Abubakar Yakubu, Ifeoma Okeke-Ozzoude, Temidayo Amusa, Others Assume Office As Actors Guild Of Nigeria, AGN Executives

Abubakar Yakubu

 

OpenLife Nigeria reports that Ace thespian Abubakar Yakubu, Ifeoma Okeke-Ozzoude, Temidayo Amusa and many others have been sworn in as elected executives into various positions in the Actors Guild of Nigeria, AGN.

The Actors Guild held its national election on December 5–6, 2025, in Benin City, Edo State.

At the election, Abubakar Yakubu secured 116 votes, defeating his closet rival Rita Daniels who received 113 votes.
The newly elected executives have been inaugurated.

Abubakar Yakubu succeded Ejezie Emeka Rollas as the 9th national president of the Guild.
The inauguration event brought together actors from different states, as well as filmmakers and other stakeholders in the creative and entertainment sector.

In his inaugural speech, the new president pledged his commitment to an inclusive leadership, fostering productive relationships towards strengthening the guild for enhanced contribution to Nigerian motion picture industry.

Yakubu, who served as AGN’s General Secretary for over 10 years, said he would use his experience to provide effective leadership and build on the successes recorded by the past administration.
“I stand before you not in celebration of victory, but in humble acceptance of duty.

“I am deeply grateful, profoundly moved, and fully conscious that the mandate entrusted to me is not a privilege to be enjoyed, but a responsibility to be faithfully discharged.

“I thank the members of this great guild who believed in this vision and entrusted me with their hopes for a stronger, fairer, and more united Actors Guild of Nigeria.

“Your confidence humbles me, your trust inspires me, and I give you my solemn assurance that this mandate will be honoured with courage, discipline, transparency, and tireless service.

“Today, we turn the page together and move forward with one shared purpose—the advancement of the Actors Guild of Nigeria,” he said.

Yakubu however solicited the support and cooperation of all members and industry stakeholders as he steers the affairs of Nollywood actors.

Other members of the newly inaugurated NEC include Ifeoma Okeke-Ozzoude-National Secretary; Michael Yusuf Michael-Vice President North West; Nazareth Bako-Jesse-Vice President North Central and Yakubu Sule, Vice President North East.

Newly Elected NEC members include Barthelomew Aguugo-Vice President, South South;Temidayo Amusa -Vice President South West ; Clement Anigbo-Vice President South East and Grace Ama as Financial Secretary.

Others include Boma Akpore-Director Of Communication/PRO; Don Pedro Aganbi-Director of Policy and Implementation; David Akumah- Director of Guild Services; Johnson Erakpotobor -National Assistant Secretary and Tarela Solomon Afore- Chief whip.

HISTORY AND STRUCTURE OF THE ACTORS GUILD OF NIGERIA (AGN)

The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) is the principal umbrella association for professional screen actors in the Nigerian film and television industry commonly known as Nollywood. Established in 1998, the AGN was formed to represent, protect, and promote the welfare, rights, and professional development of Nigerian actors.

MISSION AND ROLE

AGN’s mission is to enhance actors’ working conditions, compensation, and industry recognition while fostering collaboration between performers and producers.

It serves as a unified voice for performers, advocating for fair contracts, professional standards, networking opportunities, and legal protection for members.

STRUCTURE

The guild is organized across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, each represented by a Vice President on the National Executive Council. The National President sits at the helm, supported by these zonal vice presidents and various departmental directors.

There are also state chapters with elected chairpersons responsible for grassroots activities and actor support within local communities.

PREDECESSORS AND LEADERSHIP

Over the years, AGN has been led by several notable figures in Nigerian entertainment, including Zack Orji, Ejike Asiegbu, Kanayo O. Kanayo (MFR), Segun Arinze, and Ibinabo Fiberesima, before Emeka Rollas assumed the presidency.

NOLLYWOOD: THE LARGER CONTEXT
ORIGINS

Nollywood refers to Nigeria’s vibrant film industry, one of the largest in the world in terms of production and cultural impact. The term “Nollywood” came into widespread use in the early 2000s to describe the nation’s booming film scene, though its roots trace back decades earlier through stage theatre and the early cinematic efforts of filmmakers like Hubert Ogunde and Ola Balogun.

EVOLUTION

The industry grew from low‑budget video productions in the 1990s marked by groundbreaking films like Living in Bondage to sophisticated modern cinema with international recognition. Today, Nollywood spans films in multiple Nigerian languages and serves audiences across Africa and the diaspora, contributing significantly to Nigeria’s cultural and economic landscape.