ANA hails Wale Okediran’s re-election as PAWA Secretary-General
By Editor
THE President of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Dr. Usman Oladipo Akanbi, has felicitated with Dr. Wale Okediran on his recent re-election as Secretary-General of Pan African Writers’ Association (PAWA), describing the feat as a well-deserved recognition of his exceptional contributions to the African literary community.
In a press statement signed by ANA’s General Secretary, Dr. Dame Joan Oji, the association noted Dr. Wale Okediran’s unanimous confirmation by the PAWA General Assembly for a second term reflects his dedication, wealth of experience, and remarkable achievements during his first tenure. ANA commends his visionary leadership, which has positioned PAWA as a more formidable voice in African literature and cultural diplomacy.
The statement recalls that Dr. Okediran’s journey to PAWA began in 2020 when he was appointed Acting Secretary-General, following the passing of PAWA’s founding Secretary-General, Prof. Atukwei Okai. His first substantive election came in 2022 during PAWA Conference and General Assembly held at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. His re-election at the recent General Assembly therefore reaffirms the confidence African writers repose in his capacity to continue advancing the continent’s literary agenda.
By this vote of confidence by PAWA in an election chaired by Prof. Cherno Omar Barry of The Gambia, which was marked by transparency and fairness, resulting in the emergence of a new leadership team alongside Dr. Okediran, ANA applauds PAWA for setting an example for other associations to emulate. The new PAWA team includes Mr. Ashraf Aboul Yazid (Egypt) for Northern Africa, Prof. Egara Kabaji (Kenya) for Eastern Africa, Prof. Cherno Omar Barry (The Gambia) for Western Africa, Mr. Carlos Paradona (Mozambique) for Southern Africa, Mr. Eric Joel Bekale (Gabon) for Central Africa, and Reyna Lineres Jones representing Africa Diaspora.
In congratulating Dr. Okediran, ANA President Dr. Akanbi also expressed optimism that PAWA secretary-general’s renewed mandate at the continental writers’ body would usher in greater accomplishments not only for African literature but also for the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) of which Dr Okediran was a past president. He urged him to continue to continue to serve as a beacon of inspiration for emerging writers across the continent as well as sustain the leadership role of Nigeria, the world’s most populous black nation, in all spheres of art, literature, culture, creativity, and tourism engagements.
It will be recalled that Dr. Okediran, a qualified Medical Doctor-turned creative writer, was not only elected as ANA President for two terms (2006-2009) but also had been an elected Member of Nigeria’s House of Representatives (2003-2007) before his joined Pan African Writers’ Association as secretary in acting capacity. His extensive experience in public service, literature, and cultural advocacy, and consulting for international development organisations, brings a unique blend of administrative and creative expertise to his position as PAWA Secretary-General.
Dr. Okediran parades an impressive literary credential, including the authorship of fourteen novels, with Tenants of the House earning him Wole Soyinka Prize for African Literature in 2011. His commitment to nurturing literary talents through Ebedi International Writers’ Residency in Iseyin, Oyo State, Nigeria, remains a landmark contribution to African literature. Dr. Akanbi also acknowledged Dr. Okediran’s professional accomplishments beyond literature, as a Fellow of both the General Medical Practitioners of Nigeria and Public Health Physicians of Nigeria.
“ANA hereby joins the family, friends, and the global literary community in wishing Dr. Wale Okediran continued success and prays for divine wisdom and good health for him as he embarks on another tenure of steering the affairs of PAWA towards greater heights,” the statement concluded.
