A new era in ANA as Ken Saro-Wiwa Int’l Writers’ Residency takes off

By Wole Adedoyin

NIGERIA’S literary landscape has been given a fresh breath of life with the unveiling of the Ken Saro-Wiwa International Writers’ Residency, a state-of-the-art sanctuary for writers seeking inspiration, solitude, and creative rebirth. Nestled in the serene and breathtaking Mamman Vatsa Writers’ Village, Mpape, Abuja, the residency is a major milestone in the development of literary infrastructure in Nigeria. This long-anticipated facility was launched during the 43rd International Convention of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) last year, a historic event that signaled the association’s unflinching commitment to nurturing Nigerian literature. The president of ANA, Dr. Usman Dipo Akanbi, deserves high commendation for his visionary leadership and tireless dedication to the realization of this literary haven. His drive, energy, and unwavering support for writers across the country have brought to life a dream that had lingered for decades.

The residency is named after Ken Saro-Wiwa, one of the most revered literary icons and human rights activists in Nigeria’s history. More than just a writer, Saro-Wiwa was a cultural beacon who dedicated his life to literature, environmental justice, and the empowerment of the oppressed. As a founding father and former president of ANA, it is fitting that a space designed to inspire creativity and intellectual engagement bears his name.

Writers from all over the world are welcome to the Ken Saro-Wiwa International Residency and a world of tranquility, reflection and creative energy. The facility features private writing spaces, well-furnished bedrooms, comfortable writing desks and chairs, and access to a well-stocked library. This carefully curated environment provides residents with everything they need to concentrate, reflect, and create masterpieces free of distractions. The two-storey building that houses the residency contains six spacious two-bedroom flats. Each flat boasts a fully equipped kitchen, cozy and air-conditioned rooms, solid beds for comfortable rest, and quiet corners perfect for meditation or uninterrupted writing. The surrounding landscape, with its undulating hills and green valleys, enhances the feeling of isolation and creative immersion that many writers crave.

Beyond its architectural excellence, the residency offers affordable services, making it accessible to writers from all walks of life. There are also provisions for internet access, art supplies, relaxation and meditation spaces, and opportunities for outdoor activities, all of which enrich the overall experience and stimulate the creative mind.

What sets the residency apart is its commitment to community and collaboration. Writers in residence can engage with mentors, network with fellow authors, and participate in community outreach programmes, thereby extending their influence beyond the written word. These programmes provide a rare platform for cultural exchange and social interaction, which are essential for the growth of any creative.

The supportive staff at the facility ensures that every writer’s need is met, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in their creative projects. From administrative assistance to moral support, the residency operates like a well-oiled machine geared toward one goal: fostering literary excellence. For young and emerging writers, the residency serves as a crucible for growth and self-discovery. The opportunity to learn from more experienced authors and to access rich literary resources cannot be underestimated. Many who pass through the residency will leave not just with new works but also with a renewed sense of purpose and identity as writers.

The launch of the residency also marks a turning point for the global literary community’s perception of Nigeria as a hub for artistic development. It signals that Nigeria is not only rich in talent but also in the structures needed to harness and showcase that talent to the world.

As writers begin to take advantage of this unique opportunity, it is hoped that the Ken Saro-Wiwa International Residency will become a pilgrim site for creatives from across the continent and beyond. It has the potential to generate cross-cultural literary collaborations and to host international workshops, festivals, and conferences.

Writers and lovers of literature are hereby encouraged to patronize the residency for a transformative journey of creative discovery, cultural exchange, and literary growth. It is a sacred space where stories are born, nurtured, and brought to life in the spirit of one of Nigeria’s greatest literary sons. ANA under the capable leadership of Dr. Oladipo Usman Akanbi has delivered a gift to the literary world — one that will echo across generations and continents.

Indeed, with the Ken Saro-Wiwa International Writers’ Residency now in full operation, a new dawn has come for Nigerian literature — one where writers no longer dream of a home for creativity but live and write within it.

For enquiries and bookings, interested individuals can contact ANA via anaauthors@gmail.com.

* Adedoyin serves in the Ken Saro-Wiwa International Residency’s Steering Committee