SPECIAL INFORMATION
ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIAN AUTHORS, ANA, BENUE STATE CHAPTER ELECTS NEW OFFICIALS Compiled By TERSEER SAM BAKI, General Secretary, ANA Benue
Aside Posted on
Saturday, 24th March, 2018, members of the Benue State Chapter of the Association of Nigerian Authors, ANA, exercised their franchise through an election that ushered in those who would steer the affairs of the largest writers’ body in Africa for the next two years in Benue.
The election was in compliance with the directive from the ANA National that Chapters due for election conduct such exercise before the end of March 2018. Even without such a directive, the ANA Benue Chapter had made up its mind to conduct election to test popularity of candidates seeking re-election on expiration of their first term 17th March 2018.
Having exhausted its first two year tenure, the Charles Iornumbe led executive council were at the polls again to seek the mandate of members to consolidate on the excellent work of resuscitating, reinvigorating and repositioning the Association for greater impact.
The exercise which was peaceful, and rancour free was spearheaded by a three man Electoral Committee Chaired by Hon.Chief Otse Otokpa. Other members of the Electoral Committee were Mr. Harry Ogbu and Mrs. Grace Atim who served as Secretary. At the end of the friendly exercise which took place at the Royal Choice Inn, Makurdi, the Electoral Committee returned the following officials:
1. Charles Iornumbe – Chairman
2. Ugah Paul – Vice Chairman
3. Terseer Sam Baki – General Secretary
4. Fater Vanger – Assistant General Secretary
5. Victoria Aduma – Treasurer
6. Dorathy Ganyam – Financial Secretary
7. Dennis Eka Agama – Director of Welfare
8. Andrew Aondosoo Labe Labe – Publicity Secretary
9. Barr. Mike Assoh – Legal Adviser (Appointed)
10. Su’eddie Vershima Agema – Ex-officio I (Appointed )
10. Doobee Targba – Ex-officio II (Appointed)
A former National President of the Association, Prof. Jerry Agada who monitored the exercise expressed satisfaction with the good job done by the Chief Otse Otokpa led Committee. Describing it as a groundbreaking, the former National President of the Association and one time Minister of State for Education also commended the matured manner in which delegates and contestants conducted themselves during the exercise.
The National Assistant General Secretary of ANA, Mr. Maik Ortserga who also monitored the exercise on behalf of the National Secretariat of the pen wielding body of writers said he was proud to take back to Abuja the good news of a hitch free transfer of power in the Association’s chapter in Benue.
In his acceptance speech, the Chairman of the Association, Mr. Charles Iornumbe who was re-elected for another term of two years expressed gratitude to his colleagues for demonstrating confidence in his leadership strides by giving him the nod to continue with the good work he had started, adding that the period of two years was actually two brief for any Exco to accomplish all its laudable programmes.
Mr.Iornumbe called for additional year to make up a three year term for the State Officials of ANA nation wide and urged members of the ongoing ANA constitution review committee to look into the request.
MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD
The Tiv people of Central Nigeria are arguably the fourth largest ethnic group in Nigeria. Senator Suemo Chia’s classic novel ADAN-WADE KOHOL GA also translated into English as THE STORY OF ADAN-WADE by Prof. Tyodzuah Akôsu is 35 years old this year.
The Association of Nigerian Authors, ANA, Benue State Chapter in conjunction with the Benue State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology has concluded plans to commemorate this the 35th anniversary of the Tiv classic novel. A literary prize aimed at rewarding the writer of the best additional chapter to the book has also been instituted.
Any member of the public is eligible to participate in this literary contest whose deadline is 19th May, 2018.
Watch this space for more details
INTERNATIONAL DAY OF UKAN KURUGH
Fellow citizens and compatriots, after a critical assessment of the roles and contributions of this selfless, hardworking, detribalised, philanthropic and nation builder, I am convinced that this young man needs to be encouraged, emulated, motivated and appreciated beyond the cyber space and shores of Benue and indeed Nigeria.
I hereby propose, appeal and seriously recommend (believing in the power of the social media) that modalities be put in place towards the global acknowledgement of the modest efforts of this humble gentleman in positively affecting lives of not only individuals or the less privileged in and amongst us but also the entire Benue community and beyond.
I know such things are ratified by the United Nations Organisation. I also know very well that if this proposal goes down well with well meaning citizens of this country in general and those of Benue extraction in particular who are in and out of government corridors the way forward in terms of getting the UNO’s attention would not be a big deal.
Towards the attainment of this noble objective, I Samuel Terseer Baki hereby move a motion for the institution and declaration of a day to be known and referred to as ” International Day of Ukan Kurugh” to be marked and celebrated annually and globally.
Thank you.
Terseer Sam Baki.
Makurdi, June 2017.
PS: My candid opinion as expressed here might not be perfectly articulated but I believe the central message has been passed. Let this be a foundation or springboard upon which finer ideas in this regards could be harnessed in the overall attainment of this notable aim.
APPROVAL OF THE BOOK, “EUPHORIA OF SOPHISTRY” FOR USE IN SCHOOLS
SPECIAL INFORMATION
“EUPHORIA OF SOPHISTRY” is now studied in Schools in Benue state. The state government through its ministry of education, science and technology granted this approved in September 2016.
Information to this effect was made available to the author via a letter with reference number; MOE/ERC/133/II/369 dated 5th September 2016.
To this effect, Terseer Sam Baki’s “EUPHORIA OF SOPHISTRY” which emerged Second Runner Up in the 2015 ANA Poetry Prize has been approved for use as a supplementary text for Senior Secondary School classes.
The Terseer Sam Baki Blog 