The Imo State Chapter of the Actors Guild of Nigeria AGN has rolled out plans to mark its 20th anniversary in the state.
The unveiling ceremony which took place at Ice Club and Lounge Owerri on October 30, 2021, is said to be the beginning of a new chapter for the guild.
In his address, the chairman of the planning committee and first Chairman of the Guild in Imo State, Mr. Lambert Nnorom said the event is an appraisal of the growth of the children of one woman (AGN) who she suckled and bred to greatness in a global village known as Nollywood.
Speaking further Mr. Nnorom said that they will also unmask the tangibles and also flag off publicity for the main events.
The Chairman of the Guild, Lady Nneoma Ukpabi said that the event is the beginning of big things to come, adding that Imo AGN as an entity is one big united family of progressives.
Lady Nneoma Ukpabi said that the event is significant as they move towards a new chapter in the guild.
She added that the series of events lined up for the celebration will not only show what Imo AGN is made of but also empower its members as well as prepare them to be global players in the industry.
She thanked everyone who attended the event, singling out the CEO of Ice Club and Lounge, Engr. Ifeanyi Emeruwa, who singlehandedly sponsored the unveiling ceremony.
Hon. Eric Uwakwe who is the chairman of the occasion and representative of the state governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma assured members of the Guild that the state government will work closely with them to rebuild the entertainment industry in the state.
He said that entertainers play a significant role in the economy and the government will help in amplifying those roles through significant investment and partnerships.
“I am happy to be a part of Your 20th Anniversary celebration today. I am one of your biggest fans. What you are doing is real and legal. It is something that is very rare. The world is watching you. I want you to stay focused and never take no for an answer. We will support you and give you the opportunity to get to places you never imagine”
“As a State Government, we are committed to developing creative talents in Imo State as we continue to serve as the premier destination for Nollywood and entertainment generation in Africa.” Hon. Uwakwe said.
AGN Members to get professional training
Also speaking, the Public Relations Officer of the Guild, Mr. Chuma Mmeka James Jnr. said that plans have been concluded in partnership with the state government to train members of the Guild in various skills needed in the industry come 2022.
He said the training will set the Guild on a new level with many professionals.
Chuma Mmeka described the event as a groundbreaker for the entire industry in the state, adding that with the training scheduled for 2022, members of the Guild will be plying their trades on a different level.
Full events for the 20th Anniversary and the movie ‘Ojiugo’
Mr. Lambert Nnorom Jnr. In his address released a list of activities which includes the premiere of the movie “Ojiugo”.
He revealed that Ojiugo, a cinema flick will put Imo AGN on the map again when it premiers.
An excerpt from Lambert Nnorom’s address showing the full activities for the 20th anniversary.
- Hope for AGN Imo Road Tour – November 26, 2021
This morning activity will involve the touring of major roads and streets in the state capital by Guild members and all lovers of entertainment. The objective of this event is to promote entertainment and encourage people to embrace peace, unity, and progress in Imo State.
- Hope for AGN Imo Lectures – November 26, 2021
This afternoon activity will involve the coaching of AGN members and industry wannabes on professionalism; instructions on alternative income sources to support their practice in the industry, and how to shoot themselves to stardom. The objective of this event is to instill and build confidence in young AGN members and industry wannabes.
- Nollywood Imo @20 Anniversary Competitions Semis – November 27, 2021
This all-day activity is comprised of competitions in Drama, Modeling/Pageantry, Music, and Dance. We have competitions amongst the four Satellite/Outreaches of AGN Imo State, Production Houses and Social Groups in Nollywood; competitions among the seven tertiary institutions in the state; and a Beauty Pageant/Contest to determine the most appropriate maiden from the 27 Local Government Areas in the state to wear the toga of Face of AGN Imo 2021: the winner and her runners up shall become Ambassadors of AGN to do public good as part of our corporate social responsibilities. The overall objective of this exercise is to promote the growth of the performing arts sub-sector; galvanize support for the industry from across the state, and return to the society that has made us relevant.
- Anniversary Thanksgiving Church Service – November 28, 2021
This morning program is to show appreciate the Most High God who has brought Nollywood in Imo State this far. Thanksgiving gift items will be presented at the Altar to show appreciation to God. The objective of this activity is to help rekindle the faith of industry practitioners in the state, and put them and their affairs in the hands of God.
- Nollywood Imo @20 Anniversary Competitions Finals – November 28, 2021
This afternoon activity is to determine the Finalists from all anniversary competitions. The objective here is to ready all Competition/Contest Winners for presentation at a later activity.
- Nollywood Imo @20 Awards Night & Film Premier – November 28, 2021
The evening activity that will commence with a televised Red Carpet Show will culminate in the ‘Fellows of Nollywood’ Award series: A special recognition of individuals and organizations whose contributions have greatly and positively impacted Nollywood/AGN in Imo State. Highlight of the occasion will be the Public Presentation of the first-ever Cinematic Film Produced by AGN nationally. The film entitled “Orjiugo” which is 100% AGN/Nollywood practitioners cast and crew, seeks to project artistes from Imo State to the limelight internationally. There will also be select side attractions to reveal innovative talents. The overall objective of this exercise is to give honor to whom it is due and to launch a fund to help AGN Imo succeed in making more film genres to build the economic base and well-being of practitioners in the state.
