By ANA Media Team
The Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) held a seminar for members of the National Executive Council (NEC), Secretariat staff and adhoc staff on Thursday, 27 August 2026, at the Conference Room of the Femi Osofisan Secretariat, Abuja. The seminar was convened as part of the Association’s continuing effort to strengthen the capacity of its leadership and staff, improve administrative effectiveness, and promote greater commitment to the development and advancement of Nigerian literature.
It was hosted by the President - Dr. Usman Oladipo Akanbi, while Dr. Kabura Zakama, the ANA’s Consultant served as the facilitator. The programme also provided for online participation, enabling members who were unable to attend physically to join the proceedings virtually.
Dr. Zakama engaged participants in discussions aimed at enhancing their understanding of their responsibilities within the Association. His presentation encouraged participants to reflect on the importance of professionalism, effective communication, teamwork, accountability and commitment to organisational objectives. The interactive nature of the session allowed participants to contribute their views, raise questions and share experiences relating to the administration and activities of ANA.
The seminar also underscored the importance of continuous training for members of the Secretariat and the NEC. As a professional literary organisation with a national mandate, ANA requires committed leadership and competent administrative personnel capable of responding effectively to the changing needs of writers, literary practitioners, chapters and other stakeholders. It therefore served as an opportunity for participants to acquire useful knowledge while also strengthening their understanding of collective responsibility.
Participation of the Secretariat staff was particularly significant, as the Secretariat remains central to the day-to-day administration and implementation of the programmes and decisions of the Association. The interaction between staff and NEC members further promoted cooperation and a shared understanding of the Association’s goals.
The seminar was conducted in a cordial and engaging atmosphere and it ended with renewed emphasis on the need for unity, professionalism, effective service delivery and continued capacity development within ANA. Participants expressed appreciation for the initiative and for the opportunity to engage with the facilitator and one another in a learning environment.
The seminar was a valuable capacity-building and organisational development initiative. It brought together NEC members, Secretariat staff and ad hoc personnel for learning, interaction and reflection on their respective responsibilities to the Association. The Dr. Akanbi’s administration contributed significantly to the success of the programme.
It demonstrated ANA’s commitment to strengthening its human resources and leadership structures in order to improve its operations and advance its mandate of promoting literature and supporting Nigerian authors. It is recommended that similar seminars and professional development programmes be organised regularly to sustain staff capacity, improve teamwork and enhance the effectiveness of the Association’s national administration.