Manny Ita
Ace thespian and veteran administrator Abubakar Yakubu has officially assumed office as the National President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN). The inauguration ceremony took place today at the AGN National Secretariat in Abuja, marking the formal transition of power from the outgoing president, Dr. Emeka Rollas (MON).
Yakubu, who served as the Guild’s National Secretary for over a decade, was elected on December 6, 2025, during the AGN National Convention held in Benin City, Edo State. He won a closely contested election against veteran actress Rita Daniels, securing 116 votes to her 113. His victory is noted as a historic milestone, as he becomes the first president from Northern Nigeria to lead the guild since its registration in 1998.
In his inaugural address, Yakubu pledged to lead with inclusivity and to build upon the reforms established by his predecessor.
”I stand before you not in celebration of victory, but in humble acceptance of duty,” Yakubu stated. “I am deeply grateful and fully conscious that the mandate entrusted to me is not a privilege to be enjoyed, but a responsibility to be faithfully discharged.”
The outgoing president, Emeka Rollas, whose second and final tenure concluded in December 2025, expressed confidence in Yakubu’s ability to steer the guild toward further growth. Rollas urged members to remain disciplined and to avoid airing grievances on social media, emphasizing that “leadership is a relay race.”
The inauguration comes after a brief period of mourning and recovery for the president-elect. Shortly after his election in December, Yakubu was involved in a tragic car accident in Lagos caused by mechanical failure. The incident, which resulted in the loss of a child’s life, was reportedly resolved amicably with the affected family through the intervention of the guild’s leadership and community elders.
Key highlights of the new administration’s agenda include:
- Inclusive Leadership: Strengthening the bond between regional chapters.
- Empowerment: Creating new welfare initiatives and training opportunities for actors.
- Professionalism: Enhancing the ethical standards and global competitiveness of Nollywood.
Yakubu, a graduate of Dramatic Arts from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, brings over 25 years of experience in film, television, and theatre to the role.
