Nigerian Literature Takes Centre Stage As ANA Unveils Book Fair & Seven New Fellows
THE Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) will launch its maiden ANA Book Fair from 29 to 31 October 2026, at the Chinua Achebe Conference Centre, Mamman Vatsa Writers’ Village, Mpape, Abuja. The three-day event forms part of activities marking the association’s 45th International Convention.
In a related development, ANA has announced seven members selected for its 2026 Fellowship honours following a screening exercise conducted by its designated committee and approval by the College of Fellows.
Book Fair to Connect Authors with Readers
The book fair will begin at 9:00 a.m. daily and bring together writers, publishers, readers, students, schools and other stakeholders in Nigeria’s literary community. Through the initiative, ANA hopes to improve the visibility of Nigerian books and make locally published works more accessible to the public.
For years, authors and publishers have faced challenges in reaching wider audiences. Consequently, the new platform will provide writers with opportunities to display and sell their books directly to readers. It will also encourage professional networking, strengthen relationships within the publishing industry and create additional avenues for commercial engagement.
Moreover, the fair will accommodate works across several literary genres, including poetry, prose, drama and children’s literature. Participating authors will have opportunities to exhibit their publications, sell copies and sign books while interacting with fellow writers and publishing professionals.
ANA Announces Seven Fellowship Honourees
Alongside preparations for the book fair, the association has named seven members for its 2026 Fellowship honours. The selection followed an assessment of applications by the Committee, which evaluated candidates’ eligibility and suitability against ANA’s established requirements and standards.
The College of Fellows subsequently approved the selection.
The seven honourees are Joan Iheoma Oji, Matthew Chukwuma Odono, Emeka Godwin Ukwuaba, Eriata Edwin Oribhabor, Iornumbe Charles, Akpan Martin Akpan and Sumaila Isah Umaisha.
ANA has congratulated the recipients and celebrated their recognition through the 2026 Fellowship process. The announcement adds another significant dimension to the association’s convention, which will bring literary practitioners together to promote Nigerian writing and recognise members of the literary community.
Authors Invited to Exhibit Their Works
To encourage broad participation, ANA has called on its state chapters and members to bring their published works to the fair, irrespective of the number of titles they have available. The association also plans to provide subsidised exhibition stands for its members.
Interested authors can obtain further information from the ANA Secretariat at the Writers’ Village in Mpape, Abuja.
Meanwhile, the organisers have invited publishers, booksellers, educational institutions, students and members of the public to attend. Visitors will be able to explore a diverse collection of Nigerian books, purchase titles at fair prices, meet authors and participate in literary readings and panel discussions.
Importantly, admission will be free, allowing readers and literature enthusiasts to engage with writers without paying an entrance fee.
Strengthening Nigeria’s Literary Culture
By combining a book fair with its 45th International Convention, ANA aims to create a platform for literary exchange, book promotion and commercial engagement. The initiative also reflects the association’s broader commitment to supporting its members and preserving Nigeria’s literary heritage.
Founded in 1981, ANA has continued to promote Nigerian writing and provide a professional platform for authors. With the maiden book fair, the association hopes to deepen public engagement with books and make the Mamman Vatsa Writers’ Village a vibrant meeting point for writers, readers and ideas.
The events are scheduled to take place from 29 to 31 October 2026, with daily activities commencing at 9:00 a.m.
