ANDA honours founding members Abel Offor, Fabian Anyama with Life Membership Awards

Two respected pioneers of the Abuja Newspapers Distributors Association (ANDA), Elder Abel Offor of Able Agency and Chief Fabian Anyama of Chifab, were on Saturday honoured with Life Membership Awards in recognition of their enduring contributions to in the growth and stability of the association.

The honour was conferred at ANDA’s 4th Quarter General Meeting and end-of-the-year celebration, where members gathered to reflect on the association’s journey and celebrate those who laid its foundation.

The awards specifically recognised the duo’s critical role, alongside the late Chief Sunday Awoniyi (Micotan), in securing and developing the Newspapers Distribution Centre in Area 1, Abuja.

It would be recalled that the three founding figures jointly identified, cleaned and developed the Area 1 site, which today serves as ANDA’s central distribution hub.

Their foresight and commitment, members said, helped give the association a permanent home and operational stability.

Speaking at the event, ANDA President, Comrade Emmanuel John, said his administration would continue to acknowledge individuals whose sacrifices shaped the association.

“The sacrifices of our founding fathers will never go unnoticed. We will continue to recognize and make them feel special,” he said.

Comrade John urged current members to emulate the dedication of the awardees by contributing positively to the association’s progress, assuring them that such efforts would be rewarded in due time.

He also expressed appreciation to the honourees and other founding members for their roles in securing the distribution centre, encouraging them to sustain their support for ANDA.

In separate goodwill messages, former presidents Benji Obute and Yasco Wofai, alongside representatives of Corporate and Chifab, congratulated the executive and members on what they described as a successful 2025. They appealed for sustained peace, tolerance and unity within the association, calling on members to support the executive committee and avoid actions capable of causing division.

They further advised members to “shun negative and disruptive tendencies” and embrace values that strengthen unity and collective progress within ANDA.

Delivering the vote of thanks, Vice President, Alhaji Abdul Shittu, expressed gratitude to members for their large turnout at the meeting and end-of-the-year party, wishing everyone continued success and wellbeing.

The colourful celebration featured dancing competitions, lucky dips and the presentation of various gift items to members, alongside the distribution of palliatives, bringing the year’s activities to a joyful close.