The Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) has commended the Executive Secretary/CEO, National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), Associate Professor Barclays Foubiri Ayakoroma, for his role and support to ensure that ANA is strategically positioned.
The National President of the umbrella body of writers in Nigeria, Mallam Denja Abdullahi, who stated this when the Local Organizing Committee for the 2016 ANA Annual Convention paid Prof. Ayakoroma a Courtesy Call at NICO Headquarters, Abuja-FCT, said ANA was highly elated and appreciative, not only for his role but for the support of writers in Nigeria by the Institute.
His words: “I am glad we have come to say thank you; because in ANA activities, you have always supported us. For instance, in our last annual convention in Kaduna, you played a very big role during the election. I must say that people like you have always ensured that things are done the proper way in ANA.”
He continued: “I am also elated to announce to you that our preparation for the 2016 ANA Convention is in top gear. I am here with the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) Members for us to tell you the level of our preparedness.
“I am happy to let you know that ANA has concluded plans on how to stage your play, Dance on His Grave. The play was recently staged during the ANA Strategic Planning Workshop in July at Akwanga, Nasarawa State. It was really a very wonderful performance that the personalities there like Prof. Olu Obafemi (of University of Ilorin), Professor Akachi Ezeigbo (of University of Lagos), Prof Sunday Ododo (National President, Society of Nigerian Theatre Artists, SONTA), Prof. Emma Dandaura (former President, SONTA), among others, really commended the message of the play.
“So, in the 2016 ANA Convention that will take place in Abuja, between October 27th and 30th, we feel that the message of the play is apt. Meanwhile, we solicit your support for the staging of the play, and the support of NICO for the ANA Convention. We are happy to also tell you that we have worked on a documentary that captures the history of ANA from 1981 till date. ”
In his response, Prof. Ayakoroma expressed his joy for the visit, saying that as a member of ANA, he fills fulfilled to play any role that will take the body of writers to greater heights.
He said: “The election was tasking; but I must say that I feel fulfilled that it was transparently conducted. Given the place of the writer in Nigerian society, we have to show good example in everything we do; and the election of those that will steer the affairs of the association is a very good example. Once more, I congratulate you for emerging as the president in that well conducted and transparent election”.
On Dance on His Grave, the ES said he felt honoured that ANA will stage his play during the convention, and promised that he will see what could be done to support the project, adding that given the economic situation in the country, the Institute cannot make any definite commitments at the moment.
Members of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) of the 2016 ANA Convention with the National President were Jerry Adesewo, Dauda Abubakar, Salamatu Sule, and Yuwa Daya; while the NICO’s Director, Cultural Affairs and Orientation, Mr. Alex Omijie, Deputy Director/SA to ES, Mr. Law Ikay Ezeh, Head of Finance & Accounts, Mr. Ogbe Alfred Herbert, and Head of Procurement, Mr. Pius Kemepade, were NICO Staffers present.
Nwagbo Pat Obi
NICO Training School
Abuja Study Centre