Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) Abuja has officially wound down activities for the year with its annual programme, ANAtainment amidst high hopes for a rejuvenated chapter in the year 2024.
The chapter while expressing gratitude to members for their numerous support during the outgoing year despite the plethora of challenges, including fractionalisation, high transportation cost and the national electoral cycle that dominated the 2023 assured that interesting programmes have been put in place to make the branch first among equals.
At the traditional ANAtainment on Wednesday which featured poetry performances, short stories, rendition and reflection on the outgoing year as well as steps towards repositioning the foremost literary body in Nigeria, especially the FCT chapter, members had opportunity wine and dine amidst fanfare.
For the executive that has put so much effort to keep the activities of the chapter up and running, it was a relaxed atmosphere to bring the year to a close.
"We have been able to secure a second reading venue which has been graciously approved for us.
"We have however not had much events as we had enviaged earlier because of the political activities, especially with the primary elections late last year, the polls proper this year and post-election activities.
"These have all directly or indirectly affected our programmes and thankfully, we have made strategic moves in preparation for next year.
"The leadership has series of events outlined, including critique sessions, readings, school and community outreaches, books club and similar activities", chairman of the chapter, John 'Freeman' Ondoma told reporters.
He further said mentorship programmes, which target primary and secondary school children are being put in place, so as to help them appreciate the work of literature, equipping them with the right skills to lead.
While seeking for cooperation of members of the chapter, Ondoma hinted that efforts are being put in place to support young authors publish their works, even as he urged members to be more financially dedicated to the association.
The immediate past chairman of the chapter, Halima Usman applauded the Ondoma-led exco for its commitment in keeping the chapter's activities afloat despite the difficult times.
"These days, it's very difficult for people to come for events because of the financial constraints. We are in a dispensation where transportation cost has risen astronomically.
"It's unlike in the past when you invite people and they will drive from their offices and homes. Today, they have to do a lot of calculations, owing to high cost of fuel. So it is not easy but I must give it to the current leadership of the chapter, it has put in its best by demonstrating resilience and that is the most important thing. At the end of the day, we are optimistic the push will pay off", she noted.
For her, with the quality of ideas put on the table during the event, the relentless commitment of the exco and members' zeal, 2024 holds greater things for the association.
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