Wole Adedoyin Takes Over As ANA Acting General Secretary Following Joan Oji's Resignation

WOLE ADEDOYIN TAKES OVER AS ANA ACTING GENERAL SECRETARY FOLLOWING JOAN OJI'S RESIGNATION

The Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) has announced the appointment of Mr. Wole Adedoyin as its Acting General Secretary, following the resignation of Dame Joan Oji, PhD, from the position of General Secretary and member of the National Executive Council (NEC) of the Association. The appointment takes immediate effect and will subsist for the remainder of the current administration, which ends in 2027.

The announcement was made by the President of the Association, Dr. Usman Oladipo Akanbi, who explained that Dame Joan Oji voluntarily resigned her position following her relocation to the United States of America after being granted Permanent Residency. In line with the provisions of the Constitution of the Association of Nigerian Authors regarding officers resident outside Nigeria, the National Executive Council accepted her resignation with appreciation for her exceptional service to the Association.

Dr. Akanbi described Dame Joan Oji's tenure as one marked by unwavering dedication, integrity, professionalism, and administrative excellence. He noted that her outstanding contributions over the past thirty months played a pivotal role in restoring the dignity, stability, and operational effectiveness of the Association. According to him, her commitment to the ideals of ANA and her exemplary leadership have earned her a permanent place in the history of the Association.

Pursuant to the constitutional provisions of ANA, the Assistant General Secretary, Mr. Wole Adedoyin, has automatically assumed the office of Acting General Secretary. Consequently, his name and signature shall henceforth appear alongside that of the President on all official correspondence, policy documents, press statements, and communications issued on behalf of the Association.

Mr. Wole Adedoyin, an author, literary administrator, and cultural advocate, has served diligently as Assistant General Secretary since the inception of the current administration. Widely acknowledged for his commitment to literary development, effective communication, and organizational administration, he has contributed significantly to the implementation of several programmes and initiatives that have strengthened the Association's operations and public engagement.

Reacting to his appointment, Mr. Adedoyin expressed profound gratitude to the leadership and members of ANA for the confidence reposed in him. He paid glowing tribute to Dame Joan Oji, describing her as not only an outstanding General Secretary but also a mother, mentor, and administrator whose guidance and wealth of experience shaped his understanding of effective organizational leadership. He pledged to build upon the strong administrative foundation she established and to continue seeking her counsel whenever necessary.

In her response, Dame Joan Oji warmly congratulated Mr. Adedoyin on his new responsibility and expressed confidence in his capacity to lead the Secretariat successfully. Drawing from over four decades of experience as an educator, she described him as a faithful, available, and teachable leader whose dedication and willingness to learn have distinguished him within the Association. She assured him of her continued support and mentorship, expressing optimism that he would successfully steer the affairs of the Secretariat and eventually succeed as substantive General Secretary after the expiration of the current tenure in 2027.

The National Executive Council and the General Congress of ANA have expressed deep appreciation to Dame Joan Oji for her years of faithful and selfless service to the Association. Members acknowledged her invaluable role in strengthening institutional governance, improving administrative efficiency, and supporting initiatives that have repositioned ANA as Nigeria's foremost literary organization. They also celebrated her new milestone and wished her continued success, fulfilment, and God's guidance in all her future endeavours.

While accepting her resignation with mixed emotions, the Association emphasized that Dame Joan Oji remains an integral member of the ANA family despite her relocation. The leadership expressed optimism that she would continue to support the Association from abroad through mentorship, advisory roles, and participation in its programmes. ANA also looks forward to welcoming her physically at its forthcoming 45th International Convention and other future activities of the Association.

The Association of Nigerian Authors reiterated its commitment to continuity, institutional stability, and the promotion of literature and literary excellence in Nigeria and beyond. With the appointment of Mr. Wole Adedoyin as Acting General Secretary, the Association assures its members, partners, and stakeholders that its programmes, advocacy initiatives, membership services, and administrative activities will continue seamlessly as it pursues its vision of advancing Nigerian literature and nurturing generations of writers.

