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By Henry Akubuiro
The Akwa Ibom State chapter of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) is set to host its second state convention in the state capital, Uyo, since inception in 1990. Themed “The Nigerian Writer: Culture, Social Justice and the Politics of the Land”, the event will take place on Tuesday, 28th – Wednesday, 29th July, 2026 at the Civil Service Auditorium, State Secretariat, Uyo.
Prof. Obari Gomba, a professor of English and Literary Studies and winner, The Nigeria Prize for Literature, 2023, and Prof. Effiong Johnson, a professor of Theatre, Film and Communications, University of Uyo, will present keynote speeches.
The two-day convention will feature intellectual discourse, a Stage Play, Spoken Word Performances, presentation of prizes to winners of ANA Akwa Ibom Creative Competitions, and a grand Award Investiture Ceremony.
The comvention will also feature an Award Investiture, aimed to recognise distinguished individuals, who have made remarkable contributions to Literature, Creative Arts, and the Educational Sector.
The 2026 award recipients include:
Senator Ekong Sampson, poet and foremost patron of literary activities in Akwa Ibom State; Senator Aniekan Bassey – For outstanding support to scholarship and education; Dr. Emmanuel Abraham, Chairman, Board of Trustees, Topfaith University; renowned educationist and promoter of scholarship in Nigeria; and Dr. Martin Akpan, surgeon, poet and novelist – for his immense contributions to the promotion of Literature in Akwa Ibom State.
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The creative competition prizes to be presented include ANA/Chris Egharevba Prize for Prose, ANA/ECEWS Prize for Poetry, and ANA/Okoro Prize for Drama.
In line with the Chapter’s slogan, Driving Creativity Beyond Borders,” the current Executive Committee under the leadership of the Chairman, Akan Essien, has invited members of the literary community, students, stakeholders, and all lovers of literature to attend this landmark event.
Speaking with Saturday Sun, Essien said the second day of the programme will feature the continuation of our keynote lecture. He said the conferment of “Distinguished Awards” on eminent personalities were informed by their contributions to literature, education, and scholarship, which have significantly impacted our society. “This recognition is our modest way of expressing appreciation and of urging them to even greater service,” he noted.
He also said: “As we celebrate these achievements, it is also incumbent upon me to bring to your attention the operational challenges confronting our Chapter. ANA Akwa Ibom currently operates without a functional secretariat, official mobility, a literary resource center/library, and adequate funding to sustain our programmes.*
“In light of this, we respectfully appeal to well-meaning individuals, corporate bodies, government agencies, and all lovers of literature to partner with us. Your support will enable us to build the necessary infrastructure to promote reading, writing, and critical thought among our youths and to project Akwa Ibom as a hub of literary excellence.
He said, with their goodwill and collaboration, ANA Akwa Ibom would continue to fulfill its mandate of nurturing talent and advancing the cause of literature.
