ANA Congratulates Prof. Razinat Mohammed On Her Birthday

ANA CONGRATULATES PROF. RAZINAT MOHAMMED ON HER BIRTHDAY

By ANA Media Team

The Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) has congratulated Prof. Razinat Talatu Mohammed on the joyous occasion of her birthday. 

This was contained in a press statement jointly issued by the President of ANA, Dr. Usman Oladipo Akanbi, and Dame Joan Oji, PhD. 

The Association described the celebrant as a distinguished scholar, accomplished writer, and a towering figure in contemporary Nigerian literary scholarship.

Prof. Razinat Talatu Mohammed is widely celebrated as a renowned feminist literary critic, award-winning author, and influential academic with numerous publications to her credit. According to ANA, her intellectual depth and scholarly consistency have earned her an enviable place within African literary studies. Her work continues to shape critical conversations around gender, identity, and representation in literature.

The Association noted that her journey in the world of literature has been both remarkable and inspiring. Through her extensive research and writings, Prof. Mohammed has significantly impacted the study and understanding of African literature, particularly in feminist literary criticism and gender studies. Her critical insights and innovative perspectives have enriched scholarly discourse and strengthened literary scholarship in Nigeria and beyond.

ANA further highlighted her creative accomplishments, especially her award-winning novels, Habiba and The Travails of a First Wife. Habiba was a finalist for the ANA Prize for Prose in 2013, while The Travails of a First Wife, published in 2015, received commendation for its thematic depth and narrative strength. Beyond her novels, she has contributed to notable anthologies such as Camouflage: The Best of Contemporary Writings from Nigeria, Fireflies: An Anthology of New Nigerian Poetry, and Pyramids: An Anthology of Poems from Northern Nigeria, with her works published both locally and internationally.

In the academic sphere, Prof. Mohammed’s contributions are equally outstanding. Her articles and book chapters have appeared in reputable international outlets, including the African Literature Today published in Suffolk, UK, and by Routledge. She is the author of notable scholarly works such as Intra-gender Relations between Women: A Study of Nawal El-Saadawi and Buchi Emecheta’s Novels, published by Lambert Academic Publication, Germany, and Female Representation in Nigerian Literature, among others. Her expertise has also been recognized through her service as a two-time judge for the Nigeria Prize for Literature in 2015 and 2017, as well as her role as Chief Adjudicator for the annual Wole Soyinka International Cultural Exchange since 2013.

The Association concluded by affirming that Prof. Razinat Talatu Mohammed’s groundbreaking work in feminist literary criticism, gender studies, and creative writing has elevated the profile of African literature and inspired generations of writers and scholars.

ANA wished her many more years of sound health, intellectual vitality, and continued service to literature and humanity.

ANA Mourns Veteran Writer, Statesman Bello Musa Dankano

 ANA MOURNS VETERAN WRITER, STATESMAN BELLO MUSA DANKANO

By ANA Media Team 

The Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) has expressed profound sorrow over the passing of one of its distinguished members, Bello Musa Dankano, former Secretary to the State Government of Katsina State, who died at the age of 78. 

According to ANA, His death represents a significant loss to the Nigerian literary community and the nation at large.

This was contained in a press statement jointly signed by the ANA President, Usman Oladipo Akanbi, and the General Secretary, Joan Oji, PhD 

The association described Dankano as a devoted writer, accomplished administrator, and patriot whose life was marked by integrity, intellectual depth, and unwavering commitment to national development.

Born in Malumfashi, Katsina State, Dankano dedicated much of his professional life to public service. He began his career as a primary school teacher and rose steadily through the ranks to become Secretary to the State Government. He later served as Director in federal ministries, where he distinguished himself through diligence, discipline, and exemplary leadership.

Beyond public administration, Dankano sustained a vibrant literary career. Early exposure to Hausa literature and illustration nurtured his creative instincts, which matured into fiction writing in the 1990s. His literary works consistently engaged Nigeria’s socio-political realities, reflecting deep concern for ethical governance and social responsibility.

His debut novel, A Season of Locusts (1999), was followed by Petrol Station (2004), My Cousins and I (2005), and The Last Caravan and Other Stories (2006). Through these works, he established himself as one of the major literary voices from Northern Nigeria, contributing meaningfully to contemporary Nigerian fiction.

