ANA Felicitates Christians on the Celebration of Christmas

ANA FELICITATES CHRISTIANS ON THE CELEBRATION OF CHRISTMAS

The Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) has felicitated Christians across Nigeria and in the diaspora on the celebration of this year’s Christmas, describing the sacred season as one of joy, reflection, love, and renewed hope for humanity.

This goodwill message was contained in a press statement jointly issued by the President of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Dr. Usman Oladipo Akanbi, and the General Secretary, Dame Joan Oji, PhD, in which the association warmly felicitated with Christians and wished them a joyful Christmas celebration and a peaceful, prosperous New Year.

The association noted that Christmas, which commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, embodies enduring values of peace, sacrifice, compassion, and selflessness—virtues that remain critical in addressing the social, moral, and economic challenges confronting contemporary society.

ANA urged Christians to fully embrace the spirit of the season by strengthening bonds of unity within families and communities, extending kindness to the less privileged, and promoting peaceful coexistence across religious and cultural divides.

The body further called on Nigerians to draw inspiration from the message of Christmas by upholding tolerance, mutual respect, and collective responsibility in the collective quest for national development, unity, and harmony.

Signed: 

Richard Inya 

ANA PRO South 

ANA Congratulates Prince Nengi Josef Owei-Ilagha on his 62nd Birthday

ANA CONGRATULATES PRINCE NENGI JOSEF OWEI-ILAGHA ON HIS 62ND BIRTHDAY

The Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) has congratulated the pioneer Chairman of ANA Bayelsa, Prince Nengi Josef Owei-Ilagha, on the occasion of his 62nd birthday. 

The Association described the milestone as a celebration of a life devoted to literature, public service, and the sustained growth of Nigerian writing.

This was contained in a press statement jointly issued by the President of ANA, Dr. Usman Oladipo Akanbi, and the General Secretary, Dame Joan Oji, PhD. According to the statement, Prince Owei-Ilagha’s career exemplifies a rare blend of creative excellence and civic engagement, which has continued to inspire writers across generations.

Fondly called Pope Pen the First, Prince Nengi Josef Owei-Ilagha has worked as a journalist, broadcaster, and public relations practitioner. Born in Nembe, Bayelsa State, he studied English & Literary Studies at the University of Port Harcourt and distinguished himself in the media, notably as a former Editor of The Tide On Sunday in Port Harcourt.

The statement further recalled that he served as Speech Writer and Special Adviser on Research & Documentation to the Governor of Bayelsa State, rendering service to the administrations of Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha and Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan for seven years. His debut poetry collection, Mantids, won the Association of Nigerian Authors Poetry Prize in 1995, while his poems have appeared in newspapers, journals, and anthologies within and outside Nigeria.

As the Founding Chairman of ANA Bayelsa Chapter, Prince Owei-Ilagha has played a pivotal role in nurturing literary culture in the Niger Delta. His other works include Apples & Serpents, A Birthday Delight, I Want to Be a Senator, January Gestures, and several other poetry and prose titles, alongside a monthly diary of poems on Facebook. ANA wished him continued good health, creative fulfilment, and many more years of meaningful contribution to Nigerian literature.

Signed:

Richard Inya 

ANA PRO South

ANA Congratulates Prof. Maria Ajima on her 68th Birthday

ANA CONGRATULATES PROF. MARIA AJIMA ON HER 68TH BIRTHDAY

The Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) has congratulated Professor Maria Ajima on the occasion of her 68th birthday, celebrating a distinguished literary icon whose life and work continue to inspire generations of writers, scholars, and readers across Nigeria and beyond.

This goodwill message was contained in a press release issued by the President of ANA, Dr. Usman Akanbi, and the General Secretary, Dame Joan Orji, PhD. The association described Professor Ajima as a consummate intellectual, cultural advocate, and literary matriarch whose contributions to Nigerian literature remain enduring and transformative.

Professor Maria Ajima is a multiple award-winning writer, essayist, and scholar, as well as a respected Professor of Literature at Benue State University, Makurdi. Through her teaching, research, and creative writing, she has mentored countless students and emerging writers, leaving an indelible mark on the academic and literary landscape of the nation.

ANA further acknowledged Professor Ajima’s outstanding leadership and service to the literary community. She is a former President of Women Writers of Nigeria (WRITA), where she played a pivotal role in amplifying women’s voices in literature, and she currently serves as a Trustee of the Association of Nigerian Authors at the national level, offering wisdom, guidance, and steadfast commitment to the growth of the association.

