ANA Abuja to host Denja Abdullahi as August Guest Author, stages first drama performance
By Editor
THE Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Abuja Chapter, has announced poet, playwright, cultural advocate and former ANA President Mallam Denja Abdullahi as its Guest Author of the Month for August 2025. Venue is Mamman Vatsa Writers Village, Mpape, Abuja, on Saturday, August 30, 2025. Time is 1:00pm. A statement signed by Secretary, ANA Abuja, Uthman Qasim, said this month’s session that has ‘Celebrating the Embrace of Theatre and Poetry with Denja Abdullahi’ as theme promises to be an extraordinary encounter with one of Nigeria’s respected literary voices whose works have seamlessly woven the emotive power of poetry with the dramatic pulse of theatre.
“Abdullahi is not only a prolific writer, but also a transformational leader in the Nigerian literary space,” the statement continued. “A former President of the Association of Nigerian Authors and a former Director in the National Council for Arts and Culture, Abdullahi has consistently championed the power of the arts to educate, inspire, and build cultural identity. His many acclaimed works, including Mairogo, Death and the King’s Grey Hair and A Thousand Years of Thirst that reflect a mind deeply rooted in tradition yet unafraid to confront modernity.
“At a time when literature and performance are more important than ever in shaping our national consciousness, Abdullahi stands out as a guiding light, a hybrid craftsman who sees poetry not just as language but as action, and theatre not just as performance but as ritual and renewal.”
Other guests who will grace the event include Professors Mabel Evwierhoma and Tunde Olusunle and Oko Owi Ocho Africa. Abuja ANA Chapter chairman, Mr. Chukwudi Eze will be on hand to steer proceedings.
Abuja ANA Chpater is therefore inviting the general public to join them for an afternoon of performance, conversation, and reflection, as we explore: The convergence of poetic and dramatic forms in his works, the role of theatre in social advocacy and cultural preservation and his journey as a literary builder and mentor across Nigeria. There will be live performances, readings from selected works, a moderated author conversation, and a Q\&A session. Copies of Abdullahi’s books will also be available for gift, purchase and signing.
