The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), umbrella body for professional screen actors in the Nigerian film industry, known as Nollywood, has set up the AGN Asset Recovery Panel.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Dr. Emeka Rollas, AGN National President, presented the 3-man panel to the guild’s Board of Trustees (BOT) during an interactive session on Wednesday in Abuja.
The stakeholders’ interactive session was held by the guild to formally present its new national secretariat to the BOT.
The asset recovery panel has Onwurah Ifeanyi as Chairman, Garba Muazu as Secretary and Sydney Diala as member.
According to the national president, “The panel’s terms of reference include the recovery and safeguard of the guild’s assets in ‘wrong hands’, as well as to forestall future occurrence.
“Over the past two decades, the Guild has lost several valued assets, including cars, buses, furnished offices, landed property, equipment, and other material resources through mismanagement or wrongful appropriation by past leaders”, he said.
He further said, “To safeguard our future and set a clear deterrent against such practices, we have set up the AGN Asset Recovery Panel.
“This panel is empowered to trace, identify, and recover these assets, whether financial, material, or infrastructural, working with allied government Agencies like the Police, EFCC and ICPC.
“This step will not only restore what is rightfully ours but also strengthen accountability and integrity in our institution”, he added.
The AGN helmsman, who is serving his last tenure, said in line with the guild’s constitution, a National Electoral Committee (AGNEC) duly set up by the BOT has been inaugurated to conduct the next national election.
He, therefore, expressed gratitude to the BOT for their support and understanding which provided a conducive environment for him and his leadership team to deliver effectively on their mandate.
“It is with profound honour and gratitude that I stand before you today on this historic occasion of presenting our Guild’s office to the Registered Board of Trustees.
“I sincerely appreciate the Board of Trustees for the confidence consistently reposed in me and for granting me the rare privilege to serve as president of this noble Guild over the past seven years.
“Your guidance, encouragement, and steadfast support have been instrumental in the strides we have collectively achieved.
“When I assumed this position, I pledged to give my all to reposition the Guild, and in the past seven years, together we have fostered unity across all strata of our Guild.
“We have healed divisions, restored a sense of family among members, and made the Guild visible and respected, both within Nigeria and internationally.
“We have introduced a retail health management plan, ensuring that members have access to affordable healthcare”, he said.
Among other initiatives, Rollas said the guild, under his watch, has launched the AGN Super App, an innovation that offers members rewards, opportunities, and access to vital information at their fingertips.
In his remark, the BOT Secretary, Sonny McDon, commended the national president and his team for their passionate commitment to the betterment of the guild.
“I want to let you know that as a Board of Trustees we are proud of you, and we acknowledge your efforts and your achievements so far.
“Against all odds you have proven that to whom much is given, much is expected, and you have not fallen short of what we expected.
“Once again, we are saying bravo for all you have read out today, and we want to confirm that we are aware and we are in support of your administration,” he said.
