Denja Abdullahi is no stranger to the Nigerian cultural and literary space. A retired Director at the National Council for Arts and Culture and one of Nigeria’s most revered men of letters, he has authored notable works including Mairogo, Death and the King’s Grey Hair, and A Thousand Years of Thirst. His creative outputs interrogate themes of tradition, politics, spirituality, modernity, and survival—rendered with poetic clarity and theatrical depth.
By Abdulrahman Aliagan, Abuja
The Abuja Chapter of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) has raised the bar of literary engagement with the announcement of its Guest Author of the Month for August 2025—the illustrious poet, playwright, cultural advocate, and former ANA President, Denja Abdullahi.
The landmark event, themed “Celebrating the Embrace of Theatre and Poetry with Denja Abdullahi,” is scheduled for Saturday, August 30, 2025, at the Mamman Vatsa Writers Village, Mpape, Abuja, starting at 1:00 PM.
Unlike previous readings, this edition promises to be historic, as the Chapter integrates live stage performance into its signature literary conversations and book readings. According to the organisers, the inclusion of theatre reflects ANA Abuja’s renewed commitment to innovation and its determination to expand the boundaries of literary appreciation.
Denja Abdullahi is no stranger to the Nigerian cultural and literary space. A retired Director at the National Council for Arts and Culture and one of Nigeria’s most revered men of letters, he has authored notable works including Mairogo, Death and the King’s Grey Hair, and A Thousand Years of Thirst. His creative outputs interrogate themes of tradition, politics, spirituality, modernity, and survival—rendered with poetic clarity and theatrical depth.
For over three decades, Abdullahi has distinguished himself as a literary mentor and cultural custodian, using poetry as an instrument of social action and theatre as a tool of renewal. His leadership in ANA, coupled with his contributions to cultural development, has left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s artistic landscape.
The August reading will feature a rich blend of dramatic performances drawn from Abdullahi’s plays, poetry renditions, a moderated conversation with the author, and an interactive Q&A session with the audience. Attendees will also be able to purchase autographed copies of his books while connecting with the literary giant on his life’s journey.
ANA Abuja has extended an open invitation to writers, readers, students, theatre lovers, cultural enthusiasts, and members of the general public to attend what it describes as a historic moment in the Chapter’s calendar.
“By fusing the vibrancy of theatre with the reflective power of poetry, we are deepening the cultural conversation and bringing the written word to life in new ways,” the organisers said.
With this innovative programme, ANA Abuja reaffirms its place as a trailblazer in literary development and cultural advocacy. And with Denja Abdullahi at centre stage, August’s gathering promises to be nothing short of inspirational.
