Authors' Groove: Elevating Nigerian Literature through Camillus Ukah's ANA Presidency

 

AUTHORS' GROOVE: ELEVATING NIGERIAN LITERATURE THROUGH CAMILLUS UKAH'S ANA PRESIDENCY

 

By: Wole Adedoyin

Under Camillus Ukah's four years of ANA presidency, the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) has successfully organized the annual event known as Authors' Groove, held during the Nigeria International Book Fair. This event serves as a platform for discussing the latest trends in Nigerian literature and attracts both authors and book enthusiasts.

Authors' Groove has become a significant highlight of the Nigeria International Book Fair, attracting both established and emerging authors, scholars, and literature enthusiasts. Through the thought-provoking themes and engaging panel discussions, these events have contributed to the growth and recognition of Nigerian literature on both national and international platforms. Under Camillus Ukah's ANA presidency, Authors' Groove has solidified its position as an essential event for literary discourse in Nigeria, further enriching the vibrant literary landscape of the country.

In 2020, amidst the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, the theme of Authors' Groove was "Creative and Other Writings During the Covid-19 Pandemic & Afterwards." The panel discussion, moderated by Olatunbosun Taofeek, featured esteemed panelists Henry Akubuiro, Anote Ajeluoruo, Ekaete George, Sola Alamutu, and Onyekachi Onuoha. Despite the pandemic, the event successfully took place on September 4, 2020, utilizing the Zoom platform.

The following year, in 2021, Authors' Groove centered around the theme "Women at the Centre Stage: The Nigerian Stories." Taofeek Olatunbosun once again anchored the event, and the panelists included prominent figures such as Mabel Segun, Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo, Edozie Udeze, Lola Akande, Kunnu Taiwo, Betty Ige, C.M. Okonkwo, and Sarah Rotimi. This event took place on July 29, 2023, at the Function Room D, Hall B, Harbour Point in Victoria Island, Lagos.

In 2022, Authors' Groove explored the theme "How Can the Nigerian Writing Industry do better than the Nigerian Music Industry?" Olatunbosun Taofeek led the event as the anchor, while the panelists included Akeem Lasisi, Folu Agoi, Lekan Balogun, Moshood Oba, Lola Akande, Henry Akubuiro, AJ Daggar Tolar, Tanko Okodua, and Lawrence Salome. This engaging discussion took place on May 14, 2022, at the Harbour Point Event Center in Victoria Island, Lagos State.

The most recent installment of Authors' Groove, held in 2023, focused on the theme "The Place of Creative Writing in National Development." The event took place on May 13, 2023, at Yard 158 Arena, opposite the Citadel, Oregun, Ikeja, Lagos. Dr. Charles Akwen from Mountain Top University and Dr. Promise Adelie from the University of Lagos delivered insightful speeches on the theme, with Olatunbosun Taofeek moderating the event.

Throughout these four years, Camillus Ukah's ANA presidency has played a vital role in organizing and ensuring the success of the Authors' Groove events. Taofeek Olatunbosun, the former National PRO of ANA, has been instrumental in supporting these endeavors, serving as the anchor and moderator for each event. Together, they have fostered a platform for Nigerian authors to showcase their works, exchange ideas, and contribute to the development of literature in Nigeria.