Beatrice Akonjom Emerges Chairman of Actors Guild of Nigeria, Cross River State Chapter

Beatrice Akonjom Emerges Chairman of Actors Guild of Nigeria, Cross River State Chapter

Beatrice Akonjom Emerges Chairman of Actors Guild of Nigeria, Cross River State Chapter

 

The Cross River State Chapter of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) on Saturday, 6th September 2025, elected a new executive commitee, with Mrs Beatrice Akonjom as chairman. The election which was held in Ikom, was  keenly contested, with members allowed the opportunity to cast their votes for their preferred candidates.

Declaring the results, the Chairman of the AGN Electoral Committee (AGNEC), Mrs. Ezinne Owoh, described the exercise as free, fair, and credible, noting that the transparent process reflects the growing maturity of the guild in the state.

Akonjom, a retired Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, former Confidential Secretary to former Governor Liyel Imoke, and immediate past Secretary of the guild, defeated Victor Iyamba to clinch the top seat in the rescheduled election, which was widely hailed by members and independent observers as peaceful, transparent, and credible.

Other members elected and sworn in alongside Lady Beatrice Akonjom by Barr. Abang James, with Barr. Philips as witness, include:

- Esuabangha Edet – Vice Chairman

- Hon. Onah Sunday Owoche – Secretary

- Winifred Duke – Assistant Secretary

- Roseline Kelechi – Treasurer

- Tonywhite Uzor – Financial Secretary

- Godas Asuquo – PRO

- Hon. Christian Akwo – Director of Guild Services

- Nsa Nsa Ita – Chief Whip

In her acceptance speech, the new  chairman, Mrs Akonjom, expressed deep gratitude to members of the guild for the confidence reposed in her. She also extended appreciation to the National President, Amb. Chief Ejezie Emeka Rollas, and the National Executive Committee for their support, as well as to the AGNEC and the caretaker committee for ensuring a level playing field. She commended members for their peaceful conduct, maturity, and sacrifice during the election, especially those who travelled long distances from the Northern, Central, and Southern senatorial districts of the state to participate in the excercise.

“This victory is not mine alone but for every member of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Cross River State Chapter. I thank you all for your trust, and I pledge to work tirelessly to unite and uplift the guild,” she stated.

Also speaking, the Vice President (South-South) of the guild, Mr. Mokilese Nson, congratulated the new chairman and other elected executives, dissolving the AGNEC, the interim Exco and every other standing committee in the chapter. He lauded members for setting an example of peaceful and democratic transition, charging the new leadership to consolidate on the gains of the past administration while positioning Nollywood practitioners in Cross River State for greater opportunities.

Similarly, the Chairman of the dissolved Interim Executive Committee, Mrs. Maureen Ekpenyong, expressed delight at the smooth transition, thanking members for their cooperation during her committee’s tenure. She assured the new leadership of her full support and urged members to commit to the progress of the guild.

In his goodwill message, the immediate past chairman of the state chapter, Mr. Jo Esse, congratulated Lady Akonjom on her victory and urged her to carry every member along in advancing the welfare of actors in the state. He pledged to continue supporting the guild in an advisory capacity and thanked members for the opportunity to serve.

In separate remarks, members hailed the successful conduct of the election as the step towards rebuilding the guild as the chapter has been without a substantive Exco for more than a year now. They maintained that, with elections matter laid to rest now, they look forward to fresh ideas and innovative leadership under Lady Beatrice Akonjom.

Eriacy Confidence Oba,

Publisher, 

Coneri Blog