Dankano’s fiction was characterized by humour, satire, and social realism. His narratives confronted themes such as corruption, electoral malpractice, and the contradictions of Nigerian politics. Influenced by renowned writers including Abubakar Imam and Chinua Achebe, he wrote primarily in English to reach a broader readership while preserving the cultural nuances of his heritage. Despite the challenges of the publishing landscape, he remained steadfast in his belief in literature as a vehicle for truth, ethical reflection, and social transformation.

The Association of Nigerian Authors extended heartfelt condolences to his family, the government and people of Katsina State, and the entire Nigerian literary community. 

The association affirmed that his legacy would endure through his writings and the many lives he inspired, and prayed for the peaceful repose of his soul.

ANA Greets Christians, Muslims on Lent, Ramadan

 ANA GREETS CHRISTIANS, MUSLIMS ON LENT, RAMADAN

By ANA Media Team

The Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) has greeted Christians and Muslims across Nigeria as they commence the sacred seasons of Lent and Ramadan, describing the periods as significant moments of spiritual reflection, self-discipline, sacrifice, and renewed commitment to faith, humanity, and peaceful coexistence.

This was contained in a press statement jointly issued by the ANA President and General Secretary, Usman Oladipo Akanbi and Dame Joan Oji, PhD.

The Association observed that Lent and Ramadan, though rooted in different religious traditions, share enduring values of compassion, charity, humility, and reconciliation. According to ANA, these shared ideals are critical to national healing and unity, particularly at a time when collective understanding, ethical responsibility, and mutual respect are most needed in society.

ANA called on writers, artists, and cultural practitioners to draw inspiration from the lessons of these holy periods by promoting literature and creative expressions that foster dialogue, tolerance, and empathy among the nation’s diverse peoples. The Association reiterated that literature remains a powerful instrument for bridging divides and nurturing a sustainable culture of peace.

The Association further encouraged adherents to use the season to pray for the progress, stability, and prosperity of the country, while extending hands of fellowship to neighbours irrespective of religious or ethnic differences. Acts of kindness, generosity to the vulnerable, and commitment to justice, it noted, are practical ways of translating faith into nation-building.

ANA wished all Christians and Muslims a spiritually fulfilling Lenten and Ramadan experience and expressed hope that the lessons of sacrifice, renewal, and love embodied in these seasons would continue to guide citizens toward mutual respect, national unity, and a more humane and harmonious society.

ANA Constitutes Committees To Celebrate 80th Birthday of Prof. Femi Osofisan

ANA CONSTITUTES COMMITTEES TO CELEBRATE 80TH BIRTHDAY OF PROF. FEMI OSOFISAN

By ANA Media Team 

The Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) has announced the constitution of planning committees for the celebration of the 80th birthday of its Chairman, Board of Trustees, Emeritus Professor Femi Osofisan, scheduled for June 16, 2026. 

The milestone is being marked with a series of literary and cultural activities designed to honour the distinguished playwright, scholar, and cultural activist whose work has shaped modern African dramaturgy.

In a press statement jointly issued by ANA President, Usman Oladipo Akanbi, and the General Secretary, Dame Joan Oji PhD, the Association described the celebration as a national literary moment deserving of broad institutional collaboration and intellectual reflection. The statement noted that the committees will provide leadership, coordination, and overall supervision for the successful planning and execution of the anniversary programmes in Ibadan and Abuja.

According to ANA, the two-city structure is intended to reflect Professor Osofisan’s wide academic, theatrical, and cultural influence across Nigeria and beyond. The Ibadan and Abuja committees will work in synergy to deliver events that capture the depth of his artistic philosophy, scholarship, and mentorship of generations of writers and dramatists.

The Ibadan Event Committee will be chaired by Taslim Abiola Layonu, with Rufus Kehinde serving as Vice Chairman and Wole Adedoyin as Secretary. Other members include Phil Nwoko, Tunde Awosanmi, Freeman Okosun, and Busayo Fakunle.

The Abuja Event Committee will be chaired by Kyuka Lilymjok, with Ngozi Atululu-Ebulum serving as Secretary. Members of the committee are Chukwudi Eze, Umar Yogiza Jr., Esther Adelana, and Hussain Zaguru AbdulQadir.

The central commemorative event, titled Literary Celebration Marking the 80th Birthday of Emeritus Prof. Femi Osofisan, will take place in June 2026 in Ibadan. The gathering is expected to bring together writers, scholars, theatre practitioners, students, and cultural stakeholders for readings, stage performances, scholarly reflections, and tributes examining Osofisan’s enduring contributions to African theatre and critical discourse.

