Communique issued at the end of the 2026 ANA NEC Meeting with Chapter Chairmen and Secretaries

 COMMUNIQUÉ ISSUED AT THE END OF THE 2026 ANA NEC MEETING WITH CHAPTER CHAIRMEN AND SECRETARIES HELD ON FRIDAY, 27TH MARCH, 2026 AT THE FEMI OSOFISAN NATIONAL SECRETARIAT, MAMMAN VATSA WRITERS’ VILLAGE, MAITAMA EXTENSION, MPAPE, ABUJA

The National Executive Council (NEC) of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), in conjunction with Chapter Chairmen and Secretaries from across the country, held a strategic meeting on Friday, 27th March, 2026, at the Conference Room of the Femi Osofisan National Secretariat, Mamman Vatsa Writers’ Village, Maitama Extension, Mpape, Abuja. The meeting deliberated on critical matters affecting the Association, the Nigerian literary community, and the broader national environment.

After extensive deliberations, the meeting issued the following communiqué:

1. The meeting reaffirmed the commitment of the Association of Nigerian Authors to its founding ideals of promoting Nigerian literature, encouraging creative expression, nurturing emerging writers, and sustaining intellectual engagement in national development. 

2. The NEC commended state chapters for sustaining vibrant literary activities across the country through regular readings, workshops, and literary engagements, despite prevailing economic challenges. 

3. The Council noted with satisfaction the restoration of peace and unity in several ANA chapters following reconciliation efforts by the National Executive Council. Chapters such as Akwa Ibom, Abuja (FCT), Edo, Enugu, Niger, and Bayelsa were specifically acknowledged for resolving internal differences and strengthening chapter cohesion. 

4. The meeting also welcomed the return of Lagos, Plateau, and Ekiti Chapters to full participation in the affairs of the Association and commended all members who worked tirelessly to preserve the unity and stability of ANA during challenging periods. 

5. NEC appreciated the developmental initiatives introduced by the Immediate Past President, Mr. Camillus Ukah, particularly the progress made on the ANA Hotel and Apartments Project. The Council noted that the project represents a major step towards achieving long-term financial sustainability for the Association. 

6. The Council acknowledged the progress made on the ANA land development and reiterated its confidence in the ongoing partnership with the project developer, expressing optimism that the project will soon begin to yield financial returns for the Association. 

7. NEC reviewed the Yusuf Ali Awareness Grant initiative and commended the chapters that successfully executed projects and submitted reports on the grant. The Council reiterated that accountability remains a fundamental requirement for participation in future grants. 

8. The meeting emphasized the importance of transparency and financial discipline within the Association and urged all chapters to maintain functional bank accounts to facilitate proper financial management and accountability. 

9. NEC reaffirmed the need for strict adherence to democratic principles in the conduct of state chapter elections and stressed that leadership in the Association must remain rotational, transparent, and in accordance with the constitution of ANA. 

10. The Council noted the progress made on the Ken Saro-Wiwa International Writers’ Residency Programme and encouraged the National Secretariat to continue strengthening the initiative as a platform for nurturing literary creativity and international engagement. 

11. NEC received updates on preparations for the 2026 ANA International Convention and called on all chapters to actively mobilize their members for robust participation in the convention. 

12. The meeting also received updates on major ANA projects and programmes including the Prof. Femi Osofisan at 80 celebration, the Chinua Achebe Prize for Literature, REPGRONIG, and other literary initiatives aimed at strengthening the Nigerian literary ecosystem. 

13. NEC reiterated the importance of the ongoing ANA Membership Revalidation Exercise and encouraged all members nationwide to participate in the process in order to strengthen the institutional structure of the Association. 

14. The Council expressed concern about the increasing challenges confronting writers and the publishing industry in Nigeria, particularly rising production costs, limited access to publishing infrastructure, and the declining reading culture among young people. 

15. The meeting called on the Federal Government of Nigeria and relevant cultural institutions to prioritize the development of the literary and creative sectors as critical components of national development and cultural preservation. 

16. NEC urged government at all levels to invest more in libraries, literary festivals, book development initiatives, and educational programmes that encourage reading and creative writing among Nigerian youths. 

17. The Association also expressed deep concern about the general socio-economic situation in the country, including rising inflation, unemployment, insecurity, and the increasing cost of living, which continue to affect citizens and creative practitioners across the nation. 

