Decisions Taken At The NollyINSURED Initiative Implementation Committee Meeting

By Perekeme Odon

A high powered implementation committee meeting of the Nollywoodinsured Initiative made up of representatives from Nollywood, Leadway Insurance, Leadway Pension, Oceanic Health HMO and Diamond Bank was held on Tuesday November 27 2018 with lots of decisions made and taken.

The Chairman of the Implementation Committee Mr. Israel Eboh in his speech welcomed everyone present and stated that this committee is a technical one; and admonished that all members should be committed to the committee as the direction of NollyINSURED is dependent largely on them. 

Mr. Fred Amata Addressing members Of The NollyInsured At The Meet

He observed further that NollyINSURED has come a long way but saddled with the challenge of moving forward, a problem he attributes to implementation, being reason this committee was set up.

Present at the meeting were Mr. Israel Eboh (Chairman Implementation Committee, Favour Elebhose (Oceanic Health Rep), Charles Anazodo (Oceanic Health Rep), Uzo Okafor (Leadway Pensure Rep). Others include were Timothy Edetanlen (Leadway Pensure Rep), Fred Amata (DGN President/Chairman, NollyINSURED Initiative governing board), Matthias Obahiagbon (Executive Secretary, NollyINSURED Initiative), Joke Adekoya (Leadway Assurance Rep), Helen Olarewaju (Leadway Assurance Rep).

A Cross Section Of Members

The Chairman also demanded that been a strategic section of the committee, the service providers should proffer ways of encouraging members to register for the scheme 

  

*Outcome*

Mr. Favour Elebhose (Oceanic health Rep) informed that Oceanic health has approved a 10% discount for the first 50 early birds as incentive to practitioners

Mr. Uzo Okafor (Leadway Pensure Rep) was highly emphatic that pension does not and cannot engage in discounts, stating, and “Whatever amount one pays in is what comes out with the needed interest accrued”.

* Mr. Joke Adekoya (Leadway Assurance Rep) opined that as group insurance every needed discount has been given from the get-go which attributes for the very low premium, therefore, her organization can go no further on discount so as not to flout NAICOM policy. He posited that a size-able number be targeted for registration within a time frame 

 *Agreements*

* It was agreed that there was need for deadline on early bird registration 

i) A 30-day registration deadline was approved for early birds. This will elapse in December 2018

ii) Only those who make a-once-and-for-all payment will enjoy the 10% discount 

iii) Anyone who does installment payments (2 only) will enjoy a 7.5% on the first payment, and 5% on the second payment with a 60-day grace period

Consequently, members who desire the 10% discount and interested in the Standard Plus Family plan with accident cover will be required to pay as follows;

Health care N40, 000 less 10% = N36, 000

Accident Cover - N4, 000

Life Insurance - N7, 000

Pension - N2, 000

 *Total - N49, 000

By this, the total cost for beneficiaries of the 10% discount for Standard Plus Family plan is N49, 000 (Forty-Nine Thousand Naira Only)

While those interested in the 10% discount for the Standard Single Plus category with accident cover is; 

Health care - N10, 000 less 10% = N9, 000

Accident cover - N4, 000

Life Insurance - N2, 000

Pension - N2, 000 

 *Total- N17, 000. 00

The total cost of standard single for practitioners interested in the 10% discount of N17, 000 (Seventeen Thousand Naira only)

* The meeting agreed on a single document registration, and was informed that electronic form will be dispatched to heads of guilds/associations for members sign on registration 

* Forms to be filled by members and email to nollyinsured@gmail.com for organizational/record purposes at the clearing house and sent to the various service providers for necessary action 

* It was agreed that members could upgrade their plan, as they deem necessary 

* The meeting agreed on the need for all-in-one communication materials for publicity; i.e.: jingles, flyers, handbills, etc. 

* The meeting directed all service providers to transmit necessary information document on incentives to the Executive Secretary for the publicity materials 

The meeting approved H.I.P.S (Health Insurance Pension Scheme) as acronym for the various publications. 

* The Committee agreed to meet again on Tuesday, December 11 2018 @12noon for the next meeting. 

Mr. Matthias Obahiagbon, Executive Secretary, NollyINSURED Initiative, moved a motion for adjournment and seconded by Mr. Favour Elebhose  (Oceanic health Rep).

*Outcome*

Mr. Favour Elebhose (Oceanic health Rep) informed that Oceanic health has approved a 10% discount for the first 50 early birds as incentive to practitioners

Mr. Uzo Okafor (Leadway Pensure Rep) was highly emphatic that pension does not and cannot engage in discounts, stating, and “Whatever amount one pays in is what comes out with the needed interest accrued”.

