OPEN LETTER TO PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI GCFR. FROM THE CREATIVE INDUSTRY GUILDS & ASSOCIATIONS

TO THE PRESIDENT.

FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA

GENERAL MUHAMMADU BUHARI GCFR.

ASO ROCK PRESIDENTIAL VILLA

FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY

ABUJA.

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT OF NIGERIA: CREATIVE INDUSTRY FINANCE INITIATIVE (CIFI) LOAN PROGRAM.

1. The Nollywood Guilds and Associations of Nigeria with over Five million active members seize this opportunity to thank President Muhammadu Buhari and his administration, for affirming the critical role of the Nigerian Creative Industry especially Nollywood as the main empowerment instrument for millions of Nigerian youths. Nollywood is a frontline partner with the Federal government of Nigeria to actualize President Buhari's laudable vision of creating 100 million vital youth jobs in four years. It was therefore welcome news when the President announced the single digit 22 Billion Naira loan facility to the Creative industry, to spur the immediate creation of millions of youth jobs annually.

2. The entire Nigerian Creative Industry greeted the Federal government's intervention with initial euphoria, but immediately after engaging the leading Nigerian Banks spearheading the actualization of the program, we have since sadly realized that the structure of the program as being implemented by Central Bank of Nigeria CBN, and the two leading Banks (Access Bank and Guarantee Trust Bank) is completely flawed and will not achieve the expectations of Mr. President.

3. It was expected that both CBN and the two main Nigerian Banks would at least consult with the Nollywood leadership, blessed with over 500 years of combined applicable global experience in the entertainment industry, to jointly craft an innovative, technologically advanced film production and distribution strategy and master plan that will not only sustain the Nigerian Creative industry, but will ultimately satisfy President Buhari's critical mandate of massive job creation for the teeming Nigerian youth population. Though the Nollywood leadership had already internally developed a unique and strategic master plan for the Creative Industry based on 25 years of tried and tested solutions with excellent Proof of Concept applications, CBN completely ignored and relegated the 15 Federal government registered Nollywood Guilds and Associations and shockingly imposed impossible conditionality for the CIFI loan application which no single practicing creative industry company can meet. This rather unfortunate action by CBN portrays a very sad, haughty, paternalistic and disdainful view of Nollywood, the Industry that single handedly raised Nigeria's economy to the number one position in Africa. The result of CBN's ill-advised strategy has left Nollywood aghast. Worse still is the potential waste of Nigeria's hard earned financial resources simply because of bureaucratic arrogance and a lack of required due diligence.

4A. To buttress the mistake, CBN and the Banks, only created the category of high end extremely costly Cinemas as the only viable distribution option for Nollywood films. This is shocking and completely counter-productive since most industry practitioners understand and appreciate the new global distribution opportunities of 5G Digital Monetization through the internet and several innovations in symbiotic relationship with Fintech, 25 Billion Dollars annual remittances, Nigerian advantageous Five Fiber Optic undersea cable companies and the well developed Nigerian advertising industry.

(B) The archaic brick and mortar Cinema distribution opportunities have been rendered not viable especially in Nigeria where the average cinema is built with a whopping cost of over 500 million Naira with only 400 seats with expensive Digital Cinema Print (DCP) projection technology. A simple alternative would have been to build Five Cottage Cinemas of 400 seats each at the over 700 local government centers, with the same amount, with attendant world class, affordable BLURAY 1080p projection technology and Digital Knowledge Process Outsourcing (DKPO) international monetization capacity.

(C) Ironically, the entire Nollywood shoots in 1080p, the global standard digital format. The CBN preferred massive cinema edifices force Nollywood film producers to convert their content to DCP at an additional cost of One Hundred thousand Naira per cinema screen. Meanwhile the discombobulated film Producer can only expect Thirty Percent of Cinema gate takings, after paying Sixty percent of the gross to the Cinema/ distributor (who is actually also the same cinema owner) and mandatory Ten percent gross as Federal government Tax plus an additional Five percent Lagos State government VAT.

(D) This lopsided arrangement ruins the ability of Nollywood film producers to continuously produce quality content and directly frustrates their capacity to create much needed employment for Nigerians. Ironically, the cinemas can only create maximum Fifty jobs per cinema location. Twenty cinemas at the proposed Five Hundred Million Naira each (Ten Billion Naira) can only generate at best, One thousand jobs total.

5. Nollywood Guilds trepidation therefore stems from the naivety of the Banks in executing the CIFI loan funds without any knowledge whatsoever about the industry. Four years from now when we all look back and reminisce over the disaster, the Nigerian youth population would have been cheated out of the great opportunity presented by President Buhari's kind intervention. It is therefore simply because of this critical reason that the Nollywood Guilds and distinguished Associations, have come together in one voice, to raise alarm to caution against the impending catastrophe.