18. The Council called on government to intensify efforts towards improving national security, stabilizing the economy, and creating an enabling environment for intellectual and creative pursuits to thrive. 

19. The meeting further urged policymakers to recognize writers and artists as important voices in national discourse and to involve them more actively in conversations about nation-building, cultural policy, and social transformation. 

20. NEC advised all state chapters to exercise caution and prudence in their dealings with individuals whose actions have previously led to litigation against the Association, noting that such circumstances have the potential to undermine the unity, stability, and collective progress of ANA. 

21. NEC reaffirmed that literature remains a powerful tool for social reflection, national healing, and democratic development, and pledged that the Association of Nigerian Authors will continue to play its historic role in shaping intellectual discourse in Nigeria. 

22. Finally, the Council expressed appreciation to all NEC members, Chapter Chairmen, and Secretaries who attended the meeting and commended the leadership of the Association for sustaining unity, stability, and progressive development within ANA. 

Signed

Dr. Usman Oladipo Akanbi

President, Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA)

Dame Joan Oji, PhD

General Secretary, Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA)

ANA Greets Christians at Easter, Calls for Urgent Action on Insecurity, Unemployment

 ANA GREETS CHRISTIANS AT EASTER, CALLS FOR URGENT ACTION ON INSECURITY, UNEMPLOYMENT

By ANA Media Team

The Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) has greeted Christians across Nigeria and in the diaspora on the occasion of Easter, urging them to reflect on the enduring values of sacrifice, hope, and renewal that define the season.

The Association noted that Easter serves as a solemn reminder of the triumph of faith and resilience, as well as an opportunity for deep national introspection.

In a press statement issued by the ANA President and General Secretary, Dr. Usman Oladipo Akanbi and Dame Joan Oji, PhD, the Association emphasized that the significance of Easter goes beyond religious observance, as it speaks to the urgent need for collective healing and national rebuilding in the face of numerous challenges.

ANA called on Nigerians to draw inspiration from the season by promoting peace, unity, and a renewed sense of purpose in their daily lives.

The Association expressed concern over the persistent insecurity in various parts of the country, noting that the situation continues to endanger lives and weaken the fabric of society. It urged the government to take more decisive action by implementing effective and sustainable measures that address both the symptoms and root causes of insecurity.

ANA also decried the rising rate of unemployment, particularly among the youth, describing it as a critical issue that requires immediate and strategic attention. The Association called on relevant authorities to intensify efforts toward job creation, economic empowerment, and the provision of opportunities that will harness the potential of young Nigerians.

While urging the government to act decisively, ANA appealed to citizens to remain law-abiding, support one another, and contribute meaningfully to national development. The Association stressed that overcoming the nation’s challenges requires a shared commitment from both leaders and the governed.

ANA concluded by wishing all Christians a peaceful and fulfilling Easter celebration, expressing hope that the season will inspire renewed dedication to building a safer, more united, and prosperous Nigeria.

ANA Calls for Entries for it's 2026 Literary Prizes

 ANA CALLS FOR ENTRIES FOR ITS 2026 LITERARY PRIZES

By ANA Media Team 

The Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) has officially announced the call for entries for its 2026 literary prizes, inviting Nigerian writers from across the globe to submit eligible works for consideration. 

The annual prizes celebrate excellence in Nigerian literature and provide a platform for recognizing outstanding contributions across multiple literary genres.

In a statement issued by the association and signed by the Secretary General, Dame Joan Oji, Ph.D., ANA reaffirmed its commitment to promoting literary creativity and rewarding exceptional writing. 

The announcement highlights the organization’s longstanding role in encouraging the development and visibility of Nigerian literature both locally and internationally.

According to the statement, the 2026 prizes will recognize published works in poetry, fiction, drama, literary criticism, non-fiction, and children’s literature. These categories reflect the diversity of Nigerian literary expression and the association’s dedication to supporting writers working across different forms of storytelling and scholarship.

Leading the list of prizes is the ANA/KMVL Prize for Poetry, which carries a cash award of N200,000. The prize will be awarded to a collection of poems published by a Nigerian author between 2025 and 2026. The poetry prize continues to be one of ANA’s flagship recognitions for poets whose works demonstrate artistic excellence and originality.