As part of the extended celebration, the September 2026 edition of the Mbari Lecture Series will be dedicated entirely to the eminent dramatist and will hold in the Federal Capital Territory. The lecture will critically engage his dramaturgy, ideological commitments, and pioneering innovations in adapting classical forms to African socio-political realities.

ANA also disclosed that it will collaborate with the Orpheus Foundation to publish a landmark Festschrift—a scholarly volume comprising essays, reflections, and critical studies that explore Osofisan’s life, works, and intellectual legacy across disciplines and generations.

In furtherance of its commitment to nurturing emerging voices, the Association will organise the Femi Osofisan @ 80 Playwriting Workshop, designed to mentor young dramatists in the aesthetics of socially engaged theatre, experimentation, and adaptation that define the celebrant’s body of work.

Complementing the workshop, a national playwriting competition will invite new dramatic works inspired by themes central to Osofisan’s oeuvre, including justice, resistance, community, and cultural memory. Winning entries will receive national recognition, with possibilities for staging and publication.

To document the breadth of his personal and professional influence, ANA will also publish a commemorative Tributes Book featuring messages, memoirs, essays, and artistic reflections from colleagues, former students, collaborators, and admirers across the world—ensuring that the legacy of Emeritus Professor Femi Osofisan is preserved for future generations of scholars and artists.

ANA Announces Dates, Theme for 2026 International Convention in Abuja

ANA ANNOUNCES DATES, THEME FOR 2026 INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION IN ABUJA

By ANA Media Team

The National Executive Council (NEC) of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) has officially released the programme highlights for its 45th (2026) International Convention, reaffirming the association’s enduring commitment to the advancement of Nigerian literature and its global relevance.

The announcement was contained in a press statement issued by the Chairman of the ANA Convention Planning Committee and Vice President of ANA, Prof. Obari Gomba.

The convention is scheduled to hold from Thursday, 29th October to Sunday, 1st November 2026, at the serene Mamman Vatsa Writers' Village. The theme for the convention, “Nigerian Literature and the Place of Nigeria in the World,” reflects ANA’s resolve to interrogate the role of Nigerian writers in shaping cultural diplomacy, global narratives, and national identity.

Activities will commence on Thursday, 29th October 2026, with participants’ arrival and registration, followed by the traditional Festival of Life—a signature event celebrating literary creativity through readings, performances, and artistic expressions. This opening segment is designed to foster camaraderie and set the tone for the intellectual engagements ahead.

On Friday, 30th October 2026, registration will continue alongside the Opening Ceremony, which will formally declare the convention underway. The day will feature a Keynote Address by a distinguished scholar, practical workshops across genres and critical areas of writing, and the much-anticipated Convention Play, underscoring the dynamic relationship between literature and performance.

Proceedings on Saturday, 31st October 2026, will include the Annual General Meeting (AGM), where members will deliberate on policy, growth, and the future direction of the association. Additional workshops will hold during the day, culminating in a Dinner and Award Night at which winners of ANA’s prestigious literary prizes will be announced and celebrated.

NEC further directed that members must process convention payments strictly through their respective State Chapters. The early bird fee is Thirty Thousand Naira (₦30,000), covering participation and annual dues, while payments made after the deadline will attract a late fee of Forty-Five Thousand Naira (₦45,000). Participation entitles members to conference materials and access to the AGM.

Non-members are welcome to attend upon payment of Forty Thousand Naira (₦40,000) early bird or Fifty-Five Thousand Naira (₦55,000) late registration, which covers conference materials but excludes participation in the AGM. All such payments must also be routed through the nearest State Chapters, which are mandated to clearly classify such participants as non-members. For the avoidance of doubt, any individual not listed in the Revalidated Register shall be regarded as a non-member.

The deadline for early payment is 30th July 2026, while late registration closes on 30th September 2026.

All payments are to be made into the official ANA account domiciled with First Bank of Nigeria as follows:

Account Name: Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA)

Account Number: 2020543538

Bank Name: First Bank of Nigeria (FBN)

Evidence of payment must be submitted through State Chapters for proper documentation and accreditation.

ANA calls on writers, scholars, cultural advocates, and stakeholders within and outside Nigeria to prepare to participate in what promises to be a landmark gathering that will deepen conversations about Nigerian literature’s influence and Nigeria’s cultural standing in the global arena.