 

Growing Concerns Over Delayed Response To Kidnappings Prompt Calls For Urgent Security Action

GROWING CONCERNS OVER DELAYED RESPONSE TO KIDNAPPINGS PROMPT CALLS FOR URGENT SECURITY ACTION

Pastor Tolu Adedoyin, Pastor of First Christ Gospel Ministries, Adebomi Aiyegun, Ibadan, and former Governorship Candidate of the African Peoples Alliance (APA) in the 2019 Oyo State Governorship Election, has expressed deep concern over the worsening state of insecurity in Nigeria, particularly in Oriire Local Government Area of Ogbomoso, Oyo State.

Speaking on the increasing incidents of kidnapping, attacks on rural communities, and growing fear among residents, He noted that the security of lives and property remains the foremost responsibility of government at all levels. He stressed that citizens should not be forced to live under constant fear while carrying out their daily economic and social activities.

According to him, farmers, traders, students, and commuters in Oriire and surrounding communities have become increasingly vulnerable to criminal activities, creating a climate of uncertainty that threatens both livelihoods and social stability. He described the situation as unacceptable and requiring immediate intervention.

Further observed that many Nigerians have raised concerns about what appears to be a delayed response to the kidnapping crisis. He noted that serious efforts to address the growing insecurity seemed to gain momentum only after political parties had concluded their primary elections, a development that has generated public debate about governmental priorities.

He stated that such perceptions, whether accurate or not, underscore the need for leaders to demonstrate greater urgency in responding to security challenges. According to him, governance should be driven by the welfare of the people rather than political timetables, emphasizing that every life lost to insecurity represents a failure of leadership and public accountability.

Drawing from his experience as a former House of Assembly candidate for Ibadan North Constituency II in 2015 and Governorship Candidate in 2019, reiterated his commitment to advocating for policies and actions that promote peace, justice, and sustainable development across Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole.

He called on the Federal Government to strengthen intelligence gathering, increase security presence in vulnerable communities, improve surveillance along major highways, and ensure the prompt prosecution of kidnappers and their sponsors. He argued that criminal networks must be dismantled through coordinated and decisive action.

The cleric also urged the Oyo State Government to deepen collaboration with local security outfits, traditional rulers, community leaders, and residents. He emphasized the importance of community-based security initiatives and the need to provide adequate support for victims of kidnapping and their families.

In addition, He appealed to citizens to remain vigilant, cooperate with law enforcement agencies, and avoid actions capable of creating division along ethnic, religious, or political lines. He maintained that insecurity is a collective challenge that requires unity, responsibility, and active citizen participation.

Concluding his statement, Pastor Tolu Adedoyin offered prayers for all victims of kidnapping and violence across Nigeria. He prayed for the safe release of captives, comfort for affected families, wisdom for leaders, and lasting peace throughout the nation. He expressed confidence that with sincere leadership, effective security measures, and collective commitment from citizens, Nigeria can overcome its current security challenges and build a safer future for all.

ANA Set for Two-Day Capacity Building Workshop on Copyright, Reproduction Rights in Ibadan

ANA SET FOR TWO-DAY CAPACITY BUILDING WORKSHOP ON COPYRIGHT, REPRODUCTION RIGHTS IN IBADAN

By ANA Media Team

The Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) is set to host a two-day Capacity Building Workshop on Copyrights, Reproduction Rights and Royalties Management aimed at strengthening authors' knowledge and understanding of intellectual property protection within Nigeria's literary and creative industries.

The workshop is scheduled to hold on Thursday, 18 June and Friday, 19 June 2026 at Elders Place, No. 17, Abinusawa Street, Off Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Bus Stop, along Idi Ape, Basorun Road, Ibadan, Oyo State, beginning at 12:00 noon each day.

