Adedokun Waliyu 
The Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) has invited the presidential candidates of three major political parties as special guests, among other dignitaries, at its 41st international convention from October 26 to 30 in Abuja.
ANA, Africa’s largest writers’ body, said Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Peter Obi of Labour Party (LP) will lead other frontline Nigerians at the event, which will hold at the Chinua Achebe International Conference Centre, Mamman Vatsa Writers’ Village at Mpampe, Abuja.
The association comprises poets, novelists, short story writers, essayists, newspaper columnists, and journalists at home and in the Diaspora.
The theme of this year’s convention is: Literature and National Consciousness: The Story as a Catalyst, according to the invitation by ANA President Camillus Ukah and Secretary Maik Ortserga.
The invitation reads: “We also request that as you come, you should address us on the topic: Creativity In An Embattled Polity: Expectations, Constraints and Imperatives.”
This year’s convention, which is the 41st edition since ANA was founded by the late Prof. Chinua Achebe and others eminent writers, will also host a high-powered delegation from the Pan-African Writers Association (PAWA), based in Accra, Ghana, as well as other delegates from different countries.
The convention is thus called Africa’s leading literary event of Year 2022.
ANA linked its sustainability to the country’s leadership position in the continent, saying:
“This ANA@41 event is, no doubt, another grand opportunity to showcase Nigerian literature as an indisputable testimonial of our country’s continental leadership and greatness.”
