ANA Congratulates Dr. Keyna C. Eshika on Her Birthday

ANA CONGRATULATES DR. KEYNA C. ESHIKA ON HER BIRTHDAY

By ANA Media Team 

The Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) has congratulated its National Financial Secretary, Dr. Keyna C. Eshika, on the occasion of her birthday celebration today, describing her as a committed intellectual, dedicated administrator, and passionate advocate of scholarship and literary development in Nigeria.

This was contained in a press statement jointly issued by the President of ANA, Dr. Usman Oladipo Akanbi, and the General Secretary of the Association, Dame Joan Oji.

According to the statement, Dr. Keyna Marie Chizoma Eshika has distinguished herself in academia and organizational service through her remarkable contributions to public administration, governance studies, and institutional development. 

The ANA leadership praised her commitment to excellence, noting that her scholarly works on ethical leadership, organizational conflict resolution, and the performance of small and medium-scale enterprises have continued to enrich intellectual discourse and policy conversations within Nigeria and beyond.

The Association further acknowledged Dr. Eshika’s contributions as an academic and researcher at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, where her studies have focused on public sector governance, leadership studies, organizational ethics, and educational development. 

ANA particularly commended her notable publications, including her work on supply chain management and SMEs in Abuja, as well as her research on ethical leadership and the impact of digital communication technologies on academic performance among students.

While celebrating her new age, ANA described Dr. Eshika as a dependable officer whose service as National Financial Secretary has contributed immensely to the growth and stability of the Association. 

The Association prayed for God’s continued guidance, good health, wisdom, and greater accomplishments in her academic, professional, and personal life, while wishing her many more years of impactful service to literature, scholarship, and national development.

ANA President Dr. Usman Akanbi Emerges NBFT Vice Chairman

ANA PRESIDENT DR. USMAN AKANBI EMERGES NBFT VICE CHAIRMAN

By ANA Media Team 

The President of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Dr. Usman Oladipo Akanbi, has emerged as the Vice Chairman of the Nigeria Book Fair Trust. 

His emergence marks another significant milestone in the advancement of literary development, book culture, and intellectual engagement within Nigeria’s literary ecosystem.

This was contained in a press statement issued by Abiodun Omotubi, Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Book Fair Trust. 

According to the statement, the appointment reflects the confidence reposed in Dr. Akanbi’s leadership capacity, commitment to literary growth, and longstanding contributions to the Nigerian creative and publishing industry.

The Nigeria Book Fair Trust is a prominent non-governmental organisation and the official umbrella body for major stakeholders in the Nigerian book sector. 

Incorporated in 2002, the trust serves as a coalition of authors, publishers, booksellers, printers, and librarians committed to promoting literacy, strengthening the local book trade, and improving reading culture across Nigeria and Africa. 

The organisation is widely known for organizing the highly acclaimed Nigeria International Book Fair alongside several regional book exhibitions and literary engagements.

As one of the institutional members of the Nigeria Book Fair Trust, the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) has consistently played a vital role in the success of the Nigeria International Book Fair over the years. ANA has contributed immensely through literary panel sessions, book exhibitions, authors’ interactions, poetry performances, book presentations, and intellectual discourse aimed at encouraging reading culture and supporting emerging and established writers across the country.

Under the leadership of Dr. Usman Oladipo Akanbi, the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) has continued to strengthen collaborations with literary and cultural institutions within and outside Nigeria. His emergence as Vice Chairman of the Nigeria Book Fair Trust is expected to further deepen the synergy between stakeholders in the Nigerian book industry and enhance the promotion of literary excellence, education, and cultural development.

Members of the Association of Nigerian Authors, literary stakeholders, and well-wishers have continued to congratulate Dr. Usman Oladipo Akanbi on his new position, describing his emergence as well deserved and a testimony to his dedication to the growth of literature and the creative sector in Nigeria.

NPA, ANA Presidents Emerge Nigeria Book Fair Trust Chairman, Vice Chairman

NPA, ANA PRESIDENTS EMERGE NIGERIA BOOK FAIR TRUST CHAIRMAN, VICE CHAIRMAN

By ANA Media Team 

The National President of the Nigerian Publishers Association (NPA), Alhaji Lukman Dauda, has emerged as the Chairman of the Nigerian Book Fair Trust (NBFT). 

In the same vein, the National President of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Dr. Sheu-Usman Oladipo Akanbi, was elected as the Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Book Fair Trust.

This development was contained in a press statement issued by Mr. Abiodun Omotubi, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Book Fair Trust. 

According to the statement, the emergence of the two distinguished literary and publishing stakeholders followed an emergency meeting of the NBFT Council held yesterday at Ibis Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos State.

The statement further stated that the election of Alhaji Lukman Dauda and Dr. Sheu-Usman Oladipo Akanbi reflects the trust’s commitment to strengthening the Nigerian book industry and fostering greater cooperation among critical stakeholders in the literary and publishing sectors.

