04/10/2026
ANA Concludes Second Edition of Ken Saro-Wiwa International Writers’ Residency with Induction and Closing Ceremony
The Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) on Saturday, October 3, 2026, held the Induction and Closing Ceremony of the second edition of the Ken Saro-Wiwa International Writers’ Residency at Vintage Arena, Mamman Vatsa Writers’ Village, Abuja.
The landmark ceremony, headlined by esteemed African global poet D**e Chukwumerije, celebrated a cohort of writers who spent four weeks immersed in intensive creative engagement, literary exchange, mentorship, reflection, and artistic exploration.
Speaking at the ceremony, D**e Chukwumerije founder of the Simply Poetry Foundation, the convener of the Naija Spirit Tour and the D**e Chukwumerije Centre, charged the residents to embrace literature as a powerful instrument of cultural renewal, social transformation, and intellectual civic engagement. He encouraged the writers to recognise the responsibility that comes with the literary voice and to deploy their creative gifts in ways that speak meaningfully to society.
The Residency Manager, Husayn Hussain Zaguru AbdulQadir, on behalf of the President of ANA Dr. Usman-oladipo Akanbi, and Chairman of the Residency Steering Committee, Denja Abdullahi, respectively, congratulated the fellows on successfully completing the residency. He described them as “Ambassadors of ANA’s vision”, urging them to continue contributing their voices to the pursuit of justice, peace and progress through literature, while remaining committed to storytelling that resonates both locally and globally.
The Secretary of the Mbari Séries, Ngozi Alutulu Ebulum, delivered a goodwill message on behalf of the ANA Creative Writers’ Institute, emphasising discipline, resilience and consistency as essential virtues for sustaining meaningful creative journeys.
The residents; David Onotu, Pobee Mwintombo , Mr. Clack Nusrat DReteller Stephen Adinoyi , Deborah Chinonyerem Uzoma NmaHassan Waziri and H Buduka Ogu, expressed profound gratitude to ANA for the opportunity, describing the residency experience as “ transformative and inspiring.” Their reflections underscored the value of creative community, mentorship and sustained literary engagement in the development of emerging writers.
A major highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of certificates of attendance and induction, as well as induction pins to the residents, formally welcoming them into the wider fellowship of the Residency. The ceremony also featured literary and artistic performances, adding colour and creative energy to the celebration.
Certificates of appreciation were presented to members of the ANA Staff and individuals whose contributions have strengthened the residency programme. They included the Chairman of the Residency Steering Committee, Denja Abdullahi, ANA Consultant, Dr Kabura Zakama the ANA Administrative Secretary, Ij Cy Cynthia Ndukwe Secretary of the Mbari Séries and Coordinator of the ANA Creative Writing Institute, Ngozi Alutulu Ebulum; workshop facilitator and Abuja literary grandmother, Dr Lizi Ben-Iheanacho; and esteemed guest D**e Chukwumerije, in recognition of his continued support and collaboration since the inception of the residency, which has contributed significantly to the vibrancy of residents’ activities and experiences.
In a particularly memorable gesture, Mr Clack, one of the residents from Togo and the only son of Fara Fina, presented the Residency Management with a remarkable 3ft by 2.5ft framed canvas artwork, a generous gift intended to become a lasting part of the Residency’s history and memory.
The ceremony also welcomed Mr Paul Liam, poet, literary critic and member of the Residency Steering Committee, who engaged with the residents and joined other members of the literary community in celebrating the cohort. Also in attendance was Mr Vincent Chinedu Chinedu Vincent Okoro of the ANA Abuja Chapter, a longstanding supporter of the residents and their creative activities.
Much appreciation to our NYSC Members serving at the ANA Secretariat; Miss Ganiyat for your assistance during the workshop sessions, and Mr. Chetanna Lawrence Nazareth, for beautifully capturing these memorable moments through his photos and videos. We truly appreciate your dedication and support.
Our appreciation and support also go to Mr. Charles Wiwa and other members of the Wiwa family for their unwavering support.
We extend our profound appreciation to the members of the Board of Trustees, ably led by Professor Osofisan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), for their invaluable guidance and support.
We are grateful to the Reproductive Society of Nigerian (REPRONIG) under the chairmanship of Mr. Dapo Gbadega and other members of the council for their unwavering support
Our appreciation also goes to the other members of the ANA Executive Committee for their commitment and contributions; Colonel K. K. Shaw developer of the Mamman Vatsa Writers’ Village and his dedicated team; for their invaluable support towards the success of the programme.
Moderated by Residency Manager Husayn Zaguru and coordinated by the Administrative Secretary of ANA, Mrs Cynthia Ijeoma Ndukwe, the ceremony brought the second edition of the residency to a fitting close.
Yet, in the spirit of literature, this was not an ending.
It was the beginning of a lifelong literary fellowship; a continuation of voices, friendships, ideas and creative possibilities inspired by the enduring legacy of Ken Saro-Wiwa, whose courage, literary brilliance and commitment to justice continue to resonate across generations.
On behalf of the President of ANA, Dr Usman Oladipo Akanbi, and the Chairman of the Residency Steering Committee, Denja Abdullahi, we extend our profound appreciation to every individual, institution, facilitator, partner, staff member, resident and member of the literary community who contributed to making this edition of the ANA Ken Saro-Wiwa International Writers’ Residency a remarkable success.
The residency may have closed its doors for this edition, but the voices it nurtured have only begun to travel.
The journey continues. The stories continue. The fellowship continues...
Husayn Zaguru
Résidency Manager
For;
NEC, ANA
