ANA Congratulates Dr. Cecilia Etchie On Her Birthday

ANA CONGRATULATES DR. CECILIA ETCHIE ON HER BIRTHDAY

The Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) has congratulated Dr. Cecilia Etchie on the joyful occasion of her birthday, celebrating a life devoted to literature, creativity, and service to the arts. 

Described as a revered matriarch within the Association, Dr. Etchie has remained a steadfast and inspiring member of the Kwara State Chapter, where her influence continues to nurture generations of writers and artists.

The congratulatory message was contained in a press statement jointly issued by ANA President, Usman Oladipo Akanbi, and the General Secretary, Joan Oji, who commended her immense contributions to Nigerian literature and her longstanding commitment to mentoring emerging creative talents across the country.

Dr. Etchie’s academic journey reached a defining milestone when she earned her Ph.D. in Creative Arts from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria in 1984, an achievement that positioned her among the pioneering scholars in the discipline. Since then, she has sustained a vibrant intellectual and creative presence, contributing significantly to the growth of literary scholarship and artistic expression in Nigeria.

Over the decades, she has built an impressive body of work spanning children’s literature, young adult fiction, and fine arts, reflecting both versatility and a deep commitment to cultural education. The Association acknowledged her enduring legacy, noting that her writings—rich in moral insight and artistic depth—continue to engage young minds while preserving values that resonate across generations, and wished her many more years of health, happiness, and inspiring service to the literary community.

Nigerian Literature Loses a Titan - ANA Mourns Biodun Jeyifo

 NIGERIAN LITERATURE LOSES A TITAN — ANA MOURNS BIODUN JEYIFO

By ANA Media Team 

The Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Professor Emeritus Biodun Jeyifo, describing his death as a monumental loss to Nigerian literature, African scholarship, and the global intellectual community. 

The Association noted that his demise has created a profound vacuum in the world of literary criticism, cultural studies, and humanistic inquiry.

It would be recalled that ANA, in early January, joined other Nigerians and admirers across the world in celebrating Professor Jeyifo on the occasion of his 80th birthday, paying tribute to his immense contributions to literary scholarship and national cultural development. 

The Association stated that it is particularly painful that the celebration of such a remarkable milestone has been so swiftly followed by the news of his passing.

This was contained in a press statement jointly issued by the ANA President, Dr. Usman Oladipo Akanbi, and the General Secretary, Dame Joan Oji, PhD, who described Professor Jeyifo as one of the most rigorous and influential voices in African literary criticism. They noted that his lifelong dedication to scholarship helped shape generations of writers, academics, and students within and beyond Nigeria.

Professor Jeyifo was widely recognised as a leading authority on the life and works of Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka. His seminal book, Wole Soyinka: Politics, Poetics and Postcolonialism, published by Cambridge University Press in 2004, earned international acclaim and several awards, further cementing his reputation as a foremost interpreter of African literature and postcolonial discourse.

Beyond his scholarly achievements, ANA emphasised that Professor Jeyifo was deeply committed to the growth of Nigerian literature, consistently engaging with writers, mentoring younger scholars, and contributing to critical conversations that strengthened the intellectual foundations of the nation’s literary tradition. His work combined analytical depth with a passionate belief in the social responsibility of literature.

The Association further described him as a bridge between generations and continents—an academic whose influence resonated globally yet remained firmly rooted in the cultural realities of Africa. His writings, teachings, and public engagements reflected clarity of thought, ideological courage, and an abiding commitment to justice, culture, and human dignity.

ANA extended its heartfelt condolences to his family, colleagues, students, and the entire literary and academic community, while praying for the peaceful repose of his soul. The Association affirmed that Professor Biodun Jeyifo’s legacy will endure through his writings, his intellectual interventions, and the countless lives he inspired, assuring that his contributions will remain an indelible part of Nigeria’s literary history.

