By
ANA Media Team
The Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) has felicitated with the President and Commander-in-Chief, the Federal Government and the people of Nigeria as the nation marks its 66th Independence Anniversary on October 1, 2026.
In a statement issued by ANA President, Dr Usman Oladipo Akanbi, and Acting General Secretary, Wole Adedoyin, the Association described the anniversary as an opportunity to reflect on Nigeria’s journey, celebrate the resilience of its people and renew the commitment to building a more secure, prosperous and dignified nation.
ANA noted that Nigeria possesses enormous human, cultural and natural resources, but unlocking the nation’s potential requires purposeful leadership, accountable institutions, responsible citizenship and sustained investment in its people.
The Association emphasised the enduring role of literature in national development. Since its establishment in 1981, ANA has supported Nigerian writers through conventions, literary prizes, workshops, readings, publications, competitions, residencies and other programmes.
Nigerian writers have documented the nation’s history, preserved its cultural heritage and engaged critical issues including leadership, justice, education, inequality, identity and human dignity.
ANA called on the Federal Government to make the protection of lives and property a measurable national priority by strengthening intelligence gathering, improving the welfare and operational capacity of security personnel, protecting vulnerable communities and ensuring the effective investigation and prosecution of violent crimes.
The Association also urged greater and sustained investment in public education, including the rehabilitation of schools, improved teacher training, better learning facilities and functional libraries. In healthcare, ANA advocated stronger primary healthcare centres, improved access to essential medicines and measures to reduce the financial burden of healthcare on ordinary Nigerians.
On agriculture and food security, the Association called for expanded access to affordable credit, quality inputs, extension services, storage and processing facilities for farmers, alongside improved rural infrastructure and market access. It also urged the government to pursue economic policies that support local production, small and medium-sized businesses, affordable financing and decent employment opportunities, particularly for young Nigerians.
ANA further called for stronger institutional support for literature and the creative economy through grants, literary programmes, publishing incentives, writers’ residencies, functional libraries and wider distribution of Nigerian books. The Association maintained that investment in the creative sector can create employment, develop talent, preserve cultural heritage and strengthen Nigeria’s cultural influence internationally.
The Association also advocated a renewed national culture of reading, learning and civic responsibility, urging government at all levels, schools, universities, parents, libraries, publishers, the media and civil society to place books and knowledge at the centre of national development. Nigerian writers, particularly emerging voices, were encouraged to continue documenting the country with courage, honesty and imagination.
ANA stressed that Nigeria at 66 must be a call to action, not merely a celebration of history. The Association urged the government to translate the ideals of independence into tangible improvements in the lives of citizens and called on Nigerians to recognise nation-building as a shared responsibility.
The Association reaffirmed its commitment to using literature as an instrument of cultural preservation, intellectual engagement and national renewal, and wished Nigerians at home and abroad a Happy 66th Independence Anniversary.
