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| Abubakar Yakubu (AGN New President) |
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the inauguration ceremony took place this Thursday at the guild’s headquarters in Abuja.
Yakubu replaces Emeka Rollas, whose final term finished in December 2025.
The event was attended by actors from across the country, along with filmmakers and other industry professionals.
In his first speech as president, Yakubu promised to lead fairly and build strong partnerships to help the Nigerian film industry grow. Having previously served as the AGN’s General Secretary for over a decade, he plans to use his experience to lead effectively and build on the achievements of his predecessor.
“I stand before you not in celebration of victory, but in humble acceptance of duty.
“I am deeply grateful, profoundly moved, and fully conscious that the mandate entrusted to me is not a privilege to be enjoyed, but a responsibility to be faithfully discharged.
“I thank the members of this great guild who believed in this vision and entrusted me with their hopes for a stronger, fairer, and more united Actors Guild of Nigeria.
“Your confidence humbles me, your trust inspires me, and I give you my solemn assurance that this mandate will be honoured with courage, discipline, transparency, and tireless service.
“Today, we turn the page together and move forward with one shared purpose—the advancement of the Actors Guild of Nigeria,” he said.
Yakubu, however, solicited the support and cooperation of all members and industry stakeholders as he steers the affairs of Nollywood actors.
He praised the work done by the guild’s previous leadership team and the Board of Trustees.
“Permit me to pay special tribute to my immediate predecessor, Dr. Emeka Rollas (MON), a statesman whose tenure was marked by vision, resilience, and landmark achievements.
“You handed over not merely an office, but a legacy of unity, reform, and renewed credibility.
“You have set a standard that challenges us not only to sustain progress, but to exceed it, and I accept that challenge with humility and resolve,” he said.
The AGN helmsman urged the newly inaugurated National Executive Council to join hands with him towards consolidating on the success trajectory of the guild in the last eight years.
According to him, the expectations are high, the responsibilities immense, and the road is demanding, adding that “but together we shall rise, guided by principle, united by purpose, and strengthened by collective resolve.”
Yakubu stated that his leadership would focus on five main goals: unity, professionalism, member welfare, global influence, and empowerment.
The new leadership team also includes:
* National Secretary: Ifeoma Okeke-Ozzoude
* Vice Presidents: Michael Yusuf (North West), Nazareth Bako-Jesse (North Central), Yakubu Sule (North East), Barthelomew Aguugo (South South), Temidayo Amusa (South West), and Clement Anigbo (South East)
* Financial Secretary: Grace Ama
* Director of Communication/PRO: Boma Akpore
* Director of Policy: Don Pedro Aganbi
* Director of Guild Services: David Akumah
* Assistant Secretary: Johnson Erakpotobor
* Chief Whip: Tarela Solomon Afore
The outgoing president, Emeka Rollas, said he was confident that Yakubu’s hard work and experience would make him a great leader. He urged the new team to look after members, offer more training, and keep the guild united. Rollas also promised to keep supporting the guild to help Nollywood continue to grow.
“As I take my final bow out of office, my appeal to you is clear and heartfelt; do not stand on the sidelines.
“Get involved, attend meetings, participate in programmes, support initiatives, contribute financially and materially according to your capacity.
“Hold leaders accountable, but also support them. A guild that relies solely on its executives will struggle. But a guild sustained by the active involvement of its members will flourish.
“To the incoming president, I pledge my continued loyalty, counsel and support because leadership is like a relay race, it’s not a contest,” he said.
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