The Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), the apex body of writers in Nigeria, has re-elected Dr. Usman Oladipo Akanbi as its National President for a second term covering the years 2025–2027.
The election took place during the association’s Annual Business Meeting held on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at the Mamman Vatsa Writers Village, Abuja.
The meeting was part of the 44th Annual International Convention of the association, which ended last night.
The event brought together delegates and literary stakeholders from across the country and beyond to chart the next phase of leadership for the association.
According to a statement jointly signed by the Association’s Public Relations Officers, North and South, Bala Musa Nagidi and Richard Inya respectively, Dr. Akanbi was returned as President following “a peaceful, free, credible, and transparent election.”
The process, conducted by a committee chaired by Engr. Emmanuel Frank-Opigo, with Ven. Amb. Nelson Fadoju as Secretary, and Rukayya Salihi Bayero, Beverly C. Enyeribe, and Khalid Imam as members, was widely commended for its fairness, integrity, and professionalism.
In addition to Akanbi’s re-election, several other national officers retained their positions.
They include Prof. Obari Gomba (Vice President), Dame Dr. Joan Oji (General Secretary), Dr. Keyna C. Eshika (Financial Secretary), Bala Musa Nagidi (Publicity Secretary, North), Joseph Mtemdoo Gbagyo (Legal Adviser), Dr. Stephen Kekeghe (Auditor), Maik Ortserga (Ex-Officio I), and Chimankpa Ogbueri (Ex-Officio II).
New entrants to the National Executive Council include Barr. Murphy Biriabebe as Treasurer and Richard Inya as Publicity Secretary (South), while Wole Adedoyin clinched the position of Assistant General Secretary after defeating Alhaji Abdur Rahman Aderinoye.
Speaking after his re-election, Dr. Usman Oladipo Akanbi expressed deep appreciation to ANA members, the Board of Trustees, the Advisory Council, and the elders of the association for their confidence and support. He described his victory as a mandate for continuity, unity, and literary advancement.
Akanbi pledged to consolidate the gains of his first term while ensuring inclusivity, transparency, and a level playing field for all members to contribute meaningfully to the growth of the association.
Chairman of the Election Planning Committee, Engr. Emmanuel Frank-Opigo, commended ANA members for the peaceful conduct of the election and urged the newly elected officers to work harmoniously in advancing the association’s objectives.
He noted that the re-election of Akanbi and his team reflects the collective confidence of Nigerian writers in their leadership, integrity, and commitment to the ideals of the literary community.
Meanwhile, the Abuja Chapter of ANA has congratulated the Akanbi-led national executives for their resounding re-election at this year’s convention.
Chairman of the chapter, Arc. Chukwudi Eze, said in a press statement: “It is a well-deserved statement for you to conclude on the good work that you have started.
“We also wish to thank you for organizing one of the best elections in ANA’s history – fast, hitch-free, and conclusive.
“We at ANA Abuja offer to work in cooperation with you as we strive to take the association to a new level of excellence and productivity through responsible leadership actions.”
The Nasarawa State Chapter has similarly congratulated the executives, saying, it joyfully extended its heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Usman Oladipo Akanbi on his well deserved re-election.
The Public Relations Officer of the chapter, Michael Amedu, said in a press release which he signed that the chapter, under the chairmanship of Osori Ibrahim DanAsabe, also congratulated all members of the newly reconstituted National Executive Council on their respective victories at the just concluded National Convention.
He told Akanbi: “Your reelection reflects the collective confidence of Nigerian writers in your visionary leadership, unwavering integrity, and steadfast dedication to the ideals of literature as a tool for enlightenment, cultural preservation, and nation building.
“Under your stewardship, ANA has continued to uphold its noble tradition of excellence while adapting to the evolving demands of the literary and creative space in Nigeria and beyond.
“We also warmly welcome Mr. Wole Adedoyi, the newly elected Assistant General Secretary, whose inclusion brings renewed energy, perspective, and continuity to the leadership team.
“As a State Chapter, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting the national leadership in advancing programmes and policies that nurture creativity, empower writers, and promote the centrality of literature in shaping national consciousness.
“May this new tenure usher in deeper unity, innovation, and renewed purpose for the entire ANA family.”
