The Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) has finally decided to open the much awaited Ken Saro-Wiwa writers’ residency in Abuja. Come August, the first set of writers will be admitted into the centre. In the meantime, advertisments have been made for interested writers to apply. EDOZIE UDEZE in an encounter with Dr Dipo Usman Akanbi, president of ANA, makes the situation clearer in this report.
It is a sound leadership drive that makes an institution function well for the benefit of the larger society. The leadership of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) led by its president, Dr Dipo Usman Akanbi has so far proved that an institution can work well if the leadership is sincere and passionate. Thus comes the opening of the first ever writers’ residency programme organised by the writers’ body in Nigeria. It is the Ken Saro-Wiwa writers’ residency situated within the confines of Mamman Vatsa Writers’ Village, Mpape, Abuja.
The writers’ village was established by Nigerian authors to help writers have a place of their own. Before now, all their conferences, local and international, were usually held in different states of the federation on rotatory basis. But now, in addition to the enviable headquaters of ANA in Abuja, the leadershp has also deemed it necessary to have a writers’ residency where authors and writers are encouraged to go to for a certain period of time to hibernate and produce some creative works. Now, it is time to commence action and activities in the place. And that is why the leadership of ANA is advertising for interested writers to apply starting from this July.
The application is open to both local and international writers. It is already clear based on the ideas behind the establishment of the centre that it is meant to cater for the interest of writers across the globe. In a statement released by Dr Akanbi, ANA president, it is stated that the project is in honour of one of Nigeria’s most celebrated authors, playright, dramatist, human rights activist and a former president of the association in the person of the late Ken Saro-Wiwa. Akanbi said, “come August the activities will commence. We therefore welcome interested writers to apply for the unique opportunity to focus on their craft and connect with fellow writers”.
He said further, “it is established to bring together both established and emerging writers from diverse backgrounds, from across Africa to share experience, develop their craft and contrubute to the development of the continent’s literary landscape. Therefore the guidline for the application includes practising creative writers based in the African continent. The works have to be within the realm of fiction, non-fiction, poetry and the literary criticism”. In addition, an applicant must have written and published at least one work, a book or excerpts in a reputable literary platform either in print or digital form. The sample of the work an applicant intends to concentrate on or complete in the process of the residency must be clearly indicated in the application.
This is to clearly show that each applicant is genuinely committed to writing and that he or she will surely utilise the opportunity for the benefit of the creative ideal for which the Ken Saro-Wiwa centre is established. Poets have to submit five poems from their previous or on-going works. This has to be authenticated via the application. In additon, proof of each persons nationality to show he or she is an African has to be clearly stated and proved. Based on the quality of application submitted, the best qualified writers will then be selected. The application has to show deep seriousness. Once the programme commences applicants must commit enough of their time to the residency, working and completing their project.
Those selected will have to create time to interract and mentor students within the area. The programme is detailed to last for four weeks. There could also be an additional two weeks of grace for those who still want to tighten up some loose ends. However, the sum of one hundred thousand naira will be provided for local writers while the foreign ones will be given two hundred thousand for the period of the programme. This is to augument their internal movement in and around Abuja. The programme commences from August 30th and ends on October 11th 2025.
Meanwhile a visit to the imposing structures that constitute the residency showed that it is delibrately established to meet modern needs of users. The rooms are not just big and comfortable, the kitchen cabinets are fitted with the best in the world. The sitting rooms are large with the necessary writing materials in form of chairs, tables and cabinets. The television sets are properly fitted to serve their purposes. The outside of the buildings located within the foyers of Mpape valleys and hills provide natural security and comforts all year round. The premises is well fenced with adequate security. There are decent eatries and joints here and there. The nearby Mpape location is also alluring enough for evening stroll or walkout.
Away from the beauty of the Mamman Vasta Writers’ Village, writers can easily take a ride to the nearby Maitama extension and indeed other parts of Abuja. The hilly encampment always gives Mpape an enviable appearance. Indeed the ANA hostels within the premises equally provides some endearing succour to the whole arrangement and setting
Real reasons.
“The Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) is a non-profit organisation that aims to promote and develop literature in Nigeria, with a particular focus on Nigerian authors. Over the years, ANA has been instrumental in providing various programmes and initiatives to support Nigerian authors, including workshops, literary events and awards, etc. In line with our commitment to supporting Nigerian authors, we propose the establishment of the Ken Saro-Wiwa International Writers’ Residence (KSWIWR).
