A COMMUNIQUE OF THE ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIAN AUTHORS (ANA) RELEASED AFTER ITS 43RD ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION HELD AT THE CHINUA ACHEBE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE CENTRE, MAMMAN VATSA WRITERS’ VILLAGE, MPAPE, ABUJA, FROM THE 31ST OF OCTOBER TO THE 3RD OF NOVEMBER, 2024
The Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), a community of creative writers, academics, and literary enthusiasts, came together for its 2024 annual convention — a resounding success — re-uniting members from across 26 states of the country and the Federal Capital Territory in a relaxed atmosphere of camaraderie and networking. This latest milestone is a testament to our collective efforts, driven by the shared vision of ANA’s founding fathers, and the leadership style of Dr Usman Oladipo Akanbi, the President who in his opening address highlighted the incumbent ANA NEC’s achievements within its one year in office to include:
- Holding a Strategic Retreat for New Executives in December 2023
- Holding the Annual Meeting of State Chapters’ Chairpersons and Secretaries in Ilorin in March 2024
- Achieving the 2024 Yusuf-Ali Literary Campaign for the year under review.
- Co-organising the Inaugural World Organisation of Writers (WOW) Congress in April 2024.
- Sustaining the Mbari Series Discourse.
- Celebrating Professor Wole Soyinka’s 90th Birthday.
- Achieving the Literary Boot Camp for Selected Abuja Secondary School Students in August 2024.
- Achieving a Seamless Coordination of the Chinua Achebe Literary Prize (CALP).
- Providing Support for Chapters, Literary Organisations, and Individual Writers.
- Offering Robust Quarterly Mbari Talkshop Sessions Featuring Distinguished Personalities.
- Providing Effective Secretariat Administration.
- Providing Effective Maintenance of the Writers’ Village Environment.
ANA also announced proposed initiatives that will be of benefit to its members, including:
- The Ken Saro-Wiwa International Residency Programme
- The Fourth Nigerian Writers Series Project
- Revitalising the ANA Creative Arts and Film Institute
To achieve its vision, ANA acknowledges the vital roles of its units, and the Congress declares the compartmentalisation of roles as follows:
I. That the Board of Trustees should perform accountability and oversight functions.
II. That the College of Fellows should perform advisory roles – strategic guidance and expertise through mentorship, literary awards, publishing, retreats, and advocacy.
III. That the National Executive Council should carry out the daily operations and running of the Association.
IV. That the State Chapters’ Chairpersons should co-ordinate regional activities, fostering grassroots growth, and ensuring effective communication between National and State offices.
V. Congress also addressed its Constitution Review, focusing on electoral reforms and the election of Fellows.
VI. Congress commended the federal government for establishing the Ministry of Culture, Art, Tourism, and Creative Economy and urged recognition of NGOs like ANA that promote art, culture, and Nigeria’s global image.
VII. Congress also acknowledged the federal government’s efforts to revamp the economy but expressed concern on the resulting hardship. It called on the government to:
- Employ innovative solutions to curb rising inflation
- Address insecurity, particularly kidnapping and banditry
- Prioritise road maintenance over new road construction
- Improve Power, Energy, Education, Healthcare, and other critical infrastructure
- Strengthen the anti-graft and consumer-protection policies to curb widespread corruption
VIII. By advocating for these changes, Congress reaffirms its commitment to promoting Nigerian literature and culture, while also contributing to the country’s socio-economic development.
IX. Congress also passed a vote of confidence on the Membership Screening Committee and urged the committee to continue with the work of identifying the authentic members of the Association.
The General Congress of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) understands the need to work towards a better ANA worthy of the founding fathers’ dreams and will not relent in toeing the path of progress in the days ahead.
Usman Oladipo Akanbi, PhD – President
Dame Joan Oji, PhD – General Secretary
