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Wednesday 18 December 2019

Nigerian Movie Directors' Guild Bestows Ooni Of Ife As Grand Patron

By Perekeme Odon

It was celebration galore, an epoch of cultural glitziness, excitement and exhilarating enthusiasm away from the average push and rush as family and friends of the apex custodian of the Nigerian filmmaking body, Directors’ Guild of Nigeria (DGN) decorated, invested and conferred with a befitting honour on the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Oonirisa Kabiyesi Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi as the Grand Patron of DGN and the Imperial Majesty of Nollywood.

Ooni of Ife Receiving A Certificate of Honour From Olorogun Fred Amata

Nollywood actor/director and incumbent President of the Directors’ Guild of Nigeria (DGN), Olorogun Fred Amata, made the conferment to the Ooni of Ife on Tuesday, December 18, 2019, at his Arole Oodua Enuma Palace, Ile-Ife, Osun State of Nigeria as part of activities marking the guild’s 20th anniversary holding in March 2020 at the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

During the majestic visit to the Ooni Royal Palace, the entourage had distinctive impressions about the Ooni, but one thing that immediately strikes a first time visitor to the Palace is the Ooni's uncommon affability and intellectualism. His love for his people is adequately reciprocated, as the entire palace ground swarms with people of different statuses and of various tribes and creeds.


(l-r) Ijeoma Imo, Ngozi Ogbonna, Angela Philips, Kemi, Vivian Okoro, Stephanie, & Uche Iwuji

The exclusive experience started with an opening prayer by one of Nollywood finest award-winning director, Mr. Teco Benson (MFR) and followed by the introduction of the delegates by DGN Founding President, Mr. Mathias Obahiagbon.

Speaking at the conferment ceremony, the DGN President, Olorogun Fred Amata highlighted some pressing needs affecting the Nigerian movie industry and said the guild had taken proactive steps to overhaul film production in order to position it toward professionalism, entrepreneurship, and competitiveness.

DGN President, Olorogun Fred Amata Addressing The Ooni of Ife

“I am overwhelmed, privileged and honoured today to be leading a delegation of famous people of Nollywood to this land of greatness and cradle of civilization. There are various other guilds and associations in Nollywood. Our purpose of coming here despite the fame we have achieved is to felicitate and identify with this great land and King in the service to our creativity, humanity, and provision of assistance to professional filmmaking in Nigeria. Thank you for accepting DGN as we believe this synergy and bonding mark a new positive beginning for continuous support and encouragement to better the guild and the Nigerian movie industry.” He declared.


(l-r) Chief Peddie Okao, Mr. Ralph Nwadike, Olorogun Fred Amata, Ooni of Ife, & Chief Zeb Ejiro

Furthermore granted was a brief speech by the DGN BOT Member, Chief Zeb Ejiro (OFR) who upheld the action as colossal for the guild said; “I bring greetings from the Board as its Chairman. This is a massive achievement for the Directors’ Guild of Nigeria because the guild is the creative arm of Nollywood that makes Nigeria the third largest film-producing nation in the world. Thank you and God bless you as we will come again and again to meet your doors open.” He asserted.

The President, Association of Movie Producer (AMP), Mr. Ralph Nwadike also expressed his gratitude and admirations vis-à-vis the epoch-making event. “My father, you have made me proud for giving us a new name and height. It is indeed a great honour for Nollywood to have a great King, Imperial Majesty, Ooni of Ile-Ife as a Grand Patron of Directors’ Guild of Nigeria. Thank you for making it possible for us to be here today and let the world hear that Nollywood has come to stay.” He stated.

(l-r) Osita Dr. Akposheri, Olorogun Amata, Ooni of Ife, Zeb Ejiro, Dr. Njoku, Uchenna, & Stephanie

The Oni of Ife, who rolled out various African cuisine and fanfare during the ceremony which he tagged ‘Tonight Is The Night’ thanked DGN for the honour bestowed him and tasked them to come up with an improved method of taking the movie industry to another level.

