– Adejola Adeyemi Crown
The Ogun State chapter of the Association of Nigerian Authors, ANA, has inaugurated its newly elected executive members, with Chief Dr. Abiodun Lasile emerging as Chairman, to lead the association for the next two years.
The inauguration ceremony was held on Saturday at the Palace of the Olowu of Owu, Abeokuta, during the association’s December monthly meeting.
Other members of the new executive are Pastor Dare Folarin as Vice Chairman, Mr. Matthew Simpa as General Secretary, Mr. Gbenga Ogunsola as Treasurer, Mr. Samuel Ogunyinka as Public Relations Officer, and Mr. Akinyemi Makinde as Assistant Secretary.
The outgoing executive was formally dissolved by Professor Sola Adetutu, who announced the newly elected officers. The oath of office and swearing in of the new executive members were administered by Barrister Omoyinmi Oyinkansola.
In his inaugural address, the new Chairman, Chief Dr. Abiodun Lasile, said his administration would be driven by growth, development, and exposure for members of the association.
“My vision for the Association of Nigerian Authors, Ogun State Chapter, is built on three pillars, growth, development, and exposure, as promised before the electoral committee and members,” Lasile said.
He stressed that his leadership would place strong emphasis on responsibility and accountability. “The focus will be on initiatives, activities, accountability, and strict adherence to the constitutional dictates of the association,” he stated.
Lasile added that member empowerment would remain a priority. “We are prioritising exposure, opportunities, and prosperity for members through marketing initiatives and sponsorship. Writers must be supported beyond creativity,” he said.
He also outlined plans for mentorship and capacity building. “The trainers trainees approach to writing skills development for younger writers will provide mentorship, while monthly workshops for students and new writers will help build their skills,” Lasile added.
According to him, strengthening the corporate image of ANA Ogun through collaboration with government agencies and private organisations would improve the association’s visibility and credibility.
Describing his emergence as chairman as a major personal milestone, Lasile said, “Today marks a significant moment in my life. It brings new experiences, challenges, and opportunities to test my capabilities. Together with my team, we are embarking on this journey for the greater good of ANA Ogun. I ask for your support and cooperation as I serve with dedication and integrity.”
Earlier, the outgoing Chairman, Dr. Chris Omotosho, reflected on his two term tenure, which spanned from 2021 to 2025, describing the occasion as the end of an era.
“No matter how long one spends in an office, an end will surely come. This is the day to hand over the baton and allow others to continue,” Omotosho said.
He noted that his leadership was guided strictly by the constitution of ANA. “I promised myself and members that I would not deviate from the vision and mission of the association. I allowed the constitution to dictate all our activities, and I can say without mincing words that I adhered faithfully to it,” he stated.
Omotosho said the promotion of literacy remained the core focus of the association, with regular monthly meetings and readings held at the Simeon Adebo Library, Kuto, Abeokuta.
“Our meetings have been a forum for fellowship, mentoring, exchange of ideas, and nurturing creativity through literature,” he said.
He listed achievements recorded during his tenure, including collaboration with Crescent University, Abeokuta, to host World Poetry Day, celebration of Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka, courtesy visits to key stakeholders, successful hosting of the South West Authors Forum, schools reading projects, membership auditing, and issuance of identity cards to registered members.
On challenges, Omotosho identified the lack of a permanent secretariat and the economic situation affecting book publishing as major concerns. “We do not have a facility of our own, and the economic reality has made book publishing difficult for many of our members,” he said.
He expressed appreciation to members and stakeholders for their support, particularly the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba Prof. Saka Adelola Matemilola.
“The fact that we are having this event here today is proof of Kabiyesi’s magnanimity. He has always supported us, and we are deeply grateful,” Omotosho added.
In his remarks, the Olowu of Owu, Oba Prof. Saka Adelola Matemilola, commended the association for building and sustaining a vibrant literary community in Ogun State.
“I commend the founding fathers for their foresight and the members for sustaining this association over the years. Writing must be impactful, and your efforts in promoting literature are commendable,” the monarch said.
He assured the association of the palace’s continuous support. “The Olowu Palace will do all that is needful to ensure that the Association of Nigerian Authors runs smoothly. We will support you to ensure the dissemination of knowledge and the growth of literary culture in the state,” Oba Matemilola stated.
The monarch also encouraged the newly inaugurated executive to be deliberate and committed in advancing the ideals of the association.
