Association of Movie Producers (AMP) members from various states gathered in Asaba the Delta State capital a few weeks ago and voted for their new executive who would pilot the affairs of the association for the next two years. Ms. Peace Anyiam-Osigwe the founder and CEO of the African Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) emerged as the new AMP President having polled 167 votes to defeat her opponent; Mr. Michael Parish who polled 3 votes, while the Vice President, Queen Blessing Ebigieson polled 165 votes to beat Miss Rose Okwoli who polled only four votes. Anyiam-Osigwe succeeds the immediate past president, Mr. Ralph Nwadike, who had completed his two-term of two years each.
Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta, represented by the State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Mr. Lawrence Ejiofor, graced the occasion. In his welcome address he said the association had attained great success despite the economic and environmental challenges.
The immediate past president of the association, Nwadike, called for support from all members to enable the newly elected executive deliver on promises. He noted that despite the challenges, the industry had achieved a lot without much of government’s support, adding that there was the need to consolidate on the achievements.
Sunny Macdon, the Chairman of the Election Committee, said 18 states participated in the election, which was “conclusive, free and fair.”
In her, response, Ms. Anyiam-Osigwe the new AMP president:
- Appreciated the association for electing her as the president and pledged to deepen the achievements of the association by opening other channels to enable members to get value for their money.
- Noted the irony of the country being the second-largest producer of movies in the world, but ranked poorest in terms of returns on investment and said that she and her new executive will take steps to reverse this.
- That proactive step would be taken to address the issue of piracy to protect intellectual property.
- An operational database for producers will be put in place with the profiles and contact of members.
- Noted the need for a review of the association’s constitution to come up with a document that effectively works for all her members.
- She promised to explore opportunities in community cinemas, terrestrial television and the cable networks to ensure producers get value for their money.
- The challenge of distribution will be addressed by putting in place steps to explore the African market. Noting that even if only one per cent of the market is gained, it will be a great gain.
- Build the value chain by engaging and integrating almost 70 per cent of movie producers in Nigeria
- Thanked the members and all who made the process of the elections possible and promised to carry everyone along in the delivery of her electoral promises.
Other elected executive members are:
General Secretary – Mr. Baba Agba
Financial Secretary – Mr. Anthony Chukwuma
Publicity Secretary – Mr. Nzeh Frankwyte
Provost – Mr. Vitus Nnebu.
Veterans of the industry who graced the event included, Zeb Ejiro, Fred Amata, Emma Ogugua, Tony Ani, Lancelot Imasuen, Franca Brown, Imagbon Abia, and Paul Obazele, a two-term president of AMP.
Zeb Ejiro, a veteran in the industry, said the election was a turning point for the movie industry and thanked the organizing committee for choosing Asaba for the national election.