The long awaited elections which held August 27 at the cinema hall of the Cyprian Ekwensi Centre for Arts and Culture, Abuja, saw Ikponwonsa Gold beat Chris Otaigbe to the position of Chairman in what has been described as a peaceful, free and fair election by the practitioners.
Jerry Adesewo, who is secretary of the Abuja chapter of the Association of Nigerian Authors, Abuja chapter, was nominated in absentia and returned unopposed as the secretary of the chapter while Jovita Anyanwu, popularly known as Aunty Telewire also clinched the post of the Director of Finance (Treasurer).
Prior to the elections, there has been a two-year power vacuum following the expiration of the two term tenure of the Tunji Fatilewa led executive council.
In his acceptance speech after the election conducted under the watchful eyes of Mr. Dotun Osunsanya as chairman of the electoral committee and Mr. Tunji Fatilewa (TFA), Chairman elect, Ikponwonsa Gold, assured his fellow thespians that the team will work together to revive the body. “We have slept for too long and this of course is the appointed time. We shall work towards rebuilding this chapter to become the model for all other NANTAP chapters across the nation. However, that is only possible with the support of everyone here,” he said.
Veteran actor and founding member of NANTAP when it was registered in Abuja in the 90s, Mr. Adesewo Fayaman Bay, who spearheaded the reconvening of the Abuja NANTAP, advised the executive to work together as a team and to ensure that the congress is carried along in all they do. “The responsibility of moving this association forward now rests on your shoulders and you must strive to make the best of this great opportunity. You must be transparent in all that you do and make sure that the welfare of theatre practitioners in Abuja becomes one of your major priorities.” He admonished.
The new executive will be inaugurated soon to commence a two year term.
