Economic, Security Challenges Limit ANA Convention To Abuja, Optimizes Writers’ Village

The Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) has just unveiled highlights of its 2026 annual Convention, scheduled to hold in Abuja from October 29 to November 1.
An event that is supposed to be hosted by the association’s state chapters, the convention has been held at the ANA Writers’ Village in Abuja, the association’s headquarters, for the past six years.
ANA National President, Mr Usman Oladipo Akanbi, attributed the current development to the harsh economic times, followed closely by security challenges.
Akanbi noted that before 2021, states that have indicated their interest, propose a budget, and work with the national executives towards the achievement of the convention. However, given the previous experience of state chapters’ inability to host the convention, another state chapter’s pocketing of released funds, and the lack of any indication from states to host the event since the 2020 edition in Kwara State, the association drew up a new rule.
The rule states that any state interested in hosting the convention must draw up a budget, pay a substantial portion of that budget to the national office, and provide evidence of standard facilities to host the event long before the convention date, said Akanbi.
“The conservative estimate to host a standard convention is about N20m. By the time one spends N2m on dues, N6m on convention facilities, and N5m on convention materials, the total amounts to N13m. This excludes the cost of hosting the ANA Awards Night, ANA Literary Awards prizes, token to guest speakers at the event, etc.”
A significant challenge of the convention is government disinterest. Akanbi revealed that the association had visited and connected with the Minister of Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musawa. Unfortunately, “she hasn’t seen the need to visit or support us.”
Likewise, insecurity on the Nigerian roads has impacted the hosting and attendance of the convention. “We all know the stories coming out today of travellers by road. At the very least, the road networks connecting states to Abuja seem safer compared to other parts of the country.”
In a perfect description of ‘when life hands you lemons, you make lemonade’, the association, thankful for the existence of its headquarters, which, though under construction, alleviates the current situation.
Presently, the association can provide accommodation for its national and state chapter chairpersons, ANA Board members, guest speakers, and excos. At the same time, the facility’s hall is used for its activities for the duration of the convention.
Members are provided with a list of hotels that offer discounted accommodation.
This move has also turned the convention into a sort of pilgrimage trip, enabling state members to visit and experience the ANA Writers Village, which its founders and previous executives have worked extremely hard to make a reality.
“With accommodation settled, it brings the budget down to N15m, excluding the personal cost of attending the cost to members, among others. So, hosting the convention in Abuja ensures the optimal use of our facilities,” Akanbi added.
Meantime, the association also unveiled the theme of the 2026 convention, “Nigerian Literature and the Place of Nigeria in the World,” which addresses relevant issues of the time, thus allowing Nigeria to contribute to the conversation.
“By March, the convention committee chaired by my Vice President, Obari Gomba, will assume discussion and preparation for the 2026 convention,” concluded Akanbi.