By Wole Balogun
Newly elected ANA Chairman,Dr Daramola
The Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA, Ekiti State chapter on December 20, 2023 elected new members of its State Executive Council (SEC) who would steer the ship of the association for the next two years.
In a most friendly and peaceful manner, the election was conducted at the premises of the Ekiti State Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH) in Adebayo area of Ekiti State.
A molecular scientist and medical laboratory scientist, Dr. Olugbenga Daramola, emerged as the new chairman. Miss. Funke Awodiya, a poet and activist, balanced the gender equation by emerging the new Vice-Chairman while Mr. Adeolu Ajobiewe, a school principal and writer, retained his position as Treasurer.
Vice Chairman,Miss Awodiya
Also, Mr. Wole Balogun, a lecturer with the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) who equally serves the University as Special Adviser on Media Matters to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Abayomi Sunday Fasina, was elected as Public Relations Officer (PRO).
PRO,Wole Balogun
Astute and amiable Professor of English and Literary Studies at the Ekiti State University (EKSU), Prof. Lara Owoeye, assisted legal practitioner and Journalist, who is also ANA’s national General Secretary, Akogun Tai Oguntayo, in conducting the peaceful poll.
Ajobiewe,Treasurer
With the new development, Dr. Daramola has effectively taken over from the immediate past state Chairman, Dr. Sola Balogun, a former Editor with The Sun newspapers and lecturer with FUOYE.
In his acceptance speech, Dr. Daramola recalled that he had a wonderful time working with Dr. Balogun as the Vice -Chairman of ANA in Ekiti. Describing his predecessor as a wonderful person with whom he enjoyed working with, he said: “On behalf of my colleagues who were elected with me today, l promise you that we won’t disappoint ANA in Ekiti State as we shall do our best to take the association to greater heights.
Earlier in his hand-over speech, Dr. Balogun who had served the association for three years, listed the achievements of his administration. According to him, his team brought into fruition fifteen achievements which included : “the Creation of awareness by visitation and collaboration with media organisations
; Participation in the 39th International ANA conference in Awka, Anambra state in December 2020; Participation in the first SWANA retreat held at Adeyipo Ibadan in January 2021; Hosting not less than 15 public monthly readings by writers, among whom were three professors and two award winning writers; Collaboration with the wife of the former Ekiti State Governor to hold public presentation and reading of her book, Where is your Wrapper in April 2021 and Active participation in the second SWANA/SWAF conference and retreat held in Osogbo Osun State capital in March, 2022; Commencement of the formal registration and documentation of members
Other laudable achievements in his words also included: “Establishment and display of the ANA Ekiti State Chapter website; Inauguration of the FUOYE campus branch of ANA, now headed by Miss Damilola Adeleke and hosting of the branch’s seminar in 2022; Setting up of the EKSU campus branch now under the leadership of Mr Yinka Magbagbeola; Inauguration of two local government chapters of ANA in Moba and Ido, with the able support of Rev Jide Ajala; Successful publication of two editions of our anthology in 2021 and 2022. (dedicated to Drama and all genres of literature respectively) ; Marketing of copies of our anthologies to facilitate the association’s publications and other expenses; Collaboration with Miss Funke Awodiya of Poet Nigeria to host the first edition of Poetry reading in Adetutu Hall of Ekiti State University in Ado Ekiti and active participation in the celebration of Professor Niyi Osundare’s birthday anniversary held in Ado Ekiti by the Dele Morakinyo led organisation. “
The immediate past chairman also listed projects which were planned by his administration but which were not realized on account of some unforeseen circumstances. He listed such projects as :” Literary Ekpo.. initiated with both Fresh FM and Progress FM Ado Ekiti but frustrated by paucity of funds and the eight – month ASUU strike; and Payment of royalties to contributors of ANA anthologies.. But the first payment will be made early in January 2024 before presentation of our financial report to the new SEC. “
He also gave hints on the challenges facing the association which the incoming SEC must tackle, saying such included: “ Low membership drive and non payment of annual dues; Low turnout of members during monthly meetings and readings and Lack of commitment on the part of some SEC members “