The Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Oyo State Chapter executive committee has paid an epoch-making visit to the President of Multidisciplinary Finance Professionals Group otherwise known as MFP Group Nigeria/ MFP Global ServIces Dr. Prince Oyebade Oyedepo, FCA, JP, at his office @ No 11, Lodge Street, Adjacent Femi Hospital, Off Oke-Ado/Molete Road, By SAO Filling Station, Ibadan.
The visit was conducted yesterday, Thursday 8th October, 2026 with high level intellectual discussions and pleasantries.
According to the leader of the delegation who is the newly elected Chairman of the Association, Dr Philomena Ngozi Nwoko, the visit was aimed at congratulating Dr Prince Oyebade Oyedepo on his achievements, reconnecting with him, seeking his guidance and experience, and strengthening the relationship between the association and one of its distinguished members.
She was accompanied by members of the new Executive Committee, including:
- Mr. Saka Wasiu Laide – Vice-Chairman
- Mr. Fakunle Busayo Ayorinde – General Secretary
- Mrs. Olasumbo Comfort Adeogun – Assistant Secretary
- Mr. Olagundoye Charles – Treasurer
- Mr. Olaniyi Joseph – Public Relations Officer
In her introductory remarks, she mentioned that ANA is the umbrella body and unifying platform for creative writers across Nigeria, bringing together writers of poetry, prose, fiction, drama and children’s literature.
She recalled Dr. Oyebade’s contributions to the association, particularly during his tenure as Vice-Chairman of ANA Oyo State Chapter, noting that members enjoyed a cordial and productive relationship with him during that period.
She mentioned that members benefitted from his wealth of experience, wisdom and guidance.
Dr. Nwoko explained that the new Executive under her leadership has commenced engagements with notable personalities and stakeholders to move the association forward. She noted that Dr. Oyebade is the second person the new executive had chosen to visit after Emeritus Professor Femi Osofisan, describing the gesture as a reflection of the high esteem in which he is held.
Responding, the MFP top-brass expressed his appreciation to Dr. Nwoko and members of her Executive Committee for the visit, describing it as a pleasant and memorable one.
He congratulated the new executive on their election and prayed for divine wisdom, direction and success throughout their tenure.
The Anti-Corruption Czar noted that becoming a writer and author requires time, dedication and perseverance, while serving as the leader of a literary association such as ANA requires even greater sense of responsibility. He encouraged them to give their best to lift ANA further in the society.
While expressing his willingness to continue supporting the association, he offered a number of recommendations aimed at repositioning ANA Oyo State Chapter for greater visibility, relevance and impact as follows;
- Promoting Authorship and Quality Publishing
Members should strive towards publishing books with reputable publishing companies where they can become established authors qualifying for royalties perpetually. This will make the work of authors more recognized and rewarded monetarily to boost their standard of living.
The long-term benefits of becoming a recognized author makes the process worthwhile.
- Embracing technology to drive operations
The association should take full advantage of modern technology in its activities.
They are advised to incorporate virtual meetings and learning sessions through platforms such as Zoom, noting that technology could enable members who are unable to attend physical meetings to remain actively involved.
- Expanding frontiers of meetings
He further stressed that the frontiers of meetings should be expanded to serve as platforms for learning new things, capacity building, intellectual development and professional growth.
With this, attendance at meetings will be worth the while and members will be craving for more because it is beneficial to them.
- Introducing policy document to guide operations
The association should work in developing a policy document to guide it’s operations from time to time.
This will help to institutionalize operations to prevent rule of thumb and unnecessary hijacking of the association by anyone no matter how powerful the person may be.
- Building a Strong ANA Oyo Brand
Dr. Oyebade charged the new executive to consciously, deliberately build and strengthen the brand identity of ANA Oyo State Chapter.
He encouraged the association to maximize the opportunities offered by social media platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and TikTok to showcase members, literary works, programmes and achievements to a wider audience.
He also recommended the establishment of a functional and professionally managed website for the chapter to provide an official platform for its activities, publications, programmes and membership information.
- Strengthening Stakeholders Engagement
He advised the new executive to establish meaningful relationships with relevant stakeholders, particularly the Oyo State Ministry of Education, educational institutions and other organizations connected with literature, education and cultural development.
- Promoting Social Cohesion Among Members
Dr. Oyebade also emphasized the importance of strengthening the bond among members.
He encouraged the chapter to organize social and family-oriented programmes where members could interact, celebrate one another and build stronger relationships with their spouses and families.
- Annual award ceremony
He particularly recommended the establishment of an Annual Award Ceremony to recognize and celebrate outstanding members and their contributions to literature, education and society.
Responding to the recommendations, Dr. Nwoko assured that the new executive would carefully consider and implement the valuable counsels offered.
Other members of the delegation also contributed to the discussion, expressing their appreciation for the warm reception and valuable insights shared by Dr. Oyebade Oyedepo. They pledged their commitment to working collectively towards achieving the objectives of the new administration.
The General Secretary, Mr. Fakunle Busayo Ayorinde, delivered the vote of thanks.
He commended Dr. Oyebade for his warm reception, fatherly disposition and insightful counsel, describing his contributions as valuable to the growth and progress of the association.
He expressed the chapter’s optimism about maintaining a strong relationship with Dr. Oyebade and looked forward to continued support, mentorship and partnership between him and the new ANA Oyo leadership.
The visit concluded on a cordial note with group photographs.
The host, Dr Prince Oyebade Oyedepo, FCA, JP is a renowned Chartered Accountant, Writer, Author and Public Affairs Analyst. He is a Past Chairman of Ibadan & District Society of ICAN & CITN, Past Western Zonal Chairman of ICAN & Former Member of ICAN National Governing Council.
He is a Former Vice Chairman of Association of Nigerian Authors, Oyo State Chapter. He has served the nation and Oyo State in several capacities including serving as a board member of Oyo State Anti-Corruption Agency (OYACA).
