Okuyeme emerges ACWAN Chairman, pledges to reposition arts and culture reporting

* NANTAP, NCC congralatue body

By Godwin Okondo

JOURNALIST and arts writer, Mr. Tony Okuyeme of New Telegraph newspaper, has been elected Chairman of the Arts and Culture Writers Association of Nigeria (ACWAN), pledging to reposition the association as a strong, visible and influential voice in Nigeria’s cultural landscape. The election was held virtually on Wednesday evening with 17 members present. Adeniyi Kunu presided over the 3-member electoral committee that also had Mr. Damiete Braide of The Sun and Mr. Adeniji Omoluabi, formerly of The Guardian, as chairman.

Other members of the newly elected ACWAN executive are Tomi Falade of Daily Independence newspaper as Vice-Chairman, Anote Ajeluorou of online arts and cultutre platform,TheArtHubNg (www.thearthubng.com)) as Secretary-General, and Ngozi Uma also of Daily Independence newspaper as Assistant Secretary-General.

In his acceptance speech after the election, Okuyeme described his emergence as a collective mandate for renewal, noting that the association was at a critical point in its history. He paid tribute to past leaders and members of the executive council, acknowledging their efforts in laying the foundation upon which the new leadership intends to build.

Okuyeme, a seasoned journalist with years of experience covering arts, culture and society, said that while Nigeria’s arts and culture sector continues to evolve and flourish despite numerous challenges, ACWAN has not fully realised its potential. He stated that his administration would prioritise reclaiming the association’s relevance and authority in national cultural conversations.

According to him, this would be achieved through strategic partnerships with major cultural institutions at local, national and international levels, as well as collaborations with digital platforms to ensure wider reach, visibility and impact for the work of arts and culture writers across the country.

He also announced plans to place strong emphasis on professional development, committing the association to structured capacity-building initiatives. These include masterclasses with leading critics and journalists, workshops on digital storytelling and multimedia journalism, and mentorship programmes designed to connect emerging writers with established professionals in the field.

Okuyeme further stressed the need to bridge generational and geographical gaps within the association, observing that ACWAN has been overly concentrated in major urban centres. He said the new leadership would work towards expanding the association’s presence across the country by encouraging regional participation and creating opportunities for young writers to find their voices within the profession.

In addition, he proposed deeper engagement between arts and culture writers and practitioners through the introduction of an annual summit that would bring together writers, artists, theatre directors, musicians, gallery owners and other cultural stakeholders. He said such engagement, built on honest and critical dialogue, would strengthen the creative ecosystem rather than weaken it.

He also announced plans to modernise the association’s internal operations, including the introduction of transparent governance structures, digital membership platforms and regular town hall meetings, both physical and virtual. He assured members that accountability, openness and inclusiveness would be central to the administration’s approach.

Describing arts and culture writing as a vital tool for helping society understand itself, Okuyeme said writers do more than document events, noting that they interpret culture, interrogate identity and shape public understanding of the creative sector. He added that ACWAN has the talent, experience and capacity to play a more decisive role in shaping Nigeria’s cultural discourse.

Following the election, the National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTAP) has congratulated the newly elected executive of ACWAN, describing the development as a significant milestone in the evolution of the former Arts Writers’ Organization of Nigeria (AWON).

In a statement signed by its National President, Adeniran Makinde said the election of Okuyeme as Chairman reflected a renewed commitment to professionalism, accountability and constructive engagement within the arts and culture press. The association noted that arts and culture writers remain critical stakeholders in raising standards, preserving artistic integrity and promoting excellence across Nigeria’s creative industry.

NANTAP expressed confidence that the new leadership would reposition ACWAN as a strong, ethical and progressive voice for arts and culture journalism in Nigeria, while reaffirming its willingness to collaborate with the association in advancing the country’s creative sector.

Also, the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) has felicitated withe the body of arts and culture writers on their successful election, and called for collaboration with the commission on works of sensitisation and efforcement in copyright issues.

According NCC’s Director-Gneralm Dr. John Asein, “On behalf of the management and staff of the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), I am pleased to convey our warm congratulations to you on your election as Chairman, and through you to other members of the executive of the Art and Culture Writers Association of Nigeria (ACWAN). Your election is a testament to the confidence reposed in your collective leadership, professionalism, and enduring commitment to the promotion of art, culture and responsible journalism in Nigeria. The ommission particularly acknowledges and deeply appreciates the longstanding and constructive role played by ACWAN and its members as valued stakeholders within Nigeria’s creative ecosystem.

“As you assume office, the commission looks forward to sustaining and further deepening this cordial and mutually beneficial relationship under your leadership. We are especially encouraged by the opportunities for continued engagement through existing and future collaborative platforms, including joint sensitisation efforts, public conversations and other mutually supportive initiatives that advance the interests of the creative sector.”