The newly elected chairman of the Association of Nigerian Authors, ANA Abuja chapter, Mr. John ‘Freeman’ Ondoma has said he will leverage on the solid foundation laid by his predecessor, Halima Usman to break new frontiers for the association as he takes on the saddle to lead the FCT chapter in the next two years.
He was elected at a congress at Mamman Vatsa Foundation Zone 2 Abuja last weekend along with other officials.
Ondoma, a former vice chairman of the ANA Abuja said his core areas of focus in his new assignment include, increased membership drive, broadened revenue options as well as encouraging members to get their works published.
“We will be leveraging on what we have on ground, on the strong belief that a successful leadership functions with the principles of continuum and that is what my exco intends to look at.
“I want to continue on the legacy we have on ground, good foundation put in place by the immediate past chairman and her team. We want to encourage our members to get their works out, we will increase efforts on critique sessions and ensure they actively participate in the activities of the chapter” Ondoma who was vice to Halima Usman in her first tenure told newsmen shortly after he was sworn in.
He added, “We will also see how we can drive more membership guage, to bring in more people into the fold, targeting authors within the space here that are not identified to come on board and join us.
“Another one is the issue of finance, we intend to grow our purse because without adequate funding, it will be difficult for any group or association to function and that is why we must increase our financial capacity to engender more ease in carrying out our programmes and activities” Ondoma said.
He was elected along with other officers, including Charles Iwuchukwu as the vice chairman, Luka Ishaya as the Secretary, and Eyimeh Valentine Enemako as the Assistant Secretary.
The rest are Maria Gbagir as Financial Secretary, Comfort Chenge as Treasurer, and Paul Dimlong as the Publicity Secretary. Their tenure comes to end in 2024.
The electoral committee was chaired by Dr. Liz Iheanacho while Patrick Oguejioffor was the secretary and Brig Gen Dele Tajudeen Olabode (Rtd) member.
The newly elected officials were sworn-in by the national president of the association, Barr. Ahmed Maiwada who also encouraged them to be exemplary in leadership.