As she marks her 68th birthday, ANA prayed for Professor Ajima’s continued good health, strength, and fulfillment, expressing confidence that her voice, scholarship, and mentorship will continue to enrich Nigerian literature for many years to come. The association reaffirmed its deep appreciation for her lifelong dedication to letters, learning, and national cultural development.

Signed: 

BM Nagidi 

ANA PRO North

ANA Greets Prof. Vicky Sylvester at 65

ANA GREETS PROF. VICKY SYLVESTER AT 65

 

The Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) has congratulated Professor Mnguember Vicky Sylvester on the occasion of her 65th birthday, celebrating her outstanding contributions to literature, creative writing, scholarship, and community service in Nigeria and beyond.

This was contained in a press release jointly issued by the ANA President, Dr. Usman Oladipo Akanbi, and the ANA Secretary, Dr. Joan Oji, who described Professor Sylvester as a distinguished scholar, writer, and teacher whose career has profoundly enriched African literary studies and gender discourse.

Professor Sylvester is a Professor of Literature and Creative Writing at the University of Abuja. She obtained her Master’s degree from Bayero University, Kano, and her PhD from the University of Jos, with research experience at the London School of Oriental and African Studies. She also holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Education and has taught at several institutions of higher learning across Nigeria.

Beyond the classroom, Professor Sylvester has had a rich professional career as a radio programme producer, newspaper journalist, and editor with Radio OYO and The Nigeria Standard, covering several states. She is widely known for her critical works on gender security and inclusion, a passion that is evident in both her scholarly research and creative writing.

An award-winning author, Professor Sylvester has published extensively in poetry, drama, and prose. Her latest poetry collection, Experience Is a Woman, is available on Amazon and Boldscholar. She is also deeply committed to community service, particularly in training teachers in underserved schools where access to professional development is limited.

Hailing from Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State, Professor Vicky Sylvester has devoted over 35 years to advancing African literature and gender studies through teaching, mentorship, research, and advocacy. ANA joins colleagues, students, and admirers worldwide in wishing her good health, continued fulfilment, and many more years of impactful service to humanity and letters.

 

Writers, Scholars Gather as ANA’s Book Party Rekindles Call to Preserve Stories Before They Fade

WRITERS, SCHOLARS GATHER AS ANA’S BOOK PARTY REKINDLES CALL TO PRESERVE STORIES BEFORE THEY FADE

 

The Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) on Saturday, 13 December 2025, successfully hosted the second edition of its Book Party at the Femi Osofisan Secretariat, Mamman Vatsa Writers’ Village, Mpape Road, Abuja, drawing wide acclaim from across Nigeria’s literary community.

The event, themed “Footprints on Stones: Writing Our Stories Before They Fade,” convened writers, scholars, students, and literary enthusiasts in a shared reflection on the urgency of documenting personal and collective histories through creative writing.

Welcoming participants, the Coordinator of the Book Party, Mrs Ngozi Alutulu-Ebulum, described the gathering as a reaffirmation of ANA’s unwavering commitment to nurturing creative voices, preserving stories, and strengthening the literary ecosystem. She stressed that the initiative serves as a reminder of the need to write and archive lived experiences before time erases them.

A major highlight of the Book Party was the feature of acclaimed poet Yogiza Umar Jr. as Guest Author, with a special focus on his poetry collection, A Taste of Stone. Through readings and reflections, Umar Jr explored themes of memory, identity, resilience, and the enduring power of poetry as a vessel for both personal and communal history.

The programme was chaired by renowned Jamaican-Nigerian poet, essayist, and journalist, Mr Lindsay Barrett, who underscored literature’s role as a tool for cultural preservation and historical continuity. He commended ANA for sustaining platforms that foster literary dialogue and intergenerational creative exchange.

The Book Party was hosted by the ANA National President, Dr Usman Oladipo Akanbi, who was ably represented by Mr John Freeman Oondoma. In his remarks, Oondoma reiterated ANA’s dedication to promoting literary excellence and creating spaces where writers can engage meaningfully with audiences, while discussions were expertly moderated by Mr Husayn Zaguru.

The well-attended event concluded with lively audience interactions and a renewed collective commitment to storytelling as a means of preserving history, memory, and identity, further consolidating ANA’s position as a leading literary institution in Nigeria.

 

ANA Congratulates Mr. Gbenro Adegbola On His 67th Birthday

ANA CONGRATULATES MR. GBENRO ADEGBOLA ON HIS 67TH BIRTHDAY

The Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) has warmly congratulated Mr. Gbenro Adegbola on the celebration of his 67th birthday, hailing him as an outstanding luminary whose lifelong contributions continue to enrich Nigeria’s literary and publishing landscape. 