Also open for submissions is the ANA/King Dakolo Prize for Fiction, which offers N100,000 for the best novel published by a Nigerian author within the same eligibility period. Alongside it is the ANA Prize for Drama, also valued at N100,000, which honors outstanding plays that contribute to the growth of Nigerian theatre and dramatic literature.

The association will also award the ANA/Amina Talaku Zakama Prize for Literary Criticism, worth N100,000. This category is open to academic essays of not less than 4,000 words examining any aspect of Nigerian literature, provided the work was published in a reputable journal between 2025 and 2026.

In addition, the ANA/Sir Chukwuemeka Sam Nwelue Prize for Non-Fiction, valued at N100,000, will recognize a book of creative non-fiction such as autobiography, biography, memoir, travelogue, or a collection of essays of at least 100 pages. 

The ANA/Ngozi Chuma-Udeh Prize for Children’s Fiction, also carrying N100,000, will reward a prose work written for children and published within the eligibility period.

Interested authors are required to submit ten copies of their work along with a photocopy of the deposit slip for the N10,000 entry fee per submission. Each entry must be accompanied by a covering letter specifying the prize category, the author’s full contact details including email, postal address, and telephone number, as well as proof of Nigerian citizenship.

The entry fee should be paid to the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), First Bank of Nigeria Plc, Account Number 2020543538.

All submission materials should be sent to the General Secretary, Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), KM 2, Mamman Vatsa Writers’ Village, Mpape, Abuja.

ANA emphasized that all submitted works must be original, published between 2025 and 2026, and must not have been previously entered for any ANA prize. While multiple entries are allowed, each submission must meet the stipulated guidelines and be accompanied by the required entry fee and documentation.

The statement further noted that the prizes are not open to members of the ANA Board of Trustees, the National Executive Council, prize jury members, or their immediate family members. Judges are also required to recuse themselves from assessing any work to which they have contributed editorial input such as blurbs, forewords, or introductions.

All entries must be received on or before June 30, 2026, and no extensions will be granted. A shortlist of nominees will be announced in August 2026, while winners will be unveiled at the Awards Dinner during the ANA International Annual Convention scheduled to hold from October 29 to November 1, 2026. The association encourages all eligible Nigerian writers to take advantage of this opportunity to showcase their work and contribute to the continued growth of Nigerian literature. For further enquiries, interested participants may contact the association through anaauthors@gmail.com.

2026 ANA Review: ANA Calls for Submissions

 2026 ANA REVIEW: ANA CALLS FOR SUBMISSIONS

By ANA Media Team

The National Executive Council of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) has officially announced a call for submissions for the 2026 edition of the ANA Review, inviting writers, scholars, and critics across Nigeria and the global African literary community to contribute to the prestigious annual journal.

According to a statement issued by ANA General Secretary, Joan Oji, PhD the ANA Review remains one of the most respected literary journals within Nigeria and the broader African literary space. 

She noted that the call for submissions represents a significant opportunity for emerging and established writers to showcase their creative and critical works while contributing to the evolving discourse on Nigerian literature.

The ANA Review, the official journal of the Association of Nigerian Authors, is published once every year and features a wide range of literary and academic contributions. 

Over the years, the publication has served as an important archive of contemporary Nigerian literary thought, presenting works that reflect the diversity, creativity, and intellectual vitality of writers across the country and beyond.

Submissions for 2026 ANA Review are invited in several genres. In poetry, contributors may submit not more than two poems, with each poem not exceeding 30 lines. Prose submissions—either short stories or creative nonfiction—must be under 4,000 words. Academic essays on subjects related to Nigerian literature are also welcome and should not exceed 5,000 words.

The editors will also consider short one-act plays in the drama category, which must be under 3,000 words. In addition, book reviews are welcome and should not exceed 1,000 words. These categories reflect the journal’s commitment to showcasing diverse literary forms and encouraging critical reflection on contemporary literary works and ideas.

All submissions must be sent as Microsoft Word attachments via email. Contributors are required to include essential details on the first page of their manuscript, including their name, genre of submission, contact address, telephone number, and a short bio-data. Authors are also advised to ensure that their works are thoroughly edited, error-free, and formatted in Times New Roman, UK English, font size 12, double-spaced.

The deadline for submissions is 30 June 2026, and all materials should be sent to submissionsanareview2026@gmail.com.

