ANA Felicitates with Wale Okediran at 66

 

ANA FELICITATES WITH WALE OKEDIRAN AT 66

 

ANA President, Camillus Ukah, has sent his hearty congratulations to the Secretary General of the Pan African Writers Association (PAWA), Dr. Wale Okediran, on the occasion of his 66th birthday anniversary, describing him as a visionary leader and a rare mentor with outstanding abilities.

 

Camillus in a congratulatory message released on Wednesday by the Publicity Secretary (South), Wole Adedoyin, said Dr. Wale Okediran has contributed in no small measure to the growth of Nigerian and African Literature through his literary initiatives and activities as the founder of Ebedi International Writers Residency.

 

ANA also congratulated the celebrant on his ten new books on Gender Based Violence and also lauded his achievements as Secretary General of PAWA.

 

According to the message, “The world is a better place for having had you in it for the last 66 years, and we are so lucky to know you. Wishing you many happy returns! May you be comforted by God’s presence in your life, and always follow His guiding light. Those aren’t grey hairs you see. They’re strands of birthday glitter growing out of your head! 66 really looks great on you! Have a fantastic birthday.”

 

Camillus Ukah finally prayed that the Almighty God will grant Dr. Wale Okediran longer life, good health and more strength to celebrate more fruitful years.

Dr. Wale Okediran served as a Member of the Nigerian Federal House of Representatives from 2003 to 2007, contributing to advocacy, regional dialogue and policy development, leading to improvements in health across Africa. He has consulted for several international and local development agencies such as Constella Futures International USA, National Democratic Institute for International Affairs, USIS, UNAIDS, NPHCDA, NACA, UNICEF, Health Reform Foundation of Nigeria, and Action Aid.

 

Dr. Okediran has published till date, fourteen novels, many of which are on the reading lists of a number of Nigerian universities. His highly acclaimed novel, Tenants of the House, which is a fictional account of his years in the House of Representatives was the 2011 Co-Winner of the Wole Soyinka Prize for African Literature. A film adaptation of the novel has just been completed and will be ready for premiering shortly.

 

Dr. Okediran in 2010 established the first Writers Residency in Nigeria, the Ebedi International Writers Residency in Iseyin, Oyo State. This is an initiative that is building and motivating teams of writers across Africa and the world at large.

 

Dr. Okediran is a Fellow of the General Medical Practitioners of Nigeria and Fellow of Public Health Physicians of Nigeria, and a member of the Association of Nigerian Authors, prior to serving as its National President between 2006 and 2009. Dr. Okediran is currently the Deputy Secretary-General (Africa) for the Union of Writers from Africa, Asia and Latin America.

 

Dr. Okediran holds BSc (Hons) 1977, MB, ChB 1980 from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University). In view of his prowess in the field of sports where he variously represented his University and Oyo State, Dr. Okediran was awarded a university scholarship for sports between 1977 and 1980 at the University of Ife.