The Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) recently called on the federal government to infuse its ongoing economic restructuring policies with human empathy, warning that escalating financial pressures are severely eroding citizens' living standards. During the opening ceremony of the association's 45th International Convention held at the Mamman Jiya Vatsa Writers’ Village in Mpape, Abuja, the leadership emphasized that the true measure of any state policy lies in its tangible impact on public welfare.
Key facts emerging from the gathering include ANA National President Usman Akanbi's address on October 30, where he stressed that public policies must not be perceived as punitive measures by the populace. Quoting Thomas Jefferson on the pursuit of happiness as a legitimate duty of governance, Mr. Akanbi noted, "Today, many Nigerians are facing an acute economic crunch and a nose-diving standard of living. Reforms, however well-intentioned, must not be perceived as punishment."
What did ANA say about insecurity and infrastructure?
Beyond economic concerns, the association drew attention to widespread infrastructural decay, particularly highlighting deplorable hinterland road networks that expose travelers and writers to severe security threats like kidnapping and armed robbery. Mr. Akanbi argued that while major national highways are vital, roads connecting agricultural zones, rural villages, and local markets deserve immediate and prioritized attention because they form the foundational supply lines of the country.
Furthermore, the convention addressed the theme, "Literature, Security and the Place of Nigeria in the World." Leadership described rampant insecurity as the foremost censor of artistic imagination, pointing out that creativity cannot thrive when farmers are locked out of their lands, traders cannot commute freely, and children cannot safely access educational institutions.
How is the association rebuilding its structure?
The convention also served as a moment of internal reflection for the literary body, which was established in 1981 under the guidance of renowned novelist Chinua Achebe to champion freedom of expression and literary excellence. Following severe internal fractures and legal disputes stemming from its 2019 convention in Enugu, the association has rallied its trustees, elders, and state chapters to restore organizational stability and revive its foundational objectives.
Looking ahead, ANA outlined strategic plans to fully operationalize the Mamman Jiya Vatsa Writers’ Village as an international creative sanctuary. The organization intends to roll out targeted workshops, publishing support frameworks for emerging authors, and school-level literary clubs while working collaboratively with regulatory bodies like the Nigerian Copyright Commission to safeguard intellectual property rights across the nation.