Abubakar Yakubu has formally taken over as the National President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) following his inauguration in Abuja.
The swearing-in ceremony took place at the AGN national secretariat and attracted actors, filmmakers and key stakeholders from across the country’s creative and entertainment industry. Yakubu succeeds Emeka Rollas, whose second and final term in office concluded in December 2025.
In his inaugural address, Yakubu pledged to run an inclusive and forward-looking administration, focused on strengthening the guild and deepening its contribution to the growth of Nigeria’s film industry. He said his leadership would prioritise unity, professionalism and strategic collaboration within Nollywood.
Drawing on his more than a decade of service as AGN’s General Secretary, Yakubu assured members that he would consolidate on the achievements of previous administrations while introducing reforms aimed at repositioning the guild for greater relevance.
“I do not see this moment as a personal victory, but as a solemn responsibility,” he said. “The mandate entrusted to me is one that must be discharged with transparency, discipline and unwavering commitment to service. Together, we will advance the Actors Guild of Nigeria with purpose and resolve.”
The new AGN president appealed to members and industry stakeholders for cooperation and support, stressing that collective effort was essential to sustaining the guild’s progress. He also commended the outgoing National Executive Council and the Board of Trustees for their stewardship.
Yakubu paid tribute to his predecessor, Dr Emeka Rollas (MON), describing his tenure as impactful and transformative. He noted that Rollas left behind a legacy of unity, reform and renewed credibility, which the new leadership would work to surpass.
According to Yakubu, his administration will be guided by five core pillars: unity, professionalism, members’ welfare, global relevance and empowerment. He urged the newly inaugurated National Executive Council (NEC) to work closely with him to build on the gains recorded by the guild over the past eight years.
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Other members of the newly inaugurated NEC include Ifeoma Okeke-Ozzoude as National Secretary; Michael Yusuf, Vice President, North West; Nazareth Bako-Jesse, Vice President, North Central; Yakubu Sule, Vice President, North East; Bartholomew Aguugo, Vice President, South South; Temidayo Amusa, Vice President, South West; Clement Anigbo, Vice President, South East; and Grace Ama as Financial Secretary.
Also inaugurated were Boma Akpore, Director of Communications and Public Relations; Don Pedro Aganbi, Director of Policy and Implementation; David Akumah, Director of Guild Services; Johnson Erakpotobor, National Assistant Secretary; and Tarela Solomon Afore, Chief Whip.
In his remarks, outgoing president Emeka Rollas expressed confidence in Yakubu’s capacity to lead, citing his long-standing dedication and professionalism. He urged the new leadership to place members’ welfare at the centre of its agenda, strengthen capacity-building programmes and promote unity within the guild.
Rollas reaffirmed his continued support for AGN, encouraging members to remain actively involved in the affairs of the guild.
“A strong guild is built not only by its leaders but by the commitment of its members,” he said. “I will continue to offer my support, because leadership is a relay, not a competition.”
