ANA Oyo Elects New Executive, Philomena Nwoko Emerges Chairman

ANA OYO ELECTS NEW EXECUTIVE, PHILOMENA NWOKO EMERGES CHAIRMAN 

By ANA Media Team 

The Oyo State Chapter of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) has elected a new executive council led by Dr. Philomena Ngozi Nwoko as Chairman for a two-year term. 

The election was held on Saturday, 26 September 2026, at the Large Lecture Theatre, Faculty of Arts, University of Ibadan, during the 35th Annual Convention of the Association of Nigerian Authors, Oyo State Chapter.

Dr. Nwoko emerged Chairman after polling 14 votes to defeat her opponent, Olumide Adesola Sowunmi, who scored 13 votes. Mr. Saka Wasiu Laide was elected Vice-Chairman unopposed, while Fakunle Busayo Ayorinde emerged Secretary with 17 votes against Ojo Adekunle Olarotimi, who scored nine votes.

For the position of Assistant Secretary, Olasumbo Comfort Adeogun polled 17 votes to defeat Goodness Olachi Adebolu, who recorded five votes. Olagundoye Charles was elected Treasurer unopposed, while Olaniyi Joseph emerged Public Relations Officer, also unopposed.

Following the announcement of the results, the newly elected officers were sworn in as members of the Executive Council of the ANA Oyo State Chapter for the next two years. The new executive comprises Dr. Philomena Ngozi Nwoko, Chairman; Mr. Saka Wasiu Laide, Vice-Chairman; Fakunle Busayo Ayorinde, Secretary; Olasumbo Comfort Adeogun, Assistant Secretary; Olagundoye Charles, Treasurer; and Olaniyi Joseph, Public Relations Officer.

The election was conducted by an Electoral Committee headed by Mr. Jide Ogunlana, with Mr. Idris Bankole and Mr. Sesan Akinola serving as members. The exercise was conducted peacefully and amicably, with Wole Adedoyin, Acting National General Secretary of ANA, observing the election on behalf of the National Secretariat.

Before the commencement of the physical election, Mr. Adedoyin delivered a message from the National President of ANA, Dr. Usman Oladipo Akanbi, to the Congress. In the message, the National President urged contestants and members to approach the election with maturity, peace, fairness and a strong sense of responsibility, stressing that despite individual differences, members remained united by a common commitment to literature and the welfare of Nigerian writers.

The National President also commended all the contestants for offering themselves for service and called on them to maintain the spirit of sportsmanship throughout the electoral process. He urged the Electoral Committee to conduct the exercise in accordance with the approved guidelines and ensure that the process remained transparent, orderly, peaceful and credible.

Dr. Akanbi further reminded members that the election was only one part of the broader task of building a stronger Association. He urged whoever emerged victorious to regard the outcome as a call to service, while encouraging other contestants to continue contributing their experience, ideas and energy to the development of the chapter and the Association as a whole.

In her acceptance speech, the newly elected Chairman, Dr. Philomena Ngozi Nwoko, expressed appreciation to the National Executive Council, particularly the National President, Dr. Usman Oladipo Akanbi, for his efforts towards strengthening ANA chapters across the country. She also commended the National Executive Council for the support extended to ANA Oyo and thanked members of the Oyo State Chapter for the confidence reposed in the new executive.

Dr. Nwoko called for the continued support, cooperation, peace and unity of all members as the new executive begins its tenure. She pledged to work with members and other stakeholders towards the growth of ANA Oyo and the advancement of literary activities in the state. 

The peaceful conduct of the election, the Association said, reflects the chapter's commitment to democratic participation, fellowship and the collective development of Nigerian literature.