 

The Incomplete Works of Prof. Akachi Ezeigbo

THE INCOMPLETE WORKS OF PROF. AKACHI EZEIGBO

By ANA Media Team

As part of the Dr. Usman Oladipo Akanbi-led ANA Presidency’s initiative to archive and document the works of its members and distinguished Nigerian authors, below is a compiled list of the works of Professor Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo.

Professor Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo is a renowned Nigerian author and educator whose published works span novels, poetry, short stories, children’s literature, essays, literary criticism, and journalism. 

She is a recipient of several prestigious awards, including the Nigeria Prize for Literature.

CHILDREN’S BOOKS

Two of her children’s stories have been translated into Swahili and Xhosa. Her works include:

• The Buried Treasure (Junior African Writers Series), Oxford: Heinemann, 1992. Swahili translation: Hazina Iliyojikwa (Junior African Writers Series), Oxford: Heinemann, 1996.

• The Prize (Junior African Writers Series), Oxford: Heinemann, 1994.

• Alani the Troublemaker & Other Stories, Literamed Publications, 2003.

• Asa and the Little Stream, Literamed Publications, 2004.

• Whisker the Brave Cat, Literamed Publications, 2005.

• Red One and the Wizard of Mula, Literamed Publications, 2005.

• Snake Child and Star Baby, Literamed Publications, 2006.

• Ezezemale and the Tree Spirits, Literamed Publications, 2006.

• Sunshine, the Miracle Child, Literamed Publications, 2006.

• Heart Songs (Poems), Ibadan: Kraft Books Ltd., 2009.

• Clouds and Other Poems for Children, Ibadan: University Press Ltd., 2009.

• Ako the Storyteller (Children’s novel), Ikeja: Lantern Books, 2009.

• Zoba and His Gang (Children’s novel), Ikeja: Lantern Books, 2009.

• Waiting for Dawn (Poems), Ibadan: Kraft Books Ltd., 2010.

• The Slave Girl (Children’s novel), Lagos: Eph Communications Ltd., 2010.

• The Dwarf’s Story (Children’s novel), Lagos: Eph Communications Ltd., 2010.

• The Return of the Thief (Children’s novel), Lagos: Eph Communications Ltd., 2010.

• The Boy and His Dog (Children’s novel), Lagos: Eph Communications Ltd., 2010.

• Toki Learns the Hard Way, Lagos: Melrose Books and Publishing Ltd., 2011.

• Mina the Shy Girl, Lagos: Melrose Books and Publishing Ltd., 2011.

• Kidnapped at Noon, Lagos: Melrose Books and Publishing Ltd., 2012.

• Seyi’s Strong Voice, Lagos: Melrose Books and Publishing Ltd., 2012.

• Dancing Mask, Ibadan: Kraft Books, 2013.

• Singing in the Rain & Other Poems for Children, Ibadan: University Press, 2014.

• Ona and the Dwarf (Co-authored with Odinaka Azubuike), Benin: God Scholars’ Publishers, 2014.

• The Eagle and Other Poems for Secondary Schools, Benin: God Scholars’ Publishers, 2014.

PLAYS

• Hands That Crush Stone, Ibadan: University Press Plc, 2010.

• Barmaid and the Witches of Izunga, Ibadan: University Press Plc, 2010.

FICTION

• The Last of the Strong Ones (Novel), Lagos: Vista Books, 1996.

• House of Symbols (Novel), Lagos: Oracle Books Limited, 2001.

• Children of the Eagle (Novel), Lagos: Vista Books, 2002.

• Rhythms of Life (Short Stories), London: Karnak House, 1992.

• Echoes in the Mind (Short Stories), Foundation Publishers, 1994; Vista Books, 1996.

• Rituals & Departures (Short Stories), London: Karnak House, 1996.

• Fractures & Fragments (Short Stories), Lagos: African Cultural Institute, 2006.

• Adventures of Anum the Tortoise, Lagos: Lantern Books/Literamed Publications, 2006.

• My Cousin Sammy, Ikorodu: The Book Company, 2007.

