Film and tech curator Don Pedro Aganbi, recently elected as National Director of Policy and Implementation (DPI) for the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), says the guild is moving toward proactive governance, where policy execution, not rhetoric, will define its future. He spoke with SAM ANOKAM on the state of AGN, his priorities, and why policy-driven growth is critical for the guild.

Bridging Nollywood and Technology

Aganbi, who also convenes the Nollywood Economic Outlook, Titans of Tech Conference and Expo, International Tech & Energy Fest, and the Nollywood Mini Marathon, believes his dual background in film and technology positions him uniquely to help AGN leapfrog in the evolving entertainment ecosystem.

“Nollywood is now a fast-moving, tech-driven industry. Technology, data, distribution platforms, and global partnerships shape storytelling and monetization. My experience allows me to focus on systems that prepare the guild for tomorrow,” he said.

He added that the guild’s future lies in innovation, digital rights, global partnerships, and economic sustainability, emphasizing that creativity combined with technology and governance leads to growth—and even leapfrogging traditional limitations.

Priorities as Director of Policy and Implementation

Aganbi highlighted several priorities for his office:

• Implementation Dashboard: Tracking all guild projects, welfare programs, partnerships, and events to ensure accountability and measurable outcomes.
• Policy Coherence: Reviewing existing policies, identifying gaps, and developing frameworks that uphold excellence, professionalism, ethics, and member engagement.
• National Coordination: Ensuring that while states adapt policies to local realities, all initiatives align with agreed standards.
• Stakeholder Integration: Aligning guild policies with government agencies, regulators, platforms, and international bodies to maintain AGN’s strong institutional voice.

“Strategy tells you where you are going. Policy explains how. Implementation ensures you get there. You cannot separate the three,” he said.

Confidence in the New Leadership

Aganbi expressed confidence in the new AGN president, Abubakar Yakubu, citing his institutional memory and leadership experience, which include roles as Vice President, National PRO, and National Secretary. He also noted strong synergy among the national executives-elect, including Vice President (South West) Dayo Amusa, with whom he previously collaborated in Lagos State.

Legacy of Outgoing Leadership

Reflecting on the tenure of Dr. Emeka Rollas, Aganbi praised his efforts in uniting a factionalized guild, stabilizing operations in nearly 30 states, and laying a strong foundation for the incoming administration.

“Dr. Rollas restored confidence and strengthened the guild. The new leadership inherits a more united and structured AGN,” he said.

A Forward-Looking Guild

With a focus on policy execution, measurable implementation, and strategic partnerships, Don Pedro Aganbi envisions a guild that is not only responsive but proactively shaping the future of Nigerian entertainment, positioning AGN as a globally recognized institution in Nollywood and beyond.