Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen earns Edo Governor’s praise

Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen earns Edo Governor Monday Okpebholo’s praise as the state backs DGuv at 30 celebration honouring his legacy in African cinema

Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen has received glowing commendation from the Executive Governor of Edo State, Distinguished Senator Monday Okpebholo, who pledged full government support for the upcoming DGuv at 30 celebration a milestone marking the filmmaker’s remarkable three decades behind the camera.

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The celebrated director, fondly called DGuvnor, visited Edo Government House with his team ahead of the grand anniversary.

During the visit, Governor Okpebholo lauded Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen for his enduring contribution to Edo’s culture through film, describing him as a beacon of creativity and pride to the state.

In the presence of top government officials, including Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa, the Secretary to the State Government, and the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Governor Okpebholo praised Imasuen’s consistent effort in using cinema to preserve the people’s heritage.

The highlight of the visit was the presentation of the official shirts for the DGuv at 30 celebration, which the Governor received with delight before proceeding to a private meeting with Lancelot’s delegation.

Members of the filmmaker’s entourage included the Chairman of the Association of Movie Producers, Edo State Chapter, Mr Derek Igbinakenzua; Vice Chairman of the Directors Guild of Nigeria, Edo Chapter, Mr Billy Kings; filmmaker Mrs Lovebest Ogie; and Miss Chidinma Joy Ewuzie, Administrator of Benin Film Academy.

Also present were production designer Mr Nicolas Benson-Imasuen and actor-producer Mr Uyi Stanley Agbontean.

As part of the two-week celebration, Imasuen will unveil a powerful memoir titled A Trip in Motion on Thursday, 27th November 2025, at the Alliance Française, Mike Adenuga Centre, Ikoyi, Lagos.

The book, written by poet and author Godson Osarenren, chronicles Imasuen’s journey through Nollywood and serves as a reflection of his creative odyssey.

The DGuv at 30 festivities will run from 15th to 27th November 2025, featuring street casting parades, award ceremonies, colloquiums, and film premieres in both Benin City and Lagos.

Distinguished personalities, Nollywood veterans, diplomats, and captains of industry are expected to attend the grand finale.

Among the many honours planned is a Lifetime Appreciation Award, where Imasuen will recognise individuals who have significantly supported his career, including the late Captain Hosa Okunbo, Senator Daisy Danjuma, and Sir Emmanuel Isikaku, who financed his first film in 1996.

The Edo-born director, known for his deep storytelling and commitment to cultural representation, will also inaugurate the Oduwa Imasuen Lancelot (OIL) Foundation, aimed at reviving dramatic and film clubs across secondary schools in Edo State.

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With DGuv at 30, Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen not only celebrates a legacy of cinematic excellence but also ignites a renewed vision for the next generation of African filmmakers a fitting tribute to a visionary whose passion continues to shape the continent’s creative landscape.

Quadri Olaitan