In April 2024, a tragic incident occurred when a boat mishap claimed the lives of Nollywood Actor Junior Pope, Nollywood Creative Make-Up Artist Abigail Frederick, and three others. This event sent shockwaves throughout the Nigerian film industry. Amidst the outpouring of grief, one act of government stood out - Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State's compassionate response to Abigail Frederick's family.
While other state governors remained silent, Governor Umo Eno visited Abigail Frederick's family in Eket town, Akwa Ibom State, to offer his condolences. Upon learning that she was the breadwinner of her family, the Governor ordered the rebuilding of her father's house, awarded university scholarships to her two sisters, and provided automatic employment for her senior sister in the state civil service. This act of kindness resonated deeply within the Nollywood community.
In recognition of Governor Umo Eno's compassion and support for the industry, the Directors Guild of Nigeria (DGN) proposed to decorate him as the Nollywood Friendly Governor. Led by the then President Dr. Victor Okhai, the DGN reached out to Moses Eskor, Chairman of the DGN Akwa Ibom and Cross River zone, to initiate the process. Despite the challenges posed by the passing of the governor's wife, Dr. Mrs. Patience Umo Eno, the DGN remained committed to honoring Governor Umo Eno.
The DGN, led by The current National President Amb. Uche Agbo, in partnership with Mr. David Sergeant, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Entertainment Industry, will host the 25th-anniversary celebration of the DGN in Akwa Ibom State.
The event, tagged DGN25th, will take place during the Ibom Entertainers Week and feature:
- Prominent Master Classes:
Six master classes for entertainment industry practitioners in Akwa Ibom State
- Tour of Development and Tourist Sites:
A tour of Akwa Ibom State's development and tourist sites and projection of the sites internationally
- Appreciation and Decoration:
The decoration of Governor Umo Eno as the Nollywood Most Friendly Governor in Nigeria
About 300 Veteran Nollywood Directors, filmmakers, and multinational companies will attend the event, including:
- Nollywood Stars include: Patience Ozokwor (Mama G), Sam Dede, Segun Arinze, Teco Benson MFR, Frederick Leonard , Lanclot Oduwa Imasuen, Charles Inojie, Zack Orji, Charles Anwurum, Fred Amata,
Chief Obi Okoli,Ali Nuhu,Nkiru Slyvanus,Andy Amenechi, Lancelot Oduwa Imasue, Tony Akposheri, Ugezu J Ugezu, Eve Esin, Walter Anga, Jerry Amilo, Chika Onu, Of is Ofia Mbaka
Ime Bishop Umo,Ebelle Okaro, Chinwe Owo, Nkem Owo and many others
Industry Professionals Attending:
Dr. Victor Okhai, Kunle Afoloyan, Mary Remy Njoku of ROK TV, Mo Abudu of Ebony Tv, Andy Boyo, Bond Emeruwa, Adim Williams, Johnpaul Nwanganga, Prof. Samuel Ogunbiyi, Untouchable Comedy and other notable figures in the Nigerian film and Creative industry
The celebration promises to be an epoch-making event, showcasing the state's unique heritage and talents, while also providing a platform for cultural exchange, networking, and celebration of Nollywood's achievements
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