The President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Dr. Ejezie Emeka Rollas, MON, has been nominated for the prestigious Sun Awards as the Nollywood Personality of the Year. In a letter of nomination dated November 13, 2024, addressed to Dr. Rollas, it was stated that after a rigorous selection process, he was chosen for this honor. The award will be formally presented to him in March 2025 during an elaborate ceremony.
This nomination is a testament to Dr. Rollas’s significant contributions to the growth and development of the Actors Guild of Nigeria. His leadership has introduced dynamic changes and welfare programs that have uplifted the standards of motion picture practice and established lasting structures within the Guild.
In recognition of his extraordinary initiatives, President Muhammadu Buhari honored Dr. Rollas with the title “Member of the Order of Niger” (MON) in 2022. This award is given to Nigerian citizens and friends of Nigeria who have rendered distinguished service for the benefit of the nation.
Dr. Rollas expressed his gratitude for the nomination, stating, “I am deeply honored to be recognized as Nollywood Personality of the Year. This nomination reflects not only my efforts but the collective hard work of everyone in the Actors Guild of Nigeria. Together, we are making strides towards a brighter future for our industry.”
Speaking on the illustrious nomination, his spokesman, Ambassador Cornel Udofia, added, “This nomination is a significant acknowledgment of Dr. Rollas’s relentless dedication and transformative leadership in Nollywood. We look forward to the award ceremony and continuing our efforts to elevate the standards of the film industry in Nigeria.”
Dr. Rollas has received a plethora of awards for his accomplishments in transforming the Actors Guild of Nigeria and Nollywood as a whole. He remains a source of inspiration to the dedicated members of the Guild.
Since assuming leadership in August 2017, Dr. Rollas has focused on unifying the Guild, enhancing members’ welfare, and promoting Nollywood on international platforms. Upon taking office, he addressed the leadership crises that had fragmented the AGN for years. His reconciliation initiatives restored stability and fostered a more cohesive environment for actors across Nigeria.
Understanding the importance of members’ well-being, Dr. Rollas introduced various welfare programs:
- Health Insurance Schemes: He implemented health insurance options, including a retail Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) and on-the-spot accident insurance, ensuring actors have access to medical care when needed.
- AGN Foundation: Launched to support veterans and celebrities in need, the foundation also engages in corporate social responsibility by assisting the underprivileged in Nigeria.
- Training and Skill Development: Dr. Rollas has been instrumental in organizing training sessions, workshops, and international festivals to enhance actors’ skills and global reach. Notably, he announced the AGN International Festival in Miami, Florida, aimed at fostering collaboration between Nollywood and Hollywood.
In addition to his nomination for the Sun Awards, Dr. Rollas received the national honor of “Member of the Order of the Niger” (MON) in October 2022. He was also awarded the ‘Outstanding Guild Leader of the Year’ at the INIFFAA 2024. These recognitions reflect his unwavering commitment to the advancement of Nollywood and the AGN.
Dr. Rollas holds a degree in Mass Communication from Federal Polytechnic Oko, Anambra State. His extensive experience in acting, producing, and directing, along with his role as Managing Director of Rolling Pictures Ltd., has equipped him with the expertise to lead the AGN effectively. Through his initiatives, he has significantly enhanced the social standing of Nigerian actors, improved their welfare, and elevated Nollywood’s profile on the global stage.
Dr. Emeka Rollas continues to inspire growth and innovation, ensuring the AGN remains a beacon of excellence in Nigeria’s entertainment industry and beyond.