6. The far-reaching deplorable Nigerian Banks attitude towards the Nigerian Creative Industry subjugates Nollywood and the entire Creative Industry to a shameful dependence on foreign controlled media of archaic, non-interactive set top box Satellite Technology. Apart from the national disgrace, the foreigners make out like bandits, taking undue advantage of the Nigerian Creative Industry art and talents. For those bold Nollywood film and music entrepreneurs who are forced to seek venture capital elsewhere, they are subjected to agreeing to incorporate neo cultures completely alien to indigenous Nigerian culture and mores in their content and programming. Unfortunately some Nigerians have acquiesced to their subtle yet potent demands so as survive. We will witness the repercussions of their choice soon in the Nigerian creative space.

7. Nollywood Guilds are ready, willing and able to actualize President Buhari's vision for the empowerment of millions of Nigerian youths. With a singular four year budget of Ten million Dollars, the industry has the structure, experience, capacity, global relationship equity and overall wherewithal to practically and realistically create and sustain Five Million youth jobs by producing, distributing and monetizing 5,000 movies globally in Four years and in the process, champion the positive propagation of the distinguished Nigerian personality worldwide, thereby facilitating much needed marketing opportunities for foreign direct investment (FDI) into the Nigerian economy.

The ball is in Mr. President's court. We await Your Excellency's decision.

SIGNED BY

* PRESIDENT, ASSOCIATION OF MOVIE PRODUCERS (AMP)

* PRESIDENT, DIRECTORS’ GUILD OF NIGERIA (DGN)

* PRESIDENT, ACTORS GUILD OF NIGERIA. (AGN) 

* PRESIDENT, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIAN THEATRE ARTS * PRACTITIONERS (NANTAP)

*PRESIDENT, MOTION PICTURE PRODUCERS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA (MOPPAN)

* PRESIDENT, INDEPENDENT TELEVISION PRODUCERS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA (ITPAN)

* PRESIDENT, SCREEN WRITERS GUILD OF NIGERIA (SWGN)

* PRESIDENT, CINEMATOGRAPHY SOCIETY OF NIGERIA (CSN)

* PRESIDENT, CREATIVE DESIGNERS GUILD OF NIGERIA (CDGN)

* PRESIDENT, CONGRESS OF EDO MOVIE PRODUCERS (CEMP)

* PRESIDENT, THEATRE AND MOVIE PRACTITIONERS ASSOCIATION OF 

NIGERIA (TAMPAN)

* PRESIDENT, FILM AND VIDEO PRODUCERS MARKETING ASSOCIATION 

OF NIGERIA (FVPMAN)

* PRESIDENT, ASSOCIATION OF VOICE OVER ARTISTE OF NIGERIA (AVOA) 

* PRESIDENT, ASSOCIATION OF CORE MOVIE PRODUCERS (ANCOP)

* PRESIDENT, ASSOCIATION OF MOVIE CONTENT OWNERS AND PRODUCER / MARKETERS OF NIGERIA (AMCOD)

* PRESIDENT, ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIAN THEATRE ARTS PRACTITIONERS (ANTP)

CC: CBN GOVERNOR

CC: HON. MINISTER OF FINANCE

CC: HON. MINISTER OF INFORMATION AND CULTURE

Directors' Guild of Nigeria Confers Omoyibo Patron

By Perekeme Odon

The Directors’ Guild of Nigeria (DGN) stormed the city of Oleh in Isoko Kingdom of Delta state of Nigeria to conferred on a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist, Engr. Daniel Elozino Omoyibo as the patron of the Directors Guild of Nigeria (DGN).

Engr. Daniel Omoyibo

The event, which took place Dantinajo Gold Resort, Oleh, Isoko was held on Sunday, July 28 2019, turned out to be a celebration as the communities and spectators swamped the streets in their great numbers to catch a glimpse of their screen idols that were having a field day in the Isoko kingdom.

(l-r) KOK, Chief Fred amata, Engr. Omoyibo, Chinedu Ikedieze, Zeb Ejiro (MON) & Patience Ozorkwu

Engr. Omoyibo, a capitalist businessman and lover of the make believe art, was nominated following his adoration, admiration and determination to inspire filmmakers and the movie industry at large. Undeniably, it was a moment of concentrated enthusiasm for the people as the stars paid courtesy visits to a few high profile traditional rulers and kings at various kingdoms.

