ACWAN’s New Leadership & The Fight For Cultural Relevance
ACWAN’s Leadership Reset and the Battle for Cultural Relevance
THE election of new executives by the Arts and Culture Writers Association of Nigeria (ACWAN) on 7 January 2026 marks more than a routine leadership transition. It represents a deliberate attempt by cultural journalists to reclaim relevance in a media ecosystem increasingly dominated by entertainment gossip, algorithm-driven content, and shrinking editorial space for serious arts coverage.
At the centre of this shift is veteran journalist Tony Okuyeme of New Telegraph, elected Chairman following a high-turnout poll that reflected growing concern among members about the association’s visibility and influence. For years, ACWAN has existed as a professional body with deep intellectual capital but limited public presence. The new leadership appears determined to change that trajectory.
From Margins to the Mainstream
In his acceptance speech, Okuyeme acknowledged a long-standing weakness within Nigeria’s cultural journalism space: influence without structure. Arts writers, he argued, have historically shaped narratives quietly while allowing cultural policy debates, funding decisions, and global representations of Nigerian culture to unfold without their organised input.
His call to move from “operating in the shadows” to actively shaping national and global cultural discourse signals an ambition to reposition ACWAN as a stakeholder rather than an observer. This shift reflects a broader global trend where cultural critics are reclaiming authority amid the commodification of creativity.
A Team Built on Institutional Memory and Contemporary Practice
The composition of the new executive committee suggests a strategic blend of experience and contemporary relevance. Vice Chairman Tomi Falade of Independent Newspapers brings a multidisciplinary lens shaped by her work across film, fashion, literature, and music, as well as authorship that bridges journalism and creative nonfiction.
Secretary-General Anote Ajeluorou, founder of TheArtHubNg and former senior editor at The Guardian, represents a generation of cultural journalists who have navigated both legacy media and digital transformation. His background in politics and arts journalism offers institutional depth that could strengthen ACWAN’s advocacy voice.
Assistant Secretary-General Ngozi Uma of Daily Independent, a recognised columnist and children’s author, adds a perspective shaped by storytelling, audience engagement, and emerging digital culture. Her recent industry recognition underscores the growing visibility of women in Nigerian cultural journalism.
Structural Reform as a Strategic Priority
Beyond rhetoric, the new administration’s proposed reforms—digital membership platforms, transparent governance, regional chapters, and regular virtual town halls—address longstanding operational weaknesses that limited ACWAN’s reach and accountability.
The plan to establish an Annual Cultural Summit is particularly significant. Such a forum could position ACWAN as a convener of cross-sector dialogue involving artists, curators, filmmakers, scholars, and policymakers—an area where Nigeria currently lacks a consistent national platform.
Challenges Beneath the Optimism
However, ambition alone will not guarantee success. ACWAN operates within a media industry grappling with funding shortages, declining arts desks, and limited institutional support. The real test for the new leadership will be whether it can convert professional goodwill into sustainable partnerships, funding models, and policy engagement.
If successful, ACWAN could redefine how cultural journalism functions in Nigeria—not merely as documentation, but as infrastructure.
