Uchenna Agbo emerges as the new President of the Directors Guild of Nigeria (DGN) following a nationwide election held on Sunday, June 15, 2025.
His election ushers in a new chapter for the Guild, which represents professional film and television directors across the country.
Agbo, who previously served as Vice President of the Guild, defeats renowned filmmaker and Teco Benson, in a highly competitive race. His election is widely regarded by industry stakeholders as a significant step forward for the Nigerian film industry.
A graduate of Theatre and Film Studies from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Agbo is also the convener of the Coal City Film Festival, the largest film festival in South East Nigeria.
Known for his strong advocacy for creative excellence and capacity development, Agbo has played an instrumental role in promoting regional filmmaking and empowering emerging talent within Nollywood.
In his acceptance speech titled “The Guild Belongs to All of Us,” Agbo expresses deep gratitude to members of the Guild and emphasizes his vision of collective progress and reform.
He notes that the new leadership is committed to building a more inclusive and transparent Guild that prioritizes the needs of all members home and abroad, veterans and newcomers.
Agbo outlines a seven-point agenda that forms the backbone of his leadership plan. He commits to digitizing the Guild’s membership and operational systems, including records, payments, and elections, as part of a broader institutional reform strategy. He also promises to establish a fully functional national secretariat and ensure that the Guild’s activities are guided by constitutional governance.
In a bid to empower members, Agbo plans to launch a DGN Film Fund to support member-led projects, introduce a Masterclass Hub where members can earn and teach, and implement health insurance and pension schemes. He also proposes a welfare fund for emergencies and legacy protection.
For capacity building, he announces the creation of the DGN Academy to deliver world-class practical training. Additional initiatives include fellowship programs for mentorship and veteran engagement through a DGN Fellows platform.
Agbo also pledges to boost the Guild’s international presence through formal partnerships with global guilds and institutions, increased representation at international festivals and creative summits, and collaborations with the Nigerian diaspora.
As part of efforts to celebrate directors, he intends to introduce an annual DGN Awards and Convention, establish a digital archive of member projects, and support zone-based showcases and funding programs. Strengthening the Guild at the grassroots level is also a key priority, with revenue allocations and leadership development programs planned for chapters and zones.
To ensure transparency, Agbo introduces measures such as quarterly reporting from the President’s desk, an open-door policy for member feedback, and a strong ethics and disciplinary council.
Alongside Agbo, the newly elected national executive council for the 2025–2027 term includes Grace Edwin-Okon as Vice President, Perekeme Odon as National Secretary, Ofiafuluagu Mbaka as Assistant National Secretary, Chukwuebuka Onuma as National Treasurer, Mazi Osita Okoli as Financial Secretary, Emmanuel Eyaba as Public Relations Officer, and Johnpaul Nwanganga as Director of Guild Welfare and socials.
Agbo calls on members to rise above past divisions and unite in rebuilding the Guild’s integrity and influence. He stresses that what lies ahead is the real work and pledges to serve not as a leader, but as a fellow builder.
His election marks a renewed sense of purpose for the Directors Guild of Nigeria, as it positions itself for growth, accountability, and global engagement under his leadership.
Nzubechukwu Eze
