Thirteen Years Of Purpose, Progress And Possibilities: The CWAN Success Story
SINCE the establishment of the official Facebook group of the Creative Writers’ Association of Nigeria (CWAN), our journey has been defined by growth, transformation, and impact. What began as a modest gathering of passionate writers has blossomed into one of Nigeria’s most vibrant literary communities. Over the past thirteen years, we have witnessed countless milestones that continue to inspire us and reaffirm our commitment to nurturing literary excellence.
Some of our remarkable achievements, arranged from foundational milestones to far-reaching accomplishments, include:
1. CWAN has grown into a network of over twenty-five (25) active state chapters, each led by dedicated State Coordinators working tirelessly to promote literature across Nigeria.
2. Three National Presidents have emerged from the association, reflecting our commitment to strong leadership and continuity: Goodnews Andrew Eruemuare (KSA), Ben Ige, and Blessed Mudiaga Adjekpagbon.
3. A first-class graduate emerged from the then Edo State Chapter. Beyond his academic excellence, he has since progressed from bachelorhood into a happy and fulfilling marriage.
4. Donatus, one of our esteemed administrators, also left bachelorhood behind and became a happily married man.
5. Emmanuel Kayode (JODEKSS GLOATKENF), the Osun State Chapter Coordinator, likewise became a happily married man.
6. The Lagos State Chapter Coordinator also took the lifelong step into marriage.
7. Goodnews Andrew Eruemuare (SIR A-ONE), a former National President of CWAN, also became a happily married man.
8. Joseph Ajiri, one of our dedicated administrators, was elected as a Councillor in Delta State and continues to serve in that capacity to this day.
9. One of our State Chapter Administrators grew in vision and confidence and went on to establish his own literary organisation, a testament to the leadership culture fostered within CWAN.
10. Godwin S. U. Inyang achieved an extraordinary literary feat by writing DR. FIXIT, a poem comprising more than 5,000 stanzas making it one of the world’s longest poems.
11. More than eighty-two (82) members who had never before published a book or literary work in their own names became published authors, with many of them receiving prestigious literary awards and recognition.
12. CWAN played a significant role in reshaping the literary landscape, as the unhealthy practice of paying for nominations in order to win literary awards gradually declined, allowing merit to take centre stage.
13. Beyond these measurable achievements lie countless inspiring testimonies, stories of mentorship, lasting friendships, personal growth, career advancement, leadership development, and lives transformed through the power of literature.
Throughout these thirteen years, CWAN has never seen itself as being in competition with any literary organisation, institution, or individual. Our uniqueness lies in our vision, our community, and our unwavering commitment to discovering, nurturing, and celebrating literary talents.
As we celebrate this remarkable journey, we remain convinced that our greatest accomplishments are still ahead of us. The future is brighter, the possibilities are greater, and the best of CWAN is yet to come.
