Columnist and public affairs analyst, Zayd Ibn Isah, is among the literary personalities expected to speak at the 45th International Convention and Conference of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), holding in Abuja.
Ibn Isah is listed as a panelist at the four-day gathering, which commenced on October 29 and ends on November 1, 2026, at the Mamman Vatsa Writers’ Village, Mpape, Abuja.
The author has two books to his credit – ‘We Are All Guilty’, a moving drama that captures the intrigues and underlying corruption hindering the development of the most populous African country, and ‘The Nigerian Spirit Is Special’, a compilation of his articles published across Nigerian newspapers in about half a decade.
The foreword of Isah’s second book was written by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, whose popular ‘My Watch’, was reviewed by the young author.
Isah’s works have appeared on Nigerian newspapers such as THISDAY, Guardian, Daily Trust, Vanguard, PREMIUM Times, TheCable, among others.
Daily Trust reports that the theme of this year’s ANA convention is, ‘Literature, National Security and the Place of Nigeria in the World’.
The theme reflects growing conversations about the role of creative expression in addressing societal challenges, promoting national cohesion and shaping Nigeria’s international image.
The event brings together writers, academics and other stakeholders in the literary and creative industries to examine the intersection of literature, security and national development.
Other featured participants include Prof. Mahfouz Adedimeji, Vice Chancellor of the African School of Economics, Abuja, who is billed to deliver the keynote address.
Also listed as panelists are Squadron Leader Alexander Emmanuel Ochogwu, PhD, and Toyin Adewale-Gabriel, while Odoh Diego Okenyodo will moderate the session.
The convention is hosted by ANA President, Dr Usman Akanbi, with Dr Bukar Usman as chairman of the occasion.
Founded on June 27, 1981, at a conference convened by the late literary icon, Prof. Chinua Achebe, at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, ANA has played a significant role in promoting Nigerian literature and providing a common platform for writers across the country.
Its founding conference attracted prominent Nigerian literary figures, as well as Kenyan writers Ngugi wa Thiong’o and Gacheche Wauringi.
The association’s constitution, aside from promoting literary works, identifies the protection of authors’ professional interests, preservation of oral literature, development of indigenous intellectual talents and promotion of a humane and egalitarian society among its objectives.
The association has also engaged with national security concerns through its 2017 partnership with the STRADA Development Initiative, which established the ANA Programme on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism.
At the ongoing convention, the connection between literature and security has featured prominently in discussions.
Earlier at the gathering, keynote speaker Prof. Adedimeji argued that national security should extend beyond military protection to include human security, social justice and freedom of thought.
He also described literature as an early-warning mechanism and a form of informal diplomacy, stressing the importance of protecting Nigeria’s national narrative.
The convention features speeches, literary performances, panel discussions, workshops and an awards dinner, among other activities.