ANA Benue, Orshio Adasu University set to Honour Prof. Maria Ajima at 68

 ANA BENUE, ORSHIO ADASU UNIVERSITY SET TO HONOUR PROF. MARIA AJIMA AT 68

By BM Nagidi ANA PRO North

The Central Planning Committee, acting on behalf of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) Benue State Chapter and the Department of English, Rev. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University, Makurdi, has announced plans for a grand celebration in honour of Prof. Maria Ajima, a distinguished literary icon and esteemed member of the ANA Board of Trustees, as she marks her 68th birthday. The event is scheduled to take place on 12th December 2025 at the Social Sciences Hall of the University at 2:00 PM.

According to the Committee, the celebration is designed to recognize Prof. Ajima’s extensive contributions to literary scholarship and her unwavering commitment to the development of Nigerian literature. Over the decades, she has made a remarkable impact as a scholar, critic, mentor, and cultural advocate, influencing generations of writers and researchers within and beyond Benue State.

A major highlight of the event is a conference dedicated to the presentation of scholarly essays for a festschrift in her honour. The gathering will provide a platform for academics, writers, and students to critically engage with her works and celebrate her intellectual legacy, which continues to shape discourses in African literature and gender studies.

The Committee further announced that Prof. Ode Ogede, renowned Professor of English and former faculty member of North Carolina Central University, Durham, North Carolina, USA, will serve as Guest Speaker. His presence, they noted, reflects the global scholarly community’s recognition of Prof. Ajima’s influence and the international scope of her academic engagements.

Serving as Chairlady of the event is Prof. Lucy Irene Vajime, formerly of the Department of English, Rev. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University, Makurdi. Prof. Vajime.

The Committee also disclosed that Dr. Usman Oladipo Akanbi, President of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), will grace the event as Special Guest of Honour. His attendance stressed the national significance of Prof. Ajima’s contributions to ANA and her role in advancing the literary arts across Nigeria.

The celebration will be hosted by Onwanyi Ulegede, Esq, Chair of ANA Benue State Chapter, while the Chief Host is Prof. Philip Sunday Bagu, Head of the Department of English, Rev. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu Universit.

Members of the public, the academic community, writers, students, and admirers of Prof. Ajima’s work are warmly invited to attend. For further inquiries, the Central Planning Committee can be reached through Dr. Rhoda Aorabe (Chairwoman, 08023694008), Dr. Joshua Agbo (Alternate Chairman, 08151865901), and Dr. Regina Achie Nege (Secretary, 08078029212).