Members of the Kogi State chapter of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), under the chairmanship of Mr. Yusuf J. Itopa, have inaugurated a committee to organise the 2026 edition of the Yusuf Ali Literary Contest for secondary school students as part of efforts to promote literary excellence among young Nigerians.
The decision was reached during the chapter’s monthly meeting held last Friday at the Graphic Newspapers Complex in Lokoja.
The committee was mandated to ensure the successful organisation of the literary competition, which is scheduled to take place in the first week of October. The annual contest is expected to attract students from secondary schools across Kogi State and provide a platform for discovering and nurturing young literary talents.
The meeting also focused on preparations for the Association’s National Convention, billed to hold in October in Abuja. Members deliberated on the Kogi chapter’s participation in the convention and discussed strategies to ensure a strong representation at the national gathering.
In his remarks, the Kogi State Chairman of ANA, Yusuf J. Itopa, urged members to remain committed to the association’s vision of promoting literature, creativity and intellectual engagement. He stressed the importance of collective efforts in ensuring the successful hosting of the Yusuf Ali Literary Contest and the chapter’s effective participation at the forthcoming national convention.
The meeting further reviewed other literary programmes and initiatives aimed at strengthening the reading and writing culture in the state, with members reaffirming their commitment to advancing literary development through collaborative activities and sustained engagement.
The monthly meeting ended with renewed optimism as members pledged to work together to achieve the chapter’s objectives in the months ahead.
