ANA Abuja Executive Committee Pays Reverent Visit to Chapter’s Founding Chairperson
Warm season greetings filled the air on Wednesday, December 6, 2023, as the Executive Committee of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) Abuja Chapter made a noteworthy visit to the esteemed Chief Dr Gladys Russell (Mrs), the inaugural Chairperson of ANA Abuja.
Present for the visit were Chairman John Freeman Ondoma, Vice Chairman Charles Iwuchukwu, and Secretary Ishaya Luka. Their presence mirrored the traditional act of seeking wisdom from elders, akin to consulting a priestess for insights into the literary future of Abuja and the nation.
Chief Dr. Russell, a venerable figure in the literary realm, welcomed the committee with grace and spoke with an authoritative demeanour befitting her pioneering role in establishing the writing association in the Federal Capital Territory. With a legacy of knowing influential figures in the corridors of power, she maintained a dignified presence, emphasizing her commitment to societal development through the written word rather than mere financial gain.
Evident in her discourse was a deep concern for the recognition of women in Nigeria and beyond. Chief Mrs. Russell’s passion for Nigeria resonated in her writings, exemplified by her renowned works such as “African Woman” and others, urging readers to explore the rich tapestry of her literary contributions.
Amidst the warm hospitality offered by Chief Mrs. Russell, the discussion touched on the challenges faced by writers, particularly the factionalization within ANA National. The elder stateswoman, who once chaired the chapter in December 1996, expressed her dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs. She implored ANA to heal its internal divisions and, in turn, contribute to the healing of Nigeria’s societal ills.
In her emphatic words, “ANA, as a writers’ body, is supposed to save Nigeria!” This rallying cry, issued by an individual who will soon celebrate her 80th birthday on April 6 next year, underscored the urgency she felt for writers to play a transformative role in the nation’s trajectory
As the Executive Committee left, the weight of Chief Dr. Gladys Russell’s words lingered—an impassioned call for ANA to fulfil its sacred duty in nation-building, echoing the sentiments of a literary matriarch with a profound legacy.