* Mr. Joke Adekoya (Leadway Assurance Rep) opined that as group insurance every needed discount has been given from the get-go which attributes for the very low premium, therefore, her organization can go no further on discount so as not to flout NAICOM policy. He posited that a sizeable number be targeted for registration within a time frame 

 *Agreements*

* It was agreed that there was need for deadline on early bird registration 

i) A 30-day registration deadline was approved for early birds. This will elapse in December 2018

ii) Only those who make a-once-and-for-all payment will enjoy the 10% discount 

iii) Anyone who does installment payments (2 only) will enjoy a 7.5% on the first payment, and 5% on the second payment with a 60-day grace period

Consequently, members who desire the 10% discount and interested in the Standard Plus Family plan with accident cover will be required to pay as follows;

Health care N40, 000 less 10% = N36, 000

Accident Cover - N4, 000

Life Insurance - N7, 000

Pension - N2, 000

 *Total - N49, 000

By this, the total cost for beneficiaries of the 10% discount for Standard Plus Family plan is N49, 000 (Forty-Nine Thousand Naira Only)

While those interested in the 10% discount for the Standard Single Plus category with accident cover is; 

Health care - N10, 000 less 10% = N9, 000

Accident cover - N4, 000

Life Insurance - N2, 000

Pension - N2, 000 

 *Total- N17, 000. 00

The total cost of standard single for practitioners interested in the 10% discount of N17, 000 (Seventeen Thousand Naira only)

* The meeting agreed on a single document registration, and was informed that electronic form will be dispatched to heads of guilds/associations for members sign on registration 

* Forms to be filled by members and email to nollyinsured@gmail.com for organizational/record purposes at the clearing house and sent to the various service providers for necessary action 

* It was agreed that members could upgrade their plan, as they deem necessary 

* The meeting agreed on the need for all-in-one communication materials for publicity; i.e.: jingles, flyers, handbills, etc. 

* The meeting directed all service providers to transmit necessary information document on incentives to the Executive Secretary for the publicity materials 

The meeting approved H.I.P.S (Health Insurance Pension Scheme) as acronym for the various publications. 

* The Committee agreed to meet again on Tuesday, December 11 2018 @12noon for the next meeting. 

Mr. Matthias Obahiagbon, Executive Secretary, NollyINSURED Initiative, moved a motion for adjournment and seconded by Mr. Favour Elebhose  (Oceanic health Rep).

SCREENING! SCREENING!! SCREENING!!!

The Directors’ Guild of Nigeria (DGN) announces screening for intending members into the Guild for the 2018 periodic session.

For collection of forms, applicants should visit the DGN National Secretariat with evidence of payment.

Or

Call..
Mathias Obahiagbon
08056241335

Uchenna Agbo
08036860716

Date: 28 August 2018

Venue: DGN National Secretariat,
No 15 Simisola Street,
Off Ajao Street, Surulere,
Lagos state.

Time: 10am prompt.

*** Please do endeavour to come along with your credentials and three copies of any creative production you have directed, co-directed or assisted.

DGN.... The Custodian of The Film Arts of Nigeria.

DGN!!! ARTISTAE EXCELLENTUS...

Perekeme Odon
PRO
Directors' Guild of Nigeria (DGN).

Lagos State Government Embraces NollyINSURED Initiative

By Perekeme Odon

A milestone was initiated on Tuesday, August 14, 2018, when a delegation from NollyINSURED INITIATIVE paid a courtesy visit to the Hon. Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture; Mr. Steve Ayorinde at his Alausa office.

Leading the delegation, Mr Fred Amata, the Chairman of the Governing Board and President, Directors' Guild of Nigeria (DGN) thanked the Hon. Commissioner and his team for the warm reception. He enlightened the commissioner the reason and concept behind the initiative; NollyINSURED which was launched on July 13, 2017 and started operation on February 5, 2018 for the benefit of the creative industry practitioners.

L-R: Mr Fola Adeyemi, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs Aramide Giwanson, Special Adviser, Arts and Culture, Mr Steve Ayorinde, Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture and Mr. Fred Amata, President, Directors' Guild of Nigeria (DGN)

Speaking further, Mr. Amata said “NollyINSURED was created to provide quality and affordable healthcare, life / general insurance and pension for creative practitioners across boundaries in Nigeria. So it is in commemoration of the one-year anniversary of NollyINSURED that the delegation decided to pay a visit, seeking full support and participation of the government of Lagos State”.

