By Tola Balogun
The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Abuja Chapter, on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, joined actors and practitioners across Hollywood and other parts of the world in celebrating Actors International Day, with a colourful and impactful programme designed to celebrate the actor, promote professional development, and strengthen solidarity within Nigeria’s creative industry.
The celebration, held in Abuja, brought together actors, filmmakers, musicians, producers, directors and other stakeholders in the entertainment industry. The occasion was marked by sports, music, dance, entertainment, inspiring speeches and a strong call for greater commitment to the acting profession.
One of the major highlights of the celebration was the Mayor’s Cup novelty football match between the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN) and the Actors Guild of Nigeria. In a highly entertaining encounter, the AGN team emerged victorious with a convincing 3–1 victory over PMAN, adding a competitive but friendly dimension to the celebration.
Music was also central to the festivities, with captivating performances from actor-musicians Mercy Nnochiri, popularly known as Youngest Mama, and Juliet, popularly known as Jesus Mopol. Their performances further demonstrated the versatility of Nigerian actors and the multifaceted talents that exist within the creative community.
Another major attraction was a superlative dance drama performed by members of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Abuja Chapter. The production, written by Dr. Tola Balogun and co-directed by Kayode Aiyegbusi and Tola Balogun, used dance, drama and theatrical expression to communicate important messages about the challenges, responsibilities and aspirations of the Nigerian actor.
Beyond the entertainment, the event provided a platform for meaningful conversations about professionalism, character, capacity building, collaboration and the welfare of actors.
Speaking at the occasion, Julian Uchendu, an Abuja-based producer, urged actors to take their profession seriously and remain focused on their careers. She encouraged practitioners to develop confidence in their abilities, stressing that an actor’s belief in himself or herself is an important foundation for attaining stardom.
She further emphasised the importance of character and professional discipline, noting that “character excels and an actor faster.” She also made the memorable observation that “passion without character is delusional,” reminding actors that talent and passion must be supported by integrity, discipline and the right professional attitude.
Also speaking at the event, Holy Steve Ogbuefi, Chairman of the Directors Guild of Nigeria (DGN), Abuja Chapter, congratulated the Actors Guild of Nigeria on the celebration of Actors International Day. He commended the Mayor of the AGN Abuja Chapter for her efforts and contributions towards impacting the lives and careers of members.
Ogbuefi also stressed the need for stronger partnerships between actors and directors, noting that both professionals play critical roles in the growth and development of the Nigerian film industry. According to him, greater collaboration between the two guilds would create opportunities for improved professional standards and a stronger creative ecosystem.
In her remarks, the Mayor of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Abuja Chapter, Salma Aminu, expressed appreciation to all the guests, stakeholders and members who turned out in large numbers to celebrate the occasion.
She particularly thanked members of the guild for their commitment and support, promising that her administration would continue to pursue initiatives that would positively impact the lives and careers of actors while promoting their welfare.
Salma encouraged actors to embrace capacity building, continuous training and professional development, stressing that an actor must constantly improve his or her craft in order to remain relevant in an increasingly competitive industry.
She further assured members that the guild would continue to protect their interests and welfare within the ambit of the law, while creating an environment where actors could thrive professionally.
Representing the President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Alhaji Sanusi Abubakar, the representative conveyed the President’s goodwill and congratulations to actors across the Nigerian motion picture industry.
The President thanked members for their contributions to the growth of the industry and wished them a successful Actors International Day celebration. He reaffirmed the guild’s commitment to working with relevant stakeholders and government agencies to protect the rights of actors and improve their welfare.
He also encouraged actors to remain prepared and professional whenever they are called upon by producers and directors, stressing that the continued celebration of the actor’s craft depends significantly on the professionalism, discipline and commitment of practitioners.
He reminded members that the Actors Guild of Nigeria is the mother guild of the Nigerian motion picture industry, and therefore its members must continually demonstrate a strong sense of responsibility, professionalism and leadership wherever they find themselves.
The celebration ultimately became more than just an entertainment event. It was a reaffirmation of the value of the actor and a reminder that the future of Nigeria’s creative industry depends on the collective commitment of practitioners to professionalism, continuous learning, collaboration and mutual respect.
From the football pitch to the stage, from music performances to thought-provoking speeches, the Abuja celebration captured the true spirit of Actors International Day. It was a day of camaraderie, creativity, reflection and celebration—a day in which actors not only celebrated their profession but also renewed their commitment to the growth of the industry.
The dance, music, laughter, camaraderie and colourful fanfare that characterised the celebration will undoubtedly remain memorable for members and guests alike.
As the curtain fell on Actors International Day 2026, one message remained clear: the Nigerian actor deserves to be celebrated, protected, empowered and continually equipped to excel.
Until the next Actors International Day, the memories of the celebration—and the renewed commitment to the art—remain worth holding onto.
