ANA Congratulations Prof. Isiaka Aliagan FANA On His 60th Birthday

ANA CONGRATULATES PROF. ISIAKA ALIAGAN FANA ON HIS 60TH BIRTHDAY

ANA Media Team 

The Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) has congratulated Professor Isiaka Aliagan on the occasion of his 60th birthday, describing the milestone as a celebration of a life devoted to literature, scholarship, and national development. 

The felicitation was conveyed in a press statement issued by ANA President, Dr. Usman Oladipo Akanbi, and the General Secretary, Dame Joan Oji, PhD, who jointly acknowledged his enduring contributions to the literary community.

The statement noted that Professor Aliagan’s attainment of 60 years represents not only a personal achievement but also a testimony to decades of impactful service within ANA and the broader intellectual space. He is recognized as a former national officer (Ex-Officio) during the tenure of the late Abubakar Gimba, as well as a former Chairman of the Kwara State Chapter of ANA, where he distinguished himself through leadership and advocacy for writers. He is also a Fellow of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA). 

Born on May 4, 1966, in Douala, Cameroon, Professor Aliagan’s academic trajectory reflects depth and excellence. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication from Bayero University, Kano, a Master of Science degree in the same field from the University of Lagos, and a Doctoral degree in History, with specialization in Press and Politics, from the University of Ilorin. He currently serves as a lecturer at Kwara State University, Ilorin, where he continues to mentor and inspire students.

Professor Aliagan has established himself as a versatile author with works cutting across poetry, prose, and drama. His literary publications include Cadence (1997), Emissary of Joy (1999), and Scars of the Moon (2000). He has also contributed to children’s literature through Akeju, the Pampered Boy (2003) and Stories from the Qur’an (2003), as well as drama with Oba Mama (2003), showcasing his wide-ranging creative expression.

Beyond creative writing, he has made notable contributions to journalism and media studies. His instructional texts, including Fundamentals of Newspaper Journalism (2006) and Techniques of Aviation Journalism (2007), have served as valuable resources for students and practitioners alike. 

His professional experience spans roles as a reporter, editor, publisher, and public relations practitioner, underscoring his multifaceted career. 

As Professor Aliagan marks this significant milestone, ANA has joined family, friends, colleagues, and admirers in celebrating his achievements and legacy. 

The association has commended his unwavering commitment to the advancement of Nigerian literature and expressed its best wishes for his continued good health, productivity, and service to humanity.

 

World Book Day: ANA Calls for Stronger Support for Nigeria's Book Industry

 WORLD BOOK DAY: ANA CALLS FOR STRONGER SUPPORT FOR NIGERIA’S BOOK INDUSTRY

By ANA Media Team 

The Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) has joined the global literary community in celebrating World Book Day, a day set aside to recognize the enduring power of books, reading, and creative expression in shaping societies. 

The Association reaffirmed its commitment to promoting Nigerian literature, supporting writers across generations, and strengthening the nation’s reading culture. 

This was contained in a press statement jointly issued by Dr Usman Oladipo Akanbi, President

Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) and  Dame Joan Oji, PhD

General Secretary

Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA)

Books remain one of the most enduring tools for education, cultural preservation, and national development.

The Association noted that since its establishment, it has continued to play a pivotal role in nurturing literary talent and sustaining the creative ecosystem in Nigeria. Through conferences, workshops, literary prizes, mentorship programmes, and publications, ANA has consistently provided platforms that empower writers and encourage literary excellence across the country.

The Association also highlighted the important role played by its members, whose works have projected Nigerian literature to the global stage. Spread across various state chapters and in the diaspora, members of the Association have continued to contribute meaningfully to the development of literature, storytelling, and intellectual engagement within and beyond Nigeria.

A key symbol of the Association’s commitment to literary development is the Yusuf Ali Library located at the Mamman Vatsa Writers Village. The library serves as a significant repository of Nigerian and African literary works and provides an important resource centre for writers, researchers, students, and lovers of literature.

The Mamman Vatsa Writers Village itself remains one of the Association’s most visionary projects. Conceived as a creative sanctuary for writers, the Village provides an environment conducive to reflection, research, and literary production. Over the years, it has hosted several literary activities and continues to stand as a cultural landmark dedicated to the advancement of Nigerian literature.

On the occasion of World Book Day, the Association also celebrated the Nigerian book and the writers, publishers, and literary practitioners who continue to sustain the industry despite numerous challenges. Nigerian writers continue to produce works that interrogate social realities, celebrate cultural heritage, and contribute to global literary conversations.

