ANA closes second Ken Saro-Wiwa International Writers’ Residency in Abuja
The Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) has concluded the second edition of the Ken Saro-Wiwa International Writers’ Residency with an induction and closing ceremony held in Abuja.
The ceremony, which took place on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at the Mamman Vatsa Writers’ Village, Abuja, marked the end of a four-week residency programme that brought together writers for intensive creative engagement, mentorship, literary exchange and artistic exploration.
The event was headlined by renowned African poet and founder of the Simply Poetry Foundation, Naija Spirit Tour and Dike Chukwumerije Centre, Dike Chukwumerije.
Speaking at the ceremony, Chukwumerije urged the residents to see literature as an instrument for cultural renewal, social transformation and intellectual civic engagement.
He encouraged the writers to recognise the responsibility that accompanies the literary voice and to deploy their creative talents in ways that engage meaningfully with society.
The Residency Manager, Husayn Zaguru, who spoke on behalf of ANA President, Dr Usman Oladipo Akanbi, and the Chairman of the Residency Steering Committee, Malam Denja Abdullahi, congratulated the residents on successfully completing the programme.
Zaguru described the residents as “Ambassadors of ANA’s vision” and urged them to continue using literature to contribute to the pursuit of justice, peace and progress while developing stories capable of resonating both locally and globally.
Also speaking, the Secretary of the Mbari Séries and Coordinator of the ANA Creative Writers’ Institute, Ngozi Alutulu Ebulum, emphasised discipline, resilience and consistency as essential qualities for sustaining a successful literary career.
The eight residents—David, Pobee, Mr Clack, Nusrat, Stephen, Deborah, NmaHassan and Humphrey—expressed gratitude to ANA for the opportunity, describing their experience as transformative and inspiring.
They highlighted the importance of creative community, mentorship and sustained literary engagement in nurturing emerging writers.
A major highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of certificates of attendance and induction, alongside induction pins, formally welcoming the residents into the wider fellowship of the residency.
The event also featured literary and artistic performances.
Certificates of appreciation were presented to individuals who have contributed to the development and success of the residency programme. Recipients included Denja Abdullahi, Chairman of the Residency Steering Committee; ANA Consultant, Dr Kabura Zakama; ANA Administrative Secretary, Cynthia Ndukwe; Ngozi Alutulu Ebulum; workshop facilitator Dr Lizi Ben-Iheanacho; and Chukwumerije, who was recognised for his continued support and collaboration with the residency.
In a special gesture, Mr Clack, one of the residents from Togo and the only son of Fara Fina, presented the residency management with a framed canvas artwork measuring three feet by 2.5 feet as a contribution to the programme’s history and institutional memory.
The ceremony was also attended by poet and literary critic Paul Liam, a member of the Residency Steering Committee, and Vincent Chinedu Okoro of the ANA Abuja Chapter, among other members of the literary community.
The event was moderated by Zaguru and coordinated by the ANA Administrative Secretary, Cynthia Ijeoma Ndukwe.
The organisers said the conclusion of the four-week programme should not be viewed as an end, but as the beginning of a lifelong literary fellowship inspired by the legacy of the late Ken Saro-Wiwa, whose literary work, courage and commitment to justice continue to influence writers and activists across generations.
The ANA expressed appreciation to facilitators, partners, staff members, residents, members of the literary community and NYSC members serving at the ANA Secretariat for their contributions to the success of the second edition.
The association said although the residency had closed for the 2026 edition, the voices nurtured through the programme would continue to contribute to the literary landscape.
