Culture community celebrates Abdullahi @56, stages ‘Chants in a Cemetery’ in his honour
By Paul Liam
THE Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) Abuja Chapter on August 30, 2025, organised a special reading and discussion to mark the 56th birthday anniversary and book unveiling of one of the perceptive past presidents of ANA, a consummate writer, and arts and culture administrator, Mallam Denja Abdullahi, at the Maman Jiya Vatsa Writers Village, Mpape, Abuja. The event featured a theatrical performance of Abdullahi’s new play Chants in a Cemetery, a panel discussion, spoken word performances, and goodwill messages, with notable guests, including renowned literary and cultural figures, politicians, students, and art enthusiasts. It was a clear affirmation of Mallam Abdullahi’s status as a leading arts and culture figure in Nigeria, particularly in the city of Abuja.
In his opening remarks, ANA Abuja Chairman, Mr. Chukwudi Eze, thanked the distinguished guests and participants for attending the event and commended Mallam Abdullahi for his dedication to promoting art, culture, and literary development in Nigeria. He stated that ANA Abuja is committed to celebrating writers and literature in the nation’s capital and invited the guests to future events the association would organise. The President of ANA, Dr. Akanbi also commended Mallam Abdullahi’s extraordinary contributions as ANA former president and culture administrator, noting that he continues to serve the organisation and the country’s cultural sector in many capacities. He mentioned that Mallam Abdullahi was instrumental in the development of Maman Jiya Vatsa Writers Village during his tenure as ANA president, and expressed gratitude heartfelt for his services to the arts and culture sector. Dr. Akanbi also acknowledged the vision and selflessness of the late General Vatsa, who donated land for the establishment of a writers’ village to ANA. Additionally, he recognised the contributions of notable individuals like Professor Udenta and Senator Shehu Sani, who have donated funds for organising various events at the writers’ village.
Professor Evwierhoma of the University of Abuja chaired a panel discussion on the writings and the contributions of Mallam Abdullahi. Other members of the panel included Professor Tunde Olusunle, Ocho Afrika, and the writer himself. Professor Evwierhoma described Mallam Abdullahi as a writer whose works intersect with other forms of creativity while Professor Olusunle traced Mallam Abdullahi’s literary journey back to his early days as a secondary school student, when his poetry was first published in The Herald newspaper, now defunct. Responding to the moderator’s question regarding the moral responsibility of poetry and drama, Prof. Olusunle stated that poetry and drama serve dual roles: they sanction society and edify it by addressing the social issues of the day. Ocho, on the other hand, opined that modern poetry is elitist, and supported his claim by noting that modern poetry still retains an elitist soul, which requires its appreciators to be educated and sound to understand the metaphors. He further postulated that since theatre infuses dialogue and action, it is accessible to everyone. Ocho asserted that the fusion of poetry and theatre becomes a key agent that fulfils the role of conscious art.
While responding to some of the questions regarding the aspirations of young people who wish to become writers, Mallam Abdullahi highlighted the importance of apprenticeship in developing the skills of young writers. He advised them to endeavour to familiarise themselves with the culture and histories of the society in which they operate. He noted that because writers work within a cultural environment, understanding the tradition that underpins their work is essential. He also posited that since writers operate within a tradition, they serve as witnesses to the past, present, and future, adding that his poetry was influenced by the indigenous voices that existed before him, and encouraged aspiring writers to read extensively to develop their writing skills and consciousness. He enthused that young writers must strive to present fresh perspectives in their works.
Prof. Tunde Olusunle (left); poet and playwright, Mallam Denja Abdullahi; Prof. Mabel Evwierhoma and Oko Owi Ocho Africa as panelist member
Guests, including Mr. Jahman Anikulapo and Chinyere Obi Obasi, as well as students, had the opportunity to contribute and ask questions, which the speakers addressed.
The panel discussion was followed by a powerful performance of Mallam Abdullahi’s new play Chants in a Cemetery, an absurdist piece that questions the transient nature of life and explores human complexities, actions, desire, and death. The performance was well-received and met with applause from the audience. Sule then gave a glowing review of the book, after which the unveiling took place, led by the foremost folklorist, Dr. Bukar Usman.
The event concluded on a high note as attendees showered praise on the poet and playwright for his contributions to Nigeria’s art and culture sector. There was also a book signing and photograph session with Mallam Abdullahi, who was visibly elated by the overwhelming show of love and solidarity from members of the literary community both within and outside Abuja. It was a well-attended occasion that honoured a distinguished art administrator and cultural ambassador.
Some of the notable guests in attendance included ANA President, Dr. Usman Akanbi, General Secretary of ANA, Dr. Joan Orji, the former Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the son of Nigeria’s only Prime Minister, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Alhaji Sadiq Tafawa Balewa, Nigeria’s former Ambassador to Mozambique, Ambassador Albert Omotayo, a retired Assistant Director-General of the Department of State Security; Dr. Bukar Usman, a retired Permanent Secretary and writer, Alhaji Denja Abdullahi, art and culture administrator, Mr. Jahman Anikulapo, Dr. Ogaga Ifowodo, Professor Emeka Aniagolu, Professor Gboyega Kolawole, Vice-Chancellor of the African School of Economics, Abuja, Professor Mahfouz Adedimeji, Professor Rebecca Kenseh and the Director of the Centre for Alternative and Advanced Politics, Professor Udenta O. Udenta.
Others were Professor Usman Mohammed, Professor Vicky Sylvester Molemodile, Professor Tunde Olusunle, Professor Mabel Evwierhoma, a retired Director of the National Council for Arts and Culture, Dr. Lizi Ben-Iheanacho, Managing Director of Africultour Ltd, Barrister Chuks Akanmadu, Commander Ayodele Stephen, publisher and development expert, Dr. Kabura Zakama, Senior Assistant on Media and Communications Strategy to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Alkasim Abdulkadir, Founder of the Biographical Legacy and Research Foundation, Dr. Nyakanno, Mallam Ibrahim Sheme, former ANA Abuja Chairman, Mr. Taiwo Akerele, Mr. Jerry Adesewo, Salamatu Sule, Mr. Oko Owi Ocho (Afrika), Funke Awodeya, Secretary of ANA Abuja, Uthman Qassim, among many others too numerous to mention.
* Liam is a poet and culture critic
