Abuja: Ace thespian Abubakar Yakubu has assumed office as the new National President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN). The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the new president took the oath of office at an inauguration ceremony held at the AGN national secretariat on Thursday in Abuja. Yakubu succeeded Emeka Rollas, whose second and final tenure ended in December 2025. The event brought together actors from different states, as well as filmmakers and other stakeholders in the creative and entertainment sector.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, in his inaugural speech, the new president pledged his commitment to an inclusive leadership, fostering productive relationships towards strengthening the guild for enhanced contribution to the Nigerian motion picture industry. Yakubu, who served as AGN’s General Secretary for over 10 years, said he would use his experience to provide effective leadership and build on the successes recorded by the past administration.
Yakubu expressed his gratitude and sense of duty, stating, “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.” He emphasized the importance of collective effort, adding, “Today, we turn the page together and move forward with one shared purpose-the advancement of the Actors Guild of Nigeria.”
He solicited the support and cooperation of all members and industry stakeholders as he steers the affairs of Nollywood actors. Yakubu lauded the achievements of the immediate past National Executive Council of the guild, as well as the Board of Trustees, and paid tribute to his predecessor, Dr. Emeka Rollas, for his vision and resilience.
The AGN helmsman urged the newly inaugurated National Executive Council to collaborate towards consolidating on the success trajectory of the guild in the last eight years. Yakubu’s leadership will focus on five enduring pillars: unity, professionalism, welfare, global relevance, and empowerment.
Other members of the newly inaugurated NEC include Ifeoma Okeke-Ozzoude as National Secretary; Michael Yusuf Michael as Vice President North West; Nazareth Bako-Jesse as Vice President North Central; and Yakubu Sule as Vice President North East. The NEC also includes Barthelomew Aguugo as Vice President, South South; Temidayo Amusa as Vice President South West; Clement Anigbo as Vice President South East; and Grace Ama as Financial Secretary. Additional positions include Boma Akpore as Director Of Communication/PRO and Don Pedro Aganbi as Director of Policy and Implementation.
Earlier in his speech, the outgoing National President, Rollas, expressed optimism that Yakubu’s track record of dedication, professionalism, and selfless service has equipped him with the experience required to provide effective leadership. Rollas charged the new president and his team to prioritize members’ welfare, enhance capacity-building initiatives, and invest in programs that support professional development and unity of the guild. He reaffirmed his willingness to continue supporting the guild in its collective effort to build a vibrant Nollywood.
Rollas concluded with a call to action for members, urging them to participate actively in the guild’s activities and initiatives. “A guild that relies solely on its executives will struggle, but a guild sustained by the active involvement of its members will flourish,” he stated, pledging his continued loyalty and support to the new leadership.