Nwanganga Re-elected as IMPAN President, Pledges to Revive Igbo Language Through Film

The Igbo Movie Producers Association of Nigeria (IMPAN) has re-elected Mr JohnPaul Nwanganga as its president for another two-year term following the association's national election held in Enugu.

Other officials elected include Mrs Ngozi Okeke as Vice President, Mr Paul Ibeh as Secretary, Mrs Joyce Ikem as Assistant Secretary, Mrs Ifemamma Rita as Financial Secretary, Mr Izuchukwu Orjioke as Provost and Mr Uchenna Okoro as Director of Socials.

Announcing the results, Chairman of the IMPAN National Electoral Committee, Mr Okey Zinja, commended members for their commitment to the electoral process and praised the turnout despite challenges faced by participants.

Zinja noted that members travelled from different parts of the country to participate in the election, describing the exercise as a demonstration of unity within the association.

He congratulated Nwanganga on his re-election and expressed confidence in his leadership.

"You were our president before and you have emerged again. We believe in your leadership to take the association to the next level," he said.

Speaking after the election, actress Nkiru Sylvanus described the exercise as an important milestone in strengthening the association's leadership.

"Elections are very necessary when it comes to the leadership of an organisation.

"It is impressive that we are electing new executives, and I believe everything went well," she said.

Sylvanus urged Igbo filmmakers to produce more films that authentically document Igbo history, culture and heritage, noting that many aspects of the people's history remain untold.

She said the association was committed to promoting stories that reflected the resilience, identity and cultural values of the Igbo people.

The actress also stressed that producing quality historical films would require collaboration among stakeholders and increased investment in the industry rather than relying solely on individual filmmakers.

Veteran actor Chief Ferdinand Ohanekwu described the election as a positive development for the association, expressing optimism that the new leadership would build on previous achievements.

"I am happy because the election has produced the legitimate leadership of IMPAN.

"My expectation is that the new executives will perform even better than before and reposition Igbo movies to compete favourably with other sectors of the Nigerian film industry," he said.

In his acceptance speech, Nwanganga thanked members for renewing his mandate, describing the confidence reposed in him as a great honour.

"I feel highly honoured. Considering my age, I see this as a privilege to lead Igbo filmmakers in the country once again," he said.

He recalled the contribution of Igbo filmmakers to the emergence and growth of Nollywood, noting that the success of the landmark film Living in Bondage helped project the Nigerian film industry onto the global stage.

Nwanganga pledged to intensify efforts to promote the Igbo language and culture through filmmaking, saying the association would work to preserve the language amid concerns over its gradual decline.

"I am open to collaborations that will help promote Igbo language, culture and heritage," he said.

He also promised that the new executive would prioritise research into Igbo history to support the production of films that accurately portray the traditions, history and cultural identity of the Igbo people.

He said the association would pursue partnerships with relevant organisations and stakeholders to ensure the preservation and promotion of Igbo heritage through quality film productions.

Tags: Entertainment, Nollywood, Culture