The Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) has expressed joy and pride as three of its distinguished members were conferred with national honours during this year’s Democracy Day celebration.
The awardees include Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka, who received the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON); renowned poet and political thinker Odia Ofeimun, and former senator and human rights activist Senator Shehu Sani, both awarded the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON).
In a joint statement signed by ANA President, Dr. Usman Oladipo Akanbi, and General Secretary, Dame Joan Oji, Ph.D, the association congratulated the recipients for their lifelong commitment to literature, democracy, and nation-building.
“We celebrate our illustrious members on this well-deserved recognition,” the statement read. “Their honour is a testament to the enduring power of words, ideas, and principled action in shaping our national journey.”
The association also commended President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for recognizing literary icons and public intellectuals as deserving of the nation’s highest honours.
“God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria and all citizens as we mark 26 years of uninterrupted democratic governance,” the statement concluded.
Middle-Belt Times 