AGN Anambra State Marks One Year of Progress Under Lady Anyaegbunam’s Leadership
On June 26, 2025, the Anambra State Chapter of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) marked a significant milestone as members gathered to celebrate the one-year anniversary of their chairperson, Lady Chinyelu Esther Anyaegbunam, and her executive team.
The event, themed “365 Days in Office: A Celebration of Lady Chinyelu Esther Anyaegbunam’s Administration,” took place at Noble Hotel, Awka, and was attended by Nollywood stars, veteran actors, and key stakeholders from across the Nigerian film industry.
Prior to the anniversary festivities, AGN Anambra held a congress meeting where members deliberated on key issues affecting the guild and proposed strategies for future development in the state.
Welcoming both new and long-standing members, Lady Anyaegbunam expressed her appreciation for their continued support and presence at the event.
During the congress, Lady Anyaegbunam highlighted notable achievements from her first year in office, including:
- Launching a website to streamline member records and identification
- Cracking down on illegal film productions targeting aspiring actors
- Special training programs for task force members
- Initiatives to discover and develop talents from rural areas in Anambra
She also hinted at an upcoming app from the AGN national body, aligned with the state’s vision for broader digital transformation.
Veteran actor Mr. Stephen Anajemba, popularly known as Uwaezuoke, praised the impact of the current administration and proudly declared his allegiance to Lady Anyaegbunam’s leadership. He also shared the origin of his stage name—dating back to 1985—and the journey to its acclaim within Nollywood.
Another veteran, Apostle Joseph Nwankwoude, lauded the chairperson’s transformative agenda and pledged deeper involvement with the guild, describing the current administration as a beacon of renewed hope.
Amb. Dr. Lawrence Uche, a respected actor, director, and producer who journeyed from Port Harcourt for the event, expressed admiration for the symbolic value of celebrating 365 days in office—an unprecedented gesture in his experience with AGN. He urged the state chapter to rekindle Anambra’s past glory as a hub for Nigerian filmmaking and maximize its natural resources, including scenic locations and quality hospitality infrastructure.
Other members also shared thoughtful feedback and suggestions aimed at propelling the guild toward greater efficiency and impact.
The formal celebration was marked by:
- Arrival of the chairperson and her entourage
- Kolanut breaking by the BOT Chairman
- Speeches by dignitaries and the celebrant
- Unveiling of the Chairperson’s Anniversary Address
- Cutting of the anniversary cake
In her heartfelt address, Lady Anyaegbunam expressed deep gratitude to God and everyone who supported the administration’s journey so far.
“I feel greatly overwhelmed with joy and give thanks to God for making today’s gathering a reality. His grace has carried us through the year, and today, we celebrate not just longevity but purposeful service,” she said.
She extended warm appreciation to government officials, national AGN officers, patrons, veterans, partner guilds, the press, security agents, and well-wishers.
Finally, she acknowledged her executive team and supporters across state and zonal levels, calling them “the best team I’ve ever worked with,” and prayed for divine blessings upon them.
Notable Personalities in Attendance
The event was graced by distinguished figures including:
- Mr. Emma Ogugua, BOT Chairman
- Mr. Kenneth Anigbo (AB Cowboy), South-East Vice President
- Mr. Stephen Anajemba (Uwaezuoke), Veteran Actor
- Chief Sir Norbert Ezeani, Veteran Actor
- Apostle Joseph Nwankwoude, Veteran Actor
- mb. Dr. Lawrence Uche, Film Director and Producer
