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The new leadership of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Kaduna State chapter, has unveiled an ambitious agenda to transform Kaduna into a major film destination, calling for strategic government intervention, better policies and stronger collaboration to unlock the state’s vast creative potential.
Speaking shortly after the swearing-in of the new executive held on Monday evening at the Polo Signature Hotel, Barnawa GRA, Kaduna, the newly elected chapter president, Toka Mcbaror, said the time had come to reposition the state’s creative industry through deliberate institutional reforms, professional development and sustained stakeholder engagement. Project reports
Mcbaror, an award-winning filmmaker and filmmaker, said his decision to run for president was motivated by a desire to reverse years of slow institutional growth within the Kaduna chapter, despite the state’s huge pool of creative talent.
According to him, Kaduna has all the necessary ingredients to become one of Nigeria’s leading centers for film production, but is yet to maximize such opportunities due to inadequate facilities and political support.
“I’ve been a part of the guild for many years and I got to a point where I felt it wasn’t enough to keep making suggestions from the sidelines. I decided to contest because I believe I have something to help take the guild to the next level.
“I have had the privilege of working within professional guilds in different parts of the world. Now that I have returned home, it is only right that I bring this experience to strengthen the Kaduna chapter,” he said.
Building Kaduna beyond Kannywood
Mcbaror argued that one of the misconceptions limiting the growth of the state’s creative industry is the widespread assumption that Kaduna’s film sector exists exclusively under the umbrella of Kannywood.
While acknowledging the contribution of the Hausa language film industry, he maintained that Kaduna is a multicultural state with directors and actors producing content in different Nigerian languages.
He said the diversity of the state’s creative community presents an opportunity to establish Kaduna as an independent film hub capable of serving producers from across Nigeria and beyond.
According to him, states like Enugu, Delta and the Federal Capital Territory have managed to attract filmmakers through deliberate government policies, investment incentives and institutional support. actorguildnigeria.ng
“Kaduna has talented Hausa actors, but we also have actors and directors of many other ethnic nationalities. We should not limit ourselves to one identity. Kaduna has the capacity to become a truly national film centre.
“We need policies that encourage production, incentives that attract investors and institutional structures that support filmmakers. Once these structures are established, producers from different parts of the country will naturally choose Kaduna as a production destination,” he said.
I invite you to invest in cinema infrastructure
The AGN President urged the Kaduna State Government to invest in modern filmmaking equipment and establish a central production support facility that would make world-class production tools readily available to filmmakers operating in the state.
He lamented that manufacturers in northern Nigeria are still largely dependent on Lagos for the rental of high-end production equipment, a situation he described as expensive and discouraging.
According to him, providing access to professional cameras, lighting equipment and other production facilities would significantly reduce production costs and attract major film projects to Kaduna.
“If government creates an equipment hub where filmmakers can easily access professional production tools, it will change the entire ecosystem. Producers will no longer need to travel to Lagos for every major production. Such investments will create jobs, boost tourism and strengthen the state’s economy,” he added.
Professional training and membership expansion
Mcbaror identified capacity building as another of his administration’s top priorities, stressing that continuous professional development remains essential to the growth of the sector.
He disclosed that the new executive will embark on aggressive membership mobilization, regular training programs and industry engagements aimed at bringing more professionals under the umbrella of the Actors Guild of Nigeria.
According to him, many talented actors and technical professionals in Kaduna are currently out of the guild simply because they are not aware of its existence or activities.
“There are excellent actors, cinematographers, sound engineers and lighting professionals in Kaduna who are not part of the guild because we have not made ourselves visible enough. This needs to change.
“The Actors Guild belongs to everyone. We want to create opportunities for established professionals and passionate young people to build a career in the creative industry. Education will remain one of our top priorities because learning never ends,” he said.
The national body is seeking stronger support from the government
Also speaking, the Deputy National Secretary of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Johnson Erakpotobor, described the Nigerian film industry as one of the largest employers in the country, calling for greater investment in the public sector to support its growth.
He said that while the sector continued to expand despite numerous challenges, greater government participation could unlock new opportunities for employment, tourism and economic development.
“There is no industry without challenges, but countries that have built globally competitive creative economies have done so through deliberate government support.
“The Actors Guild of Nigeria contributes significantly to job creation. Greater investment in the creative sector will create more employment opportunities and further strengthen the country’s economy,” he said.
Erakpotobor also welcomed the Federal Government’s Creative Economy Development Fund, expressing optimism that effective implementation of the initiative would improve access to finance and accelerate the growth of the Nigerian film ecosystem.
Nigeria remains a global talent hub
The national official described Nigeria as one of the world’s leading film producers, saying the country’s greatest asset remains its abundant creative talent.
He noted that several internationally acclaimed productions involving Nigerian filmmakers have continued to showcase the country’s creative excellence on global streaming platforms.
He specifically referenced productions such as The Black Book, parts of which were filmed in Kaduna, as evidence of the growing relevance of the state within the Nigerian film industry.
“Our greatest strength is our talent. Nigeria has some of the best actors, directors, producers and technical professionals in the world. Kaduna has consistently contributed to this success story, and with the right support, the state can achieve even greater recognition,” he said.
The elected secretary promises transparent administration
The elected secretary of the Kaduna State chapter, Kayode Bidemi Ayodele, has promised that the new executive will prioritize transparency, accountability and effective communication in managing the affairs of the guild.
He said improving internal documentation, strengthening coordination among members and increasing public visibility will form the foundation of the administration’s agenda.
According to him, the executive also intends to pursue partnerships with government institutions, corporate organizations and private investors to enhance film production in Kaduna.
Ayodele also supported the creation of a film village in the state, describing it as a strategic investment that could attract major productions, create employment opportunities and position Kaduna as a destination of choice for filmmakers.
“We are fortunate to have a President with extensive experience in the Nigerian film industry. We intend to leverage this experience by strengthening our structures, improving collaboration and creating an environment where filmmakers can thrive.
“Our appeal to the government is simple. Partner with us, invest in the creative industry and together we can make Kaduna one of Africa’s leading centers for film production,” he said.
The inauguration of the new executive marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Actors Guild of Nigeria in Kaduna State, with high expectations that the administration’s emphasis on policy advocacy, institutional reforms, professional training and strategic partnerships will accelerate the growth of the state’s creative economy and expand opportunities for filmmakers and other creative professionals.