The Association described him as a tireless advocate for literature, reading culture, and forward-looking publishing innovations.

The commendation was contained in a press statement jointly signed by the President and General Secretary of the Association, Dr. Usman Oladipo Akanbi and Dr. Joan Oji.

Mr. Adegbola, former Managing Director of Evans Brothers (Nigeria Publishers) Ltd., has built a distinguished career defined by excellence, leadership, and unwavering commitment to intellectual development. With a BA (Combined Honours) in Dramatic Arts and Literature in English from the then University of Ife and an MA in Language Arts from the University of Ibadan (1984), he has continually demonstrated exemplary passion for education, scholarship, and literary growth.

A past President of the Nigerian Publishers Association, Mr. Adegbola has played a transformative role in strengthening the nation’s publishing industry. His visionary leadership, policy influence, and dedication to professional advancement have uplifted stakeholders and enhanced the quality of learning materials available across Nigeria.

ANA further applauded Mr. Adegbola’s forward-thinking embrace of digital publishing, noting that his enthusiasm for technology continues to illuminate new possibilities for improving educational delivery nationwide. His advocacy remains vital in harmonizing traditional publishing models with modern digital solutions.

The Association wished him many more rewarding years in good health, grace, and creative vigour, affirming that his legacy will continue to inspire writers, publishers, educators, and innovators within and beyond Nigeria.

ANA Celebrates Prof. JP Clark on 92nd Posthumous Birthday

 ANA CELEBRATES JP CLARK ON 92ND POSTHUMOUS BIRTHDAY

The Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) has joyfully celebrated the 92nd posthumous birthday of the iconic poet, dramatist and scholar, JP Clark, one of Africa’s most brilliant literary voices. 

ANA described Clark’s legacy as “a treasure that continues to illuminate Nigeria’s literary landscape,” highlighting his extraordinary influence on generations of writers and readers across the world.

In a commemorative statement issued by the National President, Dr. Usman Oladipo Akanbi, and the General Secretary, Dr. Joan Oji, the Association emphasized that JP Clark’s timeless works—ranging from Song of a Goat to The Raft and his evocative poetry collections—still stand as pillars of artistic excellence. They noted that Clark’s craftsmanship, linguistic simplicity, and cultural depth remain unmatched and continue to inspire creative expression within and beyond Nigeria.

The Association also reaffirmed Clark’s central place in the country’s literary history, celebrating him as one of the foundational writers who shaped modern Nigerian literature. ANA praised his commitment to documenting Niger Delta life, preserving folklore, and using literature as a tool for social engagement. The statement added that Clark’s contributions were instrumental in elevating Nigerian literature to global recognition.

As part of the commemorations, ANA encouraged writers, scholars, students, and lovers of literature to revisit Clark’s works and draw inspiration from his mastery of language, rhythm, and storytelling. The Association underscored that JP Clark’s legacy remains a vital cultural resource, one that offers constant lessons on creativity, identity, and human experience.

ANA concluded by reaffirming its dedication to celebrating the nation’s literary icons while promoting the values they championed. The Association noted that JP Clark’s 92nd posthumous birthday is not merely a remembrance but a powerful reminder of the enduring brilliance and relevance of one of Nigeria’s greatest literary legends.

Signed

Richard Inya 

ANA PRO South

ANA Greets Dr. Bukar Usman at 83

ANA GREETS DR. BUKAR USMAN AT 83

The Association of Nigerian Authors has congratulated distinguished scholar and cultural luminary, Dr. Bukar Usman, on the celebration of his 83rd birthday. 

This was disclosed in a press release jointly signed by the ANA President, Dr. Usman Oladipo Akanbi, and the General Secretary, Dr. Joan Oji, who praised Dr. Usman’s towering legacy as one of Nigeria’s most influential voices in folklore, historiography, and literary development.

Born on 10th December 1942 in Biu, Borno State, Dr. Usman has made remarkable contributions as an Administrative Historian, a leading authority on Nigerian folktales, and the author of over 30 books. His enduring dedication to promoting indigenous languages and literature has earned him several prestigious recognitions, including the 2013 Linguistic Association of Nigeria award for his service to the Hausa language, and the 2014 international honour presented by NILWA and ASAUNIL for revitalizing Hausa literary heritage. Further accolades followed, including awards from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka in 2016, and the Ranar Mawakan Hausa Foundation in 2017.

