From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna
The newly inaugurated Chairman of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Kaduna State Chapter, Toka Mcbaror, has urged members to abandon self-congratulation and embrace high-level professionalism if the guild aims to compete effectively in Nigeria’s growing film industry.
McBaror made this call during his inaugural speech at the the Polo Signature Hotel in Kaduna, where he was sworn in as the new state chapter leader.
The award-winning filmmaker expressed frustration with the current state of the guild, noting that, after two decades, the chapter has largely failed to produce significant success stories that justify its relevance in the broader creative sector.
“It is enough, honestly speaking. We are not doing well. We are not okay,” McBaror told the packed audience.
He challenged members to be realistic about the market, highlighting the lack of trained, industry-ready talent in Kaduna capable of competing on high-budget sets alongside veteran actors like Richard Mofe-Damijo.
According to him, production companies often look outside the guild or the state to cast roles—a trend he is determined to reverse by developing local talent that meets international standards.
McBaror also dismissed the idea that his role as Chairman should primarily involve seeking government contracts. Instead, he advocated for a legislative and institutional approach to industry growth.
“The government should come for us, but we should not be looking for handouts,” he stated.
He emphasized that the guild’s main focus should be on building a relationship with the Speaker of the House of Representatives to advance legal frameworks and protections for actors, rather than on political patronage.
To accomplish this, the new chairman outlined a strategy involving organizing professional training for members, tracking those earning a living from filmmaking, and forming partnerships with key industry stakeholders.
His vision is to steer the guild towards a sustainable business model where future gatherings celebrate professional achievements rather than serve as platforms for complaints.
“For you to make anything grow, it means you must plant. We have so much work to do to nurture this industry, and if in three years we are still in this same position, that is gross failure,” McBaror concluded.
Also speaking at the event, Johnson Erakpotobor, a National Officer of the Guild, described Nigeria’s film industry as one of the largest employers in the country.
He called on federal and state governments to boost investment in the creative sector.
Erakpotobor noted that stronger collaboration between the government and the guild could boost tourism, grow the local economy, and create jobs for thousands of young Nigerians.
The Secretary of the Kaduna State Chapter, Kayode Ayodele, pledged transparent leadership and effective communication within the guild. He appealed to the government and private individuals to support the creation of a world-class film village in Kaduna.
Ayodele expressed confidence that McBaror’s experience as an award-winning filmmaker would attract investment and open up more opportunities for the state.
The Public Relations Officer, Aaron John, also called on young, talented actors to join the guild, promising that the new leadership would provide a platform to discover and nurture talent capable of competing globally.