The workshop is being organized in collaboration with the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) and the Reproduction Rights Society of Nigeria (REPRONIG). It is designed to deepen participants' understanding of copyright protection, reproduction rights, royalties administration, collective management systems, and practical strategies for safeguarding intellectual property in an increasingly digital and competitive creative environment.

Participants at the workshop will comprise Chairmen and Secretaries drawn from seven ANA State Chapters in the Southwest and North Central zones, namely Oyo, Lagos, Osun, Ekiti, Ondo, Ogun and Kwara States. The selected participants are expected to serve as copyright ambassadors within their respective chapters, helping to disseminate the knowledge acquired during the programme.

The first day of the workshop, Thursday, 18 June 2026, will be facilitated by experts from the Oyo State Office of the Nigerian Copyright Commission. The session will provide participants with a comprehensive overview of copyright law in Nigeria, the rights and protections available to authors under existing legislation, and the strategic role of the Commission in protecting literary and creative works from infringement and unauthorized exploitation.

A major component of the NCC workshop will focus on reproduction rights and secondary rights, helping participants understand the legal framework governing the reproduction of literary works and the Commission's role in licensing and enforcement. Discussions will also examine the growing challenges posed by piracy, unauthorized copying and digital dissemination of copyrighted materials.

The NCC team will further lead practical sessions on intellectual property protection, including effective strategies for safeguarding literary works, procedures for registering creative works with the Commission, and advisory services available to authors. Participants will also benefit from a hands-on registration session designed to provide practical guidance on copyright documentation and compliance.

On Friday, 19 June 2026, the workshop will shift focus to reproduction rights administration under the auspices of the Reproduction Rights Society of Nigeria (REPRONIG). Participants will be introduced to REPRONIG's mandate, functions and services, as well as the significance of collective rights management in protecting authors' interests and ensuring fair compensation for the use of their works.

The REPRONIG workshop will explore the administration of reproduction licensing, royalty collection, management and distribution mechanisms, and the various benefits available to authors who register with and participate in the Society's collective management framework. Particular attention will be paid to practical ways authors can maximize earnings from the legitimate use of their intellectual property.

Additional sessions will focus on the registration of authors and literary works with REPRONIG, the protection of literary content through collective rights management systems, and interactive advisory engagements that will enable participants to obtain professional guidance on membership, rights administration and royalty entitlements. A dedicated registration session will also be conducted for interested authors.

The National President of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Dr. Usman Oladipo Akanbi, will serve as Chief Host of the workshop. He described the initiative as a significant step towards empowering Nigerian authors with the knowledge and tools required to protect their creative assets and benefit from the economic value of their intellectual property. ANA encourages all invited participants to take full advantage of this unique opportunity to strengthen their professional capacity and contribute to the advancement of Nigeria's literary ecosystem.

 

APGA Primaries: Prince Adesina Adeyemi-Doro Clinches Osun Governorship Ticket

 

APGA PRIMARIES: PRINCE ADESINA ADEYEMI-DORO CLINCHES OSUN GOVERNORSHIP TICKET

 

By Wole Adedoyin

Prince Adesina Olusanya Adeyemi-Doro has emerged as the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) for the 2026 Osun State governorship election.

The APGA Governorship Primary Election was held on Sunday, December 14, 2025, at the Osogbo City Hall, Olonkoro, Osogbo, Osun State. The party’s Primary Election Electoral Panel was chaired by Pastor Popoola Olatunji, the National Auditor of APGA and a member of the National Working Committee. Mr. Wole Adedoyin served as Secretary of the panel, while Mr. Victor Olopade and two others served as members.

The primary election was monitored on behalf of the national headquarters of the party by the National Vice Chairman, Chief Suraj Owolabi. The exercise also witnessed the presence of officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), led by Mrs. Abiodun Lawal Oyekan from the Commission’s national headquarters, alongside Mr. Okeranti Samson, Abajesude M.A., and Gusanu Michael.

