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 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 Dr. Akanbi's reelection, 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. Dr. 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 Dr. Akanbi and his team reflects the collective confidence of Nigerian writers in their leadership, integrity, and commitment to the ideals of the literary community.

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