WOLE ADEDOYIN
TAKES OVER AS ANA ACTING GENERAL SECRETARY FOLLOWING JOAN OJI'S RESIGNATION
The Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) has announced
the appointment of Mr. Wole Adedoyin as its Acting General Secretary,
following the resignation of Dame Joan Oji, PhD, from the position of
General Secretary and member of the National Executive Council (NEC) of the
Association. The appointment takes immediate effect and will subsist for the
remainder of the current administration, which ends in 2027.
The announcement was made by the President of the
Association, Dr. Usman Oladipo Akanbi, who explained that Dame Joan Oji
voluntarily resigned her position following her relocation to the United States
of America after being granted Permanent Residency. In line with the provisions
of the Constitution of the Association of Nigerian Authors regarding officers
resident outside Nigeria, the National Executive Council accepted her
resignation with appreciation for her exceptional service to the Association.
Dr. Akanbi described Dame Joan Oji's tenure as one marked
by unwavering dedication, integrity, professionalism, and administrative
excellence. He noted that her outstanding contributions over the past thirty
months played a pivotal role in restoring the dignity, stability, and
operational effectiveness of the Association. According to him, her commitment
to the ideals of ANA and her exemplary leadership have earned her a permanent
place in the history of the Association.
Pursuant to the constitutional provisions of ANA, the Assistant
General Secretary, Mr. Wole Adedoyin, has automatically assumed the office of
Acting General Secretary. Consequently, his name and signature shall henceforth
appear alongside that of the President on all official correspondence, policy
documents, press statements, and communications issued on behalf of the
Association.
Mr. Wole Adedoyin, an author, literary administrator, and
cultural advocate, has served diligently as Assistant General Secretary since
the inception of the current administration. Widely acknowledged for his
commitment to literary development, effective communication, and organizational
administration, he has contributed significantly to the implementation of
several programmes and initiatives that have strengthened the Association's
operations and public engagement.
Reacting to his appointment, Mr. Adedoyin expressed
profound gratitude to the leadership and members of ANA for the confidence
reposed in him. He paid glowing tribute to Dame Joan Oji, describing her as not
only an outstanding General Secretary but also a mother, mentor, and
administrator whose guidance and wealth of experience shaped his understanding
of effective organizational leadership. He pledged to build upon the strong
administrative foundation she established and to continue seeking her counsel
whenever necessary.
In her response, Dame Joan Oji warmly congratulated Mr.
Adedoyin on his new responsibility and expressed confidence in his capacity to
lead the Secretariat successfully. Drawing from over four decades of experience
as an educator, she described him as a faithful, available, and teachable
leader whose dedication and willingness to learn have distinguished him within
the Association. She assured him of her continued support and mentorship,
expressing optimism that he would successfully steer the affairs of the
Secretariat and eventually succeed as substantive General Secretary after the
expiration of the current tenure in 2027.
The National Executive Council and the General Congress
of ANA have expressed deep appreciation to Dame Joan Oji for her years of
faithful and selfless service to the Association. Members acknowledged her
invaluable role in strengthening institutional governance, improving
administrative efficiency, and supporting initiatives that have repositioned
ANA as Nigeria's foremost literary organization. They also celebrated her new
milestone and wished her continued success, fulfilment, and God's guidance in
all her future endeavours.
While accepting her resignation with mixed emotions, the
Association emphasized that Dame Joan Oji remains an integral member of the ANA
family despite her relocation. The leadership expressed optimism that she would
continue to support the Association from abroad through mentorship, advisory
roles, and participation in its programmes. ANA also looks forward to welcoming
her physically at its forthcoming 45th International Convention and other
future activities of the Association.
The Association of Nigerian Authors reiterated its commitment to continuity, institutional
stability, and the promotion of literature and literary excellence in Nigeria
and beyond. With the appointment of Mr. Wole Adedoyin as Acting General
Secretary, the Association assures its members, partners, and stakeholders that
its programmes, advocacy initiatives, membership services, and administrative
activities will continue seamlessly as it pursues its vision of advancing
Nigerian literature and nurturing generations of writers.
