By Ogiemwonyi Osazuwa, Edo.
Really, everything that has a beginning must have an end. Nothing is infinite, save the love of God. When Goodluck Osama Ogbeide, the immediate past Chairman of Association Of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Edo State Chapter, was sworn in 7years ago, as the ANA Chairman Edo State Chapter, there was so much apprehension from different quarters about his ability to effectively run the association. But just yesterday, as he bowed out, Ogbeide was a fulfilled leader.
His transparency, dedication and hard work endeared him to many of the shareholders in the Association. Mackson Ode, an incurable ANA member, once described him as a conservative leader who is ready to take a radical stand in defence of ANA.”He is quiet but aggressive in dealing with cases of ANA,”Mackson said.
For 7 years, Ogbeide worked hard to improve the membership of ANA in Edo State, ensure that indigenous authors books were approved by Ministry Of Education and used by schools. To cap it up, he successfully organized a “Reading with the Governor”, His Excellency, Mr.Godwin Obaseki, the Executive Governor of Edo State, which was aimed at reviving the reading culture in Edo State in particular and Nigeria in general.
As this hero of ANA Edo State chapter leaves office, one can safely conclude that he is leaving behind a more efficient Edo State ANA that is an embodiment of “a politically united, socially integrated, stable and well-organised ANA with equal opportunity for all Edo residents Authors,” as envisioned during his inauguration.
“I am leaving the stage today, when the ovation is loudest,” the excited outgoing ANA Chairman, Ogbeide disclosed in his opening remarks. Shortly after, in a parliamentary like manner, he ordered for the dissolution of the ANA executive. Mr.Osakpolor swung into action, he then moved a motion for the dissolution of the ANA executive. It was seconded by Mr. Sam. That ends the reign of Edo State ANA executive headed by Goodluck Osama Ogbeide.
Meanwhile, as Christy Omorogbe, the newly elected ANA Chairperson, steps in, observers submit that she would succeed to take ANA to the next level in spite of the huge task ahead. Having served in different capacity of ANA and in public sector.
Christy believes that success would be achieved with the cooperation of other executive members. She would be working with others prominent elected officials. The newly elected officials of Association Of Nigerian Authors(ANA), Edo State Chapter are:
Mrs. Christy Omorogbe.
(Chairperson)
Mr. Mackson Ode
(Vice Chairman)
Mr. Osakpolor Emwinromwankhoe
(The Secretary)
Joy Oduwa Assmota
(Assist. Sec)
Mrs. Joy David Chuks
(Treasurer)
Glory Afigo
(Fin. Sec)
Mr. Osazuwa Ogiemwonyi
(Publicity Secretary)
Mr. John Gift Osariemen
(Asst. Pub. Sec)
Mr. Sam Aihemegbe
(Auditor)
Tracy Inegbenosun, Esq.
(Legal Adviser)
The elected officials were sworn in by Barrister Ijeoma Helen Obadiegwu Esq at the Nigeria Union Of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State council where the event was held.
In her acceptance speech, on behalf of the new executive members, Christy Omorogbe eulogized the outgoing Chairman and promised to consolidate on his achievements. She also thanked the electoral committee, ably led by Mrs Bisi Akpaida for conducting the most freest and fairest election in the history of Edo State ANA. The presence of the National President of ANA, Mr.Ahmed Maiwada, Esp was highly appreciated. And other dignitaries too numerous to mention.
The tenure of the newly inaugurated executive members will expire in two years time, subject to renewal though.