Delegates from thirty local government areas of Osun State participated in the primary election, which culminated in the emergence of Prince Adesina Olusanya Adeyemi-Doro as the party’s governorship candidate through affirmation by voice vote. The election was rancor-free, fair, and credible.

The Osun State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Mutiu Agboke, was also present to monitor the primary election on behalf of INEC, further stressing the transparency and credibility of the process.

In his acceptance speech, Prince Adesina Olusanya Adeyemi-Doro expressed profound gratitude to party leaders, delegates, and members for the confidence reposed in him. He pledged to run an inclusive and people-oriented campaign, reaffirming his commitment to the APGA philosophy of good governance, social justice, and grassroots development.

The party expressed appreciation to the National Chairman of APGA, Barrister Sylvester Ezeokenwa, for his support before, during, and after the primary election. Commendation was also extended to the National Vice Chairman for the South West, Chief Suraj Owolabi; Chairman of the Electoral Panel who is also the National Auditor of APGA, Pastor Popoola Olatunji; as well as INEC, particularly the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Mutiu Agboke, and his monitoring team, for their professionalism throughout the exercise.

Prince Adesina Olusanya Adeyemi-Doro is a royal son of Osun State from the Onigbo Ruling House of Otan-Ayegbaju, deeply rooted in a lineage of education, faith, and public service. Born in Lagos on June 21, 1986, he is the grandson of Pa. (Prince) Peter Ogundoro Adeyemi, an early educated civil servant, and the son of the late Professor (Prince) Henry Olusanya Adeyemi-Doro, a world-renowned surgeon and philanthropist. This heritage has shaped his life as a bridge between traditional royalty and modern leadership, symbolizing Osun’s enduring dignity and progressive outlook.

A psychologist and entrepreneur, Prince Adesina represents a new generation of visionary and compassionate leadership. His professional career spans healthcare management, insurance, business development, and human capital administration, with notable contributions to organizations such as Hygeia HMO, Redcare HMO, and Africa InsurTech Lab. Through data-driven strategies, policy innovation, and enterprise development, he has driven significant economic growth, built integrated cross-sector ecosystems, created jobs, and supported youth and SME empowerment across multiple industries.

An accomplished scholar and committed family man, he holds a Master’s degree in Industrial and Labour Relations from the University of Lagos, alongside several professional certifications. Guided by strong moral values and a people-first philosophy, his political vision under the APGA platform is anchored on building a Stronger Osun through quality education, accessible healthcare, and a revitalized agricultural economy. Beyond seeking office, Prince Adesina Adeyemi-Doro offers a people-centered covenant of inclusive governance, shared prosperity, and sustainable development for all citizens of Osun State.

 

Soludo Signals Readiness To Welcome Gov. Adeleke to APGA

SOLUDO SIGNALS READINESS TO WELCOME GOV. ADELEKE INTO APGA

The Caretaker Chairman of the Osun State Chapter of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Comrade Wole Adedoyin, has disclosed that the re-elected Governor of Anambra State, His Excellency Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, is fully prepared to welcome His Excellency Senator Ademola Adeleke, Executive Governor of Osun State, into the fold of APGA. 

Adedoyin made this known in a statement released to journalists on Friday, describing the development as a positive step toward strengthening progressive governance across the South-East and South-West.

Comrade Adedoyin noted that Governor Soludo, fresh from his historic re-election victory, has consistently advocated for a broader coalition of leaders committed to people-centered governance. According to him, Senator Adeleke’s leadership style, populist appeal, and grassroots connection align strongly with APGA’s philosophy of service, equity, and inclusive development.

The Osun APGA leader explained that the possibility of Senator Adeleke joining APGA reflects growing admiration for the party’s developmental agenda, which has been demonstrated through Governor Soludo’s reforms in Anambra State. He emphasized that APGA remains open to all progressive-minded leaders who are willing to prioritize the welfare of the people above partisan interests.