Mr. Mathias Obahiagbon Addressing The Sextion

Mr Amata sought the government's assistance in legislating a law that provides for protection of practitioners through a robust welfare scheme, making it mandatory that every production practitioner (television, film, radio, theatre) provides the needed health insurance package for cast and crew.

The Hon. Commissioner, Mr. Steve Ayorinde expressed his appreciation that some of the sections in the creative industry could set aside their ego and usual bickering to establish such laudable concept like the NollyINSURED INITIATIVE.

L-R: Mr Fola Adeyemi, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs Aramide Giwanson, Special Adviser, Arts and Culture, Mr. Fred Amata, President, Directors' Guild of Nigeria (DGN) Steve Ayorinde, Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture and Mr. Matthias Obahiagbon; Executive Secretary (NollyINSURED INITIATIVE)

The Hon. Commissioner made a firm statement to say “the government will support such progressively inclusive initiative of the creative industry, hoping that as many others as possible should be a part of the scheme”. He furthermore requested to have details of the event once a new date has been fixed after the sudden postponement of the earlier scheduled NollyINSURED week due to the forthcoming Sallah holiday.

Nollywood And The One Lagos Team

In attendance with the Hon. Commissioner at the meeting are; Mr Fola Adeyemi, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs Aramide Giwanson, Special Adviser, Arts and Culture and other government personnel.

Members of the NollyINSURED delegation are: Yinka Oduniyi; President (ITPAN), Emeka Aduah; Chairman (FVPMAN Lagos State) and his Secretary; Anthony, Ms. Ngozi Ogbonna; President (AVOA), Chimobi Nwosu; National Secretary (CSN) Makinde Adeniran, Chairman (NANTAP Lagos State), Uzo Okafor (Leadway Pensure) and Matthias Obahiagbon; Executive Secretary (NollyINSURED INITIATIVE

DGN PRESIDENT CHARGES MEMBERS TO ALWAYS MAINTAIN STANDARDS

By Perekeme Odon

The President of the Directors' Guild of Nigeria (DGN), Mr. Fred Amata arrived Edo State via the Benin airport to his hotel in the early hours on Sunday evening, and without much ado, he went into the business of the day.

(L-R) Mr. Fred Amata, DGN President & Mr. Davidson Izegaegbe, DGN Edo State Coordinator

While welcoming the President to Edo State, the coordinator Mr. Davidson Izegaegbe stated that the arrival of the President was timely and most important in view of the progressive agenda put at the floor for discussion.

Billy King set the ball rolling by reviewing what steps could be taken to make other states DGN members be actively involved in the mainstream of NOLLYWOOD activities.

The President, Mr. Fred Amata said that Nollywood is bigger than we think or visualize because the business of filmmaking is beyond a locale hence the need  to constantly ennoble the DGN whenever the tools of filmmaking is at our reach. He assured that with the work on the various locations in Edo State, mainstream Nollywood seem to be in Benin now. He stressed that the structure on the ground in Benin will take everyone by storm.

He said further that our prestigious guild is very far from where it started and almost getting near where we are heading, sighting teething problems as springboard for writing the page of success in the book of history.

In addition, the Benin Zonal Coordinator, Davidson Izegaegbe said that part of the teething problems before now was information disseminations which somehow made "hoarding of information" key to making progress slow but for the internet which has made the world a global village, with preproduction, production and post production dynamics now at our finger tips.

Mr. Peddie Okao a producer/director of repute also buttresses his point by referring the DGN President to an industry blueprint/template developed by Edo State to stir the ship of our filmmaking business to glory.  He talked on aspects that have taken care of distribution, marketing, film village for practitioners, guilds/associations structures, and the need for our indigenes in diasporas who are into filmmaking to take advantage of the vast opportunity for investment in the film industry.

He furthermore advised on the need for DGN members to put in their best in every production irrespective of the language or locale it is shot since filmmaking cuts across language barriers. He concludes that Edo will soon be the much desired Nollywood destination. 

In conclusion, the President expressed his joy in seeing that the Benin Zone is well organised and focused in articulating the policies of the DGN executives and the industry in general. He enjoined all to always maintain the standard of DGN and remain good ambassadors of this guild of honour.

The President was later ushered into a film premier room at the ISNO Hotel , and taken to a location where a film shoot by Billy Kings was holding, and was later hosted by the management of Hexagon Entertainment Center in the heart of Benin.

The 4-day visit to Benin Zone by the President, which commenced on Sunday August 5 to Wednesday August 8 2018, is one of very many to happen within the year as already scheduled by the Zonal Chapter of the DGN in Edo State.

