AGN Honours Nollywood Veterans

The Veteran Nite organised by the Actors Guild of Nigerian (AGN), Lagos State Chapter, recorded impressive attendance as the auditorium was filled with thespians, conflagration of stars, newbies and some of the current and past leaders of the guild, both at national and state level.

The event which took place on Tuesday, October 20, at Lekki Beach Central Hotels, saw some Nollywood legends like Keppy Ekpenyong, Tony Akposhere, Tari West, Emeka Duru and host of others in attendance.

The current President of the AGN, Emeka Rollas Ejezie, was unavoidably absent because of his trip to Kigali on a courtesy call to the Somalia President, however, three of his special advisers, Chucky Egbu, Ijeoma Imoh and Edmund Onyiriogwu, graced the occasion.

Before the climax of the event, which was the award, the audience was thrilled by the compere, MC Linchung aka Oliver Duke, a polyglot with rib cracking jokes, alongside other comedians, who were at hand to make the night enthralling.

Some of the veterans proved that the world has not left them behind as they sauntered to contemporary dance as well to the admiration of the young generation among the audience. The highlight of the Veteran Nite was the awards presented to the veterans in appreciation of their contributions to the growth of AGN.

There were three different categories of the awards given to 11 recipients. The most coveted award was the Life Time Achievements Award bestowed to Prince Ifeanyi, former National President and the Chairman Board of Trustee of the Guild.

The Outstanding Achievement Award was handed out to Emmanuel Oguguah the Vice Chairman of Board of Trustee and the National President of the Guild between 1997 and 2002; under his watch the guild was officially registered with the change of its name to Actors Guild of Nigeria.

His presidency also commenced the formation of state chapters including Lagos State Chapter. In addition to the two distinctive awards, nine others received Merit Award in recognition of their commitment, dedication and service to the guild.

The awardees include Commander COC Nze, Amaka Eze Amaka, Tony Akposhere of the Zaky of New Masquerade fame, Mrs. Stella Samuguna, Evangelist Tayler, Doris Unachukwu, Christy Okonkwo, Edmund Onyiriogwu, the former National Secretary of Guild, erstwhile Chief Press Secretary the National President Segun Arinze and the Special Adviser on Research and Documentation to the current National President Emeka Rollas Ejezie to mention just a few.

One of the recipients of the Merit Award, Akposheri expressed his profound joy geared towards the guild.
He said: “The award is good and it’s the first time the guild honoured the veterans in her midst.”
He further urged other guild members to support the award events for veterans actors because without actors the business will not excel.

Mr Udochi Nwaodu, former Chief Internal Auditor UBA Group worldwide, and the Chairman/CEO of Lekki Beach Central hotels, who spoke extensively on the undying efforts of the guild, added that, “it is commendable for the executive of Actors Guild of Nigeria to honour their veterans.

“It underscores its inclusiveness and sensitivity. Also, I am excited at the honour given to me today to be selected as a patron of the AGN. We are willing to collaborate with Nollywood and support the guild in our own little way.’’