President of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Dr. Usman Oladipo Akanbi, has felicitated with
Dr. Wale Okediran on his recent re-election as the Secretary-General of the Pan African Writers’ Association (PAWA), describing the feat as a well-deserved recognition of his exceptional contributions to the African literary community.
In a press statement signed by ANA’s General Secretary, Dame Joan Oji, PhD, Akanbi noted that Okediran’s unanimous confirmation by the PAWA General Assembly for a second term “reflects his dedication, wealth of experience, and remarkable achievements during his first tenure.”
He commended his visionary leadership, saying it has positioned PAWA as a more formidable voice in African literature and cultural diplomacy.
The ANA president recalled that Okediran’s journey to PAWA began in 2020 when he was appointed Acting Secretary-General, following the passing of Prof. Atukwei Okai, PAWA’s founding Secretary-General.
“His first substantive election came in 2022 during the PAWA Conference and General Assembly held at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. His recent re-election at the just concluded General Assembly, therefore, reaffirms the confidence African writers repose in his capacity to continue advancing the continent’s literary agenda.”
He added: “By this vote of confidence by PAWA in an election chaired by Professor Cherno Omar Barry of The Gambia, which was marked by transparency and fairness, resulting in the emergence of a new leadership team alongside Dr. Okediran, ANA applauds the PAWA for setting an example for other associations to emulate.”
The new PAWA team includes Mr. Ashraf Aboul Yazid (Egypt) for Northern Africa, Prof. Egara Kabaji (Kenya) for Eastern Africa, Prof. Cherno Omar Barry (The Gambia) for Western Africa, Mr. Carlos Paradona (Mozambique) for Southern Africa, Mr. Eric Joel Bekale (Gabon) for Central Africa, and Ms. Reyna Lineres Jones representing the Diaspora.
Akanbi also expressed optimism that Okediran’s renewed mandate at the continental writers’ body would usher in greater accomplishments not only for African literature but also for the ANA, of which Okediran is a past president.
He urged Okediran to continue to continue to serve as a beacon of inspiration for emerging writers across the continent as well as sustain the leadership role of Nigeria, the world’s most populous black nation, in all spheres of art, literature, culture, creativity, and tourism.
It will be recalled that Okediran, a qualified medical doctor-turned creative writer, was not only elected as ANA President for two terms (2006-2009) but had also been an elected Member of Nigeria’s House of Representatives (2003-2007), before his foray into PAWA.
“His extensive experience in public service, literature, and cultural advocacy, and consulting for international development organisations, bring a unique blend of administrative and creative expertise to his position as PAWA Secretary-General,” the president said.
He added: “Dr. Okediran parades an impressive literary credential, including the authorship of fourteen novels, with Tenants of the House earning the Wole Soyinka Prize for African Literature in 2011. His commitment to nurturing literary talents through the Ebedi International Writers’ Residency in Iseyin, Oyo State, Nigeria remains a landmark contribution to African literature.”
Akanbi also acknowledged Okediran’s professional accomplishments beyond literature, as a Fellow of both the General Medical Practitioners of Nigeria and Public Health Physicians of Nigeria.
He joined the family, friends, and the global literary community in wishing Dr. Wale Okediran continued success and prays for divine wisdom and good health for him as he embarks on another tenure of steering the affairs of PAWA towards greater heights.
