Following the successful Inauguration of the Lagos zone of the Directors Guild of Nigeria (DGN), on the 14th of August, 2016, DGN, under the leadership of Mr. Fred Amata, has further demonstrated its determination to strengthen the Guild at the zonal level with the inauguration of the Benin Zone of DGN, on Thursday, 18th of August, 2016.

The colourful and well attended event had dignitaries from Nigeria’s apex home of culture and tradition in attendance, from traditional rulers to Honourable Members of House of Representatives and practitioners in the burgeoning Edo film industry.

The President of the Directors Guild of Nigeria, Mr. Fred Amata, accompanied by Mr. Tony Akposeri (Director of Finance, DGN) and Mr. Osita Okoli (Provost, DGN) all decked in the traditional colours of DGN were on hand to oversee the classy event.

Also in attendance at the auspicious occasion were Amb. Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen, veteran director and a founding father of DGN; directors from the Benin Zone, namely, Mr. Peddie Okao (President, Congress of Edo Movie Practitioners CEMP), Chief J. O. Ajiri (the Okavbiogbe of Benin Kingdom), Hon. Lambert Okao, Mr. Davidson Izegaegbe, Iyen Agbonifo (President, Creative Designers Guild of Nigeria CDGN), Mr. McCollins Chidebe (Vice-President (South), DGN), Eunice Omoregie (President, Film Producers Association of Edo State), and Nollywood actor and director, Mr. Offiafulagu Mbaka, amongst others.

In his opening remarks, the DGN President, Mr. Fred Amata, outlined his administrations policy direction and his passion towards ensuring that DGN was strengthened at the zonal level to encourage directors at all levels to identify with and actively participate in the activities of the Directors Guild of Nigeria.

After the swearing-in, the new Zonal Co-ordinator of Benin Zone, Mr. Davidson Izegaegbe, in his speech, thanked the president of DGN and his directors from the zone for the confidence reposed in him and emphasized his commitment to ensuring that the zone aligns with the vision of the national body towards the attainment of a better lot for directors all over the nation.

In his remarks, a veteran of the Edo film Industry and President, Congress of Edo Movie Practitioners (CEMP), Chief Peddie Okao, expressed his delight about the occasion, stating that it was finally a dream come true for him.

According to him, for long had practitioners like himself sought official recognition of their efforts in the Edo film industry, and praised the National Executive Committee of DGN for finally instituting a zonal structure for the Benin Zone.

Hon. Lambert Okao, as well as Chief J. O. Ajiri, both expressed their appreciation at the occasion while they restated their commitment to render quality service to the Guild, whenever called upon.

The inauguration, which had coverage from the print and electronic media, came to an end with a vote of thanks from Offiafulagu Mbaka.

© Culled from WhatsApp DGN Interact Platform