ANA Rivers elects Joy Esuku as first female chairperson
By Jonah Okpabi
THE Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Rivers State chapter, concluded its 2024 Annual General Meeting (AGM) with the historic election of its first female chairperson, Madam Joy Esuku. The election was held on Sunday, November 10, 2024, took place at the association’s secretariat within the National Library Complex, Port Harcourt. Prominent literary figures that attended included the National Vice President, Dr. Obari Gomba, who served as the National Observer and Election Committee Chairman.
Madam Esuku emerged unopposed. Other newly elected members of the executive team include Chief Alexander Ebipua-Koinyan – Vice President, Anne Alalibo – Secretary, Jonah Okpabi – Public Relations Officer (PRO), Peter Akpojotor – Treasurer, Sophia Eyakuaire – Financial Secretary, Sotonye Boyle – Assistant Secretary and Tigiri Precious – Ex-Officio
In her acceptance speech, Madam Esuku expressed gratitude to her colleagues for entrusting her with the responsibility of leading the association. She highlighted her 24 years of active involvement in ANA, including her roles in the national executive. She promised to build upon the achievements of the immediate past Chairman, Chief Adi Wali, and called for collective support to further advance the association’s objectives in Rivers State.
Meanwhile, Dr. Gomba extended support to the new administration by offering a startup grant of N100,000. Chief Wali also showed his support with N50,000 while the newly elected Vice Chairman, Chief Ebipua-Koinyan, promised to redeem his pledge of N30,000 made to the administration last year.
Chief Wali expressed happiness at being succeeded by the association’s first female chairperson, a development he said marked a historic and inclusive moment for the association.
Newly elected ANA Rivers’ Chairperson, Joy Esuku
