Asaba Deserves The AMVCA Spotlight, Asagba Tells Actors Guild
Asagba Urges AGN to Bring AMVCA to Asaba, Citing City’s Nollywood Contributions
THE Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty, Prof. Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge, SAN, OON, has urged the Delta State Chapter of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) to intensify efforts to attract the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) to Asaba.
The monarch made the call while receiving a delegation of the guild, led by its Delta State Chairman, Prince Kevin Ughogho Uvo, during a courtesy visit to his palace in Asaba. He argued that the city deserved greater national and international recognition for its contributions to the Nigerian film industry.
Asaba’s Place in Nollywood
Describing Nollywood as one of Nigeria’s most significant cultural exports, Asagba Azinge noted that the industry continues to showcase the country’s creativity, cultural heritage and entertainment to audiences across the world.
He expressed concern, however, that Asaba’s considerable contribution to film production had not translated into hosting the prestigious AMVCA ceremony. According to the monarch, an estimated 70 to 85 per cent of Nigerian films are reportedly produced in the city, making its case for greater recognition worthy of serious consideration.
“Nollywood has become one of Nigeria’s greatest exports, and Asaba occupies a significant position in its growth story. If such a substantial percentage of Nigerian films are produced here, then there is a compelling reason for Asaba to be considered as a host city for the AMVCA,” he said.
Consequently, the monarch challenged the AGN Delta State Chapter to take a leading role in advocating for Asaba to host a future edition of the awards. He also encouraged the guild to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to strengthen the city’s profile as a destination for film production, entertainment events and cultural tourism.
Rebranding Asaba Through Peace & Investment
Beyond the proposed awards ceremony, Asagba Azinge reaffirmed his commitment to rebranding and repositioning Asaba. He stressed that peace remained essential to attracting investors, promoting tourism and sustaining development across the kingdom.
Accordingly, he called on actors and other entertainment professionals to contribute to efforts aimed at presenting Asaba as a welcoming and commercially attractive destination. He maintained that cooperation among the traditional institution, industry stakeholders and the wider community would help advance that objective.
The monarch also commended Nollywood actors for their resilience, creativity and dedication. According to him, a successful acting career requires considerable discipline, passion and perseverance.
“Movie acting is not for the faint-hearted. It takes a great deal of dedication, discipline and passion to succeed in the industry,” he stated.
Monarch Cautions Against Negative Online Portrayals
Meanwhile, Asagba Azinge appealed to content creators and social media influencers to exercise greater responsibility when publishing material about Asaba.
He warned against deliberately portraying the kingdom negatively in pursuit of online traffic, engagement or popularity. Instead, he urged digital content producers to promote the city’s cultural heritage, developmental prospects and positive identity.
The monarch emphasised that social media visibility should not come at the expense of Asaba’s reputation. He also called on those who deliberately demeaned the kingdom’s image to desist from such practices.
“Asaba will always bless,” he affirmed, reiterating his commitment to protecting the dignity and reputation of the community.
AGN Highlights Asaba’s Importance to Nollywood
Earlier, Prince Uvo thanked the Asagba and the Asaba community for their continued support, hospitality and goodwill towards the film industry.
He attributed much of Nollywood’s productivity in Asaba to the city’s peaceful and welcoming environment. Furthermore, he described the community as an important partner in the development of Nigerian filmmaking.
The AGN chairman also highlighted the industry’s economic significance, citing an estimated annual gross domestic product contribution of about $1.5 billion. He noted that Nollywood could generate employment, attract investment and promote Nigeria’s cultural identity, although the figure would require independent verification for precise economic reporting.
According to Uvo, Asaba has become closely associated with Nigerian film production, making the city an indispensable part of Nollywood’s growth story.
He explained that the delegation’s visit also provided an opportunity to seek the monarch’s royal blessings and appreciate his leadership and developmental initiatives since ascending the throne of his forebears.
AMVCA Bid Could Expand Asaba’s Entertainment Profile
The visit underscored the relationship between the Asaba traditional institution and the entertainment industry. It also highlighted a growing ambition to extend the city’s influence beyond film production into the hosting of major entertainment events.
If the AMVCA organisers consider Asaba for a future edition, the city could gain additional visibility, attract visitors and create opportunities for hospitality businesses, transport operators, vendors and other service providers.
Nevertheless, securing the event would require engagement with the award organisers, adequate event infrastructure and coordinated support from government, industry stakeholders and the host community.
For Asagba Azinge and the AGN Delta State Chapter, the immediate challenge is to turn Asaba’s established role in Nollywood into a broader platform for cultural recognition, tourism and economic activity.
