● Stephanie Daberechukwu
The Enugu State Chapter of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) witnessed a historic transition in leadership on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, as it conducted a keenly contested election to usher in a new set of executives.
In the election that brought together prominent stakeholders of the association across the state, Dr. Adaobi Nwoye, a veteran author and senior lecturer at Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), emerged as the new Chairman. Dr. Louis Ezema, a senior lecturer at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), was elected Vice Chairman.
The election, held at the Press Center, Enugu, was conducted under the supervision of a three-man Electoral Committee headed by Prof. Greg Mbarjiogu, a renowned professor of Theatre Arts at UNN. Other members of the committee were Ms. Netty Ejike, a former state chairman of ANA, and Mr. Sunday Ogbonna, a former secretary. Stakeholders and observers described the exercise as “free, fair, and credible.”
Other elected officers included Olive Chinyere Amajioyi as General Secretary, Princess Sara Akpu as Financial Secretary, Conrad Anidiobu as Treasurer, and Ozo Ejike Okpe as Director of Information.
The newly elected executives were sworn into office by Hon. Justice George Nnamani, President of the Enugu State Customary Court of Appeal, who is also an accomplished author. He charged the new leadership to steer ANA Enugu to greater heights. “You are inheriting a legacy of literary excellence. Build on it with courage, creativity, and commitment,” Justice Nnamani said during the swearing-in ceremony.
In her acceptance speech, the new Chairman, Dr. Adaobi Nwoye, expressed deep appreciation for the confidence reposed in her and her team. She promised to build on the successes of the past administration, saying, “We will take ANA Enugu to the promised land. I thank the Zulu Offoelue-led team for its sterling leadership.”
Outgoing Chairman, Comrade Zulu Offoelue, bowed out gracefully after what members described as a productive tenure. His administration was credited with sustaining literary engagements and nurturing new talents within the association.
The elections attracted the presence of several notable authors and literary icons including Prof. J.C. Chilemuokolo, Dr. Uche Anioke, Ifeoma Iwu, Maureen Atuonwu, Emeka Ukwuaba, Festus Eluke, and Greg Akosa, among others. Their presence added color and credibility to the event.
With the successful election and inauguration of the new executives, ANA Enugu now looks forward to a new era of revitalized literary activities under Dr. Adaobi Nwoye’s leadership. GMTNewsng