• Fire from the Holy Mountain, Ibadan: University Press, 2007.

• Trafficked, Ikeja: Lantern Books/Literamed Publications, 2008.

• Roses and Bullets (Novel), Lagos: Jalaa Writers’ Collective, 2011.

• Magic Breast Bags, Ibadan: University Press Plc, 2019.

• A Million Bullets and a Rose, London: Abibiman Publishing, 2022.

• Do Not Burn My Bones & Other Stories, Lagos: Purple Shelves Limited, 2022.

POETRY

• Heart Songs, Ibadan: Kraft Books, 2009.

• Broken Bodies, Damaged Souls & Other Poems, Lagos: Purple Shelves Limited, 2022.

EDITED WORKS / ANTHOLOGIES

• Silver Lining: An Anthology of Nigerian Literature (Co-edited with Folu Agoi), PEN Nigeria Centre, 2019.

• Metaphor for Happiness & Other Stories (Co-editor), Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike Press, 2019.

• Tolerance & Other Poems (Co-editor), Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike Press, 2019.

• Contours of Tolerance (Co-editor), Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike Press, 2019.

• Resident Alien & Other Stories (Co-edited with Ada Uzoamaka Azodo), Goldline & Jacobs, USA, 2020.

• Footmarks: Poems on One Hundred Years of Nigeria’s Nationhood (Co-edited with Naza Amaeze Okoli), Ikeja: ICS Services Limited, 2014.

• Wings of Dawn: An Anthology of New Writing by Nigerian Women (Co-edited with Ronnie Uzoigwe), British Council/WRITA, Lagos, 2006.

NON-FICTION

• Fact & Fiction in the Literature of the Nigerian Civil War, Lagos: Unity Publishing & Research Company, 1992.

• Gender Issues in Nigeria – A Feminine Perspective, Lagos: Vista Books, 1996.

• A Companion to the Novel, Lagos: Vista Books, 1998.

• The Literatures of War (Edited with Liz Gunner), SOAS, University of London.

• Literature, Language and National Consciousness (Edited with K. King-Aribisala), Lagos: University of Lagos Press, 2006.

• Snail-Sense Feminism: Building on an Indigenous Model, Faculty of Arts, University of Lagos, 2012.

ESSAYS AND MEDIA FEATURES ON HER WORK

• “When a Novelist Writes a Play” by Chika Abanobi, The Spectator, 20–26 February 2009, p. 41.

• “Escape into Poetry, Audacity of Pidgin” by Akeem Lasisi, The Punch, 19 May 2009, p. 46.

• “Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo’s Post-Inaugural Harvest” by Ezechi Onyerionwu, Sunday Vanguard, 14 June 2009, p. 47.

• “10 Most Significant Contemporary Nigerian Novelists” by Henry Akubuiro, The National Life, 22 March 2009, p. 21.

• “Profile of a Role Model, Prof. Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo,” Growing Up, Action Health Incorporated, Vol. 17, No. 14, December 2009, p. 20.

 

ANA Congratulates Prof. Akachi Ezeigbo on Her 79th Birthday

ANA CONGRATULATES PROF. AKACHI EZEIGBO ON HER 79TH BIRTHDAY

The Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) has warmly congratulated Professor Akachi Ezeigbo, current Chairperson of the Advisory Board of the NLNG Nigeria Prize for Literature and Member of the Board of Trustees of the Nigerian Academy of Letters (NAL), on the joyous occasion of her 79th birthday. 

The congratulatory message was contained in a press statement jointly issued by the ANA President, Dr. Uman Oladipo Akanbi, and the General Secretary, Dame Joan Oji, PhD.

In the statement, ANA described Professor Ezeigbo as one of Nigeria’s most distinguished literary icons whose enduring contributions to creative writing, scholarship, and mentorship have left an indelible mark on the nation’s literary landscape. 

The Association praised her unwavering commitment to excellence and her tireless efforts in nurturing generations of writers, scholars, and literary enthusiasts.

