The Pan African Writers Association (PAWA) has concluded its 2025 General Assembly elections, ushering in new leadership while retaining experienced hands in key positions. The elections, conducted virtually, saw Prof. Bill Ndi of Cameroon/Diaspora emerge as the new president, while Dr. Wale Okediran secured re-election as secretary general for another three-year term.
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Election Process and Committee
The elections were overseen by a newly constituted Election Committee formed on July 12, 2025. Originally chaired by Professor Cherno Omar Barry of The Gambia, the committee experienced a seamless transition of leadership to Mr. Goima Peter Mwamwingila of Tanzania. Other committee members included Ms. Lucille Mudenda (Zambia), Ms. Salma El Nour (Sudan), and Mr. Ernest Oppong (Ghana) as Technical Adviser.
Following an official call for nominations on July 13, PAWA sought candidates for its presidency, secretary generalship, and six vice presidencies representing key regions of Africa and the diaspora. The General Assembly also decided to suspend the position of Deputy Secretary General until the organisation achieves greater financial stability.
Presidential Contest
The presidency was the only contested position, featuring a spirited yet respectful campaign between Prof. Bill Ndi (Cameroon/Diaspora) and Madam Imela Oyono Ayingono (Equatorial Guinea). After the virtual ballot closed on July 18 at 4 PM GMT, 42 votes were cast by PAWA delegates. Of these, five were disqualified due to irregularities, leaving 37 valid votes.
Prof. Bill Ndi secured a commanding victory with 23 votes (62.16%), surpassing the constitutional threshold of 50% plus one, and was declared president for the next three-year term.
Automatic Elections for Other Positions
All other positions were uncontested, resulting in automatic elections for several notable figures:
Regional Vice Presidents:
– Mr. Ashraf Aboul Yazid (Egypt) – Northern Africa
– Prof. Egara Kabaji (Kenya) – Eastern Africa
– Prof. Cherno Omar Barry (The Gambia) – Western Africa
– Mr. Carlos Paradona (Mozambique) – Southern Africa
– Mr. Eric Joel Bekale (Gabon) – Central Africa
– Ms. Reyna Lineres Jones – Diaspora
Dr. Okediran’s Continued Leadership
Dr. Wale Okediran’s re-election as Secretary General represents continuity in PAWA’s leadership. His journey with the organisation began in 2020 when he was appointed Acting Secretary General following the death of PAWA’s founding Secretary General, Prof. Atukwei Okai. He was first officially elected in 2022 and has now received a renewed mandate through unanimous endorsement.
Recognition and Achievements
Dr. Usman Oladipo Akanbi, president of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), described Dr. Okediran’s re-election as “a well-deserved recognition of Okediran’s tireless commitment to the advancement of African literature.” He noted that Okediran’s visionary leadership has strengthened PAWA and contributed to broader conversations on African literature and cultural diplomacy.
Dr. Okediran’s tenure has been marked by significant achievements, including fostering stronger ties between writers’ organisations across the continent and expanding PAWA’s programs to promote African literature globally. His administrative experience, drawn from years in public service, literature, and cultural advocacy, has been instrumental in revitalising the organisation’s operations.
Literary Credentials
Beyond his administrative roles, Dr. Okediran boasts an impressive literary career as the author of fourteen novels. His most acclaimed work, “Tenants of the House,” earned the prestigious Wole Soyinka Prize for African Literature in 2011. He is also the founder of the Ebedi International Writers Residency in Iseyin, Oyo State, which continues to nurture emerging literary talents from Africa and beyond.
Professional Background
Dr. Okediran’s diverse professional background uniquely positions him for his role. He is a Fellow of the General Medical Practitioners of Nigeria and Public Health Physicians of Nigeria, and served as a Member of the Federal House of Representatives from 2003 to 2007. This experience enables him to bridge the gap between policy, culture, and literature.
Future Outlook
The new leadership marks a diverse and dynamic literary council poised to navigate PAWA through evolving cultural, linguistic, and socio-political landscapes of African literature. Literary communities across Africa have hailed the election results as positive developments for the continent’s literary future.
In his closing statement, committee chair Mr. Mwamwingila extended thanks to fellow committee members and the General Assembly for entrusting them with this responsibility. As PAWA enters a new chapter, expectations remain high that the organisation will continue to thrive under this leadership, inspiring new generations of African writers while fortifying the continent’s literary heritage.
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