•Device roadmap for creative economy
By Henry Akubuiro
Writers who thronged Abuja recently for the 2024 ANA International Convention witnessed a much improved Mamman Vatsa Writers’ Village, Mpampe, Abuja. The ANA Hotel, located in an idyllic setting overlooking the Mpampe Hill, was fully functioning with canteens and bars serving clients, though external clients were excused from lodging for the three-day duration of the convention to enable the accommodation of registered delegates. Also, a new eye-catching building for resident writers, Ken Saro-Wiwa Writers’ Residency, had been added to the burgeoning estate. The annual pilgrimage to the nestle of writers in the nation’s capital was in full swing.
From 31st of November to 3rd December, 2024, the Association of Nigerian Authors held its 43rd anniversary celebration at the Mamman Vatsa Writers’ Village. The arrival day on Thursday, 31st of October, saw twenty-six chapters trickling into the Chinua Achebe International Conference Centre for registration formalities. Some chapters that had been away for years following leadership tussles, were back to the fold. The more the merrier.
As the day wore on, it climaxed in “A Night of Tributes and Testimonies” for the late Mike Assoh, Esq, the association’s deceased legal adviser. Songs, poems, hymns in English and Tiv languages were rendered by writers at the conference centre. The soaree lasted from 6:30 – 9:00 pm. Members of the BoT, including Professors Femi Osofisan (Chairman), Olu Obafemi and Joe Ushie, Dr. Razinat Mohammed, Dr. Maria Ajima and May Nwoye, were in attendance.
The opening ceremony at the Chinua Achebe International Conference Centre on Friday, 1st of November, saw delegates from different states of the federation in attendance. Present also were the BoT members who attended the Night of Tributes, as well as other esteemed writers, including Professors Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo, Nduka Otiono, Sunday Ododo, former General Manager, National Theatre of Nigeria; Anthony Oha and James Tsaor.
Other notable writers present included Architect Chukwudi Eze, Chairman Abuja ANA; the Royal Father of ANA, Professor Shamsudeen Amali, who is the Amir Musulmi of Idomaland, and Prof Al Bishak of Nasarawa State University. The JAMB Registrar, Prof Ishaq Olarunwaju, and DG of National Copyright Commission, Dr. John Assein, were also present. Representatives of the Minister of Education and the DG National Council for Arts and Culture, among others, graced the occasion, too. It was the first convention to be organised by the new Usman Akanbi administration, which took over from Camillus Ukah last year after a successful two term tenure.
Akanbi, in his address, refreshed the memories of delegates how the association was formed in 1981 at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, by Professor Chinua Achebe and other great Nigerian writers, supported by the legendary Kenyan writer, Prof Ngugi wa Thiong’o. He iterated that the legacy had continued decades after, despite existential challenges. Prof Femi Osofisan, one of the founding members of the association, reminded all that “the creative economy is for all of us to key in in order to enjoy the fruits of our labour”, which informed why the writers’ guild had continued to develop the writers’ village “to build a conducive atmosphere to do our business as writers.”
Prof Joe Ushie, the keynote speaker, spoke on “The Nigerian Writers and the Creative Economy”. In his speech, he lamented that the increasing number of out-of-school children had a dire consequence on the creative economy because they were among the potential readers of books written by Nigerian authors. He cited low reading culture as another threat to the creative economy in Nigeria, and the disturbing propaganda of “School na scam” has reduced “very drastically the patronage level of the creative economy.” He noted also that the drift from hardcopy to the Internet had also affected the consumption of traditional hardcopies – “This situation impacts negatively on the creative economy of the creative writer.” He pointed out that, in Europe, patrons support writers to concentrate on their writings.
To improve the economy of Nigerian writers, he encouraged writers to cultivate writing that sells by deviating from the norm. He suggested that writers should maximise social media, including writing content for blogs. They can also offer editorial services to other writers, research services, reviewing books, and cash in on Artificial Intelligence services for clients. The University of Uyo scholar-writer advised writers to synergise with Nollywood and the Nigerian Copyright Commission to tackle piracy, as well as the Association of Nigerian Authors and the newly created Ministry of the Creative Economy to explore possibilities. He recommended, too, they should explore grants, fellowships and residencies.
One of the highlights of the second day was the commissioning of the Ken Saro-Wiwa Writers’ Residency, a two story building with multiple apartments, by Obi Asika, DG, National Council for Arts and Culture. Members of the association were allowed access to the facilities in the well-furnished apartments that included writing tables, kitchens, televisions, sitting rooms and beds. The association is also making plans to add computers.
