By HENRY AKUBUIRO
The Benue State chapter of the Association of Nigerian Authors has begun preparations for the 2017 edition of the Association of Nigerian Authors international convention.
Consequently, its Local Organising Committee has lined up a number of advocacy visits to sensitise the Benue Community about the event. The University of Makurdi in Gboko was recently the first point of call.
Receiving the LOC members, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Dickson Gerna, promised a robust partnership with ANA Benue for the development of education in the country. Represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University, Dr.Samson Abahale, the Vice Chancellor said they would support the establishment of a branch of ANA in the university to promote literary activities there.
Professor Gerna, who also promised to key into activities of the association’s convention to ensure success, urged ANA Benue to help the university in promoting the Joint Universities Preliminary Examination Board JUPEB programme, to which the Institution is affiliated.
Also speaking, Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Professor Idris Amali, said the granting of the hosting right of the 2017 international convention to Benue was an expression of confidence on the chapter and the entire state.
The Local Organising Committee Chairman’s speech, which was presented by Professor Jerry Agada, the leader of delegation, said due to the burden of expectation placed on the ANA Benue, no effort would be spared towards ensuring success of the event.
On his part, the State Chairman of the Association, Mr. Charles Iornumbe, said the visit was to sensitise management of the university about the convention and to solicit its support towards success of the occasion. He commended the university for taking the lead in providing quality intellectual, spiritual and moral development of the Nigerian Child, urged it to maintain the tempo.