As the leading literary organisation in Nigeria, ANA recognises the need to provide an environment conducive for Nigerian authors to hone their craft and excel in their literary pursuits. A writer residency programme is an excellent opportunity for authors to focus on their writing, research, and networking with other writers, thus enhancing their creativity and productivity. Additionally, this residency programme can also attract international writers to Nigeria, promoting cultural exchange and showcasing the diversity and richness of Nigerian literature.
Ken Saro-Wiwa was a renowned Nigerian writer, activist, and environmentalist who fought against the exploitation of the Niger Delta by oil companies. He also played a significant role in promoting African literature. He was a former president of the Association (1990 – 1993). In honour of his legacy and contributions to the literary world, we propose that the residency be named after him – Ken Saro-Wiwa International Writers’ Residence. The objectives include to provide an inspiring and nurturing environment for Nigerian and international writers to work on their literary projects. To promote cultural exchange and mutual understanding among writers from different cultural backgrounds. To honour the legacy of Ken Saro-Wiwa and his contributions to Nigerian literature. To showcase the diversity and richness of Nigerian literature to the international community. The residence will be located within the premises of ANA Hotel and Apartments, Mamman Vatsa
Writers’ Village, Maitama Extension, Km. 2, Mpape Rd., Abuja. Besides the Village belonging to ANA and housing its National Secretariat, it is also in cognizance of its serenity which offers an environment conducive for any writer seeking quietude and inspiration to embark on their literary projects. This location also makes the ANA Library and Resource Centre, and the local community of Mpape easily accessible for the writers to carry out their research and, at the same time, offer community services to the people.
There will be two different residency programmes in a year – one for internationally-based Nigerian writers, and the other for Nigerian-based writers. The internationally-based residency will run for a period of two months, with a total of six writers (two from Nigeria and four from other Countries), while that of Nigerian-based writers will be for a month duration. The Nigerianbased writers’ residency programme is expected to start in the second week of November 2025 (a week after the ANA international convention) till the first week of December 2025. The internationally-based writers’ programme comes in July to September, which is usually the period of summer vacations.
There will be various activities during the four-week residency programme. These activities will not only make the writers’ stay eventful and memorable, it will also afford them the opportunity to interact with their new environment, learn their cultural differences, while also making meaningful contributions to the growth and development of literary arts in the community. Week 1: Activities for the first week will include courtesy visits to prominent individuals within and around the community, and excursions to interesting places like the National Park and Zoo, the National Library, Cyprian Ekwensi Arts and Culture Centre, amongst others.
Week 2: During the second week of the residency programme, the resident writers will embark on community services which will include interactions with schools and literary clubs (if any) within and around the community. This will serve as their contributions in fostering literary activities in the community as well as ANA’s corporate social services to society. Weeks 3&4: The writers will use the remaining two weeks to focus on their personal writings and research. Each resident writer is expected to achieve a significant result in their writing project within their one month stay in the residence.
The programme is open to both emerging and established writers from and outside Nigeria. To be eligible, writers must have at least one published work and a project they intend to work on during the residency. Writers will be selected through a rigorous and transparent process based on the strength of their application and literary portfolio. The geopolitical zone of the intending residents will also be put into consideration as there is a need for cultural diversity during the residency programme. A committee consisting of ANA members and literary experts will oversee the selection process.
ANA will be responsible for securing funding for the residency programme through partnerships and sponsorships from corporate bodies and individuals. By diversifying the funding sources, a stable financial foundation will be created.
The residency will provide a comfortable and fully furnished living space for the writers, including a bedroom, writing space, and a communal kitchen. ANA Library and Resource Centre will be available for the writers to access various literary works for research and inspiration. There will be outdoor spaces for recreational activities, relaxation, rejuvenation, and drawing inspiration from nature. There will also be administrative support from staff members who will manage the day-today operations, provide assistance to residents, and ensure they enjoy a seamless experience.
The Ken Saro-Wiwa International Writers’ Residence will be a valuable addition to ANA’s programmes, furthering our mission to support and promote Nigerian literature, while also providing a nurturing space for Nigerian and international writers to thrive. We believe that the residency will contribute significantly to the growth and development of the literary community in Nigeria and beyond. We, therefore, request your support and endorsement for the implementation of this proposal”.
