By Tina Amanda
The Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Rivers State chapter, made history on Sunday, November 10, 2024, with the election of its first female chairman, Joy Esuku, during the chapter’s 2024 Annual General Meeting (AGM).
The event, held at the ANA Secretariat within the National Library Complex in Port Harcourt, was attended by notable literary figures, including the National Vice President, Dr. Obari Gomba, who served as the National Observer and Chair of the Election Committee (Eleco).
Esuku was elected unopposed as the 7th ANA Rivers State Chairperson. Members elected to the executive team include:
Vice President: Alexander Ebipua-Koinyan, Secretary: Anne Alalibo, Public Relations Officer (PRO): Jonah Okpabi, Treasurer: Peter Akpojotor.
Others are; Financial Secretary: Sophia Eyakuaire, Assistant Secretary: Sotonye Boyle, and Ex-Officio: Tigiri Precious.
In her acceptance speech, Joy Esuku expressed gratitude for her colleagues’ trust and pledged to continue the legacy of the outgoing chairman, Chief Adi Wali.
She urged members to support her administration in order to move the organisation forward, noting that her success lies in the strength and unity of all members.
Drawing on her 24 years of active involvement with ANA, including roles in the national executive, she called for a collective effort to advance the association’s goals in Rivers State.
Supporting the new administration, Dr. Obari Gomba extended a startup grant of one hundred thousand (100,000) Naira. Chief Adi Wali, the immediate past chairman, contributed 50,000 Naira, while the newly elected Vice Chairman, Alexander Ebipua-Koinyan, pledged to fulfill his promise of 30,000 Naira made last year.
Chief Adi Wali expressed pride in Esuku’s election, calling it a historic milestone for ANA Rivers as it welcomes its first female leader.