Speaking to Saturday Sun after the commissioning, Usman Akanbi declared that the newly commissioned Ken Saro-Wiwa Writers’ Residency would provide a conducive environment for writers to focus on their craft, explore themes related to social justice and honour Saro-Wiwa’s legacy. The association, he said, was planning to establish partnerships with literary organisations and institutions, secure funding for residency programmes and writers’ stipends.
The first batch of resident writers, he informed, were expected to arrive in 2025 (pending funding and logistics). To be selected as a resident writer, one must be an emerging or established Nigerian writer with a strong writing portfolio and commitment to social justice themes, he added. Application process involves submissions and peer review.
Later in the evening, the delegates were entertained to the stage performance of Obari Gomba’s play, Grit. The rest of the evening belonged to revellers. The AGM of the association took place on the third day of the convention, at the end of which the Congress declared:
“That the Board of Trustees should perform accountability and oversight functions. That the College of Fellows should perform advisory roles – strategic guidance and expertise through mentorship, literary awards, publishing, retreats, and advocacy. That the National Executive Council should carry out the daily operations and running of the Association. That the State Chapters’ Chairpersons should coordinate regional activities, fostering grassroots growth, and ensuring effective communication between National and State offices.
“Congress also addressed its Constitution Review, focusing on electoral reforms and the election of Fellows. Congress commended the federal government for establishing the Ministry of Culture, Art, Tourism, and Creative Economy and urged recognition of NGOs, like ANA that promote art, culture, and Nigeria’s global image. Congress also acknowledged the federal government’s efforts to revamp the economy but expressed concern on the resulting hardship.
“It called on the government to employ innovative solutions to curb rising inflation; address insecurity, particularly kidnapping and banditry; prioritise road maintenance over new road construction; improve Power, Energy, Education, Healthcare, and other critical infrastructure; strengthen the anti-graft and consumer-protection policies to curb widespread corruption.
“By advocating for these changes, Congress reaffirms its commitment to promoting Nigerian literature and culture, while also contributing to the country’s socio-economic development. Congress also passed a vote of confidence on the Membership Screening Committee and urged the committee to continue with the work of identifying the authentic members of the Association.”
The 43rd convention of the association wrapped up with Awards Night and Dinner, and delegates departed to their respective states on Sunday, December 3rd, 2024.
Speaking to Saturday Sun thereafter, Akanbi said this year’s convention stood out in several ways: “The thematic focus –’Literature and Social Justice’– emphasised writers’ roles in addressing societal issues; increased panel discussions and workshops on digital publishing, book marketing and literary activism; new awards categories recognising emerging writers and social justice-themed works; collaborations with international literary organisations, and enhanced digital presence through social media and online streaming and introduction of a mentorship programme for young writers.”
However, some writers, who attended the convention, noticed a decrease in the number of delegates compared to previous conventions. However, Akanbi said the turnout wasn’t exactly low: “It was as expected due to several reasons – many delegates attended the last election year’s convention, but only a few were allowed into the Annual General Meeting (AGM) due to the membership validation exercise.
“This exercise sent a clear message: ANA would no longer entertain ad-hoc members, especially those sponsored during election years, thereby deterring individuals with no genuine interest in the association from coming around for the 2024 convention. Despite this, over 200 persons paid their convention dues, as evidenced by the records.”
He also blamed Nigeria’s current economic challenges, which made travel difficult for some delegates. The national body struggled to cover accommodation costs for members who paid twenty thousand naira as convention dues, in addition to convention materials, like ANA Review journals, magazines, bags, T-shirts, caps and other memorabilia.
He said also the guest invitations were selective, “but the convention still saw a record participation of 26 states and over 150 participants during the opening.”
For him, “it’s not about the quantity of attendees, but the quality of persons in attendance,” he said, adding that safety concerns in some parts of the country also discouraged attendance.” He also noted that another notable factor that affected attendance were the literary events happening in other parts of the country writers’ groups at the same time, while “others joined online.”
The president was delighted that his administration had made significant strides in promoting peace and harmony within our association over the past year, effectively addressing the rancour that once plagued ANA. Above all, “The success of this year’s event is a testament to their efforts, and I firmly believe it will pave the way for even greater participation next year. Despite the challenging economic climate and insecurity issues, we remain hopeful and look forward to continued growth and progress,” he remarked.