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