The Association further acknowledged the relentless efforts of its members who organise literary programmes, mentor emerging writers, promote reading culture, and sustain literary engagement in their respective communities. Their commitment continues to strengthen the foundations of Nigeria’s literary landscape.

However, the Association noted that the growth of the Nigerian book industry requires stronger institutional support and deliberate investment. Writers, publishers, booksellers, and literary organisations require enabling policies and sustainable funding mechanisms that will strengthen the entire value chain of book production and distribution in Nigeria.

In this regard, the Association of Nigerian Authors called on the Federal Government and other stakeholders to take concrete steps toward establishing and strengthening an endowment fund for the arts and the book industry. Such a fund would provide critical support for literary infrastructure, publishing initiatives, writers’ residencies, libraries, translation projects, and reading promotion programmes across the country.

As the world celebrates the transformative power of books, the Association urged Nigerians to cultivate a stronger reading culture and support local authors and publishers. It emphasized that investing in books is ultimately an investment in knowledge, creativity, and national development.

ANA HAILS DR.TUNDE OLUSUNLE’S CONTRIBUTIONS TO LITERATURE, PUBLIC SERVICE AT 61 By ANA Media Team The Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) has hailed the outstanding contributions of renowned poet, journalist, essayist, literary scholar, and former presidential aide, Dr. Tunde Olusunle, to literature and public service as he marks his 61st birthday. 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, who extolled Dr. Olusunle’s enduring impact on Nigerian literature and intellectual discourse. According to the statement, Dr. Olusunle epitomises Nigeria’s sociocultural diversity at its finest. Born in Kaduna, capital of the erstwhile North Central State, he began his early education in Kaduna and completed it in Benin City in 1975, reflecting a formative experience shaped by diverse cultural influences across regions. He attended the Immaculate Conception College (ICC), Benin City, graduating in 1980, before proceeding to the School of Basic Studies, Kwara State College of Technology, Ilorin, for his A’Level studies, completed in 1982. He later obtained a Bachelor’s degree in English in 1985 and a Master’s degree in Literature in 1989 from the University of Ilorin, and a Doctorate in Media Arts from the University of Abuja in 2020. Between August 1985 and July 1986, Dr. Olusunle undertook the mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Owerri, Imo State. He subsequently taught English and Literature in various schools across present-day Kwara and Kogi States between 1986 and 1990, reflecting his early dedication to education and mentorship. In 1990, he transitioned into journalism, beginning a distinguished career in media and public communication. He served on the Editorial Board of the Daily Times of Nigeria Plc, Lagos, and later functioned as chief publicist to three Governors of Kogi State—both civilian and military—between 1992 and 1997. He also served in Nigeria’s Presidency between 1999 and 2007. An independent scholar of remarkable repute, Dr. Olusunle is currently an Adjunct Professor of Creative Writing at the University of Abuja. He has authored three volumes of poetry and four volumes of essays, in addition to editing and co-editing several books. His academic works have been widely published in national and international journals, books, and festschrifts. ANA commended Dr. Olusunle for his unwavering commitment to the literary arts and his significant role in shaping generations of writers and thinkers. The Association wished him continued good health, longevity, and more accomplishments in the years ahead. [4/5, 9:50 AM] Wole Adedoyin: ANA Hails Dr. Tunde Olusunle's Contributions to Literature, Public Lecture at 61

 ANA HAILS DR.TUNDE OLUSUNLE’S CONTRIBUTIONS TO LITERATURE, PUBLIC SERVICE AT 61

By ANA Media Team

The Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) has hailed the outstanding contributions of renowned poet, journalist, essayist, literary scholar, and former presidential aide, Dr. Tunde Olusunle, to literature and public service as he marks his 61st birthday.

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, who extolled Dr. Olusunle’s enduring impact on Nigerian literature and intellectual discourse.

According to the statement, Dr. Olusunle epitomises Nigeria’s sociocultural diversity at its finest. Born in Kaduna, capital of the erstwhile North Central State, he began his early education in Kaduna and completed it in Benin City in 1975, reflecting a formative experience shaped by diverse cultural influences across regions.

He attended the Immaculate Conception College (ICC), Benin City, graduating in 1980, before proceeding to the School of Basic Studies, Kwara State College of Technology, Ilorin, for his A’Level studies, completed in 1982. He later obtained a Bachelor’s degree in English in 1985 and a Master’s degree in Literature in 1989 from the University of Ilorin, and a Doctorate in Media Arts from the University of Abuja in 2020.

