The National President of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Dr. Jerry Agada, paid a courtesy visit to the Executive Secretary of National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), Dr. Barclays Foubiri Ayakoroma, in his office on Wednesday, August 24, 2011.

Agada informed Ayakoroma that they were in his office to solicit support for the forthcoming International Convention of ANA in Abuja, stating that, “as one of us, we have come to inform you of some activities coming up at the end of October and early November.”

The ANA President, who was accompanied by the Local Organizing Committee members, further stated that this year’s convention would be special because ANA will be marking its thirty (30) years anniversary, as it was formed in 1981.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee, who is also the Chairman of the Abuja Chapter of ANA, Dr. Seyi Adigun, informed that this year’s ANA convention, which is scheduled to hold at the International Conference Centre, Abuja, is with the theme, “Homecoming: Africa Literature and Human Development,” and that foreign writers are expected to participate in the Plenary and the Round Table Sessions.

Dr. Adigun, who noted that the bid to host the convention facilitated by the generous support of the ES, during the 2010 ANA FCT-Abuja Convention, therefore requested him to support them as he had always done, adding, “we will appreciate your technical and financial support in these sessions.”

Responding, the Executive Secretary, Dr. Barclays Ayakoroma, regretted that he had not been attending meetings because of his schedule but he had been in touch with the EXCO members, assuring that he is committed to ANA and will support in whichever way he could.

He enjoined the LOC members not to talk about participants from the West African Coast, but that they should globalise at this stage as the Nigerian body of Authors, according to him, has the capacity.

Ayakoroma, who recalled his very active days in the organization in Bayelsa State, assured that NICO will identify with the convention, adding, “My desire is for the association to stand firm”.

In his vote of thanks, Mr. Denja Abdullahi said the disposition of Ayakoroma to the Arts is commendable, stressing: “Since his assumption of office, we have seen the support he has given the Arts World and we are encouraged by his personal identification”.

In the entourage of the ANA President were, Dr. Seyi Adigun, Jerry Adesewo, Patrick Oguejiofor, Joy Okoduwa, Kanico Udoakobong, Salamatu Sule, and Denja Abdullahi.

Enock Etimighan
Corporate Affairs