The heartbeat of Nigeria, Benin City, Edo State, was agog for
three days as film directors converged on the serene but culturally vibrant
capital's penultimate week for the 2023 National Convention under the umbrella of the Directors'
Guild of Nigeria (DGN), with the theme "Charting New African
Narratives," from July 13–15, 2023, at the Victor Uwaifor Creative Hub.
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| President Dr. Victor Okhai |
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A
four-in-one National convention—election of a new national
executive, induction of new members, ratification of a new constitution,
and
the DGN annual conference/launching of the first ever DGN Academy
Journal by
the DGN Academy Conference Team, led by Prof. Emmanuel Emasealu—which
brought
together filmmakers and practitioners, arts and culture administrators,
culture enthusiasts, and thespians from across the country and beyond.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the convention, the DGN
President, Dr. Victor Okhai, showed great appreciation to the Governor, Godwin
Nogheghase Obaseki, for his immense contributions to the creative industry and
talent development, the Edo State Government through Edo Jobs, and the Victor
Uwaifo Creative Hub for hosting the august event. He also commended the Vice
Chancellor and staff of Gabriel Igbinedion University, Okada, for the
partnership.
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Dr. Victor Okhai & Chief Gabriel Igbinedion
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The DGN conference, anchored by Dr. Ovunda Ihunwo, with Chief
Andy Boyo, Mr. Paul Obazele, Prof. Sunday Ogunbiyi, and Mazi Ugezu J. Ugezu as
speakers, saw the launch of the first ever volume of the DGN academic journal
titled "Nollywood Practise," which documents the history of
one of the world’s fastest-growing movie industries with an annual output of
approximately 1,800 films. The journal, produced in partnership with Igbinedion
University Okada, was presented to members of DGN at the guild’s annual
national convention held at the Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub in Benin City, Edo
State.
The DGN President, in his opening remark, described the
excitement with which papers for the journal were sent as unprecedented. He
stressed the importance of documenting the history of the film industry in
Nigeria and ensuring that "we tell our story", saying the journal was
a means to achieve that pertinent goal.
Speaking at the ceremony, The DGN President emphasized the
significance of documenting the history of the Nigerian film industry and
making sure that "We tell our story", stating that the journal served as a tool to
accomplish that important objective.
"Mungo Park was said to have discovered the River Niger,
but our ancestors were already here before he came. That mistake will not
repeat itself in our lifetime. We must tell our story, and the Directors' Guild
of Nigeria must do the same," Okhai said.
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Chief Andy Boyo, Dr. Ovunda Ihunwo, Mazi Ugezu & Paul Obazele
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An evening reception with His Excellency, Chief Gabriel Osawaru
Igbinedion, Esama of Benin Kingdom, saw a breathtaking feasting and
carnival-like gathering with all the trappings of a cultural festival, from
drum ensembles to cultural dance performances, and various gifts were given to
members at the event.
The Esama was named patron of the guild and thanked them for the
honour, stating that it is a source of encouragement for him to make arts and
culture an intrinsic component of all activities in his domain.
An excursion was also taken to Osaretin Festus Isibor's Deep End
Villa and Event Centre at Obagie Rd., off Benin Sapele Road, Benin City, and
Deepend Hotels and Suites, opposite NTA, one of the leading hotels in Edo State
situated in the heart of Benin City, as well as a tour of his multi-billion
naira state-of-the-art 20th-century film studio and the horror hunted house.
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Chief Igbinedion Conferred as DGN Patron
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The 2023 conference concluded with the election, which saw Dr.
Victor Okhai return unopposed with 65 votes to lead the guild for the next two
years.
Uchenna Agbo, who ran unopposed, was elected Vice President with
64 votes.
Mr. Perekeme Odon was elected for
the office of National Secretary with 65 votes.
Mazi Okoli, who received 65 votes, was declared the winner of
the Treasurership contest.
Jeremiah Onoge was declared the winner after running unopposed
for the position of Public Relations Officer for the guild.
Daniel
Chukwueze and John Paul Nwanganga were elected as the Provost and
Director of Social/Welfare proportinately. Gold Dappa and Comrade Ofia Mbaka were elected Financial Secretary Assistant National Secretary respectively.
President Okhai stated in his address that there was no victor
and no vanquished, and he urged all of his colleagues to assist him in taking
the guild to a higher level.
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Chief Peddie Okao & Dr. Victor Okhai
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(l-r)Nelly, Chief China, Davidson & Love Best
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(l-r) Davidson, Osaretin Festus Isibor & Dr. Okhai
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(l-r) Prof Ogunbiyi, Fred Mayford, Moses Eskor, Andy Boyo & Mazy Ugezu
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(l-r) HolySteve, Mathew Ajally, Emma, Peter & Amb. Cynthia
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A Cross Section of Members
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DGN Members in a Pose
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Chief Igbinedion Presented with a copy of DGN Journal
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