Ace thespian, Abubakar Yakubu, has assumed office as new national president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria(AGN).

The new president took the oath of office at an inauguration ceremony held at the AGN national secretariat on Thursday in Abuja.

Mr Yakubu succeeded Emeka Rollas whose second and final tenure ended in December 2025.

The event brought together actors from different states, as well as filmmakers and other stakeholders in the creative and entertainment sector.

In his inaugural speech, the new president pledged his commitment to an inclusive leadership, fostering productive relationships towards strengthening the guild for enhanced contribution to Nigerian motion picture industry.

Mr Yakubu, who served as AGN’s general secretary for over 10 years, said he would use his experience to provide effective leadership and build on the successes recorded by the past administration.

“I stand before you not in celebration of victory, but in humble acceptance of duty.

“I am deeply grateful, profoundly moved, and fully conscious that the mandate entrusted to me is not a privilege to be enjoyed, but a responsibility to be faithfully discharged.

“I thank the members of this great guild who believed in this vision and entrusted me with their hopes for a stronger, fairer, and more united Actors Guild of Nigeria.

“Your confidence humbles me, your trust inspires me, and I give you my solemn assurance that this mandate will be honoured with courage, discipline, transparency, and tireless service.

“Today, we turn the page together and move forward with one shared purpose—the advancement of the Actors Guild of Nigeria,” he said.

Mr Yakubu, however, solicited the support and cooperation of all members and industry stakeholders as he steers the affairs of Nollywood actors.

He lauded the achievement of the immediate past National Executive Council of the guild, as well as the Board of Trustees.

“Permit me to pay special tribute to my immediate predecessor, Dr. Emeka Rollas (MON), a statesman whose tenure was marked by vision, resilience, and landmark achievements.

“You handed over not merely an office, but a legacy of unity, reform, and renewed credibility.

“You have set a standard that challenges us not only to sustain progress, but to exceed it, and I accept that challenge with humility and resolve,” he said.

The AGN helmsman urged the newly inaugurated National Executive Council to join hands with him towards consolidating on the success trajectory of the guild in the last eight years.

According to him, the expectations are high, the responsibilities immense, and the road is demanding, adding that “but together we shall rise, guided by principle, united by purpose, and strengthened by collective resolve.”

Mr Yakubu said his leadership would be anchored on five enduring pillars of unity, professionalism, welfare, global relevance and empowerment.

Other members of the newly inaugurated NEC include Ifeoma Okeke-Ozzoude – national secretary; Michael Yusuf Michael – vice president, North-West; Nazareth Bako-Jesse – vice president, North-Central and Yakubu Sule, vice president, North-East.

The NEC members include Barthelomew Aguugo -vice president, South-South; Temidayo Amusa -vice president South-West; Clement Anigbo – vice president South-East and Grace Ama as financial secretary.

Others include Boma Akpore – director of communications/PRO; 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.

Earlier in his speech, the outgoing national president, Mr Rollas expressed optimism that his successor’s track record of dedication, professionalism, and selfless service has equipped him with the experience required to provide effective leadership.

He charged the new president and his team to prioritise members’ welfare, enhance capacity-building initiatives, and invest in programmes that directly support professional development of members and unity of the guild.

Mr Rollas reaffirmed his willingness to continue supporting the guild in the collective effort to build a vibrant and progressive Nollywood.

“As I take my final bow out of office, my appeal to you is clear and heartfelt; do not stand on the sidelines.

“Get involved, attend meetings, participate in programmes, support initiatives, contribute financially and materially according to your capacity.

“Hold leaders accountable, but also support them. A guild that relies solely on its executives will struggle. but a guild sustained by the active involvement of its members will flourish.

“To the incoming president, I pledge my continued loyalty, counsel and support because leadership is like a relay race, it’s not a contest,” he said.

(NAN)