Asaba was transformed into a vibrant gathering of Nollywood personalities as more than 500 actors and industry stakeholders converged on the Delta State capital for the inauguration of the new executive council of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Delta State Chapter.
The ceremony, attended by traditional rulers, government officials, entertainment stakeholders and guild members from within and outside Delta, was more than a change of leadership.
It became a showcase of the ambitions of the new administration and its plans to give Nollywood practitioners in the state a stronger institutional and welfare foundation.
At the centre of the event was the inauguration of the executive council led by Prince Kelvin Uvo-Oghogho, alongside the unveiling of a permanent AGN Delta secretariat on DBS Road, Asaba.
The new secretariat, described as a major milestone for the chapter, was formally unveiled by the national president of the guild, Alhaji Abubakar Yakubu Sanusi.
Sanusi urged the new leadership to see their positions as a responsibility to the entire membership rather than an opportunity for personal recognition.
He called on the new executives to unite members after the election and turn Delta into a reference point for the guild nationwide.
“Show us what you can do. Show us that Delta State is the best chapter in Nigeria, ” he said.
The national president also praised members for the conduct of the election, stressing that the outcome should not create divisions within the guild.
According to him, the real victory belonged to AGN, regardless of who contested or won the election.
A 200-acre vision for Nollywood
In what could become one of the most significant developments for the creative sector in Delta, Uvo-Oghogho announced that the chapter had secured 200 acres of land for Nollywood-related development.
Part of the land, he disclosed, included 50 acres in Ogwashi-Uku, secured with the support of the traditional ruler of the area and Hon. Rita Daniels.
The AGN Delta chairman described the acquisition as a breakthrough capable of creating room for the expansion of film production and other creative activities across the state.
He also appealed to the Delta State Government to give the entertainment industry greater attention, arguing that Nollywood is a major source of employment for residents.
For the new chairman, the objective is not simply to occupy office but to create visible improvements in the lives and careers of actors.
“Progress, progress, progress.”
That declaration became a defining theme of his vision for the chapter.
Welfare takes centre stage
Beyond land and infrastructure, the new administration outlined a welfare programme targeted at both emerging and established actors.
Uvo-Oghogho promised improved welfare packages for upcoming practitioners, while veterans and established professionals are expected to receive stronger support under the new leadership.
He also placed particular emphasis on the protection of women in the industry.
The chairman pledged to work with the national leadership to confront intimidation and harassment against female actors, with the aim of creating a safer professional environment.
Another major proposal is a health insurance programme being developed in partnership with an insurance company.
The initiative, according to the chairman, is intended to make healthcare more accessible to guild members while reducing the financial pressure that often accompanies medical treatment.
Preparing actors for the digital future
Recognising the rapid transformation of entertainment through technology, the Delta AGN leadership also revealed plans to collaborate with the state’s Ministry of Science and Technology.
The proposed partnership would expose actors to digital tools and artificial intelligence, areas increasingly influencing filmmaking, content creation and the global entertainment business.
The guild also plans to engage the Ministry of Energy on initiatives that could improve opportunities within the creative sector.
The emphasis, Uvo-Oghogho said, is on practical results that members could see and benefit from it.