Hilda Dokubo & Fidelis Duker

Nollywood actor and incumbent President of the Directors’ Guild of Nigeria (DGN), Mr. Fred Amata was honoured with a chieftaincy title, in Oleh Community, Delta State by the Odio- Ologbo of Oleh kingdom, HRM Anthony Williams Onovughe Ovrawah as the Okugbe of Oleh Kingdom at his palace in Oleh. The DGN President was bestowed the honour through a courtesy visit with members of the guild and actors to the royal father led by Engr. Daniel Omoyibo, who was later made patron of DGN in a groundbreaking occasion.

Fred Amata Been Conferred As The Okugbe of Oleh Kingdom

According to the DGN President, “The title I’ve been given is Okugbe, which means ‘The Gatherer’; one who causes unity, the one that gathers people together which is very close to the name that my father gave me.” He went on to further state that, “It came as a surprise but I give God the glory. I was made a chief in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord and that makes me carry it loudly. “I’m happy and grateful to God for this. I also thank the Odio- Ologbo of Oleh kingdom, HRM Anthony Williams Onovughe Ovrawah, ” Amata said.

(l-r) Chief Fred Amata & DGN Patron, Engr. Daniel Omotibo

However, the conferring of Engr. Omoyibo as the patron of DGN took fanfare of dancing and bounding with great jubilation from his people. The newly conferred patron promised to invest deeply in Nollywood, announced the sum of N50 million as an endorsement funds for practitioners in the industry, and urged the leadership of DGN to sort out modalities for the disbursement of the funds, which he said would be managed by an independent entity. In addition to donating N10 million to support the celebration of DGN at 20 anniversary which logo was also unveiled at the event and N1 million each to the six geo-political zones of DGN.

(l-r) Newton Barabara, Cres Ugo, Johnbull, Uchenna Agbo & Emeka Jonathan

Speaking at the conferment ceremony, the President of the Directors’ Guild of Nigeria (DGN), Fred Amata noted that the industry desired somebody to advocate the course and help with its objectives. The challenges need a powerful champion who could help us with some of our dreams and our aspirations. 

(l-r) Emgr. Daniel Omotibo, Chief Rachael Oniga & Francis Duru

“As we were speaking I knew I had to come back to the land of my birth and seek eminently qualified people but little did we know that we were going to find a man of his rare form of philanthropy, his humility, his influence in society, a man who likes to build people’s institution, a man who is dedicated to developing the youths. We said we have found the right person,” said Fred Amata.

Chief Fred Amata Addressing crowd At The conferment Ceremony

Amata additional defined the Director’s Guild of Nigeria as the apex guild in the movie-making sector of the creative sector. “DGN is custodian of the film making culture of Nigeria over the years. We have had a guild that has stood in the forefront of the pursuit of standards and quality of the regulations in the movie industry. This entire ceremony is like a prelude to DGN at 20. DGN was set up to look after the welfare and the progress of the industry and has continued to do so since inception.”

Chief Fred Amata & Engr. Daniel Omoyibo

On his acceptance speech as Patron of DGN, the philanthropist cum entrepreneur and Chief Executive Officer of Danmotech Limited and Dantinajo Gold Resort Limited Engr. Omoyibo said it is divine, adding that Nollywood would experience changes within few weeks. “It is divine; if it’s not divine it wouldn’t have been possible. I feel good and happy. Since I was young I’ve had love for the actors and the entertainment industry. What really motivated me to accept being a patron is because I feel that this industry has been empowering people right from time.”

Engr. Daniel Omoyibo In A Pose with Daughter & Friends

He went on to further state that, “I’ve been in business for twenty two years and what I always talk about is change; there is no where I step in that you will not see change. In the next few days and months, you will see changes in DGN.”

Omoyibo nevertheless crave the movie-makers to come and make movies in Oleh, stating that there are nice locations and great landmarks in the community.

“Forget about Lagos for now, forget about Enugu or Asaba, come to Oleh, come to Isoko. We have rivers, we have shores, and many places where you can make films. I want you actors to bring this film industry down to Isoko land.”

(l-r) South South DGN Coordinator, Dr. Ogunbiyi & Ifeanyi Azoodo

The patron, Engineer Omoyibo who is committed to peace and security in Isoko land is always a cheerful giver who is loved by many for his kind gestures and helping hand especially in his community Oleh, which also houses his five star hotels, Dantinajoe Gold Resort. He is portrayed as one man with benevolent heart for youth and infrastructural development. He also used the event to empower over 73 youths and widows on skills acquisitions and businesses with N1 million each with cheques doled out by celebrities present.

Actor Chiwetalu Agwu & Zeb Ejiro (OON)

For the admiration he has for his homeland, the billionaire businessman provisionally relocated Nollywood to Isoko Kingdom as who’s who in the industry was in attendance at the event. 