Between August 1985 and July 1986, Dr. Olusunle undertook the mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Owerri, Imo State. He subsequently taught English and Literature in various schools across present-day Kwara and Kogi States between 1986 and 1990, reflecting his early dedication to education and mentorship.

In 1990, he transitioned into journalism, beginning a distinguished career in media and public communication. He served on the Editorial Board of the Daily Times of Nigeria Plc, Lagos, and later functioned as chief publicist to three Governors of Kogi State—both civilian and military—between 1992 and 1997. He also served in Nigeria’s Presidency between 1999 and 2007.

An independent scholar of remarkable repute, Dr. Olusunle is currently an Adjunct Professor of Creative Writing at the University of Abuja. He has authored three volumes of poetry and four volumes of essays, in addition to editing and co-editing several books. His academic works have been widely published in national and international journals, books, and festschrifts.

ANA commended Dr. Olusunle for his unwavering commitment to the literary arts and his significant role in shaping generations of writers and thinkers. The Association wished him continued good health, longevity, and more accomplishments in the years ahead.

ANA Mourns the Passing of Emeritus Prof. Kalu Uka

ANA MOURNS THE PASSING OF EMERITUS PROF. KALU UKA

By ANA Media Team

The Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) has mourned the passing of Emeritus Professor Kalu Uka, a towering figure in Nigerian and African literary scholarship, who died in April 2026 at the age of 88. 

The association described his death as a monumental loss to the literary, academic, and cultural communities in Nigeria and beyond.

The association noted that Emeritus Professor Kalu Uka was a leading authority on Theatre Arts and English Literature, whose intellectual contributions significantly shaped the study and performance of African drama. ANA also recalled that he belonged to the same distinguished academic generation as the Nobel Laureate, Wole Soyinka, highlighting the enduring impact of that era on global literary discourse.

Born in Akanu-Ohafia, Professor Uka began his educational journey at Akanu Ohafia Presbyterian School before proceeding to Hope Waddell Training Institute, Calabar. He later attended the University of Ibadan and the University of Toronto, where he obtained his academic degrees and laid the foundation for a distinguished academic and literary career.

Throughout his career, Professor Uka served as a Professor at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka and later at the University of Calabar. At both institutions, he held several leadership roles, including Head of Department and Dean of Arts, where he was widely respected for his dedication to scholarship and institutional development.

He also contributed immensely to the University of Uyo, where he served in various capacities such as Coordinator, Dean, and University Orator. His service across these institutions reflected a lifelong commitment to academic excellence and the advancement of the humanities.

ANA further acknowledged his pioneering role in the development of theatre practice in Nigeria, including his co-founding of Oak Theatre. His contributions to the histrionic arts enriched the cultural landscape and strengthened the place of drama as a vital tool for social reflection and artistic expression.

As a creative writer, Professor Uka authored several notable works, including Colonel Ben Brim, A Consummation of Fire, and A Harvest for Arts, a dramatic adaptation of Chinua Achebe’s Arrow of God. His works were widely regarded for their thematic depth, particularly in addressing issues of war, society, and moral consciousness.

Professor Uka also gained international recognition through his teaching and research engagements. He taught Shakespeare extensively and served as an assistant lecturer at the University of Leeds. As a Fulbright Scholar of African Drama, he contributed meaningfully to global scholarship and intercultural academic exchange.

The association further noted his membership of the Smithsonian Institution, which underscored the global appreciation of his  scholarly contributions. He  was widely revered as a teacher and mentor whose influence extended across generations of students and scholars.

The Association of Nigerian Authors stated that the passing of Professor Uka marks the end of an era in Nigerian literary and theatrical scholarship. ANA extended its heartfelt condolences to his family, colleagues, former students, and the broader literary community, while praying for the peaceful repose of his soul.

 

ANA Celebrates Emeritus Professor Olu Obafemi at 76

ANA CELEBRATES EMERITUS PROFESSOR OLU OBAFEMI AT 76

By ANA Media Team 

The Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) has congratulated one of its most distinguished elders and a revered member of its Board of Trustees, Olu Obafemi, on the occasion of his 76th birthday. 

The association describes the eminent scholar as an extraordinary literary icon, an accomplished academic, and a steadfast champion of Nigerian literature whose enduring contributions have left an indelible mark on the nation’s intellectual and cultural landscape.

