Battle for the soul of DGN…as Guild elects new president today

By Benjamin Njoku 

AS the general election of the Directors Guild of Nigeria, DGN, holds this morning in Asaba, Delta State, expectations are high as pundits are busy, predicting the outcome of the election. Although many have opined that the major battle for the post of the presidency would obviously be between Fred Amata and Lancelot Imasuen. Kingsley Omo-Efe who is also contesting for the coveted presidential seat may not be a push over after all. The last few weeks have seen the aspirants being locked in aggressive campaigns, as they reeled out their manifestos to win the support of DGN members. Lancelot Imasuen who celebrated his 20 years in Nollywood last year believes that he has what it takes to become the next president of the Guild. Popular director “Judging from the past and present, I see myself as most capable and competent to steer the ship of the directors in Nigeria because film directing has been my life and God has been merciful to me,… You cannot give what you do not have,”the popular director declares. If elected, the producer of the epic film, Ïnvasion 1897”said, part of his plans is to have three DGN lounges in addition to engaging government and private sector to invest in the industry. “It’s in my character to dream and desire great things, go for heights deemed impossible and climb to its zenith. I want to remake the individual Nigerian film Director for the 21st century challenges of film making, globalise and draw National and international attention to our DGN, engage government and private sector with interests in our craft”. However, Fred Amata sees no other candidate than himself. Despite contesting for this position for more than three times, the Delta State-born thespian is not giving up the fight for the hot seat of DGN president. According to him, “I am one of the longest serving professional in the industry. I have a product that happened even before the new environment, Nollywood, was born. I have being a director since 1986. “With my threatening records, I feel there is the need for my colleagues on the other side to make me their consensus candidate.” He promised to get the guild a befitting secretariat, a functioning constitution and website in his first three months in office. On his own, Kingsley Omoefe popularly called “King of soaps” describes himself as director of directors. He said, “Nobody among those contesting have what I have. It’s my prerogative to re-awaken the ailing directors’ guild. It’s been too long in coma. My brothers and sisters in the guild have to put in my hands the future of the DGN if they want that desired change for our dear body. We are intellectuals and know what we want. I am here to serve them.” “The desire for change and repositioning the profession of movie directing and directors has inspired my resolve to become DGN President. My leadership will be hinged on good and quality leadership based on these four cardinal points; Commitment, Service, Loyalty and Respect for members”, says Mr Omo-Efe. With their intimidating credentials, the question now on everyone’s lips is, “Who emerges the new president of DGN?.”

Read more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/02/battle-for-the-soul-of-dgn/