A Future-Ready Guild
Emeka Rollas, the President of the AGN, made the announcement on Thursday in Lagos, revealing that the mobile application is slated for an official unveiling on June 28. This launch will coincide with the inauguration of the guild’s brand-new national secretariat, underscoring a pivotal moment in the AGN's evolution. Rollas emphasized that this development is not merely about introducing new technology or a new physical space, but rather about "building a future-ready AGN."
The overarching goal is to provide members with unparalleled access to the guild's services and to cultivate fresh avenues of engagement with the public. "We are giving our members digital access and recognition, while opening our doors to the world through innovation, accountability and collaboration,” he stated, highlighting the dual benefits for both internal operations and external outreach.
Strengthening Industry Engagement
The AGN President further elaborated on the significance of the mobile application, describing it as a vital "bridge between the industry and its audience." This digital platform, according to Rollas, reflects the guild's commitment to both internal reform and fostering a deeper connection with the immense global fanbase of Nollywood. "It’s our digital handshake to the world," he affirmed, indicating a strategic move towards greater transparency and accessibility for fans eager to engage with their favorite stars.
App Features and Benefits
The new AGN mobile app, as reported by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), is meticulously designed to revolutionize how Nigerian actors interact with their guild, manage their professional profiles, and engage with their admirers. Key features and anticipated benefits of the application include:
- Secure Fan Engagement: The app will offer a secure and dedicated platform for fans to connect directly with Nollywood stars, fostering a more authentic and protected interaction.
- Comprehensive Information Hub: Members will gain easy access to vital information, including industry news, casting calls and audition notices, upcoming events, professional training opportunities, and other beneficial career resources.
- Exclusive Content Access: The app will provide exclusive access to behind-the-scenes content from film productions, red carpet coverage of industry events, and even digital "meet-and-greets" with Nollywood personalities, offering fans an unprecedented glimpse into the world of Nigerian cinema.
Established in 1998, the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) stands as the principal umbrella organization for professional screen actors within Nigeria's thriving film industry, Nollywood. The guild's core mandate revolves around safeguarding the interests and welfare of its members, upholding professional standards, and meticulously regulating the affairs of actors both domestically and internationally.
Headquartered at the National Theatre in Lagos, the AGN has been under the dynamic leadership of President Emeka Rollas since August 22, 2017. Under his tenure, the guild has experienced substantial growth, now boasting a membership exceeding 2 million registered actors across all 36 states of Nigeria, solidifying its position as the largest actors’ association on the African continent.
In a continued effort to enhance industry structure and address perennial challenges such as inadequate compensation and insufficient industry protections, the AGN is also in the process of implementing a comprehensive licensing system for actors in Nigeria. This holistic approach, combining digital innovation with regulatory reforms, signals a new era of professionalism and global reach for Nollywood.