All eyes are on the Directors Guild of Nigeria (DGN) as it prepares for its highly anticipated general elections scheduled for Sunday, June 15, 2025. With the stakes high and the future of the Nollywood Guild’s leadership at a turning point, two formidable figures—Teco Benson, MFR, and Uche Agbo—are vying for the presidency in what has become the most talked-about race in the Guild’s 26-year history.
The current DGN President, Dr. Victor Okhai, has ordered a suspension of all movie shoots nationwide on election day to allow members full participation. His directive, issued in a memo dated June 9, emphasized the Guild’s commitment to conducting a smooth, fair, and inclusive election across all zones.
About the Guild
Founded in 1999, the Directors Guild of Nigeria serves as the umbrella body for film, television, and stage directors in Nigeria’s booming creative sector. It is regarded as the apex guild in the country’s audio-visual industry and plays a pivotal role in policy advocacy, capacity building, and industry regulation. Past presidents include veterans such as Matthias Obahiagbon, Fidelis Duker, Fred Amata, and the incumbent, Victor Okhai, who has led the Guild since 2021.
DGN prides itself on being a progressive voice for Nigerian directors, with a vision rooted in professionalism, development, and creative freedom. The Guild also actively contributes to national growth through youth employment and export-ready film content.
The Contenders: Experience vs. Vision
The upcoming election presents a classic clash of experience versus youthful vision, with Teco Benson and Uche Agbo representing different generations and leadership philosophies within Nollywood.
Teco Benson, MFR: The Industry Legend
A household name in Nigerian cinema, Teco Benson is a veteran director whose credits include blockbuster films such as State of Emergency, Explosion: Now or Never, Mission to Nowhere, and Formidable Force. With decades of experience, national honors, and a respected legacy, Benson’s campaign—”Choose Team TECO”—promises to restore structure, dignity, and global relevance to the Guild.
Benson’s appeal lies in his reputation for discipline, high standards, and international recognition. Many see him as the stabilizing force DGN needs to rebuild trust, especially amid rising concerns about declining standards in film direction.
Uche Agbo: The Rising Star
In contrast, Uche Agbo, a younger filmmaker known for titles like Perfect for Me, Billionaire Bodyguard, Deadly Mistake, and Dinner for Promotion, is running on a platform of transformation, accessibility, and innovation.
Agbo brings to the table years of active service within the Guild, including past roles as Assistant Secretary, National Secretary, and Vice President. His campaign is driven by grassroots mobilisation and a progressive agenda focused on transparency, film funding, member welfare, and digital opportunities.
He has also pledged to establish a DGN Film Fund, secure partnerships for international distribution, and reposition the Guild as an enabler of economic empowerment for directors.
“This is how we move from surviving to thriving,” Agbo declared during his 30-day campaign message series.
A Woman in the Picture: Mrs. Grace Godwin Okon
For the first time in the Guild’s history, a woman is contesting for a top leadership seat, as Mrs. Grace Godwin Okon joins Uche Agbo’s ticket as his Vice Presidential running mate. Her presence has sparked conversations around gender inclusion and the growing recognition of women in Nollywood’s leadership structures.
A seasoned director and advocate for women in film, Grace Okon’s involvement highlights a progressive shift and has energized female members of the Guild. Her candidacy is seen as a bold step toward breaking gender barriers in the male-dominated film industry.
“Leadership should reflect the diversity of our industry,” said Okon during a campaign event. “Women have stories to tell and visions to direct—not just on screen but in boardrooms too.”
Campaign Dynamics and the Big Question
Supporters of Teco Benson argue that his towering legacy and credibility are essential to repositioning the Guild amid internal stagnation. Meanwhile, Agbo’s camp believes his deep connection with younger members and digital fluency offers a modern roadmap for the Guild’s next chapter.
The central debate remains:
Should the Guild choose the dependable legend or bet on the energetic reformist?
Both candidates have run extensive campaigns, engaged members across zones, and presented detailed policy outlines. While Benson appeals to tradition and pedigree, Agbo positions himself as the relatable candidate with fresh energy and time to engage the grassroots.
Beyond the Election: What’s at Stake?
This election is not just about who leads; it’s about the direction of Nollywood’s professional future. The next president will oversee key decisions on funding, training, ethics, international collaboration, and the industry’s digital transition.
With thousands of directors watching and preparing to cast their votes, the election is a litmus test of the Guild’s evolving identity: one that must balance legacy with innovation, and experience with inclusion.
The Verdict Awaits
As polling day draws near, anticipation is building across the entertainment industry. Whether it’s Teco Benson’s nostalgia-infused authority or Uche Agbo’s forward-thinking revolution, one thing is clear—the future of the Directors Guild of Nigeria will be defined by who wears the crown.
Nzubechukwu Eze
