Association of Nigerian Authors, Signs an MOU with Wikipedia Nigeria (Wikimedia) and Visits The Oba of Lagos To Kick-Start Preparations For The Erection of Lagos Writers’ Village
1/5/2025
We are pleased to report that with the National president of the Association of Nigerian Authors, ANA, we had the privilege of leading a delegation from the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) to pay a courtesy visit to the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, at the Iga Idunganran Palace. The visit was a resounding success, thanks to the dedication and contributions of the ANA Lagos chapter members, Excos, and the National President. The Oba's warm reception and willingness to engage with our mission were evident from the outset after learning that the late Justice Akanbi was the father of Dr Usman Oladipo Akanbi, the National President of the Association of Nigerian Authors, ANA. This personal connection undoubtedly solidified the bond between ANA and the Oba, paving the way for future collaborations.
We are delighted to report that the Oba has expressed his readiness to assist ANA Lagos with suggestions and support, particularly regarding the Lagos Writers Village. This development holds great promise for our chapter, and we are confident that the Oba's involvement will significantly enhance our efforts to create a state-of-the-art home for writers in Lagos.
The visit was further bolstered by the presence of all distinguished members of the delegation, including Dr Akanbi (ANA National President), Dr Taofeek Olatunbosun (ANA Lagos Chairman), Chimnemezu Nwaeze (Secretary), Dr Tolu Ajayi (former ANA Lagos Chairman), Mr Edozie Udeze (The Nation Newspaper), and Mr Henry Akubuiro (The Sun Newspaper). We sincerely appreciate everyone's dedication, especially ANA Lagos members, and we emphasize that all contributions of time, talent, and treasure are truly appreciated.
In the spirit of the very successful visit to the Oba of Lagos, we are pleased to announce that ANA Lagos, in extension, ANA National has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Wikipedia Nigeria Foundation (Wikimedia). This partnership will enhance the visibility of our members and their activities through capacity-building training, workshops, and public advocacy campaigns, especially for the visibility of ANA members and their works.
It is essential to emphasize that the Lagos chapter of ANA is spearheading a historic project in the history of Nigerian writers, especially in driving these activities in collaboration with the Wikimedia Nigeria Foundation. The implications of this partnership are far-reaching, and we envision significant benefits for our chapter, including:
- Increased online presence and visibility for ANA members
- Capacity-building training and workshops to enhance members' skills
- Public advocacy campaigns to promote the interests of writers in Lagos
As we move forward, it is essential that we leverage this partnership and the Oba's support to secure the necessary resources to establish a thriving Writers Village in Lagos. We therefore urge all ANA Lagos chapter members to continue their tireless efforts, knowing that their contributions will yield significant benefits for current and future generations of writers.
In conclusion, we would like to express our gratitude to the ANA Lagos chapter members for their dedication and hard work. We are confident that our collective efforts will make Lagos, the creative hub of Nigeria, a beacon for writers and creatives worldwide.
The visit to the Oba of Lagos and the signing of the MOU with Wikimedia Nigeria Foundation mark significant milestones for ANA Lagos. We are excited about the prospects of our chapter and look forward to working with all members to achieve our goals.
Dr Taofeek Olatunbosun
Chairman, ANA Lagos
Chimnemezu Nwaeze ( Vinepaul)
Secretary, ANA Lagos