Writers’ Hub will hold another panel discussion, the fourth in its Monthly Series which focuses on topical literary issues. The theme for the month of August is Redefining the Purpose, Process, and Role of Literary Awards in Creative Growth.

The panelists include award-winning writers, literary judges, and administrators who will share their experiences and insights. Discussions will explore how literary awards have influenced creative expression in Nigeria, promoting certain themes, amplifying cultural narratives, and serving as platforms for mentorship, collaboration, and professional networking.

The conversation will also examine the evolving expectations of literary awards, particularly, the need for sponsors to go beyond cash prizes by providing sustainable opportunities such as residencies, workshops, and publishing support that nurture long-term creative growth.

The panelists are Professor E. E. Sule, Dr. Usman Oladipo Akanbi, Denja Abdullahi, Abubakar Adam Ibrahim and Patrick Tagbo Oguejiofor.

Sule is of IBB University, Lapai. He is a distinguished literary critic, novelist, poet, and scholar renowned for his incisive analysis of African literature, postcolonial theory, and cultural criticism.

A prolific writer and professor of English, Sule has significantly shaped contemporary literary discourse with his thought-provoking works and mentorship of emerging voices in literature.

The award-winning author has served as a judge for many literary prizes, including chairmanship of the panel of judges for the 2022 NLNG Prize.

Akanbi is a notable academic and award-winning creative writer. He is the 13th and current National President of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Africa’s largest writers’ body, widely known for its prestigious literary prize awards. A Senior Lecturer and Head of Agricultural Economics and Farm Management at the University of Ilorin, he has published acclaimed works in prose, poetry, and drama, and founded the Imodoye Writers’ Enclave, one of Nigeria’s top literary residencies.

Abdullahi is a celebrated poet, playwright, literary essayist, and culture technocrat. He has served the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) continuously for 26 years, holding roles from founding chairman of the Kebbi State chapter to national executive positions including Assistant General Secretary, General Secretary, Vice President, and ultimately President from 2015 to 2019. The former Director at the National Council for Arts and Culture has elevated Nigerian culture and literature globally.

Ibrahim is an award winning novelist, short story writer, journalist, and columnist. His debut novel, Season of Crimson Blossoms, won the 2016 NLNG Prize for Literature, while his reportage earned him the 2018 Michael Elliott Award for Excellence in African Storytelling. His acclaimed works include The Whispering Trees, Dreams and Assorted Nightmares, and When We Were Fireflies, which is among the 11 longlisted works for the 2025 edition of NLNG Prize.

Oguejiofor is a prolific and versatile writer, poet, and children’s author whose works include Cobwebs in the Sky, The Great Hunter, Emeka and the Kidnappers, and Maiduguri Requiem. A former ANA Abuja Chapter chairman and current Okigbo Foundation Executive Secretary, he blends moral instruction, cultural insight, and social commentary in his deeply engaging narratives. He was on the panel of judges for the 2024 edition of the TY Buratai Literary Initiative’s Young Adult Literature Prize.

The moderator, Bentex Torlafia, is a dynamic writer, Intellectual Property (IP) law expert, and literary advocate who served as the National Legal Adviser of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA). He has worked with the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), and other national, state IP agencies and institutional IP units as a consultant. He is the founder of Nasara Creative, author of acclaimed literary works, and a communication expert renowned for managing and moderating literary events.