ANA Members Congratulate President, Dr. Usman Oladipo Akanbi on his 57th Birthday

 ANA MEMBERS CONGRATULATE PRESIDENT, DR. USMAN OLADIPO AKANBI, ON HIS 57TH BIRTHDAY

By Richard Inya (ANA PRO South)

Some members of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) have congratulated the National President, Dr. Usman Oladipo Akanbi, on the occasion of his 57th birthday, celebrating his leadership, vision, and transformative contributions to Nigerian literature.

Dr. Joan Oji, ANA General Secretary, said: “To the man of the Moment. Sheu Usman Oladipo Akanbi, PhD, serving as the first female General Secretary under your presidency has been a tremendous learning curve for me. I never knew there was more to ANA than creative writing until we came on board in 2023. ‘Behold, half was not told me!’ Thank you Dipo, for teaching me to rediscover Robert Green’s THE 48 LAWS OF POWER, which I had read casually in the past but which re-reading has helped me understand ANA politics better. Here’s to many more years of outstanding success, personal growth, and higher leadership responsibilities, my Oga at the Top!”

Denja Abdullahi, former ANA President, praised Dr. Akanbi for reconciling warring factions within the association and rejuvenating the electoral system. He added that under Dr. Akanbi’s leadership, ANA has reached new heights, achieving remarkable feats through his administration skills and wealth of experience.

Freeman Okosun, former National Assistant Secretary of ANA and former ANA Oyo Secretary, described Dr. Akanbi’s first tenure as remarkable and inclusive. He emphasized that the President has transformed ANA, ensuring that every member of his administration is actively involved in decision-making.

B.M. Nagidi, the current ANA PRO (North), expressed pride in serving under the Akanbi-led administration. He highlighted Dr. Akanbi’s transparency, honesty, and dedication to carrying all executives along in every aspect of his leadership.

Wasiu Omobewaji, ANA Osun Chairman, noted the significant administrative and financial reforms Dr. Akanbi introduced. He praised the President’s cordial and supportive relationship with state chapter chairmen, adding that his corporate and academic expertise has strengthened ANA considerably.

Umar Yogiza, former ANA PRO (North) and Residency Manager of the Imodoye Writers Residency, recalled that even before aspiring for ANA presidency, Dr. Akanbi had demonstrated genuine passion for supporting Nigerian writers through the residency. He remarked that the current developments in ANA are a continuation of a longstanding commitment to writers’ welfare.

Abiola Layonu, former ANA Oyo Chairman and author of Once Upon a Crisis in the Annals of ANA, commended Dr. Akanbi for his support during the writing, editing, and proofreading of his book. He also noted his contribution in writing the foreword, describing him as a President with a listening ear.

Mrs. Awele Ilusanmi, FANA, a Fellow of ANA, described Dr. Akanbi as humble and always ready to uplift others. She emphasized that under his leadership, ANA has maintained a strong relationship with LITACO, and he continues to serve as a leader worthy of emulation.

Key achievements of Dr. Akanbi’s presidency during his first tenure include infrastructure development, with the commissioning of the ANA Ken Saro-Wiwa International Writers’ Residency in 2024 and hosting residents by September 2025; international collaborations, including the Pan-African Writers Association partnership for the inaugural World Organisation of Writers (WOW) Congress in April 2024; and literacy initiatives such as A Reading Book Camp for secondary students.

Other notable accomplishments include strategic partnerships with Wikimedia Nigeria and other organisations to standardize operations at the ANA Secretariat, reconciliation of conflicts in several state chapters, recognition through a Certificate of Merit for contributions to literature, appointment as a Copyright Ambassador by the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), and the advancement of literary awards, including the Young Adult Literature Prize.

Born in Jos, Plateau State, on December 3, 1968, Dr. Usman Oladipo Akanbi joined ANA in 1998 and currently serves as its National President. A creative writer, academic, and researcher, he has published works in poetry, prose, and drama. He founded the Imodoye Writers Enclave in 2001, which hosts a writers’ residency program.

In addition to his literary and academic pursuits, Dr. Akanbi is the immediate past Head of the Department of Agricultural Economics and Farm Management at the University of Ilorin. He is also a management consultant and a member of the Nigerian Institute of Management. He resides in Ilorin with his family, continuing to lead ANA with dedication and vision.