By Ayo Onikoyi

Actors Guild of Nigeria – Lagos Chapter recently elected new executives to steer the ship of the Guild for the next two years.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that multiple award winning Actor, producer, Journalist and TV host, Don Pedro Aganbi emerged the new AGN Lagos state Chairman while top Yoruba cross-over Actress and singer Dayo Amusa, emerged the Vice Chairman. Jude Orhorha, a top Nollywood actor and voice over artist was elected the General Secretary.

The newly elected officers included Mr.Oluwaseyi Copperfied, Financial Secretary, Mr. Oghenekaro Ogodo, PRO, Miss Rose Amra, Treasurer, Miss Blessing Anthony – Ani, Assistant Secretary, Mr. Henry Osewenge, Chief Whip and Mr. Julius Omije, Director Guild Services.

In his acceptance speech, Don Pedro Aganbi said that the immediate task before the newly elected team is to try to partner and influence Government policies and Government thinking towards Actors Guild of Nigeria in Lagos. He also hinted that a formidable task force will be set-up to handle the issue of quack producers in Lagos state who are taking advantage of up and coming actors.

Speaking further, the newly elected Lagos AGN Chairman said, “I stand here today humbled by the task before us, grateful for the trust you have bestowed, mindful of the sacrifices borne by our founding BOT Chairman, Prince Dr. Ifeanyi Dike. It’s been a long time coming, but today, because of what we did on this day, in this election, at this defining moment, the division in AGN Lagos has now come to an end. Today, in this election, you, the AGN Lagos family, reminded us that while our road has been rough, while our journey to unity and reconciliation has been long, we have picked ourselves up, we have fought our way back, and we know in our hearts that for AGN Lagos Chapter, the best is yet to come.” Speaking further, the chairman said, “If there is anyone out there who still doubts that AGN is a place where all things are possible, who still wonders if the dream of our founding BOT Chairman, Prince Dr. Ifeanyi Dike and his team is still alive in our time, who still questions the power of our togetherness, today, November 12, 2016 is your answer.  Without doubt we have had our fair share of challenges, but in the words of Scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things. Now it is time for all AGN members in Lagos to bind the wounds of division, I say it is time for us to come together as one united people”. He said.

Don Pedro Aganbi, a United nations Award Winner also thanked members of the electoral Committee led by Nollywood veteran Actor, Rtd. Commander C.O.C Nze and for their courage, commitment and transparency in ensuring that the election was peaceful.

Present at the election were Nollywood icon,  Hon. Desmond Elliot, Veteran producer, Obi Madubogwu, Director Paul Julius, Val Agwulonu, Cynthia Agholor, Moji Oyetayo (Mama Ajasco), Kelechi Udegbe, Emeka Duru,  Songito, Ejiro Okurame, Ifeoma Okeke among others.

The newly elected AGN Lagos executives were Sworn In by Barrister Ehis Akoedo of Festus Keyamo Chambers.