ANA ONDO RE-ELECTS SUNDAY AFOLAYAN AS CHAIRMAN
By Wole Adedoyin
The Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Ondo State Chapter, has re-elected Mr. Sunday Afolayan as its Chairman for a second term. Alongside him, seven other members were elected to form the executive committee (EXCO) responsible for steering the affairs of the association for the next two years.
The election took place during ANA Ondo’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on Saturday, December 21, 2024, at the NUJ House, located behind Adegbemile in Akure, the state capital. Members gathered in large numbers to participate in the democratic process, which was a highlight of the AGM.
The election was supervised by a representative of the National Executive Council (EXCO) of the Association (ably led by Dr. Usman Akanbi), Mr. Wole Adedoyin, a former National Publicity Secretary (South). His presence added credibility to the process, ensuring that it was conducted transparently and without bias.
The Election Organizing Committee, chaired by Mrs. Àánúolúwa John-Olúyẹmọ, with Comrade Olúṣọlá Awóruwá as Secretary and Mr. Kọ́mọláfẹ́ Samuel as a member, oversaw the process. Their efforts ensured that the election was peaceful and conducted in a fair and orderly manner.
The newly elected officers of ANA Ondo include Mr. Sunday Afolayan as Chairman, Mr. Bísí Ajíbóyè as Vice-Chairman, and Pastor Délé Afáríogun as Secretary. Other officers are Mr. David Ọlatúbọ̀sún as Assistant Secretary, Amb. Stephen Àjímisàn as Treasurer, Comrade Fẹ̀sọ̀ Ọládipúpọ̀ as Financial Secretary, Mr. Gòkè Williams as Public Relations Officer (PRO 1), and Mr. Bólúwátifẹ́ Ànúolúwa as Public Relations Officer (PRO 2).
In his acceptance speech, Mr. Afolayan expressed gratitude for the trust reposed in him and his team. He pledged to lead an open and inclusive administration, emphasizing the need for collective effort to achieve the chapter’s goals. He called on members to support the re-elected EXCO in its bid to advance literary activities in Ondo State.
Speaking on behalf of the national body, Mr. Wole Adedoyin congratulated the new EXCO and commended the chapter for conducting a seamless and transparent election. He urged the elected officials to work harmoniously and focus on promoting the welfare of writers and the development of literary arts in the state.
Mr. Afolayan and his team expressed their commitment to revitalizing literary culture in Ondo State. They outlined plans to create more opportunities for writers, organize workshops, and engage in activities that would inspire and nurture young talents.
The peaceful conduct of the election and the optimism of the re-elected Chairman signal a promising future for ANA Ondo. With the support of its members and stakeholders, the chapter aims to further solidify its position as a hub of literary excellence in Nigeria.