The newly inaugurated leadership of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Kaduna State Chapter, has unveiled an ambitious agenda to transform Kaduna into a leading filmmaking destination, calling for strategic government intervention, improved policies and stronger collaboration to unlock the state’s vast creative potential.
Speaking shortly after the swearing in of the new executive held Monday night at Polo Signature Hotel, Barnawa GRA, Kaduna, the newly elected Chairman of the chapter, Toka Mcbaror, said the time had come to reposition the state’s creative industry through deliberate institutional reforms, professional development and sustained stakeholder engagement. Blueprint reports
Mcbaror, an award winning filmmaker and director, said his decision to seek the office of chairman was motivated by his desire to reverse years of slow institutional growth within the Kaduna chapter despite the state’s enormous pool of creative talent.
According to him, Kaduna possesses all the ingredients required to become one of Nigeria’s foremost centres for film production but has yet to maximise those opportunities because of inadequate structures and policy support.
“I have been part of the guild for many years and I reached a point where I felt it was no longer enough to keep making suggestions from the sidelines. I decided to contest because I believe I have something to contribute towards moving the guild to a higher level.
“I have had the privilege of working within professional guilds in different parts of the world. Now that I am back home, it is only right to bring that experience to bear in strengthening 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 solely under the umbrella of Kannywood.
While acknowledging the contributions of the Hausa language film industry, he maintained that Kaduna is a multicultural state with filmmakers and actors producing content in several Nigerian languages.
He said the diversity of the state’s creative community presents an opportunity to establish Kaduna as an independent filmmaking hub capable of serving producers from across Nigeria and beyond.
According to him, states such as Enugu, Delta and the Federal Capital Territory have successfully attracted filmmakers through deliberate government policies, investment incentives and institutional support. actorsguildnigeria.ng
“Kaduna has talented Hausa actors, but we also have actors and filmmakers from many other ethnic nationalities. We should not limit ourselves to one identity. Kaduna has the capacity to become a true national filmmaking hub.
“We need policies that encourage production, incentives that attract investors and institutional frameworks that support filmmakers. Once those structures are in place, producers from different parts of the country will naturally choose Kaduna as a production destination,” he stated.
Call for investment in film infrastructure
The AGN chairman 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 producers across Northern Nigeria still depend largely on Lagos for the rental of high end production equipment, a situation he described as costly and discouraging.
According to him, providing access to professional cameras, lighting equipment and other production facilities would significantly reduce production costs while attracting 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 investment will create jobs, stimulate tourism and strengthen the state’s economy,” he added.
Professional training and membership expansion
Mcbaror identified capacity building as another major priority of his administration, stressing that continuous professional development remains essential for the growth of the industry.
He disclosed that the new executive would embark on aggressive membership mobilisation, regular training programmes and industry engagements aimed at bringing more practitioners under the umbrella of the Actors Guild of Nigeria.
According to him, many talented actors and technical professionals in Kaduna are currently outside the guild simply because they are unaware 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. That must change.
“The Actors Guild belongs to everyone. We want to create opportunities for established professionals as well as young people who are passionate about building careers in the creative industry. Training will remain one of our strongest priorities because learning never ends,” he said.
National body seeks stronger government support
Also speaking, the National Assistant Secretary of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Johnson Erakpotobor, described the Nigerian film industry as one of the country’s largest employers of labour, calling for greater public sector investment to sustain its growth.
He said although the industry has continued to expand despite numerous challenges, stronger government participation would 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. Increased investment in the creative industry 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 funding and accelerate the growth of Nigeria’s film ecosystem.
Nigeria remains a global talent hub
The national officer described Nigeria as one of the world’s leading producers of films, 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 state’s growing relevance within Nigeria’s film industry.
“Our greatest strength is our talent. Nigeria has some of the finest actors, directors, producers and technical professionals anywhere in the world. Kaduna has consistently contributed to that success story, and with the right support, the state can achieve even greater recognition,” he said.
Secretary-elect promises transparent administration
The Secretary-elect of the Kaduna State chapter, Kayode Bidemi Ayodele, pledged that the new executive would prioritise 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 would form the foundation of the administration’s agenda.
According to him, the executive also intends to pursue partnerships with government institutions, corporate organisations and private investors to improve film production in Kaduna.
Ayodele further advocated the establishment of a film village in the state, describing it as a strategic investment capable of attracting major productions, creating employment opportunities and positioning Kaduna as a preferred destination for filmmakers.
“We are fortunate to have a chairman with extensive experience in the Nigerian film industry. We intend to build on that experience by strengthening our structures, improving collaboration and creating an environment where filmmakers can thrive.
“Our appeal to government is simple. Partner with us, invest in the creative industry and together we can make Kaduna one of Africa’s leading centres for film production,” he said.
The inauguration of the new executive marks the beginning of a fresh chapter for the Actors Guild of Nigeria in Kaduna State, with expectations high 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.