Abuja – Dr. Usman Oladipo Akanbi has emerged as the new president, Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA).
The renowned author and scion of the late eminent jurist from Ilorin, Justice Mustapha Akanbi took over the mantle of leadership of Nigeria’s Literary flagship at a keenly contested election held at the Mamman Vatsa Writers Village, Mpape, Abuja on Saturday, as part of activities for the association’s annual convention.
Akanbi, a member of the Kwara State chapter polled 140 votes to defeat Hajiya Farida Muhammed from Niger State Chapter who polled 86 votes.
In his speech, the outgoing President, Mr Camillus Uka, from Imo State Chapter commended the Chairman of the electoral Committe, Engr Emmanuel Frank Opigo, from Bayelsa State Chapter commended him for doing a great job.
“I commend the Chairman of the electoral Committe, Engr Emmanuel Frank-Opigo for doing a great job. My last assignment is to conduct a free , fair and credible election.
Uka urged Akanbi to surpass his own achievements
In his acceptance speech, after being sworn in alongside other members of his Executive committee, Dr Akanbi paid glowing tributes to his predecessor and other past presidents and elders of the association, especially Professors Femi Osofisan and Olu Obafemi .
“I thank everybody, particularly the chapter chairmen who made this possible. The important is to hit the ground running and ensure that we have programs to build the capacity of writers”
He also pledged to maintain the world class facility on ground at the Mamman Vatsa Writers Village through collaboration and partnership with Government and private sector and international concerns.
“Finally, I intend to strengthen the bond of unity among members since it’s only with unity that the association can achieve more”
Prof Olu Obafemi, one of the past presidents and elders commended the outgoing President and urged all to work together in the interest of the association, stressing that the association needs everyone.
In his own message, Prof Femi Osofisan, another past president congratulated the new excos urging them to have the interest of ANA at heart, urged members to pay attention to the quality of their writing, as Nigerian writers had the capacity to win the Nobel Literature Prize.
He is currently a Senior Lecturer with the Department of Agricultural Economics and Farm Management of the University of Ilorin.
Other members of the ANA National Executive Committee include Dr Obari Gomba (winner of the 2023 NLNG Prize), Dame De Joan -Vice President, Dame Dr Joan Oji, General Secretary, Ara Aderinoye, Assistant General Secretary,Barr Mike Assoh -Legal Adviser, Stella Toruemi – Treasurer, Keyna Eshika – Financial Secretary, Stephen Kekeghe – Auditor, Matthew Odono, PRO South, Bala Nagidi, PRO North, Maik Ortserga – Ex Officio I, Chimankpa Ogbueri – Ex Officio II