Adedoyin stressed that Senator Adeleke, known for his pro-people governance, infrastructure drive, and youth empowerment initiatives, would find APGA to be a natural home should he choose to align with the party. He added that Governor Soludo’s invitation reinforces the spirit of regional collaboration that is urgently needed to stabilize Nigeria’s democratic landscape.

He further described the potential political synergy between the two governors as a historic opportunity for improved inter-state cooperation. According to him, both leaders share a commitment to transparency, digital governance, education reform, and poverty alleviation—key pillars of APGA’s ideological framework.

The statement also highlighted that APGA, under the watch of National Chairman Barr. Sly Ezeokenwa, has embarked on a strategic expansion mission designed to strengthen the party’s national footprint. Welcoming influential leaders like Senator Adeleke, Adedoyin noted, would serve as a major boost to the party’s consolidation efforts ahead of future elections.

Comrade Adedoyin reaffirmed the readiness of the Osun State Chapter to work harmoniously with all structures of the party to facilitate a smooth transition should Senator Adeleke accept the invitation. He said the chapter is committed to providing the enabling political environment for transformative leadership to thrive.

He added that the people-oriented achievements of Governor Soludo have continued to attract attention across Nigeria, prompting many political actors to consider the values APGA stands for. According to him, the party’s emphasis on “being your brother’s and sister’s keeper” remains a moral compass in an era of divisive politics.

Adedoyin concluded by stating that APGA will continue to pursue alliances that advance the interest of the Nigerian people, irrespective of region or political background. He stressed that the party is open to leaders who are ready to contribute meaningfully to national development and good governance.

The Osun APGA caretaker chairman congratulated Governor Soludo once again on his re-election victory and expressed optimism that the unfolding political realignment will contribute to a more united, progressive, and people-driven political atmosphere in the country.

 

The Strategic Advantages Gov. Ademola Adeleke Might Gain By Contesting Under APGA

 

**THE STRATEGIC ADVANTAGES GOV. ADEMOLA ADELEKE MIGHT GAIN BY CONTESTING UNDER APGA**

By Wole Adedoyin

As political permutations deepen ahead of the next Osun governorship election, the possibility of Governor Ademola Adeleke contesting under the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has generated significant interest.

For a sitting governor seeking a smooth and strategically advantageous path to re-election, APGA presents several compelling opportunities.

One of the most attractive advantages is APGA’s remarkable internal unity. Unlike major parties constantly grappling with factions, court injunctions, suspended executives, and parallel state structures, APGA stands out today as one of the few national parties without a leadership crisis. The absence of internal conflict means Adeleke would not need to expend valuable energy managing intraparty wars. Instead, he could focus squarely on governance and campaigning, knowing that the party machinery is intact, loyal, and crisis-free.

APGA’s recent electoral successes further strengthen its appeal. The party has demonstrated renewed visibility and competitiveness by winning recent by-elections and, most notably, the governorship election that returned Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo with an emphatic mandate. These victories have re-energized APGA supporters nationwide and positioned the party as a credible electoral force. For Adeleke, joining a party currently riding on victory momentum could inject fresh enthusiasm into his campaign and help him consolidate non-PDP, non-APC voters in Osun.

Another strategic advantage lies in Governor Adeleke’s cordial, respectful, and cooperative relationship with the President of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Despite belonging to different political parties, Adeleke has maintained a mature and development-focused relationship with the President—particularly in areas such as infrastructure support, security collaboration, and federal intervention programs. Contesting under APGA, a party that maintains a politically neutral and non-hostile posture toward the presidency, would allow Adeleke to preserve and possibly deepen this productive relationship.

Importantly, APGA is not viewed by the ruling APC as a direct enemy, unlike major opposition parties that constantly clash with the federal government. This neutral positioning means that an APGA governor can enjoy full federal cooperation without partisan tension. For Adeleke, this presents a strategically beneficial balance: he can remain independent of the APC while still enjoying friendly relations with the President and federal institutions, ensuring uninterrupted development for Osun State.

