Between Association of Nigerian Authors and Wole Soyinka: A Definitive Position Statement.

 

BETWEEN ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIAN AUTHORS AND WOLE SOYINKA: A DEFINITIVE POSITION STATEMENT.

 

Again I find myself compelled to make my position clear to members of the Association of Nigerian Authors, and in unambiguous terms. To put it bluntly, the outright sum of my interventions in this situation has been – ZERO. I have not initiated or authorized any meetings. I have not participated in the crafting of any statement, proposal, plan of action, or document of any kind, nor authorized anyone to make such claims on my behalf.

 

I did come close to making a contribution when I was approached by Professor Bode Sowande to intervene in the crisis. My sole idea at the time was to bring everyone outside their “comfort zone” to a neutral venue – which also happened to have historic overtones for us in this nation – Aburi. Having enjoyed the isolation of that retreat for my recent work, it was a spontaneous thought that maybe ANA could profit also from its ambiance. Unfortunately – or perhaps fortunately for me , given developments since – that plan was aborted owing to the approaching Ghanaian elections. Since then, I have had nothing to do with any reconciliation or reconstructive agenda. I do not wish to be saddled even with any credit for eventual resolution.

 

This statement is made without prejudice to any initiatives to resolve outstanding issues, and the potential value of such efforts. However, even a literary organization whose base material is fiction and imagination, must learn to live by facts, however uninteresting. I have not been part of any motions or meetings of state chairmen or representatives. I have made no recommendations on anything.  I NOW DEMAND, AS OF RIGHT, TO BE LEFT IN PEACE!

 

Let it be noted also that I prefer to stay on  the right side of the law.

 

Wole SOYINKA

ARI, Kemta Housing Estate

Idi-Aba, Abeokuta

 

ANA FCT ABUJA set to kick-start ANA/YUSUF ALI Literary Awareness and Reading Campaign

ANA FCT ABUJA set to kick-start ANA/YUSUF ALI Literary Awareness and Reading Campaign

The prospects of awakening the demeaning reading culture among Nigerian students is set to take off in FCT and its environ on the 27th March 2021, tagged: A DAY OF LITERARY FESTIVAL: LITERATURE —A TOOL FOR SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT, at the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) National Secretariat, Mamman Vasta Writers Village, Maitama Extension, Mpape, Abuja, at exactly 12 noon.

FCT Abuja and its environ will glow literarily at all levels of education beyond comprehension, because, reading is the bedrock of knowledge, said, the energetic ANA Abuja Chair Ambassador Lois Otse Adams. This year ANA FCT/YUSUF ALI Literary Awareness and Reading Campaign, according to Ambassador Lois, would feature: Readings— There would be reading in commemoration with The World Poetry Day Celebration, Books Donations—Books bought, and donated to the chapter, are to be donated to some selected Secondary Schools in FCT, Literary Display—There would be display of news books and creative materials for sale, Best Teachers Awards—There would be award time for Literature Teachers in the FCT/ Patrons, Literary Critiquing/Editing— There would be time reserved for literary critique/editing and interactive sessions on literature etc. 

According to Ambassador Lois who's one of the member of the Central Planning Committee, said, the aim of the event after creating awareness on literary works which is the bedrock of knowledge and basic tool for self and national development, is also to promote culture, unity and positive thinking for the good of the present, and the generations to come.

The National President, Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Dr. Camillus Chima Ukah when giving the cheque to ANA Abuja for the ANA/YUSUF ALI Literary Awareness and Reading Campaign, after appreciating Yusuf Ali SAN, for funding nationwide literary campaign in the country for the past eight years, appreciates FCT Abuja caretaker Chair, Ambassador Lois for her vibrancy and dogmatism towards bringing back ANA Abuja to limelight literarily.

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ANA warns members to beware of name droppers and gamblers

 

ANA WARNS MEMBERS TO BEWARE OF NAME DROPPERS AND GAMBLERS

 

The President of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Mr. Camillus Ukah, has raised alarm over the indiscriminate dropping of his name by one Paul Oni.  This was contained in a statement issued by Wole Adedoyin, the Publicity Secretary (South) of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA). According to the release, the insinuation that ANA President, Mr. Camillus Ukah, has agreed to participate in an illegal and unconstitutional reconciliation and election being put together by some disgruntled and selfish elements led by Paul Oni is not only false but misleading.

Adedoyin in the statement further stated that “The days of crises are over with a renewed focus on progressive addition to the gains of the past ANA administrations. ANA under the leadership of Mr. Camillus Ukah is one and indivisible illustrious body. For purposes of reiteration, Ukah is in full possession of all the instruments of office while ANA under his leadership is witnessing remarkable growth. Particularly the Mamman Vatsa Writers Village is rapidly developing in readiness for the grand finale of the ANA @ 40 Celebrations in November 2021.

Recall that Paul Oni actively participated in March 2020 Abuja illegal election that earned him and his fellow transgressors suspension from the ANA Board of Trustees. Having failed woefully in that first dishonourable bid, the said Paul Oni is back again with another ridiculous bait in the name of ‘Independent ANA.’  He is still serving the suspension and should be advised in his own interest to stop gambling with the name of ANA.   

The release finally urged ANA members, members of the public, governments and corporate organizations to disregard Paul Oni and his group of gamblers or any other such groups making impotent efforts to mislead and undermine a solid association.

 

 

ANA Congratulates Akachi, Obafemi and Yerima on New NLNG Appointments

 

ANA CONGRATULATES AKACHI, OBAFEMI AND YERIMA ON NEW NLNG APPOINTMENTS

 

The National President of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Mr. Camillus Uka has congratulated Prof. Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo, Emeritus Professor of English at the University of Lagos as the new Chairperson of the Advisory Board for the Nigeria Prize for Literature and two new members Prof. Olu Obafemi and Prof. Ahmed Yerima, describing their appointments as “well-earned rewards for hard work, consistency and track record of outstanding performance” in their respective literary ventures. The literary body also described the appointment of the three literary personalities as round pegs in round holes

This was contained in a press release issued by the Publicity Secretary (South), Wole Adedoyin in Ibadan on Friday.

According to the release, “On behalf of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), please accept our hearty congratulations on these laudable achievements. We congratulate you all on this elevation and wish you tremendous success in all your literary endeavors. We have no doubt in your abilities to do this and even more to improve the quality and raise the standard of the Nigeria Prize for Literature”.

Camillus Uka finally prayed for God's direction, protection and successful tenures for the appointees as they take up the responsibilities and challenges of their new offices. He also assured them of ANA’s support and cooperation.

Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo is a Nigerian author and educator, whose published work includes novels, poetry, short stories, books for children, essays and journalism. She is the winner of several awards in Nigeria, including the Nigeria Prize for Literature.

Olufemi Obafemi, born 4 April 1950, is the 76th recipient of the Nigerian National Order of Merit (NMOM) award (2018). He is a poet, playwright, author and Professor of English and Dramatic Literature at the University of Ilorin since October, 1990.

Ahmed Parker Yerima (born 8 May 1957) is a Nigerian academic, professor playwright and theater director. He was director-general of the Nigerian National Theatre, and has previously served as director of the National Troupe. He is a professor of Theater and Performing Arts and has been dean of the College of Humanities, Redeemer's University since 2013.