Actors Guild moves to shut Dldown illegal movie camps in Anambra, seeks Govt support

By Ukpa Ewa

The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) Anambra State Chapter, has announced its resolve to clamp down on illegal movie production camps operating across the state as part of effort to sanitize the industry and reposition Anambra as a hub for quality filmmaking.

The State Chairman of AGN Lady Esther Anyaegbunam , made this known during a press briefing in Awka to mark her 365 days in office. She emphasized that a task force set up by the Guild is already working towards enforcing standards and ensuring compliance with professional ethics.

While recounting the milestones recorded within her first year in office, key among them was restoring peace within the Guild and attracting record membership turnout , Anyaegbunam also appealed to Governor Chukwuma Soludo to extend more support to the creative industry.

“We are asking the state government to give us land and a befitting permanent office where we can operate from,” she said. “We are also begging them to include us in their programmes so that we will be part of what they are doing.”

Anyaegbunam commended Governor Soludo administration, especially for establishing the Agunechemba security outfit, which she described as a significant boost for safety and investor confidence in the state.

“Anambra is our home, movie production in eastern Nigeria started here. What is happening in Asaba today began here. It is time to come home,” she urged filmmakers in the diaspora.

She highlighted the state untapped potential for storytelling and cinematic locations, stressing that beyond the urban centers like Onitsha, Awka and Nkwere, many remote areas with stunning scenery remain unexplored.

In her move to empower members financially, the AGN leadership has also launched an entrepreneurship programme aimed at creating multiple income streams for actors alongside their film careers.

She equally advised married members of the Guild to embody virtues of sacrifice, patience and tolerance in their homes, noting that stable family life reflects positively on the profession.

In their separate remarks, the Chairman AGN Board of Trustees Mr. Emma Ogugua and National Vice President (South East) Comrade Clement Chukwudike Anigbo lauded Anyaegbunam leadership, noting that she had fulfilled over 80% of her campaign promises and restored unity to the Guild.

The event chaired by Bishop Prof. Emeka Nwankpa attracted notable Nollywood veterans including Chief Stephen Alaejemba and Ambassador Lawrence Uche.