ANA Rekindles Literary Spirit in Minna with Unity-Focused Convention
The Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Niger State chapter, has successfully reignited the literary flame in Minna through a landmark convention held on March 14, 2026. This gathering served as a critical turning point for the revival of the state chapter, uniting writers, patrons, and leaders in a nostalgic celebration of creativity and solidarity. The event underscored a collective commitment to restoring the chapter's vibrancy and impact within the literary landscape.
Leadership Addresses and Calls for Integrity
The convention commenced with a welcome address delivered by the outgoing caretaker chairman, Dr. Almamum Al Mamun Mahmud Mallam. He expressed profound gratitude to members for their unwavering resilience in rescuing the chapter from the brink of collapse. Dr. Mallam highlighted the dedicated efforts of his team in fostering unity and reaffirmed the shared resolve to ensure ANA Niger remains a thriving entity. His speech set a tone of hope and determination for the future.
In the keynote address, Dr. Abdullahi Ismaila emphasized the core values of honesty, integrity, and unity as essential drivers of the creative vocation. He passionately urged writers to prioritize community over individual interests and called for ANA to reinvent itself to reclaim its glorious past. Reflecting on his tenure as chairman in 1994, Dr. Ismaila shared insights into the challenges and triumphs that have shaped the association's vision as a powerful force for social change and literary excellence.
Personal Testimonies and National Support
Zainab Manko contributed to the discourse by sharing her personal journey into writing, linking her experiences directly to Dr. Ismaila's call for integrity. Her heartfelt testimony illuminated literature's transformative power, portraying it as both a personal calling and a communal catalyst for progress and enlightenment. This narrative resonated deeply with attendees, reinforcing the convention's themes.
Representing the National President, Dr. Usman-Oladipo Akanbi, Dr. Keyna Eshika commended the caretaker committee for their steadfast efforts in holding the chapter together during challenging times. She pledged ongoing national support for peace and progress, ensuring that ANA Niger receives the backing needed to flourish. This endorsement highlighted the broader organizational commitment to sustaining literary initiatives across Nigeria.
Reflections and Notable Attendance
The convention also featured a reflective and humorous speech by BM Dzukogi, whose engaging orality lightened the atmosphere as he recounted the struggles and triumphs that have sustained ANA Niger over the years. His anecdotes provided a historical perspective, celebrating the resilience of the literary community in the face of adversity.
Other distinguished members in attendance included Aminu S. Muhammad, Nma Hassan Waziri, Sulaiman Banman Baba, Amaechi Odimeize, Awal Idris Evuti, Abba Abdulkareem, BM Nagidi, Terfa Danjuma Nenger, Akote Sadeeq Abubakar, Mohammed Muhammad Yerima, and Khadijah Abdulkadir. Their presence underscored the widespread support for the chapter's revival and the importance of collective engagement in literary endeavors.
Election of New Leadership
The convention concluded with the election of a new State Executive Council, conducted under the supervision of an Electoral Committee comprising Banman Baba Suleiman as Chairman, Nma Hassan Mohammed as Secretary, and Hajiya Halima Bashir and Dr. Kamar Hamza as Members. This transition marks a new chapter for ANA Niger, with fresh leadership poised to build on the momentum generated by the convention and drive further growth in the literary arts.
