It promises to be a display of literary fireworks as scholars, writers, authors, literary enthusiasts, critics and academics across the globe converge on the state-of-the-art Mamman Vatsa Writers Village, Mpape Abuja for the 41st international convention of Association of Nigerian Author (ANA).
With the theme: “Literature and National Consciousness – the story as a catalyst,” Vice Chancellor University of Abuja, Prof. Abdul Rasheed Na’Allah is expected to deliver the keynote address.
ANA President, Camillus Ukah, disclosed that the event, slated for October 26 to 29, 2022, would be memorable and leave indelible marks in the minds of guests.
With a passion for the theme, Ukah assured that Prof. Na’Allah already knows some of the important takeaways he hopes to impart to the attendees.
According to him, “this is going to be the biggest yearly convention by ANA.”
He added that fellowships would also be conferred on notable and distinguished Nigerians like Director General Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), Dr. John Asein.
He further revealed,” the event will encompass the commissioning of the first place of ANA hotels/apartments.”
Named after some notable writers in Nigeria, the hotels show a place built to provide guests, and writers, enough room to relax and reflect in a serene and unequalled ambience.
Speaking on the fellowship, ANA General Secretary, Maik Ortserga said the association considers it a rare privilege to reckon with the nominees’ enormous investment, participation, and outstanding contributions to the growth of literature over the years.
He disclosed, “we have come out with the list after a thorough assessment by a committee set up for the purpose. The names are as follows: Prof. Abdul Rasheed Na’Alla, Prof. Anaezi Okoro, Prof. Moses Tsenongu, Prof. Razinat Mohammed, Prof. Udenta O Udenta, Engr. Emmanuel Frank-Opigo, Dr. Emmanuel C S Ojukwu(CP Rtd.), Miesoinuma Minima JP Senibo, Prof. Nduka Otiono, Prof. Vicky Sylvester, Lindsay Barret.
Others include: Prof. Tess Onwueme, Prof. Yusuf Adamu, Dr. Tony Marinho, Prof. Mark Nwagwu, Prof. Dul Johnson, Prof. Amanze Akpuda, Prof. Francis Oisaghaede Egbokhare, Prof. Ademola Dasylva and Prof. Olabanji Fashina
The honourary fellows are Prof. Chidi Osuagwu, Dr. John Asein, Dr. Zainab T. Ahmed and Engr. Abubakar Maigandi
He said it is hoped the nominees would accept their nominations in good faith and continue to render the selfless service that is the basis for the Fellowship nomination.
The library will also be commissioned. This is in addition to a guided tour of the city of Abuja and the Writers Village. This will enable writers, visitors, and guests from all over the world to feel the ambience and the unique landscape of one of the biggest write Meanwhile, three presidential aspirants — Alhaji Atiku Abubakar of the PDP, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the APC and Labour Party’s Peter Obi —have been invited by ANA as special guests.
The invite signed by the association’s president and secretary, stated: “We also request that, as you come, you should address us on the topic of ‘Creativity in an Embattled Polity: Expectations, Constraints and Imperatives.”
The Abuja convention said the organisers, “is, no doubt, another grand opportunity to showcase Nigerian literature as an indisputable testimonial of our country’s continental leadership and greatness.”
