Akanbi-led ANA administration concludes tenure with notable achievements
By Adeola Ogunrinde –
The Akanbi-led administration of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) has concluded its first tenure, marking significant milestones in literary development, reconciliation, and international collaboration.
In a press statement issued on Monday, the National President, Usman Oladipo Akanbi, said the administration successfully reconciled several state chapters across the country, including Lagos, Kano, Plateau, Anambra, Ekiti, Zamfara, and Kebbi, as well as factions in Akwa Ibom, Enugu, and the Federal Capital Territory.
He noted that the administration implemented various literary initiatives, including the Yusuf Ali Literary Campaign, which provided ₦3,000,000 in yearly grants to support literary development in 20 states. The Annual Book Review Competition also fostered a culture of reading and critical thinking among students.
A Reading Book Camp was introduced to promote literacy among secondary school students, while book reading programmes were organized in collaboration with state chapters to encourage engagement with Nigerian literature.
Akanbi highlighted that his administration strengthened international ties by partnering with the Pan-African Writers Association to host the first congress of the World Organisation of Writers (WOW) at the Mamman Vatsa Writers’ Village in April 2024.
He added that Memoranda of Understanding were signed with Wikimedia Nigeria and Dr. Kabura Zakama’s Kairos & Tablets to standardize work processes at the ANA Secretariat.
The administration also made progress in developing the Mamman Vatsa Writers’ Village, commissioning the ANA Ken Saro-Wiwa International Writers’ Residency in 2024, which hosted its first cohort of six residents in September 2025.
Akanbi acknowledged that funding constraints had affected the association’s operations but noted that ANA has several upcoming events, including the 44th Convention, a visual art exhibition funded by the Senator Shehu Sani Foundation, the Young Adult Literature Prize, and a new collaboration with the Abuja Poetry Society and Poets in Nigeria to promote literary excellence nationwide.
