nollywood aghast. Worse still is the potential waste of Nigeria's hard earned financial resources simply because of bureaucratic arrogance and a lack of required due diligence.

4A. To buttress the mistake, CBN and the Banks, only created the category of high end extremely costly Cinemas as the only viable distribution option for Nollywood films. This is shocking and completely counter-productive since most industry practitioners understand and appreciate the new global distribution opportunities of 5G Digital Monetization through the internet and several innovations in symbiotic relationship with Fintech, 25 Billion Dollars annual remittances, Nigerian advantageous Five Fiber Optic undersea cable companies and the well developed Nigerian advertising industry.

(B) The archaic brick and mortar Cinema distribution opportunities have been rendered not viable especially in Nigeria where the average cinema is built with a whopping cost of over 500 million Naira with only 400 seats with expensive Digital Cinema Print (DCP) projection technology. A simple alternative would have been to build Five Cottage Cinemas of 400 seats each at the over 700 local government centers, with the same amount, with attendant world class, affordable BLURAY 1080p projection technology and Digital Knowledge Process Outsourcing (DKPO) international monetization capacity.

(C) Ironically, the entire Nollywood shoots in 1080p, the global standard digital format. The CBN preferred massive cinema edifices force Nollywood film producers to convert their content to DCP at an additional cost of One Hundred thousand Naira per cinema screen. Meanwhile the discombobulated film Producer can only expect Thirty Percent of Cinema gate takings, after paying Sixty percent of the gross to the Cinema/ distributor (who is actually also the same cinema owner) and mandatory Ten percent gross as Federal government Tax plus an additional Five percent Lagos State government VAT.

(D) This lopsided arrangement ruins the ability of Nollywood film producers to continuously produce quality content and directly frustrates their capacity to create much needed employment for Nigerians. Ironically, the cinemas can only create maximum Fifty jobs per cinema location. Twenty cinemas at the proposed Five Hundred Million Naira each (Ten Billion Naira) can only generate at best, One thousand jobs total.

5. Nollywood Guilds trepidation therefore stems from the naivety of the Banks in executing the CIFI loan funds without any knowledge whatsoever about the industry. Four years from now when we all look back and reminisce over the disaster, the Nigerian youth population would have been cheated out of the great opportunity presented by President Buhari's kind intervention. It is therefore simply because of this

critical reason that the Nollywood Guilds and distinguished Associations, have come together in one voice, to raise alarm to caution against the impending catastrophe.

6. The far-reaching deplorable Nigerian Banks attitude towards the Nigerian Creative Industry subjugates Nollywood and the entire Creative Industry to a shameful dependence on foreign controlled media of archaic, non-interactive set top box Satellite Technology. Apart from the national disgrace, the foreigners make out like bandits, taking undue advantage of the Nigerian Creative Industry art and talents. For those bold Nollywood film and music entrepreneurs who are forced to seek venture capital elsewhere, they are subjected to agreeing to incorporate neo cultures completely alien to indigenous Nigerian culture and mores in their content and programming. Unfortunately some Nigerians have acquiesced to their subtle yet potent demands so as survive. We will witness the repercussions of their choice soon in the Nigerian creative space.

7. Nollywood Guilds are ready, willing and able to actualize President Buhari's vision for the empowerment of millions of Nigerian youths. With a singular four year budget of Ten million Dollars, the industry has the structure, experience, capacity, global relationship equity and overall wherewithal to practically and realistically create and sustain Five Million youth jobs by producing, distributing and monetizing 5,000 movies globally in Four years and in the process, champion the positive propagation of the distinguished Nigerian personality worldwide, thereby facilitating much needed marketing opportunities for foreign direct investment (FDI) into the Nigerian economy.

The ball is in Mr. President's court. We await Your Excellency's decision.

SIGNED BY

* PRESIDENT, ASSOCIATION OF MOVIE PRODUCERS (AMP)

* PRESIDENT, DIRECTORS’ GUILD OF NIGERIA (DGN)

* PRESIDENT, ACTORS GUILD OF NIGERIA. (AGN) 

* PRESIDENT, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIAN THEATRE ARTS * PRACTITIONERS (NANTAP)

*PRESIDENT, MOTION PICTURE PRODUCERS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA (MOPPAN)

* PRESIDENT, INDEPENDENT TELEVISION PRODUCERS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA (ITPAN)

* PRESIDENT, SCREEN WRITERS GUILD OF NIGERIA (SWGN)

* PRESIDENT, CINEMATOGRAPHY SOCIETY OF NIGERIA (CSN)

* PRESIDENT, CREATIVE DESIGNERS GUILD OF NIGERIA (CDGN)

* PRESIDENT, CONGRESS OF EDO MOVIE PRODUCERS (CEMP)

* PRESIDENT, THEATRE AND MOVIE PRACTITIONERS ASSOCIATION OF 

NIGERIA (TAMPAN)

* PRESIDENT, FILM AND VIDEO PRODUCERS MARKETING ASSOCIATION 

OF NIGERIA (FVPMAN)

* PRESIDENT, ASSOCIATION OF VOICE OVER ARTISTE OF NIGERIA (AVOA) 

* PRESIDENT, ASSOCIATION OF CORE MOVIE PRODUCERS (ANCOP)

* PRESIDENT, ASSOCIATION OF MOVIE CONTENT OWNERS AND PRODUCER / MARKETERS OF NIGERIA (AMCOD)

*PRESIDENT, ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIAN THEATRE ARTS PRACTITIONERS (ANTP)

CC: CBN GOVERNOR

CC: HON. MINISTER OF FINANCE

CC: HON. MINISTER OF INFORMATION AND CULTURE