ANA Celebrates Odia Ofeimun at 65 in Grand Style

The event will commence from 14.00 to 18.00 at the Faculty of Arts Theatre Hall,, University of Lagos, Akoka.

“The focus of the reading is celebration of the birthday of Odia Ofeimun, secretary to late Chief Obafemi Awolowo and one of Nigeria’s foremost dramatists.

“He will be sixty-five come March 16. He has written over twenty collection of poetry, numerous essays and published a number of poetry anthologies. March 14 is the ANA Lagos Monthly Reading. Unlike other readings, however, it is a potential status-changing event for our beloved Branch.

“First on the bill are readings and discussion of works by Rex Odoememam, Ifeoma Ndiolo-Enaholo and The Weavers Club of the University of Lagos. Next is a parley with two leading Lagos gubernatorial candidates, Jimi Agbaje and Akinwunmi Ambode.

“This is not a political debate. There are moves to invite other politicians whose decisions, once they assume offices, will impact on the life and art of authors. The candidates will be allowed to simply tell authors and all creative writers our place in the Lagos of their visions.

“Odia Ofeimun, whose voice could not be taken by those who hated his bluntness for fear that he would stone-lash them, is the rallying voice for authors on the day.

“The Association of Nigerian Authors is the umbrella body of all authors and aspiring creative writers in Lagos. It is a non-partisan body hence our guests list include politicians and personalities in the Lagos state government as well as professors and doctors in University of Lagos and Lagos State University”, Chairman of the association, Mr. Onileagbon Amos Olufemi said in a statement.

“Lastly, we will celebrate the master writer himself with a salute of readings, performances and a keynote address detailing his role and place in both Lagos and Nigeria literature.

Otunba Tunji Sotimirin (acclaimed performer and teacher) and Toni Kan (accomplished writer, business man and administrator) are chief host while former Nigerian ambassador to Sudan and Mozambique, Ambassador Albert Omotayo, mfr, will be the chairman.