In his address to the new appointees, the President, Fred Amata, congratulated the Coordinator, Davidson Izegaegbe and the Secretary Johnbull Negbenebor, and thereafter tasked them to uphold the tenets of the guild.

The President also seized the opportunity to congratulate all the newly appointed committee members, Zonal coordinators and Secretaries. He enjoined all to see the task of building the guild as a duty that must be done. He reminded the guild that as custodian of the film art of Nigeria the prestige and integrity of the guild should be made manifest through their dedication and commitment.

The President said he was happy with the role played by Benin Zone members in creating the Movie Industry template for filmmakers in Edo State, and said that his visit to the Zone is one of many to come help sustain a viable movie industry in the State.

DGN EXCO HOLDS ITS INAUGURAL MEETING IN LAGOS

By Perekeme Odon

(L-R) Fred Amata & Mac Collins Chidebe

The inaugural meeting of the Directors’ Guild of Nigeria DGN took place on Tuesday July 10, 2018 at the DGN Secretariat in Surulere, Lagos state.

The new executives of the apex guild of the Nigerian movie industry tagged ‘Nollywood’ inaugurated its eight-member executive on Friday 22, June 2018 at the renowned cinema hall of the Nigerian Film Corporation, Obalende, Ikoyi- Lagos after a successful AGM / election in Abeokuta, Ogun state on April 13, 2018.

(M) Mr. Fred Amata

The President, Mr. Fred Amata welcomed the new Exco members and extended courtesies to all who came from far and near. He admonished members to be of good conduct in discharging their responsibilities, and expressed his dismay about the antagonism suffered by the administration despite the giant steps taken in the last two years.

DGN EXCO

Speaking further, the President highlighted,  “This is a relatively short meeting but it is nonetheless important to welcome you all once again. I recognize and thank the esteem executives for their unprecedented support in my first tenure. It feels good to be here and to have the opportunity to speak at another inaugural meeting. Nigeria is an emerging force in the world of filmmaking and needs no hindrance from achieving its full potentials and attributes by protecting the rights of the directors and take care of the welfare of its members, which is our constitutional responsibility, and most importantly, let every member speak with one cohesive voice to drive and dictate policies. We will do the best to foster a reasonable system for film production by setting goals “. The President underlined on the occasion: “It is far too easy to lose hope in life and the world. That is not an option. We therefore need to seek strength and protect ourselves by laughing more, crying more, exploring ourselves more to challenges. We need to let our world be turned upside down more often. Media habits have changed dramatically in the past five years and we know that streaming and home cinema systems are increasingly part of people's everyday lives”.

Tony Akposheri & Mac Collins Chidebe

In addition, the President emphasized that this tenure will focus on reinforcing the sustainable structures that entrenched the guild. The Physical Structures, including The Secretariat, The Administrative Structure; including Patrons, The Board, The EXCO, Zonal Coordinators, Committees, and the Legal Structure rooted in the Constitution.

TMr. Fred Amata & His Exco

He pledged to increase ties with the administrative operations by sourcing for reliable, well meaning and passionate individuals as patrons to support in driving the affairs of the guild and assured members that perfecting the constitution was priority. He likewise advised members to embrace the NollyINSURED welfare scheme, which is a one of a kind health initiative, tailored for the movie industry and promised members of an organized sensitization workshop at each zone in Nigeria to enlighten members.

The EXCO

President Amata deliberated intensely with its EXCO members on broadening the scope of the guild and defined major highpoints his administration will focus on which include setting up more zones where necessary, intensive capacity building and training programmes for members home and abroad and hosting of International Directors Day / Week / Award Night; where practitioners, Patrons, Fellows and Grand Patron will be honoured.

The DGN President furthermore respectively assured members on the need for appointment of new Zonal Coordinators with terms of reference, Code of Conduct Handbook, DGN press card for appropriate identification and easy access to location.

(L-R) Dan Chukwueze, Fred Amata & Perekeme Odon

In his modest remark, President Fred Amata thanked the executives for their enormous and brilliant contributions and implored them to stay focused and straight like an arrow. “This is not my task alone. Together we are stronger, and together we can. We must make this tenure a turning point by making the changes needed to move the guild forward. My first tenure was years of turmoil and laughter. It brought challenges and crises, at times pushing me to the limits. But it was also one of inspiration. The recognition by the global community of our abilities reflects your generous contributions and investment in our effort. That is why my vision is simply ‘Positioning DGN' with a mission to ‘Introduce globally recognized avant-garde practices which do not come as commercial to local cinema audience and expose local films and filmmakers to the world. We are the last generation who will be able voluntarily to take the necessary steps that will build the road to dignity for all”.