Members of the council expressed strong confidence in the competence, wealth of experience, and leadership qualities of both men to advance the vision of the Nigerian Book Fair Trust and enhance its relevance both nationally and internationally.

Members of the council expressed confidence in the leadership capacity, experience, and vision of both men to reposition the trust for greater impact within and beyond Nigeria.

The Nigerian Book Fair Trust (NBFT) is a foremost non-governmental organisation and the official umbrella body for major stakeholders in Nigeria’s book sector. 

Incorporated in 2002, the trust serves as a coalition of authors, publishers, booksellers, printers, and librarians committed to promoting literacy, expanding the local book trade, and improving reading culture across Africa. 

The Trust is also renowned for organising the highly celebrated Nigeria International Book Fair (NIBF) and several regional book exhibitions.

Alhaji Lukman Dauda is a respected Nigerian corporate executive and accomplished publishing administrator. Aside from serving as the President of the Nigerian Publishers Association, he is also the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Evans Publishers Limited (Evans Brothers Nigeria Publishers Ltd.), making him one of the leading figures in West Africa’s educational and book publishing industry.

Similarly, Dr. Sheu-Usman Oladipo Akanbi is an academic, agricultural economist, and creative writer of notable repute. He currently serves as a Reader (Associate Professor) in the Department of Agricultural Economics and Farm Management at the University of Ilorin. 

Through his contributions to scholarship and literature, he continues to bridge the gap between academia and contemporary Nigerian creative writing.

Stakeholders at the meeting congratulated the newly elected Chairman and Vice Chairman, expressing optimism that their combined wealth of experience, dedication, and leadership qualities would further advance the objectives of the Nigerian Book Fair Trust and enhance the growth of the Nigerian literary, educational, and publishing sectors.

ANA Congratulates Dr. Abba A. Abba on His Birthday

ANA CONGRATULATES DR. ABBA A. ABBA ON HIS BIRTHDAY

By ANA Media Team 

The Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) has congratulated Dr. Abba A. Abba, Associate Professor of English and Literary Studies at the Federal University Lokoja, on the occasion of his birthday. 

The association recognized his outstanding contributions to literary scholarship and joined colleagues, students, and the wider academic community in celebrating his achievements.

Dr. Abba A. Abba is a respected literary scholar whose work spans comparative literature, postcolonial studies, and ecocriticism. 

His scholarship reflects deep engagement with contemporary critical debates, particularly in the areas of terrorism and resistance studies, archival studies, and African and African American literature, where he has continued to make significant scholarly impact.

He holds a PhD in English and Literary Studies from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, where he developed his expertise in literary theory and criticism. 

Over the course of his academic career, he has distinguished himself through both teaching and research, contributing meaningfully to the advancement of literary scholarship in Nigeria and beyond.

Dr. Abba is a recipient of several prestigious awards, most notably the Nigeria Prize for Literary Criticism in 2019. In the same year, he also won the ANA/Maria Ajima Prize for Literary Criticism, a recognition he received again in 2022, underscoring his sustained excellence in critical writing and analysis. 

His international academic engagements include a DAAD Postdoctoral Fellowship at Humboldt University, Berlin, an ACLS-AHP Postdoctoral Fellowship, and a British Academy Visiting Fellowship at the University of Reading, United Kingdom.

Before his current appointment, Dr. Abba served as Head of the Department of English and Literary Studies at Edwin Clark University, Kiagbodo, Nigeria, where he provided academic leadership and contributed to curriculum development. His research extends to African cultural aesthetics, communication studies, and women’s studies, reflecting his interdisciplinary approach. Through his publications, teaching, and mentorship, he continues to shape critical discourse and inspire a new generation of scholars in the humanities. 

ANA wished him continued good health, longevity, and greater accomplishments in the years ahead.

 

ANA Congratulates National Legal Adviser, Barr. J. M. Gbagyo, On His Birthday

ANA CONGRATULATES NATIONAL LEGAL ADVISER, BARR. J. M. GBAGYO, ON HIS BIRTHDAY

By ANA Media Team 

The Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) has congratulated its National Legal Adviser, Barr  J. M. Gbagyo, on the occasion of his birthday, describing him as a distinguished professional whose contributions continue to enrich both the legal and literary communities in Nigeria.

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

The leadership of the Association noted that Gbagyo’s commitment, discipline, and intellectual engagement have earned him respect within ANA and beyond.

Barr. J. M. Gbagyo is described as a self-driven and self-motivated lawyer, arbitrator, and prolific writer who has consistently distinguished himself in his professional pursuits. He was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2013 and has since remained in active legal practice, demonstrating steady growth and a strong dedication to excellence in the legal profession.

He has also contributed significantly to the legal community, having served as Former Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Makurdi Branch between 2022 and 2024. His professional qualifications include Associate Membership of the Chartered Institute of Arbitration (UK), a Certificate of Proficiency in Strategic Management from the Certified Institute of Strategic Management, and a Barrister at Law (B.L) from the Council of Legal Education, after earning his LL.B (Hons.) degree from Benue State University.

