By Florencemary Nwabueze

The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Lagos Chapter, honoured some of Nollywood's most cherished veterans at the prestigious Actors Night held at Ojez Sports Lounge, Surulere Stadium, Lagos, on friday, June 26.

The glamorous evening brought together alot of Nigerian actors for a night of music, dance, entertainment, and recognition, as the Guild paid tribute to industry stalwarts including Ngozi Nwosu, Blessing Agofure, Kingsley Okonkwo, and award-winning musician-turned-actor Ruggedman.

In her opening remarks, the acting chairman of AGN Lagos Chapter, Mrs. Mary Edward, welcomed the distinguished guests and reaffirmed the Guild's commitment to honouring its members.

Michael Stephen, popularly known as Ruggedman, who received the AGN award, took the audience down memory lane, revealing a lesser-known facet of his entertainment career.

"A lot of you know me more from the music, but the first time I ever stood in front of a camera was in the late Francis Agu movie. I did 'wake pass' in two movies before I released my first single. So sometimes when I see some actors, I see them as my junior colleagues because I call myself a Veteran 'wakapasser' – it happened in 1996-1997."

Explaining his foray into Nollywood, the rapper-turned-actor said: "I am this person that knows I complain a lot about something, so I venture into it so I can see what is happening there. I have registered as a member of AGN I have done my first cinema movie, and they just cast me for another one last week. I have already started producing my own series which you are going to be watching soon. If I say I will do something, I will do it."

In a passionate appeal, Ruggedman urged the AGN to prioritise the welfare and health of veteran actors. He also condemned what he described as the "expire date syndrome" prevalent in the Nigerian entertainment industry.

"Nigeria has this thing for expire date on some people. If you ask them about Nkem Owo now, they will say he is old, but in America, old actors are still acting."

Veteran actor Jude Ogomegbunam Chukwuka shared heartwarming memories of mentoring a young Ruggedman, adding a touch of humour to the evening.

"I took him to school. The first time he went to St. Thomas, his mother told me, 'Jude, this boy can't cross Ishaga road.' He has grown up to be all these now. He has an alians – when I call him that, I remember the young rudy handsome guy, then I look at the man he is now," Chukwuka said, drawing laughter from the audience.

"He is the worst footballer in the world. A very bad goalkeeper. When they fire shoot, he will cover his face. Today, I am very honoured," he added affectionately.

Receiving the award on behalf of his mother, veteran actress Ngozi Nwosu, her son—who is also a movie producer—expressed gratitude to the AGN and revealed that his mother couldn't attend as she was "a little sick."

Barr. Kingsley Okonkwo, popularly known as Dauda, who also received an award, reflected on his three-decade journey in the industry and the evolution of Nigerian comedy.

"To be recognised in this manner, there must be a ratio of contribution. I have paid my dues right here in this industry for over 30 years. Second generation of actors don't know that we revolutionised comedy in Nigeria. It was Osuofia, Okey Bakasi, and Dauda before any other person. Then Julius Agwu, Alibaba, and Basketmouth on stand-up comedy show. This is the first time I am receiving a very beautiful award."

Okonkwo offered frank advice to new members of the AGN, urging them to carefully consider their motivations before entering the industry.

"The industry has gone digital. Right now, it's the survival of the fittest. Everybody in the world is an actor. You have to fight for yourself if you know you have exceptional talent," he advised.

"It's hardly for you to see anybody who becomes a celebrity from the movie industry these days because the industry is flooded. You have one million people that want to become a celebrity. You must have a special talent to become a star – it's by grace. The industry is tasking. It takes all your time of life. It has a way of making you poor forever. You'll think you are there, but you are not there."

Mr. Paul Julius, who represented AGN at the National level and received the award on behalf of Blessing Agofure who missed his flightto the event, emphasized the importance of commitment to the craft.

"Acting is a full-time thing. If you want to belong to the industry, you must be prepared and give it your time," Julius stated.

He also addressed the ongoing welfare initiatives: "A lot of things have been put in place for actors' welfare by the previous administration. There is a scheme on health – it's left for actors to key in, so that when there are health challenges, we don't have to run to the public."

The event drew a galaxy of notable actors including Josiah Chuks (aka Honorable), Mac Flames, Wole Majeks, Emmanuella, Wright Amao, Mr. Jude Orhorha, Jude Ogomegbunam Chukwuka, Paul Julius, Mary Edward (acting chairman Lagos Chapter), Princess Blessing Anthony, Too much money, Florencemary Nwabueze, Matthew Okonkwo, Prof. Sanwoolu, Cornel Udofia( AGN director of communication), Kendry Uduak, Onyinka Emmanuel (MC Sanator) AGN director of guild service, and Prince Tunde Shado(AGN financial secretary), among others.