The Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), a non-profit organization that promotes Nigerian literature, has announced Professor Udenta O. Udenta, as its September Guest of Honour for the monthly Reading/Writers Dialogue of the Association.
Professor Udenta is a renowned Nigerian intellectual, writer, and scholar who has made significant contributions to the fields of philosophy, literature, and political science.
A Marxist scholar, Prof. Udenta has dedicated his career to the exploration of African literature and the promotion of social justice in his home country, Nigeria.
His works often center around themes such as postcolonialism, identity politics, and the challenges of nation-building. He is known for his ability to blend sociological concepts with philosophical insights, providing a unique perspective on African social and political life.
Our distinguished visitor has published and edited over 20 books, in addition to over 150 papers given at academic, capacity-building, and strategy forums.
Apart from the Six-Volume Collection of his Boyhood fictional, dramatic, poetic, philosophical, and cultural creations, some of his published works include: Revolutionary Aesthetics and the African Literary Process; Art, Ideology, and Social Commitment in African Poetry; Heroism and Critical Consciousness in African Literature; Art, Society, and Identity: Essays on African Literature;
He is currently a Director of the Centre for Alternative Policy Perspectives and Strategy (CAPPS) in Abuja, Nigeria. He is a Senior Research Fellow in the Centre for Igbo Studies/School of Humanities at Abia State University, a pro-democracy/human rights activist, a National Secretary of one of Nigeria’s leading Political Parties between 1998-2000 and a Director with the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), The Presidency, Abuja (2001-2009).
“We are honoured to host an individual whose works have had a profound impact on African scholarship and activism. His appearance will rejuvenate discourse around literature, Nigeria’s leadership structure, society and literary criticism.
“Monthly Reading/Writers Dialogue of the Association of Nigerian Authors, Abuja chapter has become a favourite gathering for young and aspiring writers and other enthusiasts alike. Poetry and prose prizes are also being given to attendees who participate in the contest organised during the event” reads the statement in parts.