In addition to his legal career, Gbagyo has made notable contributions to literature and research. His publications include Gardens in the Graveyards (2023), Basic Computer: Concepts and Operations for Junior Secondary School in Nigeria (2016), and Basic Rights and Duties of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (2017), reflecting his passion for education, advocacy, and knowledge sharing.

He is also the Founder and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Aza Gbagyo Foundation, a non-profit organization committed to supporting the less privileged through educational scholarships and youth empowerment initiatives. Furthermore, he is the Founder of The Transmitter Media, a platform recognized for promoting truth and responsible journalism. 

The Association has wished him continued good health, greater accomplishments, and sustained impact in his professional and humanitarian endeavors.

ANA Celebrates Dr. Wale Okediran at 71

 ANA CELEBRATES DR. WALE OKEDIRAN AT 71

By ANA Media Team 

The Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) has celebrated its former National President, Dr. Wale Okediran, on the occasion of his 71st birthday, describing him as a distinguished literary figure whose contributions to Nigerian and African literature remain invaluable.

This was contained in a press statement jointly signed by the ANA President, Dr. Usman Oladipo Akanbi, and the General Secretary, Dame Joan Oji, PhD in which the Association commended Dr. Okediran for his lifelong dedication to the advancement of literature, mentorship of writers, and service to the nation in both literary and political spheres.

Dr. Okediran, a trained medical doctor, former Member of Parliament, and award-winning author, has written 14 novels, many of which have received both local and international acclaim. His works are widely regarded for their insight into governance, society, and the human condition, establishing him as a respected voice in contemporary African literature.

The statement also highlighted his visionary establishment of the Ebedi Writers Residency in 2010. The residency, created to provide a conducive environment for writers, has since hosted about 350 writers from 12 African countries, significantly contributing to the growth and development of literary talent across the continent.

One of his most celebrated novels, Tenants of the House, which was later adapted into a film, recently completed a two-year screening on Netflix, further cementing his reputation as a storyteller of global relevance and impact.

Dr. Okediran’s influence extends beyond authorship, as he served as Chair of the Jury for the 2024 CANEX Publishing Prize, an initiative of African Export-Import Bank aimed at promoting excellence in African publishing and supporting literary talents across the continent through the recognition of high-quality books produced in Africa.

The Association also recalled his tenure as ANA National President from 2006 to 2009, during which he strengthened the organization’s visibility and programmes. He currently serves as Secretary General of the Pan African Writers Association, headquartered in Accra, where he continues to champion the cause of African writers. 

ANA wished him continued good health, longevity, and more years of impactful service to literature and humanity.

ANA Congratulates Four Nigerian Writers Shortlisted for the 2026 Commonwealth Short Story Prize

ANA CONGRATULATES FOUR NIGERIAN WRITERS SHORTLISTED FOR THE 2026 COMMONWEALTH SHORT STORY PRIZE

ANA Media Team 

The Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) has congratulated four Nigerian writers who have been shortlisted for the prestigious 2026 Commonwealth Short Story Prize. 

This recognition highlights the impressive literary talent emerging from Nigeria and reinforces the country's growing influence in the global literary community.

The writers—Hussani Abdulrahim, Oluwatoke Adejoye, Dawn Immanuel, and Ola W. Halim—were selected from a highly competitive pool of 7,806 entries from across the Commonwealth. 

These writers are part of a 25-member shortlist drawn from 14 countries, making this year’s prize one of the most fiercely contested literary awards in the world.

A statement issued by ANA President, Dr. Usman Oladipo Akanbi, and General Secretary, Dame Joan Oji PhD, expressed the Association's pride in the outstanding achievements of these writers. 

Their inclusion in the shortlist reflects the strength of Nigerian literature and the increasing international recognition of its writers.

All four writers, in their early thirties, represent four of the seven African finalists, alongside other entries from Ghana, South Africa, and Kenya. The Nigerian writers’ shortlisted works include Abdulrahim’s Arewa Girls, Adejoye’s New Things, Immanuel’s The God under the Bed, and Halim’s Shock Me I Shock You. Notably, Halim is a repeat contender, having also been shortlisted in 2021.

The 2026 edition of the Commonwealth Short Story Prize attracted 7,806 submissions from 54 Commonwealth countries. The final shortlist includes 11 men and 14 women, aged between 25 and 68. 

This diversity further emphasizes the global reach of the prize and the variety of voices it continues to celebrate.

ANA commends these Nigerian writers for their exceptional work and encourages continued support from the literary community as they advance in the competition. 

The Association stands with them as they move forward, eagerly anticipating their continued success in the final stages.

This achievement further highlights the growing prominence of Nigerian literature, and ANA remains committed to supporting the country’s writers as they make their mark on the global literary stage.