…Opens National Secretariat in Abuja
The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), an umbrella body for professional screen actors in the Nigerian film industry, known as Nollywood, has officially opened its national office in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Unveiling the new office, Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, commended the current leadership of the AGN for initiating and completing the project.
The minister, represented by the Director of Entertainment and Creative Economy Department of the ministry, Mrs Ugochi Akudo-Nwosu, described the project as historic and pivotal to the growth of the industry, adding that it was a testament to the growth of the AGN and the reflection of the vibrant potential of Nigeria’s creative economy
Musawa said creative economy is the new oil well as it provided a strategic platform for Nigerians to tell their stories, preserve their heritage and project the country’s soft power across the globe, noting that Nollywood as the world’s second largest film industry remained a shining example of what Nigerians could achieve when talent met opportunities.
The Minister said actors as the face of the industry played a vital role in shaping perceptions, inspiring change and driving economic growth, adding that the opening of the AGN’s national office in the FCT would fast-track efforts to make the territory a creative and entertainment hub.
Musawa said the ministry was working to reposition Abuja as a global entertainment hub, to boost tourism, create jobs and enhance Nigeria’s soft power diplomacy as part of the ‘Destination 2030’ plan.
The AGN National President, Dr Emeka Rollas, said the project was another milestone that attested to the phenomenal transformation brought in by the present leadership of the guild
He urged the FCT leadership to identify with the guild, especially in nurturing teeming youths in the territory who are interested in the film industry, even as he reiterated the determination of the guild to to take its place of pride at the forefront of the evolution of the sector.
