INTERVIEW: Publishing is a crucial part of Nigeria’s literary ecosystem – Akanbi

Sheu-Usman Oladipo Akanbi, the current President of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), has been at the forefront of efforts to reposition the association as a driving force in the country’s literary development. Since assuming office, Akanbi has championed stability within the association, supported new initiatives to empower writers, and placed renewed focus on publishing as a vital pillar of Nigeria’s literary ecosystem.

In this interview with Western Post‘s Adeola Ogunrinde, Akanbi discusses the strides ANA has made under his leadership, including the establishment of a writers’ residency, ongoing efforts to unify the association, and strategic partnerships aimed at giving Nigerian authors more visibility. He also shares insights on the upcoming ANA convention, the significance of the NLNG Prize for Literature, and his vision for the future of Nigerian writing.

How has ANA progressed since you became President, and why are you seeking re-election?

Since I became President of ANA, we’ve made significant strides in consolidating the achievements of past executives. We are also supporting our members in producing world-class literature. I’m contesting again to continue driving this progress and to further position ANA as a beacon of literary excellence in Nigeria.

Have you been able to resolve the divisions within ANA since you assumed office?

We’ve worked diligently to stabilise the association and foster a harmonious environment aligned with our founding objectives. While some legal challenges still exist, we remain committed to resolving them. Fortunately, our Board of Trustees, ably led by Professor Femi Osofisan, has provided invaluable guidance in achieving the relative stability we currently enjoy.

Tell us about the residency you established. How has it benefited ANA writers?

We introduced the ANA Residency Programme to nurture the creative talents of our members. Currently, six distinguished writers are part of the programme at the ANA Ken Saro-Wiwa Writers Residency, located at the Mamman Vatsa Writers Village in Mpape, Abuja. This initiative offers a serene and inspiring environment for writers to refine their craft and exchange ideas.

Qualitative publishing is a major concern in Nigeria. What’s your view on it?

Publishing is indeed a crucial part of Nigeria’s literary ecosystem. At ANA, we are dedicated to promoting and supporting our writers by providing platforms to showcase their work. We are currently refining the Nigerian Writers Series to better highlight our members’ talents. In addition, we’ve partnered with Boldscholar, a digital platform, to enhance online visibility and extend the reach of our authors.

The NLNG Prize is back. Some argue the $100,000 prize should be shared among the winner and runners-up. What’s your take?

The NLNG Prize is one of Nigeria’s most prestigious literary awards. Its structure—awarding a single grand prize—mirrors that of the Nobel Prize in Literature. While some may advocate for shared recognition, it’s ultimately up to the organisers to decide. The prize’s true value lies in its commitment to promoting literature in Nigeria. We appreciate NLNG’s continued support and encourage other organisations to follow their example in uplifting our literary heritage.

The next ANA convention is around the corner. What should writers, especially ANA members, expect?

The upcoming ANA convention promises to be vibrant and enriching. Writers can look forward to keynote speeches, panel discussions, networking opportunities, and awards recognising exceptional contributions to Nigerian literature. Our keynote speaker will be Professor Udenta O. Udenta, with other notable discussants including Dr. Tunde Olusunle, Comrade Owei Lakemfa, and Ifeoma Chiwumba. The event will be chaired by Senator Shehu Sani.