“I greet all members and executives of the Directors’ Guild of Nigeria. It is indeed a great honour and adoration to have you here. You have shown me, love, peace, and a sign of togetherness. I don’t know who told you to come to make me your Grand Patron, because I am very happy to associate with you from today. I am a very active supporter of the movie industry in Nigeria. I have supported lots of movie initiatives and projects in Nigeria. Things I have been doing indirectly can be done directly now.” He stated.


(l-r) A. Yakubu, S. Azubuike, Chief P. Okao, T. Benson, Fred Amata, Ooni of Ife, R. Nwadike,			& Zeb Ejiro

The Ooni went on to charge filmmakers for their relentless efforts in ensuring that the world has come to know us with our movies. “Everyone is running after Netflix. Why can’t we have our own Netflix here? Why can’t we have hubs where we can be downloading movies and think outside the box? I built a resort in Lagos. It is one of the biggest resorts in Nigeria with about 250 hectares of land. My plan was to build a movie city before I became a King. Several movies have actually been done there. I have been thinking aloud that in this country we should have a movie city like what they have in California. Even as a King I am trying to build a film city that is called Ife Grand Resort and trying to take it to another level.” He said.

Ooni Of Ife In A group Pose with Nollywood

Kabiyesi commended members of the guild for the stimulating contributions made and promised to help them since piracy and other vices affecting filmmaking in Nigeria are fading out gradually.

“We will definitely work together. Right now we are doing Moremi Theatre we taking to Broadway in a few month's time. Now that you have given me what I am very passionate about by bringing me on board as your Grand Patron, I will also make sure that those powerful people in Nigeria are brought on board with you. There are a lot of people that are getting very much interested in the Nigerian movie industry. So it is all-important for us to all sit down and see how to take it to another level because I will support you wholeheartedly.” He affirmed.

(l-r) Vivian, Uche, Ngozi, Olorogun Fred Amata, Ooni of Ife, Kemi, Stephanie, Angela & Ijeoma

Present at the event are DGN Founding Member, Mr. Sam Azubuike, DGN Founding President, Mr. Matthias Obahiagbon, Leader of DGN Benin Zonal delegation, Chief Peddie Okao, AVOA President, Ngozi Ogbonna, Rycardo Agbor, DGN Financial Secretary, Dr. Tony Akposheri, Davidson Izegaegbe, Ricardo Agbor, Johnbull Negbenebor, Angela Philips, Vivian Okoro, Kemi Adekomi, DGN PH Zonal Coordinator, Dr. Sammy Ogunbiyi, Prince Olayinka Ibikunle, Prince Tunji Onochie Aderibigbe, AGN National Secretary, Abubakar Yakubu, Prince Olayinka Awosunle Christopher, and Mr. Kenneth Njoku.

Others include Ooni of Ife Media Officer, Comrade Moses Olafare, Obafemi Awolowo University Director of Business School, Dr. Prince Makinwa & HOD, Public Health, OAU Prof. Olapeju Esimai, DGN PRO, Perekeme Odon, DGN National Secretary, Uchenna Agbo, DGN Provost, Osita Okoli. Victor Emeghara, Uche Iwuji, DGN PH Zonal Secretary, Fred Mayford, Ijeoma Imoh, and Stephanie Osaghae.


Palace Of The Ooni of Ife

Olorogun Fred Amata & Ooni of Ife


Olorogun Fred Amata & Ooni of Ife

(L-R) Mr. Sam Azubuike, Teco Benson(MFR), Chief Peddie Okao & Mr. Ralph Nwadike

Association of Movie Producers (AMP) President, Mr. Ralph Nwadike

Award-Winning Movie Director, Mr. Teco Benson (MFR)

AVOA President, Ngozi Ogbonna Performing Before The Ooni of Ife

Actress Angela Philips Delivering A Movie Jingle Before The Ooni of Ife

(L-R) Benin Zonal Coordinator Davidson Izegaegbe, Mazi Osita Okoli & Fred Mayford

(l-r) Angela, Vivian, Kemi, Rykardo Agbo, Ngozi Ogbonna, & Ijeoma Imo

(L-R) DGN Founding President, Mr. Matthias Obahiagbon , Perekeme Odon & Ijeoma Imoh

