LAGOS, Nigeria — The President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Ms. Ibinabo Fiberesima, added another feather to her cap during the one-year anniversary celebration of Lagos chapter chairman Victor Osuagwu.
Fiberesima not only graced the occasion with her presence but left attendees stunned when she revealed that President Goodluck Jonathan had fulfilled his promise to allocate land to the guild—a long-cherished dream.
A Historic Announcement
Fiberesima, whose tenure has been marked by groundbreaking achievements, handed over the certificate of ownership to the board of trustees during the event, symbolising a monumental step for the AGN.
“When I wanted to be president, they said I am a woman, but they never knew a woman can make things work better,” Fiberesima said, drawing applause. “I chased this land like a lunatic because I didn’t want to hear that the certificate of ownership did not come when I was president. So today I am so happy to present this certificate to the board of trustees.”
The announcement was met with jubilation as Mr. Ifeanyi Dike, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, held the certificate aloft, prompting songs and dances in Fiberesima’s honour.
Words of Gratitude
Dike expressed heartfelt gratitude to both Fiberesima and President Jonathan. “Madam President, I thank you for finally giving AGN a home. This is what we had in mind when we formed this guild,” he said, calling the president “a man to be trusted” for keeping his promise to the creative industry.
Other notable board members and veteran actors, including Sonny Mcdon W, Okey Bakasi, and Emma Ogugua, also commended Fiberesima’s leadership, which they described as transformational for the guild.
A Legacy of Impact
Under Fiberesima’s leadership, AGN has become a model of excellence among creative guilds. In less than two years, her tenure has delivered initiatives that directly impact members, including the establishment of a benevolence fund to support struggling actors.
Prince James Uche, a veteran actor, praised her unwavering support, sharing how she uplifted him during a difficult time. “In 2008, I lost my family and all hope, but Madam Ibinabo has shown me that I have a bigger family,” he said.
Larry Williams, another veteran actor, recently benefitted from Fiberesima’s swift intervention. After years of homelessness, Williams is now moving into an apartment rented and furnished by the AGN president.
Second Term Ambitions
Buoyed by calls from members across the nation, Fiberesima announced her decision to seek a second term as AGN president. Supporters argue that her continued leadership is essential to consolidating the guild’s achievements and ensuring sustained progress.
“This is not just about leadership,” said a member at the event. “It’s about creating a legacy that will inspire future generations of Nigerian actors.”
A Promising Future
As the AGN celebrates this landmark achievement, the focus now shifts to further enhancing the welfare of its members and strengthening the creative industry’s foundation. With Fiberesima’s determination and the government’s continued support, the guild appears well-positioned to scale new heights.