In a press statement jointly issued by the President of the Association, Usman Oladipo Akanbi, FANA, and the General Secretary, Joan Oji, PhD, ANA praised Professor Obafemi as a towering figure in the world of letters, a visionary thinker, and a mentor of exceptional influence. 

The association noted that his illustrious career exemplifies dedication to scholarship, creative excellence, and the advancement of the literary arts in Nigeria.

Born on April 4, 1950, Professor Olu Obafemi is widely celebrated as a prolific poet, playwright, critic, and scholar of international repute. As Professor of English and Dramatic Literature at the University of Ilorin, a position he held with distinction since October 1990 before attaining emeritus status, he distinguished himself as a brilliant intellectual whose teaching, research, and creative works have profoundly shaped the study and appreciation of Nigerian and African literature.

Professor Obafemi’s remarkable contributions to academia and national development earned him the prestigious Nigerian National Order of Merit in 2018, making him the 76th recipient of Nigeria’s highest academic honour. This recognition stands as a testament to his profound scholarship, remarkable creativity, and unwavering commitment to advancing knowledge and cultural consciousness.

Over the decades, he has also demonstrated exemplary leadership within the literary and academic communities. He served as President of the Nigerian Academy of Letters between 2016 and 2018 and earlier led the Association of Nigerian Authors as its President, where he played a pivotal role in strengthening the institution and promoting the growth of Nigerian literature at both national and international levels.

Beyond his formidable scholarly achievements, Professor Obafemi is widely admired as a generous mentor, cultural advocate, and public intellectual. Through decades of teaching, writing, and service, he has nurtured generations of writers, scholars, and thinkers whose works continue to enrich the literary and academic landscape. His intellectual depth, creative brilliance, and unwavering commitment to cultural preservation have earned him widespread respect and admiration across Nigeria and beyond.

As he celebrates this remarkable milestone, the Association of Nigerian Authors salutes Emeritus Professor Olu Obafemi as a distinguished patriot, an erudite scholar, and a luminous figure in Nigerian letters. 

The association wishes the Asiwaju of Kiri Kingdom, Emeritus Professor Olu Obafemi, FNAL, FSONTA, FANA, NNOM, many more years of good health, fulfilment, and continued contributions to literature, scholarship, and national development.

ANA Congratulates Ex-Ebonyi Chairman on his Birthday

 ANA CONGRATULATES EX-EBONYI CHAIRMAN ON HIS BIRTHDAY

By ANA Media Team 

The Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) has congratulated its former Ebonyi State Chairman and current National Publicity Secretary on the occasion of his birthday, describing the milestone as a moment worthy of celebration and reflection on a life of service to literature and the Association.

This was contained in a press statement issued by the ANA President, Dame Joan Oji, PhD, and the General Secretary, who commended the celebrant for his steadfast commitment and invaluable contributions to the growth and visibility of ANA at both the state and national levels.

The statement noted that during his tenure as Ebonyi State Chairman, he demonstrated exemplary leadership, fostering unity among members and advancing literary activities within the chapter. His emergence as the National Publicity Secretary was described as a recognition of his competence, dedication, and effective communication skills.

ANA further praised his passion for the literary arts and his consistent efforts in promoting the Association’s programmes, projects, and public image. It added that his work continues to inspire confidence and enthusiasm among writers across the country.

The Association wished him good health, continued success, and many more years of impactful service, expressing optimism that his contributions would further strengthen ANA and enrich Nigeria’s literary community.

ANA Board of Trustees Celebrates Emeritus Professor Olu Obefemi at 76

 ANA BOARD OF TRUSTEES CELEBRATES EMERITUS PROFESSOR OLU OBAFEMI AT 76

The Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Emeritus Professor Femi Osofisan, on behalf of the entire Board, warmly congratulates Emeritus Professor Olu Obafemi, FNAL, FSONTA, FANA, NNOM, the Asiwaju of Kiri Kingdom, on the joyous occasion of his 76th birthday. 

The Board celebrates his towering contributions to Nigerian literature, scholarship, and national development, acknowledging his enduring legacy as a distinguished playwright, critic, teacher, and cultural icon. His lifelong commitment to the advancement of the literary arts and his unwavering mentorship of generations of writers remain a source of pride and inspiration to ANA and the nation at large. As he marks this remarkable milestone, the Board of Trustees wishes him continued good health, wisdom, and many more years of impactful service to humanity.

Signed:

Emeritus Professor Femi Osofisan 

Chairman, 

ANA Board of Trustees