ACTORS GUILD OF NIGERIA INAUGURATES CONSTITUTION REVIEW COMMITTEE,

By Eriacy Confidence Oba

The Actors Guild of Nigeria AGN yesterday inaugurated Constitution Review committee. The meeting which was well attended by top Nollywood celebrities including the National President of the guild Emeka Rollas, Kenneth Okonkwo, Segun Arinze, Bob Manuel Udokwu and others was a huge success.  According popular Nollywood Actor and Chairman of the committee, Kenneth Okonkwo, the guild needs a rebirth for it to occupy it's pride of place.
Below is the detail on the PRESS BRIEFING AND INAUGURATION OF THE ACTORS GUILD OF NIGERIA (AGN) CONSTITUTION REVIEW COMMITTEE HELD ON WEDNESDAY 8TH MAY AT THE PELICAN HOTEL, CHEVY VIEW, LEKKI .

THE INAUGURATION started at 11:12.

PRESENT AT THE MEETING;
1.) EMEKA ROLLAS.
2.) KENNETH OKONKWO.
3.) EMMA OGUGUA.
4.) SEGUN ARINZE.
5.) BOB MANUEL UDOKWU.
6.) EDITH IRABOR.
7.) HAJIA SALMA IBRAHIM.
8.) BARRISTER I.K EZENAGU.
9.) ONWURA AGILITY.
10.) AYOKUNLE AJISAFE.
11.) RONNIE DIKKO.
12.) MEN OF THE PRESS.

OPENING PRAYER : The opening prayer was done by Segun Arinze.

OPENING REMARKS :
The President,  Emeka Rollas gave the opening remarks.

INAUGURATION:
The inauguration commenced and photographs were taken by all members present.

INTERVIEWS :
Members were interviewed by men of the Press.

CHAIRMAN'S SPEECH :
The Chairman of the committee,  Kenneth Okonkwo, in his speech  made an assessment of the guild , AGN. He gave the need for the birth of a new AGN. He added that the association should be the source of our pride and satisfaction . Hence , the need for a rebirth .
The Chairman went on to talk about how the guild used to be a laughing stock because of lack of unity and disintegration amongst members where members manipulate the Constitution to suit their own purpose(s).
He mentioned the need for the separation of powers amongst the executive members to give room for checks and balance in order to prevent dictatorship. He said no one must have absolute power.
He maintained that the guild should be one that other guilds will look up to - a point of positive reference. On a lighter note, actors should see themselves as role models in the society.
He said all members of the committee must be prepared to work hard within the given time of the assignment,  and they  must understand the essence of aspiring for greatness to come up with the best and functional Constitution ever.
He indicated that task will assigned to members of the committee something like " an Officer inside an Office " .
Finally ,he advised all members to respect one another.

INTRODUCTORY SPEECHES :
  EMMA OGUGUA expressed his gratitude for the invitation. Firstly, he appealed to all the members of the Constitution Review Committee to forgive all the errors and mistakes found in the Constitution that it was not easy because they were not  privileged to have enough hands to work with as at the time the Constitution was being put together. He advised we take our assignment serious and not be distracted by rumours or side talks.
He pointed out that we should be mindful of the fact that the information contained in the Constitution was due to what was relevant as at the time of its creation.
He touched on the issue of payment of Dues and accountability.
He reiterated the need for separation of powers. He also mentioned that guidelines on enforcement of discipline  amongst members of the guild should be included in the Constitution.
He also mentioned the need for members to pay Tax to the Fed/State Govt as at when due.

SEGUN ARINZE also expressed his gratitude and said he could relate to what the Chairman highlighted in his speech.   He said actors have lost hope in AGN. We should attract them back to the fold and make compulsory for every English speaking actor to be member of the guild. That it should not be when they are in trouble that they remember the guild.
He mentioned that the issue of residues/royalties should be entrenched in Constitution. According to him this can only be achieved when we have a formidable association.
He talked about the issue of members' welfare e.g. Housing project, etc.
He went further to state the Constitution review should incorporate laws that will enforce the protection of actors against sexual harassment, exploitation  young actors , etc. He mentioned that working conditions should be well spelt out to actors and recommended an 8 - hour work schedule.

The floor was open for reactions and Bob Manuel Udokwu spoke on behalf of everyone by thanking Emma Ogugua and all the people that must have work with him on the document. He commended his humility and passion for the guild.

Barrister Ike Ezenagu also appreciated Emma Ogugua.

SIGNED
RONNIE DIKKO
SECRETARY