Professor Ezeigbo, an accomplished Nigerian author and educator, has published extensively across genres, including novels, poetry, short stories, children’s literature, essays, and journalism. A recipient of several prestigious awards, including the Nigeria Prize for Literature, her body of work reflects depth, cultural consciousness, and a profound engagement with societal issues. Her writings continue to inspire readers within and beyond Nigeria.

Beyond her creative accomplishments, ANA highlighted her remarkable academic career and supervisory record. At the University of Lagos, she supervised over 160 undergraduate projects between 1986 and 2015, in addition to supervising 12 projects at the Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ikwo, from 2015 to 2022. She also guided more than 100 Master’s dissertations at Unilag and successfully supervised 12 PhD candidates who graduated between 2003 and 2018. She is currently supervising a doctoral student at Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State. Additionally, she supervised six Postgraduate Diploma students at the University of Lagos between 2012 and 2014.

The Association further commended her contributions to journalism and public discourse. Professor Ezeigbo served on the editorial boards of two Lagos-based newspapers, The Independent (1992–1995) and The Post Express (1997–1999), where she wrote editorials, feature articles, and maintained regular columns. Through these platforms, she demonstrated her versatility and commitment to shaping informed public opinion.

ANA also acknowledged her global literary engagements, noting that Professor Ezeigbo has toured several countries, reading from her works and participating in international literary events. In 1993, she toured six British cities—London, Bristol, Leicester, Liverpool, Manchester, and Nottingham—where she read from her short story collection Rhythms of Life: Stories of Modern Nigeria. She was a guest of the Centre for African Studies at the University of Edinburgh in 1998 and delivered readings in Germany at the Evangelische Akademie in Bad Boll (2000) and Humboldt University, Berlin (2002). She also participated in the Time of the Writer Festival in South Africa, the 2002 International PEN Convention in Macedonia, and presented a paper at the Zimbabwe International Book Fair in 2003.

Among her numerous publications are The Buried Treasure, The Prize, Alani the Troublemaker & Other Stories, Asa and the Little Stream, Whisker the Brave Cat, Red One and the Wizard of Mula, Snake Child and Star Baby, Ezezemale and the Tree Spirits, Sunshine, the Miracle Child, Heart Songs, Clouds and Other Poems for Children, Ako the Storyteller, and Zoba and His Gang. These works, spanning children’s fiction and poetry to adult literature, underscore her versatility and commitment to promoting literacy and storytelling among diverse audiences.

While celebrating her 79th birthday, ANA expressed profound gratitude for Professor Ezeigbo’s steadfast dedication to the advancement of Nigerian literature and scholarship. The Association prayed for her continued good health, strength, and inspiration, noting that her legacy remains a guiding light for emerging and established writers alike. ANA reaffirmed its pride in associating with such a distinguished literary matriarch whose life embodies service, excellence, and creative brilliance.

 

ANA President joins PAWA Secretary General To Honour Chief Afe Babalola

ANA PRESIDENT JOINS PAWA SECRETARY GENERAL TO HONOUR CHIEF AFE BABALOLA

By ANA Media Team

The President of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Dr. Usman Oladipo Akanbi, joined the Secretary General of the Pan African Writers Association (PAWA), Dr. Wale Okediran, on 5th February 2026 to honour Aare Emmanuel Afe Babalola, CON, SAN, at Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti.

The honour, conferred by PAWA as the umbrella body of writers’ associations across Africa, recognized Chief Afe Babalola’s enduring contributions to education, intellectual development, and nation-building.

Dr. Usman Oladipo Akanbi, as ANA President, participated in the delegation led by Dr. Wale Okediran to formally celebrate the visionary leadership that birthed Afe Babalola University sixteen years ago.

PAWA noted that the university has distinguished itself within a short period through academic excellence, sound character formation, and world-class infrastructure comparable to older institutions.

The institution’s serene environment, quality scholarship, and emphasis on discipline were highlighted as factors that have positioned it as a preferred destination for parents seeking high educational standards for their wards.

