Last Saturday, May 13, 2023, Association of Nigeria Authors (ANA), Abuja chapter, elected a new chairman, Arc. Chukwudi Eze.
The election, which held at the Femi Osofisan Secretariat, Mamman Vatsa Writers’ Village, Mpape, Abuja, also produced a new set of executive members.
They include, Rukaya Bayero (Vice Chairman); Uthman Qasim, (Secretary), Monsurat Olufunke Adelaja (Assistant Secretary), Obinna Okereke (Financial Secretary), Olubunmi Fatoba (Assistant Financial Secretary), Olaitan Abiodun (Treasurer), Barr. Martin Ezimano (Legal Adviser) and Esther Adelana as the Publicity Secretary.
Conducted peacefully in an open ballot system, members of ANA Abuja overwhelmingly voted for Eze.
The new chairman, who is a renowned architect, builder and writer, is well known for his contributions to the literary world.
He has authored several books, including, ‘Uchechi- The Triumph of Love’, 2011; ‘Leadership Stories of Mother Hen’, 2006 and expanded edition, 2012; ‘The Return of Half-Something’, 2018.
His works have been long and shortlisted for several literary prizes including, The Association of Nigerian Authors Literary Prize (2018), The LNG Nigeria Prize for Literature (2021) and the Chinua Achebe Prize for Literature (2021).
Speaking after the election, Eze thanked members for entrusting him with the leadership of the Abuja chapter of ANA.
He also pledged to work tirelessly to improve the welfare of writers and promote literary enthusiasm in Abuja.
His words: “As we begin this new journey, I stand committed to serving you all to the best of my abilities.
I am honoured to present to you our agenda for the next administration, which I tagged ‘A 20-point agenda’ to advance our association and enhance the lives of writers in our chapter while making their craft better.”
The released plans by Eze cover writers’ welfare, copyright, training, teen authorship, collaboration, global partnership, among others.
The outgoing chairman of the branch, Mr Taiwo Akerele, expressed his satisfaction with the election process, stating that it was free, fair and transparent.
He congratulated Eze on his victory, and wished him a successful tenure. He further promised to work with the new administration to ensure it achieves great milestones.
The election of Eze as new chairman of Abuja chapter of ANA is seen by Abuja writers as a significant event and he is expected to bring his vast experience to bear on the chapter, attracting more members and engaging in literary activities that will deepen the love for literature in Abuja.
