South-South Writers Forum Holds Maiden International Convention, Elects New Leadership
KWALE/Nigeria: The South-South Writers Forum (SOSOWFO) has successfully held its maiden International Convention, bringing together literary minds from across the region to discuss the creative economy and elect new national leadership.
The convention, which took place from March 13 to March 16, 2025, at Loccocoon Hotels Ltd. in Kwale, Delta State, was themed “Building the Creative Economy of the South-South Region of Nigeria: The Role of Writers.” Renowned scholar Dr. Peter Omoko delivered the keynote address, emphasizing the role of writers in driving socio-economic transformation.
A key highlight of the convention was the election of a new National Executive Committee (NEC) to steer the affairs of the forum for the next four years. The electoral process, conducted by a committee led by Dr. B.C. Anyanwu, was marked by rigorous screening, with candidates allotted ten minutes each to present their manifestos. While two candidates—those vying for Assistant General Secretary and Treasurer—were disqualified for failing to meet the required standards, the following officers emerged victorious:
President: Uncle Alaska Ekele
Vice President: Mrs. Joy Esuku
General Secretary: Prof. Ofonime Inyang
Financial Secretary: Chief Nelson Ulie
Legal Adviser: Dr. Rita Inoma-Abbey
Publicity Secretary: Mrs. Esther Dominic Nwabuisi
The elected officers received their Certificates of Return from Dr. Anyanwu and were formally inaugurated by Barrister Donatus Chukwuma. In his acceptance speech, President Alaska Ekele expressed gratitude to members for entrusting him with the leadership, assuring them of a more vibrant and progressive forum. He announced the dissolution of all existing state chapters, directing members to initiate processes for restructuring at the state level, with new committees to be inaugurated by the NEC. He also urged members to embark on an aggressive membership drive to expand the forum’s reach.
The convention featured a range of activities, including the forum’s maiden Annual General Meeting (AGM), a tour of Ogume Grammar School in Umukwata Kingdom, and visits to historical sites such as the source of River Ethiope in Umuaja. At Ogume Grammar School, forum members sensitized students on the importance of education and literary excellence, pledging to donate books to the school through eminent alumnus, Uncle Alaska Ekele. They also announced plans to organize academic competitions for schools across the geopolitical zone.
During the AGM, members took far-reaching decisions, including the resolution to honor HRM Friday Abaja, Ukwata I of Umukwata Kingdom, with a prestigious award for his transformative leadership and contributions to community development. In a historic move, the forum also resolved to establish its national headquarters in Ndokwa land, recognizing Ekele’s pivotal role in sustaining the body and securing its registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).
Additionally, the forum announced plans to issue policy statements through press releases, develop a communiqué, and serve as a watchdog for the South-South region. As the convention concluded, Akwa Ibom State was granted the hosting rights for the 2026 International Convention, signaling the forum’s commitment to regional inclusivity and continuity.
