The General Secretary of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Dame Joan Oji, PhD, has resigned from her position and membership of the association’s National Executive Council following her relocation to the United States of America.
Her resignation, which takes immediate effect, was announced by the President of ANA, Usman Oladipo Akanbi, in a press statement issued on June 15, 2026.
According to the statement, Oji’s decision followed the conferment of Permanent Residency status in the U.S. in December 2025 and her subsequent relocation abroad.
The association explained that her resignation was in line with the constitutional provisions guiding office holders who reside outside Nigeria.
The statement noted that Oji voluntarily relinquished her office with joy and with the full consent and support of her children.
ANA paid glowing tribute to the former General Secretary, describing her tenure as one marked by dedication, integrity and unwavering commitment to the ideals of the association.
“Dame Joan Oji served the Association with remarkable dedication, integrity and an unwavering commitment to its ideals. Her steadfast support and administrative competence were instrumental in the restoration of the Association’s dignity, stability and progress over the last thirty months,” the statement said.
The association added that her contributions to the growth and strengthening of ANA would remain indelibly etched in its history.
To ensure continuity in the administration of the Secretariat, ANA announced that the Assistant General Secretary, Mr. Wole Adedoyin, will assume the role of Acting General Secretary for the remainder of the current tenure, which ends in 2027.
The association said the appointment was in accordance with the provisions of its constitution, adding that Adedoyin’s name and signature would henceforth appear alongside that of the President on all official communications, press releases and documents issued on behalf of ANA.
The National Executive Council and members of the association expressed gratitude to Dame Oji for her years of exemplary service and sacrifice, while wishing her continued success and fulfilment in her new chapter abroad.
ANA also assured the former General Secretary that she would remain an integral part of the association and expressed optimism that she would attend the association’s 45th Convention scheduled for 2026.
