UMAISHA ADMITTED INTO ANA FELLOWSHIP_ BY CELINA CHINWEMMERI IKECHUKWU

Veteran literary journalist and author, Sumaila Isah Umaisha, has been admitted into the Fellowship of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), in recognition of his contributions to Nigerian literature and literary development.

The ANA College of Fellows approved his admission following a recommendation by the 2026 Fellowship Applications Screening Committee.

In a letter conveying the decision, the Secretary of the committee, Prof. E. S. Dandaura, congratulated Umaisha on his elevation to the distinguished community of writers and literary practitioners.

The investiture of the new Fellows is scheduled for Friday, October 30, 2026, during the association’s annual convention.

Umaisha, a veteran literary journalist, editor, author and literary development advocate, has been a prominent figure in Nigeria’s literary landscape for decades. His career in literary journalism dates back to 1994, when he began working with Hotline magazine. He subsequently worked with New Nigerian Newspapers and Blueprint Newspapers, and later served as editor of Nigerian Newsday from 2013 to 2020.

His contributions to literary journalism have earned him the Association of Nigerian Authors’ Literary Journalist of the Year award twice, in 2004 and 2007. His writings have also appeared in international literary publications, including DRUMVOICES REVUE in the United States and The London Magazine.

As an author, Umaisha has published works across different literary genres. His short story collection, Hoodlums, first published in 2011, has been recommended in several Nigerian universities. His other works include Glasshouse, a novel published in 2022 that was longlisted for The James Currey Prize for African Literature and shortlisted for the ANA Prose Prize; Iburama, a play published in 2023; and Lost in the Wild, a young adult novel published in 2024.

His poetry collection, Flames of Memories, was published by Masobe Books in 2026, further demonstrating his versatility and sustained engagement with creative writing.

Beyond his writing and editorial work, Umaisha has continued to contribute to literary development through mentorship, writers’ engagement and literary initiatives. He is the founder and coordinator of Authors’ Hub, a literary organisation that brings writers together to promote creative expression, professional development, collaboration and the appreciation of literature.

Through Authors’ Hub, he has supported literary competitions, workshops, panel discussions and other programmes designed to encourage writers and expand opportunities for literary engagement.

His admission into the ANA Fellowship represents another milestone in a career devoted to writing, literary journalism, editorial practice and the advancement of Nigerian literature.

The Association of Nigerian Authors, founded in 1981, is Nigeria’s foremost professional association of writers and has played a significant role in promoting literary creativity and intellectual engagement in the country.

The Fellowship is a distinguished recognition within the association, reserved for writers and literary practitioners whose contributions merit elevation to its community of Fellows.

Umaisha’s investiture on October 30 will formally mark his induction into this distinguished body of Nigerian writers and literary practitioners.

©CELINA CHINWEMMERI IKECHUKWU 

-Nigeria.