(L-R)Collins Chidebe, Uche Agbo & Tony 

Executive members present at the meet were Mr. Fred Amata (President), Mr. China Mac Collins Chidebe (Vice President), Mr. Uchenna Agbo (National Secretary), Mr. Tony Akposheri (Financial Secretary), Mr. Perekeme Odon (Public Relations Officer), Mr. Osita Okoli (Provost) and Mr. Daniel Chukwueze (Welfare Officer).

DGN INAUGURATES FRED AMATA FOR 2ND TERM

By Perekeme Odon

It was another splendid day of fun and spectacle as the Directors’ Guild of Nigeria DGN inaugurates new Executive Members to mark the commencement of another two-year term of Mr. Fredrick Amata as President of the guild.

The inauguration of the eight-member executive, which took place on Friday 22, June 2018 at the celebrated cinema hall of the Nigerian Film Corporation, Obalende, Ikoy- Lagos, started at 12.30 pm amid topnotch filmmakers and stakeholders of the Nigerian entertainment industry present to witness.

The new executive was elected on April 13, 2018 after a successful convention / AGM in Abeokuta, Ogun State tagged ‘DGN-OGUN Nollywood Fiesta 2018’ from April 11-13 2018; with an official theme of “Bringing Nollywood To Rebuild Ogun Standard”, and hosted by the Ogun state Government.

Mr. Fred Amata being sworn in by Barr. Adebisi Oridate

It will be recalled that the Abeokuta election returned the administration and leadership team of Mr. Fred Amata who are Mr. Uchenna Agbo (former Assistant National Secretary, now National Secretary), Mr. Tony Akposheri (Financial Secretary) and Mr. Osita Okoli (Provost).

(L-R) Ugo Prince Res, Uchenna Agbo & Fred Amata

In order to fill up other vacant positions, a by-election was conducted in Lagos on June 22, 2018 and Mr. China Mac Collins Chidebe emerged Vice President, Mr. Perekeme Odon (Public Relations Officer), Mr. Prince Cres Ugo (Assistant National Secretary) and Mr. Daniel Chukwueze (Welfare Officer).

The swearing-in / oath of office ceremony was administered by Barr. Adebisi Oridate of Babatunde Ogala Esq, a Notary Public of Nigeria; who swore in the President and other executive members.

(I-R)Fred Amata & Mac Collins Chidebe

(L-R) Tony Akposheri, Daniel Chukwueze * Perekeme Odon

In his inaugural speech, the President Mr. Fred Amata thanked every member for standing by him and staying true to the guild’s agenda and policies. " First of all, I am cherished to be here to express my immeasurable gratitude to the support and trust given me. It is a remarkable honour to be chosen by my colleagues once again to lead our noble guild, and I critically look forward to taking on the challenges facing our members and industry. Today, DGN has spoken – and spoken unwaveringly. So let me speak decisively in return." Amata said in a statement.

A Cross Section Of The Executive Members

He went further to state that “Not only am I thankful for your support, but also for all the candidates who offer to serve the guild and seek solutions for internal and external problems. With your trust, I will work tirelessly on your behalf to help address challenges, and to secure lasting and meaningful improvement to quality. Thank you for the election. I promise you, as president I will do my very best to listen and ensure transparency. ”

DGN Executive Members

The President also used the event to inform members on progressive development on amending the constitution before the August deadline. He highlighted on the need to create more departments and committees in providing services, information and resources to DGN members; and finally illustrated on the many challenges in the guild, but believe we can overcome them if members rise above politics to do what is best for the guild.

Swearing In Of The Executives

The President thanked DGNEC 2018 championed by Barrister Tunji Bamishigbin as Chairman, Mr. Tony Anih (Secretary), Mr. Sam Azubuike, (Member), Mr. Ken Njoku (Member), Mrs. Tope Oshin (Member), Chief Ogie Ogedengbe (Member), Alhaji Abdulkareem Mohammed (Member) for their continuing service to the guild and wish them the best for the future.  

(L-R) Tony Akposheri, Aniedi Awah Noba & Perekeme Odon

Dignitaries present at the event are Lagos Zonal Director, Nigerian Film Corporation, Mr. Simon Inegedu, DGN first and former President, Comrade Mathias Obahiagbon, Frankie Oite, Aniedi Awah Noba, Eazzy Godspower Ologe, Isdore Chikere, Ejike Onyeukwu, Harrison Andem, and lovers of Nollywood.