In his remarks, Aare Emmanuel Afe Babalola reflected on his journey from poverty to prominence and reaffirmed his belief that education remains the strongest catalyst for societal growth and sustainable development.

He emphasized that investing personal resources in education provides a more enduring legacy than material inheritance, a conviction that informed his commitment to building and sustaining the university.

Dr. Usman Oladipo Akanbi, alongside the PAWA delegation, expressed appreciation for the warm reception accorded them and affirmed that the honour bestowed on Chief Afe Babalola was timely, fitting, and richly deserved.

Oyin Oyegoke To Headline ANA Osun February Reading

OYIN OYEGOKE TO HEADLINE ANA OSUN FEBRUARY READING

The Osun State Chapter of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA Osun) has announced that its February Monthly Reading will be headlined by acclaimed author and cultural storyteller, Oyin Oyegoke.

The literary gathering is scheduled for Saturday, February 21, 2026, at Ila Bar, Madam Aderinu Shopping Complex, Gbongan Road, MDS, Osogbo, Osun State, beginning at 12 PM.

This announcement was made in a press statement jointly signed by the Chairman and Secretary of ANA Osun, Odetayo Wasiu Mobewaji and Olaonipekun Olatunde, who described the event as yet another milestone in the Association’s ongoing commitment to celebrating literary excellence and fostering a vibrant reading culture across the state.

Oyin Oyegoke is an author, cultural storyteller, and advocate for education, youth development, and the promotion of African heritage. His recently launched bilingual graphic novel, Ọlọ́dẹ Ọ̀ṣọ́ (Hunter Diamond in English), fuses African culture, language, and values with modern storytelling to inspire young readers. As a creative entrepreneur and tech professional, Oyegoke is dedicated to producing engaging educational content that promotes literacy, cultural identity, and socio-cultural growth across Africa.

In his graphic novel series, beginning with Era of Diamonds (Àkókò Òșó), Oyegoke demonstrates how arts and literature can be simultaneously colorful, entertaining, and instructive. The work is designed to revive the reading culture, encourage African language literacy, and provide both educational and recreational value to readers of all ages.

The February reading promises to be an interactive platform for writers, readers, and literary enthusiasts, celebrating creativity while nurturing the growth of a sustainable literary culture in Osun State.

ANA Osun warmly invites students, book lovers, and the general public to participate in this enriching experience.

For participation and further inquiries, interested individuals may contact 08160881375 for directions and additional information.

Yusuf Ali, SAN Funds 2026 ANA Reading Awareness Campaign

 YUSUF ALI, SAN FUNDS 2026 ANA READING AWARENESS CAMPAIGN

By ANA Media Team

The Principal Partner of Yusuf O. Ali & Co. (Ghalib Chambers), Yusuf Ali, SAN, FCIArb, has donated the sum of ₦3 million (Three Million Naira) to fund the 2026 ANA/Yusuf Ali Reading Awareness Campaign.

A highly respected and intellectually inclined Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Yusuf Ali, SAN, has consistently sponsored the reading campaign since 2012. His continued support of the initiative reflects his deep commitment to literacy development and the promotion of a vibrant reading culture across Nigeria.

The President of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Dr. Usman Oladipo Akanbi, and the General Secretary, Dame Joan Oji, PhD, expressed delight and profound gratitude to the philanthropist for his unwavering support of the Association’s annual literary awareness campaign. 

They also urged wealthy and well-meaning Nigerians from all walks of life to emulate Yusuf Ali, SAN, by investing in educational and literary development initiatives that strengthen national growth.

The Yusuf Ali Grant further reinforces his long-standing commitment to the advancement of literature in Nigeria. 

The grant will provide much-needed support to selected ANA state branches, enabling them to organise reading programmes, expand literary activities, and promote the steady growth of their chapters.

The Association of Nigerian Authors sincerely thanks Yusuf Ali, SAN, FCIArb, for his generosity, vision, and sustained support for Nigerian literature.