ANA Applauds Federal Government Over N1.2BN Copyright Levy, Restates Commitment To Authors' Welfare

 [2/15, 7:57 AM] Wole Adedoyin: ANA APPLAUDS FEDERAL GOVERNMENT OVER N1.2BN COPYRIGHT LEVY, RESTATES COMMITMENT TO AUTHORS’ WELFARE

By ANA Media Team

The Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) has expressed profound appreciation to the Federal Government for the approval and release of N1.2 billion as the first tranche of the long-awaited copyright levy, describing the development as a landmark achievement in the recognition, protection, and monetization of intellectual property in Nigeria.

In a press statement jointly issued by ANA President, Dr. Usman Oladipo Akanbi, and General Secretary, Dame Joan Oji PhD, the Association noted that it is one of the beneficiaries of the disbursement by virtue of its membership in the Reproduction Rights Society of Nigeria (REPRONIG), the nation’s recognized Collective Management Organization for reprographic rights.

ANA commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for demonstrating visionary leadership through the approval and release of the fund, emphasizing that the payment signals a renewed national commitment to safeguarding the creative economy and ensuring that authors receive fair compensation for the use of their works.

The Association described the intervention as not merely financial support, but as a strong policy statement affirming that literary creativity and intellectual labour are indispensable to national development, cultural diplomacy, education, and the preservation of Nigeria’s diverse voices.

ANA also lauded the efforts of the Nigerian Copyright Commission under the leadership of Dr. John Asein for its steadfast advocacy, regulatory diligence, and sustained engagement with stakeholders that culminated in the successful implementation of the levy framework.

According to the Association, the release of this first tranche represents a turning point in the long struggle of Nigerian writers and publishers to institutionalize copyright remuneration and curb unauthorized reproduction of literary works across educational and commercial sectors.

It emphasized that the copyright levy is an internationally recognized mechanism designed to compensate authors for secondary uses of their works, particularly through photocopying, scanning, and digital reproduction—practices that have historically generated value without corresponding returns to creators.

ANA noted that the initiative strengthens the foundation for a more structured and transparent rights-management system in Nigeria, one capable of ensuring that creators are rewarded for their intellectual contributions while encouraging greater professionalism within the knowledge and publishing industries.

The Association further reiterated that the development aligns with global best practices in copyright administration, placing Nigeria on a stronger footing within the international creative ecosystem and reinforcing confidence among writers, publishers, and investors in the cultural sector.

ANA expressed optimism that sustained implementation of the levy will translate into measurable improvements in authors’ welfare, increased literary production, and renewed interest among young Nigerians to pursue writing as a viable and respected profession.

The Association therefore called for continued collaboration among government institutions, educational establishments, and industry stakeholders to ensure compliance, transparency, and the equitable distribution of royalties accruing from the use of protected works.

ANA concluded by affirming that this milestone is not an end but the beginning of a new era—one in which Nigerian authors are not only celebrated for shaping thought and culture, but are also justly rewarded for their labour, thereby strengthening the nation’s intellectual heritage and securing a sustainable future for generations of writers to come.

ANA Greets Khalid Imam On His 53rd Birthday

ANA GREETS KHALID IMAM ON HIS 53RD BIRTHDAY

By ANA Media Team 

The Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) has congratulated Khalid Imam, Founder and Curator of All Poets Network, on the occasion of his 53rd birthday, celebrating his remarkable contributions to poetry, literary advocacy, and cultural development.

The felicitation was conveyed in a press statement jointly issued by ANA President, Dr. Usman Oladipo Akanbi, and the General Secretary, Dame Joan Oji, who commended Imam for his unwavering dedication to nurturing literary creativity and building platforms that support poets and writers within Nigeria and internationally.

ANA noted that Imam serves as Chairman, Board of Trustees of Poetry Renaissance Trust and was the pioneer Festival Director of the Nigeria Poetry Festival, where he has significantly advanced the visibility and appreciation of poetry as a dynamic art form and instrument of social engagement. Through All Poets Network International, he has fostered a thriving global community of poets and literary enthusiasts.

The Association further highlighted his participation in the 2017 literary exchange programme organised by the Wole Soyinka Foundation in Lebanon, describing him as a bilingual writer and multiple award-winning poet, playwright, and arts administrator whose works have been published across several continents.

ANA praised Imam’s authorship of over two dozen books in diverse genres, as well as his commitment to sharing numerous unpublished poems in both English and Hausa on social media platforms. The Association also recognised his editorial contributions to anthologies such as Corona Blues: A Bilingual Anthology of Nigerian Poetry, Kwaraption: An Engausa Poetry Anthology, and Tulu: A Multilingual Anthology of Northern Nigerian New Writings, wishing him continued good health and greater accomplishments in the years ahead.