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•To deliberate on literature and national security
By Henry Akubuiro
The 45th international convention of Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) will be held from Thursday, 29 October, to Sunday, 1 November 2026, at the Mamman Vatsa Writers’ Village, Maitama Extension, Mpape, Abuja. The convention will bring together writers, poets, scholars, literary practitioners and other stakeholders in the creative and intellectual community to deliberate on the role of literature in national development, security and Nigeria’s standing in the global community.
The details of the forthcoming convention are contained in a press statement issued by the President of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Dr. Usman Oladipo Akanbi, and the Acting General Secretary, Wole Adedoyin, who highlighted the significance of the gathering as a platform for intellectual engagement, literary celebration and critical reflection on issues central to Nigeria’s development and its place in the world.
This year’s conference is themed, “Literature, National Security, and the Place of Nigeria in the World,” and the convention will provide a platform for critical reflection on the relationship between literary expression, national consciousness, peace, security and the country’s international image. It will also reaffirm the importance of writers and the literary community in shaping public discourse, promoting cultural understanding and interrogating the social and political realities that influence the Nigerian experience.
The keynote speech will be presented by Professor Mahfouz Adedimeji while Professor Bukar Usman will serve as Chairman of the Opening Ceremony. The President of the Association of Nigerian Authors, Dr. Usman Oladipo Akanbi, will serve as Chief Host.
The programme will feature a rich blend of intellectual engagements, artistic performances, literary presentations and social activities designed to strengthen professional relationships among writers and deepen conversations about the place of literature in contemporary Nigerian society.
Proceedings will begin on Thursday, 29 October, with the arrival and registration of participants, followed by the Festival of Life, an evening of literary readings, spoken-word performances, songs and other artistic expressions celebrating the vitality and diversity of Nigerian creativity.
The Grand Opening Ceremony will take place on Friday, 30 October, followed by the launch of the Ken Saro-Wiwa Anthology, a literary engagement that will bring renewed attention to the enduring significance of Nigerian writing and the legacy of one of the country’s most prominent literary voices. The day’s activities will also include the Mbari Series Session and a convention play, providing opportunities for critical exchange and theatrical expression.
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On Saturday, 31 October, the Association will hold its Annual General Meeting (AGM), where members will deliberate on the affairs, progress and future direction of the organisation. A major highlight of the day will be a panel discussion featuring DSP Zayd Ibn Isah, Dr. Alexander Ochogwu Emmanuel and Toyin Adewale-Gabriel, with Odoh Diego Okenyodo serving as moderator. The discussion will engage the convention’s central concerns and explore the responsibilities of writers and intellectuals in addressing the challenges confronting Nigeria.
The day will culminate in the Awards and Dinner Night, an occasion dedicated to recognising literary excellence and celebrating individuals whose contributions have enriched Nigerian literature and the broader creative community.
Beyond the formal sessions, the convention is expected to provide valuable opportunities for networking, collaboration, the exchange of ideas and the strengthening of relationships among members of ANA and other participants from across the country and beyond.
The 45th International Convention and Conference comes at a time when questions of national security, social cohesion, identity and Nigeria’s place in an increasingly interconnected world remain critical to the country’s future. By bringing these issues into conversation with literature, ANA seeks to underscore the capacity of the written and spoken word to interrogate power, preserve collective memory, promote dialogue and inspire constructive engagement with national challenges.
The association of Nigerian Authors remains committed to advancing Nigerian literature, promoting reading and writing, nurturing literary talent and providing a platform for meaningful engagement with the issues that shape society. The 45th International Convention and Conference will continue this tradition by bringing together diverse voices to examine the responsibilities of writers and the enduring relevance of literature in national life.
Participants are expected to depart on Sunday, 1 November 2026, following the conclusion of the convention.
The association invites its members, writers, scholars, literary organisations, cultural institutions, the media and the general public to be part of this important gathering of the Nigerian literary community.
