The National President of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Dr Usman Oladipo Akanbi, has expressed appreciation to members, partners and other stakeholders for contributing to the success of the association’s 45th International Convention.
The convention, held from October 29 to 31, 2026, attracted participants from 23 states of the federation, including the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
In a message of appreciation issued after the event, Akanbi described the impressive turnout as a demonstration of members’ commitment to the association and their passion for the growth and development of Nigerian literature.
He said the participation of members from different parts of the country had reaffirmed ANA’s position as a strong national community united by a shared commitment to literature, intellectual engagement and the promotion of Nigerian writers.
The ANA president particularly acknowledged the contributions of the association’s Board of Trustees, the College of Fellows, past presidents and former national officers, whose guidance and institutional experience, he said, remained invaluable to its growth and stability.
He also commended the convention chairman, keynote speaker and panel discussants for their contributions to the intellectual quality of the gathering.
Akanbi expressed gratitude to special guests of honour, literary icons, scholars, government representatives, institutional partners and other eminent Nigerians who honoured the association’s invitation.
He equally acknowledged the National Executive Council, Local Organising Committee, resource persons, facilitators, volunteers, sponsors and media partners for their sacrifices and commitment to organising the convention.
Reflecting on the outcome of the gathering, the ANA president urged members to translate the enthusiasm, discussions and resolutions generated at the convention into practical actions that would strengthen the association and advance Nigerian literature.
He identified the promotion of reading and literary appreciation, improvement of members’ welfare, encouragement of emerging writers and increased international visibility for Nigerian literature as areas requiring sustained attention.
Akanbi also called on members to preserve the integrity of the association, embrace unity and respect their differences, stressing that ANA’s strength depended not merely on its leadership but on the collective commitment of its members.
He expressed optimism that the relationships established, friendships renewed and ideas exchanged during the convention would produce positive results for the association and the wider Nigerian literary community.