ANA also highlighted Dr. Usman’s visionary role as founder of the Dr. Bukar Usman Foundation, through which he has championed public enlightenment, cultural scholarship, and the preservation of Nigeria’s indigenous knowledge systems. His leadership as President of the Nigerian Folklore Society (NFS) and his service on the Board of Trustees of the Centre for the Preservation and Promotion of Hausa Language and Culture were described as further evidence of his unwavering commitment to cultural advancement.

The Association prayed for continued health, strength, and long life for Dr. Usman, noting that his extraordinary impact continues to inspire writers, researchers, and cultural advocates across Nigeria and beyond. ANA reaffirmed its pride in celebrating him at 83 as a national treasure whose body of work remains central to the preservation of Nigeria’s literary and cultural heritage.

Signed:

BM Nagidi

ANA PRO North

ANA Celebrates Late Mamman Jiya Vatsa on 85th Posthumous Birthday

ANA CELEBRATES LATE MAMMAN JIYA VATSA ON 85TH POSTHUMOUS BIRTHDAY

The Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) has paid glowing tribute to the late Major General Mamman Jiya Vatsa on the occasion of his 85th posthumous birthday. 

In a statement jointly signed by the ANA President, Dr. Usman Oladipo Akanbi, and the General Secretary, Dr. Joan Oji, the association described Vatsa as a rare national treasure whose immeasurable contributions to Nigerian literature continue to resonate deeply within the literary community.

ANA noted that the late Vatsa, a soldier, poet, cultural icon, and benefactor of the association, holds an enduring place of honour in the hearts of Nigerian writers. His remarkable generosity and vision led to the establishment of the Mamman Vatsa Writers’ Village in Mpape, Abuja, now the vibrant and permanent home of ANA and a flourishing centre for literary development.

At the recently concluded 44th ANA International Convention, Vatsa’s legacy came alive through the performance of a specially curated play titled “Tori Don Geti Bow Leg – The Vatsa Story,” written by Denja Abdullahi. Staged at the Chinua Achebe International Conference Centre, the production highlighted lesser-known aspects of Vatsa’s life, revealing his courage, artistic spirit, and unwavering dedication to nurturing Nigeria’s literary landscape. The play left a profound emotional impact on attendees, with many describing it as both enlightening and deeply moving.

Directed by Oko Owi Ocho Afrika, the performance was widely acclaimed as one of the most memorable moments of the convention, which took place from October 30 to November 2, 2025. ANA emphasised that the convention not only celebrated contemporary literary achievements but also served as a powerful remembrance of Vatsa’s lasting influence and the enduring power of his vision for writers across the nation.

In marking his 85th posthumous birthday, ANA reaffirmed its commitment to preserving Vatsa’s legacy and upholding the ideals he championed—creativity, courage, community, and service to humanity. The association called on governments, cultural institutions, and the general public to continue honouring literary icons like Vatsa, whose contributions remain foundational to the growth and unity of Nigerian authorship.

Signed:

BM Nagidi (ANA PRO North)

ANA Congratulates Dr. Tunde Olusunle on Distinguished Alumnus Award

ANA CONGRATULATES DR. TUNDE OLUSUNLE ON DISTINGUISHED ALUMNUS AWARD

The Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) has extended heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Tunde Olusunle, PhD, on his conferment with the prestigious Distinguished Alumnus Award by the University of Ilorin. 

The honour was bestowed on him as part of activities marking the 50th Anniversary of the founding of the institution, fondly known as the “Better By Far” University. Dr.. Olusunle, a Fellow of the Association of Nigerian Authors (FANA), continues to be celebrated for his immense contributions to literature, journalism, scholarship, and national development.

In a press statement jointly issued by the President of ANA, Dr. Usman Oladipo Akanbi, and the General Secretary, Dr. Joan Oji, the association described Prof. Olusunle as an exemplary writer and public intellectual whose works and professional excellence have brought honour not only to the University of Ilorin but to the Nigerian literary community at large. The statement noted that the award serves as a testimony to his consistency, creativity, and patriotic engagement over the decades.

The ANA leadership further commended Dr. Olusunle for his sustained interventions in national discourse, his mentorship of young writers, and his commitment to the advancement of creative writing across the country. They emphasized that his recognition by the University of Ilorin is a fitting acknowledgment of a lifetime dedicated to letters, leadership, and service.

According to the statement, ANA takes pride in celebrating one of its distinguished Fellows whose accomplishments continue to enrich the heritage of Nigerian writing. The association reaffirmed its support for Dr. Olusunle and expressed confidence that the honour will inspire more writers and scholars to pursue excellence in their various fields.