… the emergence of the new ACWAN leadership comes at a critical time when sustained documentation, critique, and promotion of Nigeria’s creative industries are essential to national identity, cultural preservation, and economic growth. The Association stressed the importance of strong partnerships among literary, artistic, and media bodies in advancing shared cultural goals
THE Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) has congratulated the newly elected Executive Committee of the Arts and Culture Writers Association of Nigeria (ACWAN), describing the outcome of the election as a positive development for arts and culture journalism in the country. ANA has also felicitated with Prof. Hyginus Ekwuazi at 73, describing the academic as African cinema icon.
The congratulatory message was contained in a press statement jointly issued by the President of ANA, Dr. Usman Oladipo Akanbi, and the General Secretary, Dame Joan Oji, PhD. The association commended ACWAN for conducting a credible process that produced experienced professionals with proven commitment to cultural advocacy.
ANA particularly congratulated the newly elected Chairman of ACWAN, veteran journalist Mr. Tony Okuyeme of New Telegraph newspaper, noting his long-standing contributions to arts, culture, and media practice in Nigeria. The Association expressed confidence that his leadership will strengthen the visibility and relevance of arts and culture reporting nationwide.
The statement also acknowledged other members of the newly elected Executive Committee, including Toyin Falade of Daily Independent who emerged as Vice Chairman, Anote Ajeluorou of TheArtHubNg, who emerged as Secretary-General, and Ngozi Uma of Daily Independent, elected as Assistant Secretary-General. ANA described the team as a blend of experience, professionalism, and passion for cultural development.
According to ANA, the emergence of the new ACWAN leadership comes at a critical time when sustained documentation, critique, and promotion of Nigeria’s creative industries are essential to national identity, cultural preservation, and economic growth. The Association stressed the importance of strong partnerships among literary, artistic, and media bodies in advancing shared cultural goals.
The Association of Nigerian Authors reaffirmed its readiness to collaborate with ACWAN under the new leadership to promote literature, arts, and cultural discourse in Nigeria. ANA wished the Executive Committee a successful tenure marked by innovation, unity, and impactful service to the nation’s creative ecosystem.
ALSO, ANA said the renowned Nigerian academic, author, filmmaker, and poet, Ekwuazi, has lived a life devoted to scholarship, creativity, and the advancement of African cinema and letters. The association described Ekwuazi as a towering intellectual whose pioneering work continues to shape film studies, media arts, and literary discourse in Nigeria and beyond.
Born in 1953 in Enugu, Ekwuazi received his early education in Nigeria before earning a Bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Ibadan, where he also obtained his Master’s and Doctoral degrees in Theatre Arts. His academic training was further enriched through advanced studies in media arts at Temple University and the University of Pennsylvania in the United States, experiences that broadened his global scholarly outlook.
Over a distinguished career spanning more than four decades, Ekwuazi served as Professor of Broadcasting and Film at the University of Ibadan, where he also acted as Head of Department of Theatre Arts. Beyond the university, he made indelible marks in the film industry as Managing Director of the Nigerian Film Corporation, founding Director of the National Film Institute, Jos, and as a consultant to international bodies including UNESCO and the World Bank, contributing significantly to film education, production, and policy development.
ANA noted that his seminal book, Film in Nigeria, remains a foundational text in African film studies, offering rigorous analysis of Nigerian cinema from its early beginnings to contemporary practice. His numerous scholarly works on screenwriting, television, documentary film, and advertising have continued to bridge theory and practice, mentoring generations of filmmakers, scholars, and media practitioners.
As a creative writer, Ekwuazi has also distinguished himself in poetry, drama, and fiction, earning multiple awards and critical acclaim. The association lauded his enduring legacy as a mentor, juror, and cultural advocate, and wished him continued good health, fulfillment, and inspiration as he marks his 73rd birthday, celebrating his lasting contributions to Nigerian and African cultural life.
- https://thearthubng.com/ana-greets-okuyeme-new-acwan-exco-ekwuazi-at-73-as-africas-cinema-icon/