Contributors whose works are published will be entitled to one complimentary copy of the journal. The editors encourage writers, scholars, and critics to take advantage of this opportunity to be part of a publication that continues to shape and document the landscape of Nigerian literature.

ANA, Kwara State Government to Host Teachers' Workshop on Poetry Performance Tomorrow

ANA, KWARA STATE GOVERNMENT TO HOST TEACHERS’ WORKSHOP ON POETRY PERFORMANCE TOMORROW

By ANA Media Team

The Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Kwara State Chapter, in partnership with the Kwara State Government, will tomorrow host a Teachers’ Sensitization Workshop on Poetry Performance aimed at strengthening creative expression among young people in secondary schools across the state. 

The programme is part of a broader literary initiative designed to promote performance poetry and spoken word culture among students.

The workshop, themed From Page to Stage: The Role of Poetry in Nurturing Creative Expression Among Young People, will take place on Saturday, April 4, 2026, at 10:00 AM at the KWASU Conference Centre, Zango Road, Ilorin. It is expected to bring together teachers, literary enthusiasts, and creative practitioners who will explore ways of transforming written poetry into engaging stage performances.

According to the Chairman of ANA Kwara State Chapter and convener of the programme, Mohammed El-Nasir Al-Amin, the workshop is designed to equip teachers with practical skills that will enable them to mentor students in poetry performance and spoken word artistry. He explained that the initiative seeks to encourage creativity, confidence, and self-expression among young people through the power of poetry. 

The event will be hosted by the Executive Governor of Kwara State, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, who serves as the Chief Host. The partnership between ANA and the state government reflects a shared commitment to promoting education, arts, and youth development across Kwara State.

Also expected at the event is the National President of the Association of Nigerian Authors, Usman Oladipo Akanbi, who will attend as the Special Guest. His presence highlights the national body’s continued support for programmes that nurture literary creativity and expand opportunities for young writers and performers.

Two distinguished academics from Kwara State University will deliver keynote insights at the workshop. They include Isiaka Aliagan, Dean of the Faculty of ICT, and Saeedat Bolajoko Aliyu, Head of the Department of English.

Participants will also benefit from the expertise of experienced facilitators such as Oluwatosin Ibitoye, Lecturer and Musicologist in the Department of Performing Arts and Film Studies at Kwara State University; Olalekan Omowonuola, a stage director; and Joshua Bassey Asuquo, a spoken word poet known for inspiring young creatives through performance poetry.

The workshop will be moderated by Omayioza Agnes Yusuf, Programme Assistant at Sightsavers and National Central Secretary of the Association of Nigerian Student Authors, who will guide discussions and interactive sessions during the programme.

Organizers noted that the workshop will also serve as preparation for the forthcoming Performance Poetry and Spoken Word Competition for Kwara State secondary school students scheduled for May 2, 2026, at the Ilorin Innovation Hub, GRA, Ilorin. The competition will provide a platform for students to showcase their creative talents and stage performance skills.

The Association of Nigerian Authors, Kwara State Chapter, expressed optimism that the initiative will deepen the appreciation of poetry in schools and inspire a new generation of young writers and performers who can use literature as a powerful tool for creative expression and social engagement.

ANA Commends Kwara Governor for N6,000,000 Boost To Creative Education

ANA COMMENDS KWARA GOVERNOR FOR ₦6,000,000 BOOST TO CREATIVE EDUCATION

By ANA Media Team

The Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) has commended the Kwara State Governor, His Excellency Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, for the endowment of six million naira (₦6,000,000) in support of creative education, describing the gesture as a transformative boost to literary development and youth empowerment in the state.

Building on this ₦6,000,000 intervention, the Kwara State Chapter of ANA has announced a major capacity-building initiative for secondary school teachers, aimed at strengthening the teaching and performance of poetry across schools statewide.

The National President of ANA, Dr. Usman Oladipo Akanbi, praised the Governor’s laudable support, noting that the investment comes at a critical time when creative education is essential to nurturing well-rounded and expressive young minds.

He further commended the administration’s consistent commitment to advancing education in Kwara State, emphasizing that such support for literary initiatives reflects a broader vision for holistic learning and sustainable youth development.

The workshop, an initiative of ANA Kwara in collaboration with the Kwara State Government, is part of ongoing efforts to promote creative writing and performance poetry among students through structured, teacher-led engagement.

