Udodimma Okoronkochukwu has emerged as the new Chairperson of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Ebonyi State Chapter, following a peaceful and transparent election held in the state.
Speaking after her emergence, Udodimma pledged to strengthen the chapter’s monthly literary reading sessions, describing them as essential to strengthening the creative skills of members through constructive criticism and interaction with experienced writers, lecturers, professors and literary critics.
She said her administration would also take literary activities beyond Abakaliki, the state capital, to rural communities and schools, where young talents could be identified and nurtured. She cited a recent literary campaign in Ohaukwu Local Government Area, where, according to her, the association discovered promising young writers.
“I would love my second coming to make reading a part of every writer or every member. It is sacrosanct because of the benefits,” Udodimma said, adding that the chapter would make monthly reading a regular activity for members.
On copyright protection, she said the association would encourage all members to register their works and safeguard their intellectual property. “You have value in putting value into your work and safeguarding your intellectual property. That is what copyright is all about,” she said.
Udodimma also urged writers in Ebonyi to remain committed to writing and publishing, stressing the importance of mentorship and belonging to a professional writers’ association. “My message to writers in Ebonyi State is to keep writing. Writing is like a tool. If you don't use your tools, they will get rusted,” she said.
She encouraged aspiring writers to join ANA, noting that membership provides opportunities for writers to receive guidance on the quality, creativity and publishability of their works. “Not everything published is publishable,” she added.
The election was conducted by a team comprising Dr Onyebuchi Nwosu, Prof. Chima Jonathan, Dr Obumneme Anyasi and High Chief Matthew Ezomo. Other elected officers include Shedrack Chinagorom Nwafor as Assistant Secretary, Ezinne Blessing Okah as Secretary, Arinze Onwe as Public Relations Officer, Comrade Igbagu Ogochukwu Joshua as Financial Secretary, Awoke Fidelis Nwokwu as Vice Chairman and Onwe Emmanuela Chinenye as Treasurer.
Speaking on the election, Richard, the National Public Relations Officer of the Reproduction Rights Society of Nigeria (REPRONIG), who represented the National President, Dr Usman Akombi, described the process as peaceful, free, fair and credible.
Richard explained that the copyright workshop organised for ANA members in Ebonyi was a step-down session from regional workshops previously held for authors across the country. He said the sessions were designed to educate writers on copyright, reproduction rights, royalties, licensing and protection against unauthorised copying.
He said membership of a reproduction rights organisation could help authors protect their works, earn royalties and manage their rights without having to negotiate individually with every user of their intellectual property.
Prof. Akachi Ezeigbo, a member of ANA and lecturer at Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, also commended the peaceful conduct of the election and pledged members’ support for the new executive. She urged more authors to register their works and take copyright protection seriously, noting that the workshop had also exposed members, particularly younger writers, to important issues concerning publishing and intellectual property.