DGN President, Olorogun Fred Amata In From Of The Palace Of The Ooni of Ife

DGN National Secretary, Uchenna Agbo At The Palace Of The Ooni of Ife

AVOA President, Ngozi Ogbonna & Director Victor Emeghara

(l-r) Chief Zeb Ejiro, Dr. Ken Njoku, Olorogun Fred Amata & Mathias Obahiagbon

(l-r)OAU Director of Business School, Dr. Prince Makinwa & OAU HOD Public Health, Prof. Olapeju Esimai

Stephanie Osaghae & Vivian Okoro

Actress Angela Philips

DGN National PRO, Perekeme Odon & Olayinka Ibikunle

DGN National Provost, Mazi Osita Okoli

AMP President, Mr. Ralph Nwadike & DGN BOT Member, Chief Zeb Ejiro (OFR)

Palace Dinning

Rykardo Agbo & UniLag FM OAP / Actress, kemi Adekomi

DGN Fin. Sec, Dr. Tony Akposheri & Founding DGN President, Matthias Obahiagbon

(l-r) Vivian Okoro & Ijeoma Imo

Actor Rykardo Agbo

Benin Zonal Secretary, Johnbull Negbenebor and Victor Emeghara

AGN National Secretary, Abubakar Yakubu

(l-r)Angela, Chief Peddie, Abu, Pere, Dr. Tony, Rykardo, Dr. Ken, Uche, Dr. Ogunbiyi, Fred & Uche

Angela Philips and Fred Mayford

([-r) AGN Nat. Sec. Abu Yakubu, Angela, Rykardo, Uchenna, Uche Iwuji, Fred & Dr. Ogunbiyi

DGN BOT Member, Chief Zeb Ejiro (OFR) and DGNPresident, Olorogun Fred Amata

Breakfast Time

DGN National Secretary, Uchenna Agbo & DGN National PRO, Perekeme Odon

(l-r) Perekeme Odon, Angela Philips and AVOA President, Ngozi Ogbonna

(l-r) Vivian Okoro, Ijeoma Imo, Uche Iwuji, Angela Philips & Kemi Adekomi

DGN Financial Secretary, Dr. Tony Akposheri

(l-r) Perekeme Odon, Dr. Sammy Ogunbiyi, Dr. Kenneth Njoku & Fred Mayford

(l-r) Ngozi Ogbonna, Teco Benson (MFR) & Olorogun Fred Amata

(L-R) Dr. Ogunbiyi, Dr. Akposheri, Mathias, Teco Benson, Sam Azubuike & Fred Mayford

Actor Rykardo Agbo & Ifeanyi Chimeh (Eshilo Visuals)


DGN President, Olorogun Fred Amata & Davidson Izegaegbe

Prince Tunji Onochie Aderibigbe and Johnbull Negbenebor

Actress Angela Philips and Director Uchenna Agbo

DGN PRO, Perekeme Odon and Award-Winning Movie Director, Teco Benson (MFR)

DGN National PRO, Perekeme Odon

DGN President, Olorogun Fred Amata Presenting A Certificate of Honour To The Ooni of Ife

DGN President, Olorogun Fred Amata & HIM Ooni of Ile-Ife

(L-R) Olorogun Fred Amata, Mathias Obahiagbon & Tunji

(L-R) AGN Abubakar Yakubu, Teco Benson (MFR) & Mr. Sam Azubuike

DGN Port Harcourt Zonal Coordinator, Dr. Sammy Ogunbiyi

DGN Port Harcourt Zonal Secretary, Mr. Fred Mayford

(l-r) Chief Zeb Ejiro, Olorogun Fred Amata, Comrade Moses Olafare & Yinka Ibikunle

DGN PH Coordinator, Dr. Sammy Ogunbiyi & Dr. Kenneth Njoku

DGN Founding President, Mr. Matthias Obahiagbon & Actress Ijeoma Imo

Filmmaker Teco Benson (MFR) Conducting The Opening Prayer

Friday 13 December 2019

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.