Nigeria’s Fidelis Duker, former President of the Director Guild of Nigeria (DGN) and founder of the Abuja International Film Festival, (AIFF) Fidelis Duker recently beat other nominees to it as he has been appointed President of the African Festival Network (AFRIFESTNET), a continental body for all festival organizers in Africa.
Duker’s appointment followed a vote of no confidence passed by members of AFRIFESNET on their pioneer President, Dr. Kwame Owosu. Although, Owosu from Ghana is believed to have resigned as President prior to the meeting where the decision to oust him was taken, members said the decision to ‘sack’ Owosu and to elevate Duker from his position as Vice President to that of President followed the inability of Owosu to direct the affairs of the continental body since he got the mandate to lead the network almost two years ago.
The prolific director and film maker, Duker in his acceptance speech, promised to move the continental body forward and build stronger bilateral ties amongst nations and other continental associations. He stressed further that he will not disappoint the member nations for the confidence reposed in him as the continental president.