IBINABO COUNTS HER BLESSINGS AS AGN PRESIDENT...names them one-by-one

The incumbent President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Fiberisima Ibinabo has brought to public glare her achievements as the Guild`s presiding officer over the last one and a half year of her tenure.  The movie diva in view of this months AGN election is said to have the backing of almost all that matters in the industry and beyond to amke a return as the AGN President for the second time. She is believed to be more favoured than her challengers. Its assumed by watchers and lovers of Nollywood that the about to be wedded former beauty queen had done more than her predecessors so she deserves another change to continue from where she stopped. The River State born entertainment icon was quoted as saying, “Much as the challenges were enormous, however, they did stop me from moving the Guild forward within the last quarter of the year in addition to our overall performance in 2013 are but limited to the following:

1.    Uniting all warring factions within the Guild created more positive image.

2.    Constructed a new multimedia website: www. actorsguildnigeria.org.

3.    Commenced health management plan and insurance scheme for members.

4.    Commenced the maiden veteran`s meeting series across all the six geo-political zones.

5.    Have been able to change the skewed perception about the guild to a more positive and purposeful Actors Guild both to the public, government and the press.

6.    Building lasting structures and membership database.

7.    Acquired an 18-setter bus for the Guild.

8.    Introduced an inter-ethnic cultural festival (drama, dance and poetry) amongst the state chapters to unite all members.

9.    Introduced lifestyle benefits discount for members on travel, holidays, shopping on groceries, restaurants.

10.                      We are in the process of getting legislation to Guild and protect the actors in Nigeria.

11.                      We are in talks with NBC and the Nigerian Copyright Commission on residual payments to actors in Nigeria.

12.                      We are also in talks with other Guilds and Associations in the industry on the need to unionise.

13.                      Successfully attended Afro-FIA Congress meeting with a two member delegation in South Africa.

14.                      Commenced the new manual revalidation across the states.

15.                      Successfully relocated Abia Chapter to the State Capital, Umuahia as provided by the constitution.

16.                      Successfully conducted elections in State Chapters due.

17.                      Paid outstanding bills and rent for the National Office for 2014/2015.

18.                      Purchased a brand new HDV camera and accessories for the Guild to support productions of State Chapters as well as members.

19.                      Hosted one of the esteemed members, Omotola Jolade Ekeinde for her achievement especially in being listed as one of the 200 most influential people in the world.

20.                      Produced new visa identity cards for members.

21.                      Improving on our lasting structures and database.

22.                      Commenced skill improvement training across the geo political zones.

23.                      As National President represented FIA to talk about the Rights of an actor in Africa during WIPC organized ECOWAS Ministerial Conference in Abidjan, Cote D`vore.

24.                      Because of her presentation, as President was invited to Ghana by the Hon. Minister for Culture, Tourism and Arts to help fine tune her presentation to the Parliament.

25.                      ECOWAS Ministers of Culture also adopted her paper to be included in the Draft Recommendation for the Rights and Welfare of the Actor as recommended in Beijing Treaty and to be ratified by ECOWAS member nations.

26.                      We have applied for Project Nollywood Fund to build capacity in the Guild. We requested for 150 million Naira.

27.                      We also requested for $10 million for Film Production from the production unit of the same project.

28.                      Held a successful Congress in Minna, Niger State on 13^th – 15^th December 2013.

29.                      Visited the President and Commander –in- Chief of Armed Forces, FRN to request for proper restructuring of the industry and investiture him as the Grand Patron, Actors Guild of Nigeria.

Meanwhile it would be needful to conclude by stating her immediate plans for 2014 while trying to round off her first tenure. Such are:

a.   Enforce the Revalidation System for all members.

b.   Ensure all members sign into the Health Plans.

c.   Furnish the National Secretariat to standard.

d.   Launch the new motto of AGN, with approval of the BOT “Face of Nollywood.

e.   Open a new National Office in the FCT, Abuja.

f.      Start the Ethnic Cultural Competition nationwide.

g.   Conduct elections in all States that are due.

h.   More training across the State Chapters.

i.        Commence courtesy visits to Patrons and would be Patrons.

j.        Commence more welfare package for members.

k.    Embark on fund raising drive for the Guild.

l.       Introduce contracts for members with producers.

m.                       Ensure all members sign into the Health, Insurance and Pension plans.

n.   Launching of our Benevolent Fund.

o.   Continue with the skill improvement training for members across all Zones.

p.   Finalise the training arrangements with the British Equity.

q.   Commence the BOT expansion to accommodate more members.

r.       Encourage more productions across Zones to help members achieve their dreams.