Scheduled to hold on April 4 at the Kwara State University Conference Centre, Ilorin, the workshop is themed “From Page to Stage: Teaching and Performing Poetry in the 21st Century,” and is organised in commemoration of World Poetry Day.

According to the ANA President, the training programme is designed to equip teachers with contemporary skills in poetry writing, spoken word, and performance, enabling them to effectively mentor students and nurture emerging literary talents across secondary schools.

Earlier, the Chairman of ANA Kwara, Dr. Mohammed El-Nasir Al-Amin, disclosed that invitations have been sent to secondary schools statewide, requesting the nomination of teacher-representatives for the workshop.

He emphasized that participation in the workshop is free for teachers, as it is fully funded through the Kwara State Government’s ₦6,000,000 educational support initiative, adding that transportation assistance will also be provided to ensure broad participation.

Dr. Al-Amin explained that the trained teachers will, in turn, prepare their students for a statewide Spoken Word and Performance Poetry Competition scheduled for May, thereby extending the impact of the initiative across the state.

The workshop will feature keynote and interactive sessions led by distinguished scholars and practitioners, including Prof. Aderemi Raji-Oyelade, alongside other notable academics and facilitators who will provide practical insights into modern poetry teaching and performance techniques.

Panel discussions and hands-on engagements will also form a core part of the programme, offering participants the opportunity to interact with experts in poetry, theatre, and spoken word, thereby enhancing their pedagogical approaches.

ANA reiterated its commitment to fostering literary creativity, critical thinking, and expressive confidence among students, while strengthening the role of teachers as catalysts in the development of the next generation of Nigerian writers and performers.

ANA Announces New Literary Award: ANA/Awele Ilusanmi Book Promotion Award With N300,000 Support for Authors

ANA ANNOUNCES NEW LITERARY AWARD: ANA/AWELE ILUSANMI BOOK PROMOTION AWARD WITH ₦300,000 SUPPORT FOR AUTHORS

By ANA Media Team

The Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) has announced the introduction of a new literary initiative, the ANA/Awele Ilusanmi Book Promotion Award, aimed at strengthening the reward system for Nigerian writers and enhancing the visibility of their works.

This development was disclosed in an official press statement jointly issued by the ANA President, Dr. Usman Oladipo Akanbi, and the General Secretary, Dame Joan Oji, PhD who described the award as a significant milestone in the association’s commitment to literary excellence and author support.

According to the statement, the award is made possible through the generosity of the Awele Ilusanmi Foundation, which has pledged to award the sum of ₦100,000 to each winner of the three major ANA Award categories: Fiction, Drama, and Poetry.

In total, the foundation’s contribution amounts to ₦300,000 for the 2026 edition, representing a strategic effort to enhance the overall value of the ANA Awards while encouraging higher standards of creativity and productivity among Nigerian writers.

Beyond the monetary reward, winners of the ANA Awards will also benefit from structured support in book promotion and distribution, an intervention designed to address one of the most pressing challenges faced by authors in the Nigerian literary ecosystem.

The benefactor, Dr. Awele Ilusanmi (H.C, FANA, FMIMPS), is a distinguished Fellow of ANA whose contributions to the growth of the literary community have earned her widespread recognition both locally and internationally.

An accomplished author and a recipient of the Connect Nigeria Award, Dr. Ilusanmi has been celebrated for her sustained support and impactful contributions to the Nigerian literary space, particularly in the area of book marketing and author empowerment.

She has also shared her expertise on prominent platforms, including as a speaker at the 2019 edition of the Connect Nigeria Writers' Conference, where she addressed the topic “Successful Book Marketing,” and as a panelist at the Lagos Books and Art Festival 2023, where she spoke on “Winning with Book Publishing and Marketing.”

Driven by a passion to see authors succeed, Dr. Ilusanmi has dedicated her career to equipping writers with practical tools for navigating the publishing landscape, authoring several books focused on marketing strategies and sustainable literary success.

She is the President of the Literary Authors Cooperative Multipurpose Society of Nigeria and the Founder of Book Marketing Class Africa, platforms through which she continues to mentor and empower writers across Africa.

Dr. Ilusanmi is also the author of notable works including Book Marketing Strategies That Work, Comforting Arms, Launch Money, and Profitable Pages.