The Abuja chapter of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) is set to host a distinguished creative voice for its January 2026 gathering. The event will feature the acclaimed Nigerian-Canadian actor, filmmaker, and director, Onyekachi Lucky Ejim, as its special guest author.
Event Details and Thematic Focus
The session is scheduled for January 17, 2026, and will be held at the prestigious Chinua Achebe International Conference Centre, located within the Mamman Vatsa Writers Village in Mpape, Abuja. The conversation will revolve around a powerful and timely theme: The Power of the Theatre and Film in Shaping Human Progress.
Ejim is expected to delve into how cinematic and theatrical arts have historically influenced civilizations. His talk will cover their capacity to confront social injustice, preserve collective memory, and act as a catalyst for societal advancement. He will trace this impact from ancient storytelling traditions right through to the dynamic landscape of contemporary world cinema.
The Accomplished Career of Lucky Ejim
Onyekachi Lucky Ejim is a creative force whose work seamlessly bridges the Nigerian film industry and the diaspora. His career is decorated with significant accolades that underscore his talent and influence.
He rose to prominence after winning the 2014 Nollywood Movies Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for his performance in Render to Caesar. Further cementing his status, he served as co-creator and lead actor in the internationally celebrated feature film, The Tenant. This project won multiple awards and received honours at film festivals across North America.
Ejim's filmography showcases impressive range, featuring major international productions like the Moby Dick miniseries. He also stars in critically acclaimed contemporary works such as Orah (2023), which was selected for screening at top-tier international festivals including TIFF Industry Selects.
Art as a Tool for Empathy and Change
Throughout his work in theatre, film, and television, Lucky Ejim consistently explores profound themes. His projects engage with the human condition, migration, justice, identity, and the enduring societal role of narrative storytelling.
From compelling performances to visionary directorial decisions, his career is built on a foundational belief: art serves as both a mirror to society and a catalyst for meaningful change. Drawing from his extensive experience, Ejim will shed light on how performance art remains one of humanity's most potent tools for fostering empathy, enabling resistance, and inspiring renewal.
This event promises to be a significant moment for writers, artists, and cultural enthusiasts in Abuja, offering deep insights from a practitioner who operates at the powerful intersection of art, culture, and social consciousness.
