The Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) and the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) have honoured Dr. Wale Okediran, the Secretary-General of the Pan African Writers Association (PAWA), distinguished Nigerian novelist, medical doctor and former National President of ANA, with two separate recognitions for his outstanding contributions to Nigerian literature, creative development and copyright awareness.
While ANA conferred on him its Special Recognition Award for Distinguished Service to Literature, the Nigerian Copyright Commission appointed him a Copyright Ambassador in recognition of his efforts towards promoting intellectual property awareness and respect for creative works in Nigeria.
The honours were conferred during the 45th International Convention of the Association of Nigerian Authors, held from October 29 to November 1, 2026.
The ANA Special Recognition Award was presented to Dr. Okediran by the President of the Association, Dr. Usman Oladipo Akanbi.
The award recognised his distinguished service, unwavering commitment and invaluable contributions to the growth of Nigerian literature and the creative industry.
The recognition celebrates his longstanding relationship with ANA, where he previously served as National President, as well as his sustained efforts towards strengthening literary institutions, promoting Nigerian writers and creating platforms for creative expression and professional development.
The Nigerian Copyright Commission, on the other hand, conferred on Dr. Okediran the title of Copyright Ambassador.
The recognition acknowledges his contributions to promoting intellectual property awareness, supporting copyright education and fostering greater respect for the rights of authors and other creative professionals across Nigeria.
The award was presented by the Director-General of the Nigerian Copyright Commission, Dr. John Asein. His recognition as Copyright Ambassador reflects the importance of engaging respected literary personalities in advancing copyright consciousness, protecting creative works and encouraging a culture of respect for intellectual property within the Nigerian creative industry.
Dr. Okediran is an award-winning novelist and author of 14 novels, biographies, travel narratives and short story collections. His novel, Tenants of the House, which draws inspiration from his experience as a member of Nigeria’s Federal House of Representatives between 2003 and 2007, won the 2010 Wole Soyinka Prize for African Literature and was subsequently adapted into a film. He is also the founder of the Ebedi International Writers Residency in Iseyin, Oyo State, established in 2010, which has hosted more than 300 writers from several African countries. A medical doctor who has consulted for international development organisations, including UNICEF, UNAIDS and ActionAid, he currently serves as Secretary-General of the Pan African Writers Association (PAWA), headquartered in Accra, Ghana.
