In a profound literary reflection, writer Tony Afejuku delves into the origins and "being-ness" of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) Bendel chapter. His recollection, framed by the philosophical thoughts of Martin Heidegger, serves as both a personal journey and a potential guide for future historians of Nigeria's literary landscape.
Acclaim from Literary Scholars
The serialised remembrance has garnered significant praise from esteemed academics. Professor Sunny Awhefeada, Dean of Postgraduate Studies at Delta State University, Abraka, described the essay as "a significant corpus in Nigeria’s literary history." Similarly, Professor Gbemisola Adaoti, a former Dean of Arts at Obafemi Awolowo University, commended the poetic heart residing in Afejuku's pen.
Another scholar, referred to as Professor O.O., highlighted the psychoanalytic depth of the memory study, noting how it combines episodic past scenes with present working memory. Abuja-based poet and publisher Bob Majiri remarked on the poetic quality of the prose, stating it requires a re-reading for full appreciation.
The Inaugural Meeting in Benin City
The narrative crystallises around the first official meeting of ANA Bendel in 1987, held at the Institute of Continuing Education in Benin City. Mr. John Agetua and seventeen other men were in attendance. With the inclusion of the author-recollector, the number surpassed eighteen.
Notably absent were literary giants Festus Iyayi and Tunde Fatunde, as well as Odun Balogun. The memory is unclear on whether Ogaga Ifowodo was present.
Key Decisions and Leadership
Pressing against time, crucial decisions were made unanimously. It was agreed that readings and meetings would hold fortnightly on Saturdays at 2:00 PM. For interim leadership until a proper inauguration, a chairman, vice chairman, and secretary were elected.
Tony Afejuku presided and was requested to be substantive chairman but declined. He instead recommended his absent senior colleague, Odun Balogun, promising to persuade him. It was agreed that if Balogun accepted, Afejuku would automatically become the vice chairman. John Agetua was appointed Secretary.
After skeptical questions were met with inspired responses, Odun Balogun agreed to chair the chapter. Both Festus Iyayi and Tunde Fatunde later offered their full support. Strategically, other offices were deferred until the inauguration.
Patrons and Financial Foundations
The group also agreed to appoint patrons or trustees. By roughly the third meeting, the following individuals (all now deceased) were named and contacted:
- Justice Rufus Ogbobine, a prominent High Court Judge known for the NTA Benin "The Assizees" series.
- Barrister Stephen Giwa-Amu, a popular senior lawyer in Benin.
- Mr. S.M.O. Aka, a well-known Vice Principal and author of English Language and Literature textbooks.
- Mrs. Winifred O.O. Onyeonwu, a Permanent Secretary in the Bendel civil service who later owned a high-brow bookshop near the University of Benin.
Funding was a critical issue. John Agetua, Tony Afejuku, and later Odun Balogun decided that the officers would shoulder the association's financial responsibilities initially. This approach was inspired by Festus Iyayi, who had largely funded national ANA meetings when the ad-hoc Bendel group was active.
Afejuku concludes by celebrating these rich, precious, and inventive memories that continue to swim into his conscious mind. The recollection stands as a testament to the birth of a significant literary institution in Nigeria's Niger Delta region.
