The Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) has appointed Mr. Wole Adedoyin as its Acting General Secretary following the resignation of Dame Joan Oji, PhD, from the position of General Secretary and member of the group’s National Executive Council (NEC).
The appointment takes immediate effect and will remain in force for the remainder of the current ANA administration, which ends in 2027.
Announcing the development, ANA President, Dr. Usman Oladipo Akanbi, said Oji voluntarily resigned after relocating to the United States of America upon obtaining permanent residency.
He explained that the NEC accepted her resignation in accordance with the provisions of the association’s constitution concerning officers residing outside Nigeria.
Akanbi commended Oji for her outstanding service, describing her tenure as one distinguished by dedication, professionalism, integrity and administrative excellence.
He said her contributions over the past 30 months were instrumental in restoring the association’s stability, operational efficiency and institutional dignity.
According to him, Oji’s commitment to ANA’s ideals has earned her a lasting place in the history of the association.
In line with the ANA Constitution, the Assistant General Secretary, Mr. Wole Adedoyin, automatically assumed the office of Acting General Secretary.
The association said his name and signature will henceforth appear alongside that of the President on all official correspondence, policy documents, press statements and other communications issued on behalf of ANA.
Adedoyin, an author, literary administrator and cultural advocate, has served as Assistant General Secretary since the inception of the current administration.
The association noted that he has played key roles in implementing programmes and initiatives that have strengthened ANA’s operations and public engagement.
Reacting to his appointment, Adedoyin expressed gratitude to the leadership and members of the association for the confidence reposed in him.
He paid tribute to Oji, describing her as an outstanding administrator, mentor and mother figure whose guidance helped shape his understanding of effective organisational leadership.
He pledged to build on the administrative foundation she established while continuing to seek her counsel when necessary.
In her remarks, Dr. Oji congratulated Adedoyin on his appointment and expressed confidence in his ability to lead the Secretariat successfully.
Drawing from her more than four decades of experience as an educator, she described him as a faithful, available and teachable leader whose dedication and willingness to learn have distinguished him within the association. She also pledged her continued support and mentorship.
The NEC and the General Congress of ANA expressed appreciation to Oji for her years of dedicated service, acknowledging her role in strengthening the association’s governance, improving administrative efficiency and advancing initiatives that have reinforced ANA’s position as Nigeria’s foremost literary organisation.
While accepting her resignation with what it described as mixed emotions, the association emphasised that Oji remains a valued member of the ANA family despite her relocation.
It expressed optimism that she would continue to support the association through mentorship, advisory roles and participation in its programmes, including its forthcoming 45th International Convention.
ANA reaffirmed its commitment to institutional continuity, stability and the promotion of literature, assuring members and stakeholders that its programmes, advocacy initiatives, membership services and administrative activities would continue without disruption under the new acting leadership.
