Idoma Nollywood Inaugurates New National Leaders, Opens Abuja Chapter

Idoma Nollywood practitioners have inaugurated a new national leadership team and launched an Abuja chapter in what members described as a major organisational step for indigenous cinema from Benue State.

At the inauguration, Sir David Ejembi took office as National President, while Ambassador Prince Agbo was sworn in as Chairman of the Board of Trustees. Mr Oloche was also inaugurated as Chairman of the new Abuja Chapter, expanding the association’s footprint in the Federal Capital Territory.

Leaders at the event said the changes are aimed at strengthening governance, widening collaboration and preparing the industry for wider recognition within and outside Nigeria.

The association traced its roots to 1999, when the idea was conceived, and said it was formally registered in 2009 through the efforts of Ambassador Prince Agbo and Elder Sunny Okwori. Since then, it has positioned itself as a platform for preserving Idoma stories, mentoring younger creators and promoting indigenous film identity.

Speakers said the Abuja chapter was created to connect more practitioners to funding conversations, training opportunities and distribution channels. They added that stronger structures are needed if local-language cinema is to compete for audience attention in a crowded film market.

The new leadership outlined priorities that include skills development, partnerships with private and public stakeholders, and broader use of digital platforms to improve visibility for Idoma films and creators.

Ambassador Agbo, now heading the Board of Trustees, said institutional continuity and resource mobilisation would remain central as the body enters a new phase.

In a move members described as a nod to grassroots leadership, Mrs Cecilia Peter, current Otukpo Local Government Chairperson, was appointed Treasurer of the Board of Trustees. Her appointment, according to stakeholders, reflects the group’s intention to keep decision-making connected to its base in Benue.

Industry participants at the ceremony said the association’s next chapter will depend on disciplined execution of its governance plans, consistent talent development and stronger links between creators in Benue and Abuja.

With the new executives in place, Idoma Nollywood said it wants to build a stable institution that supports filmmakers, protects cultural storytelling and gives indigenous cinema a stronger voice in Nigeria’s creative economy.