IK Ogbonna & Monalisa Chinda

Among them were VP DGN ,China McCollins Chidebe, Francis Duru, Yinka Alabi, Rycardo Agbor, Teco Benson (MFR), Zeb Ejiro (OON), Fidelis Duker, Ejike Asiegbu, Chinedu Ikedieze (Aki), Eucharia Anunobi, IK Ogbonna, Kanayo O. Kanayo, Alex Osifo, Rachael Oniga, Patience Ozorkwu, Chief Peddie Okao, Davidson Izegaegbe, Johnbull Negbenebor, Francis Onwochei, Chico Ejiro, Andy Amenechi, Hilda Dokubo, Tony Akposheri, Matthias Obahiagbon, Obi Osotule, Keppy, Emeka Ossai, Ekpeyong, Ifeanyi Azodo, Sunny Nnajiude, Perekeme Odon, Uchenna Agbo, Osita Okoli. Others were Victor Emeghara, Newton Barabara, Fred Mayford, Dr. Ogunbiyi, Engr. Chinedu Anuche, Tagbo Ability, Holy Steve Ogbuefi, Tony Iyke Ezendigbo, Emeka Jonathan, Prince Emeka Ani, Prince Isaac Kolawole, Abay Esho, Eazzy Ologe, Mathew Nwankwo, Monica Friday, Chief Ejiro Ekurame, Judith Audu, Chyke Chekwas, Emma Eyaba, Ugo Cres, among others.

Patience Ozorkwu Leading The Prayer Session At the King's Palace

Dantinajo Gold Resort, Oleh, Delta State

Former AGN President, Ejike Asiegbu & Hilda Dokubo

Ifeanyi Azodo & Kanayo O. Kanayo

Chief Opa Williams Addressing The Oleh Chief Council

DGN President, Chief Fred Amata (Okugbe of Oleh Kingdom)

South South DGN Secretary, Fred Mayford & Teco Benson (MON)

A Group Photo With Staff Of Dantinajo Gold Resort, Oleh.

(l-r)Mathias Obahiagbon, Fidelis Duker, Fred Amata, Omoyibo, Miss Omoyibo & Andy Amenechi

Francis Onwuchie & Tony Akposheri

Perekeme Odon, IK Ogbonna & Yinka Alabi

(l-r) DGN Lagos Zone Coordinator, Yinka Alabi, Victor Emeghara & Rychado Agbor

(l-r) Keppy Ekpeyong, Francis Onwuchie & Eazzy Ologe

Peddie Okao, Andy Amenechi & Ejike Asiegbu

(l-r) Ejike Asiegbu, Zeb Ejiro & DGN Lagos Zone Secretary, Abay Esho

Prince Emeka Ani & Obi Osotule

Obi Osotule

Alex Usifo & Zeb Ejiro (OON)

IK Ogbonna & Royal Prince

Chinedu Ikedieze  & Zeb Ejiro (OON)

Tony Ezendigbo & Ik Ogbonna

Chinedu Ikedieze & Last Mugu

Victor Emeghara & Rychado Agbor

Actor IK Ogbonna & DGN Vice President, McCollins Chidebe

(l-r) Emeka Ossai, Patience Ozorkwu & Kanayo O. Kanayo

(l-r) Monalisa Chinda & Chief Ejiro Ekurame

Chief Rachael Oniga and MC

KOK On The Dance Floor In Isoko land

(l-r) Former DGN Presidents Mathias Obahiagbon & Andy Amenechi

(l-r) Engr. Omoyibo, Chiwetalu Agwu & Chief Fred Amata

Teco Benson (MON) & DGN Abuja Zonal Coordinator Emma Eyaba

Newton Barabara, McCollins Chidebe and Friends

A group Photo With The Odiologbo of Owhe Kingdom, Isoko

Chief Patience Ozorkwu & Chief Rachael Oniga

Director Sunny Nnajiude

Council of Chief of Owhe Kingdom of Isoko

Zeb Ejiro (OON) & Patience Ozorkwu (Mama G)

Former AGN President, Ejike Asiegbu & Tony Ezendigbo

Eucharia Anunobi

Kanayo O. Kanaya Introducing Members of AGN To The King

(L-R) Johnbull, Chinedu, Hilda, Engr. Omoyibo, Opa Williams & Davidson

Zeb Ejiro (OON) & Tony Akposheri

Rychado Agbo & Eucharia Anunobi

(l-r) Fred Mayford, Rychado Agbo & Zeb Ejiro (OON)

Staff of Dantinajo Gold Resort, Oleh, Isoko

Ability Tagbo & DGN PRO, Perekeme Odon

(L-R) Chief Peddie Okaio Johnbull Negbenebor & DGN Benin Coordinator, Davidson Izegaegbe

Tagbo Ability & A Colleague

DGN Vice President, McCollins Chidebe & A Colleague

Emeka Ossai