Industry stakeholders and sister organisations have continued to send tributes and congratulatory messages to the newly elected helmsmen of the Directors Guild of Nigeria (DGN), following the successful conclusion of the guild’s presidential and executive elections on Sunday, June 15, 2025.
The outpouring of goodwill messages has greeted the emergence of Mr. Uchenna Agbo as the new president-elect, alongside other key executive members who will steer the affairs of Nigeria’s premier directors’ association for the next term.
Agbo Triumphs in Keenly Contested Presidential Race
The Chairman of Nigeria Film Festival Association and founder/CEO of Coal City Film Festival, Mr. Uchenna Agbo, emerged victorious in the presidential contest after securing 123 votes against his closest rival, Teco Benson, who polled 103 votes. The keenly contested election was conducted across seven zones of the association, culminating in the announcement of results at the guild’s Surulere headquarters in Lagos.
Mrs. Patience Oghre-Imobhio, Chairman of the DGN Electoral Committee (DGNEC), declared Agbo the winner shortly before 8 pm, following the completion of voting by Lagos zone members. The electoral process demonstrated the democratic principles upheld by the guild in selecting its leadership.
Agbo’s triumph signals the dawn of a new chapter for the Directors Guild of Nigeria, as he prepares to assume leadership from Dr. Victor Okhai, who successfully led the organisation through two consecutive terms starting in 2021. When officially sworn in, Agbo will make history as the ninth president since the guild’s inception in 1999.
Ground-Breaking Achievement in Gender Representation
The election delivered a watershed moment for women’s participation in the guild’s top echelon. Mrs. Grace Edwin-Okon, a newcomer to guild politics, achieved a remarkable victory over incumbent Mr. Daniel Chukwueze to secure the National Vice President position. This historic win makes her the first woman to occupy such a senior executive role in the guild’s 26-year existence, marking a significant step forward in gender inclusivity within Nigeria’s film industry leadership.
Complete Executive Lineup Emerges
The comprehensive electoral exercise established the full complement of the guild’s executive structure. Perekeme Odon, drawing on his previous experience as the association’s Public Relations Officer, successfully retained his position as National Secretary, defeating challenger Prof. Samuel Ogunbiyi in the process.
Demonstrating the membership’s confidence in continuity, Mr. Ofia Mbaka was returned unopposed as Assistant National Secretary, securing his position without contest from other aspirants.
The National Public Relations Officer position saw a transfer of responsibility, with Mr. Emmanuel Tagbo Eyaba, who previously served as chairman of the Abuja chapter, successfully unseating incumbent Mr. Jeremiah Onoge. Despite Onoge’s efforts to secure re-election to the PRO role, members opted for new leadership in this crucial communication position.
The incoming executive team is expected to formally assume their duties following an inaugural ceremony, with the guild leadership set to announce the specific date for this important transition event in the coming weeks.
Seunmanuel Faleye is a brand and communications strategist. He is a covert writer and an overt creative head. He publishes Apple’s Bite International Magazine.