APGA also provides Adeleke with a platform that aligns closely with his public reputation. Known for being people-oriented, accessible, and development-driven, Adeleke’s leadership style fits naturally with APGA’s philosophy of grassroots empowerment and community-centered governance. Running under APGA would allow him to amplify his image as a governor who prioritizes service delivery over partisan battles, a message that resonates strongly with Osun’s increasingly performance-conscious electorate.

Additionally, APGA’s disciplined and loyal grassroots structure could become a major advantage for Adeleke. The party has a long history of building strong community networks, especially in areas where candidates enjoy personal popularity. By leveraging APGA’s compact but effective mobilization machinery, Adeleke could consolidate a formidable electoral base, blending his statewide influence with APGA’s organized political structure to create a powerful winning synergy.

The growing national acceptance of APGA also plays into Adeleke’s strategic calculations. Contrary to outdated perceptions of APGA as a regional party, its recent electoral expansion and improved national outreach have made it a more balanced and widely recognized platform. Contesting under such a party would not diminish Adeleke’s national relevance; instead, it could portray him as a reform-minded leader willing to champion a more inclusive political alternative.

Furthermore, joining APGA could disrupt traditional voting patterns and create a third-force effect in Osun politics. With both APC and PDP experiencing internal disagreements and declining voter trust, Adeleke could position himself as the candidate of stability, unity, and performance. Such a strategic move would allow him to attract undecided voters, youth groups, civil society clusters, and others who want a break from the dominance of the two major parties.

In summary, contesting under APGA offers Governor Ademola Adeleke a wide array of strategic advantages: a stable and crisis-free party, an energized platform with recent electoral victories, alignment with his good working relationship with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and synergy with his personal governance style. Combined with his popularity and performance record, APGA could provide Adeleke with the most stable, strategic, and politically beneficial pathway to secure his re-election and further deepen development in Osun State.

APGA National Chairman Congratulates National Secretary, Mr. Mani Ibrahim on his Birthday

APGA NATIONAL CHAIRMAN CONGRATULATES NATIONAL SECRETARY, MR. MANI IBRAHIM ON HIS BIRTHDAY

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Barr. Ezeokenwa Sylvester, has conveyed his heartfelt congratulations to the party’s National Secretary, Mr. Ibrahim Mani, on the occasion of his birthday. 

In a celebratory message released on Wednesday, Barr. Ezeokenwa described Mr. Mani’s birthday as a moment to honor his outstanding service, steadfast loyalty, and unwavering dedication to the party.

He commended Mr. Mani for his exceptional administrative competence and his commitment to strengthening the party’s internal structures. According to the Chairman, the National Secretary has consistently demonstrated exemplary leadership, professionalism, and a deep understanding of organizational management—qualities that have greatly contributed to the party’s stability and national growth.

Barr. Ezeokenwa further highlighted the National Secretary’s integrity, humility, and collaborative spirit, noting that these attributes have earned him respect not only within APGA but also across the broader political landscape. He emphasized that Mr. Mani’s contributions remain invaluable as the party continues to advance its mission of providing credible leadership and promoting democratic values.

On behalf of the National Working Committee (NWC), the Chairman extended warm wishes to Mr. Mani, praying for long life, good health, and greater accomplishments in the years ahead. He expressed confidence that Mr. Mani will continue to illuminate the party with his visionary ideas and tireless commitment to service.

Barr. Ezeokenwa also called on party members, supporters, and well-wishers to join in celebrating the National Secretary on his special day. He reaffirmed APGA’s dedication to unity, progress, and people-oriented leadership, noting that the party is strengthened by dependable leaders like Mr. Ibrahim Mani who continue to inspire confidence and foster growth.

Signed:

Wole Adedoyin 

Senior Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the National Chairman of APGA