Exit of a Literary Icon: Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o
When we received the sad news of the passing of Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, a leading East African writer and one of the forefathers of African literature, we were left in a moment of intense reflection— not to mourn his departure— but to reflect on the profundity of his works, his activistic motivations, and the Afrocentric and sociopolitical tempers that permeated his literary oeuvres. A distinguished novelist and playwright, Ngũgĩ was one of the most patriotic and altruistic colossi of modern African literature, who championed the development of different regional writers’ associations in Africa, including the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA). From the Makerere Conference of 1962 to the 1981 Nsukka Conference, as well as other intellectuals’ and writers’ gatherings, Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o demonstrated enduring commitment to the development of African societies and their cultural productions. We acknowledge his positive role at the Nsukka conference that birthed the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA).
On June 27, 1981, some outstanding Nigerian writers and intellectuals congregated at the blissful and tranquil environment of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), on the invitation of Professor Chinua Achebe. That auspicious gathering of Literatti debated the need for a writers’ association in the country. The event which was stimulated by the stirring speech of Achebe, the convener, led to the birth of our ANA. That Nsukka conference, the first convention of ANA, was a historic event, which witnessed the attendance and participation of two prominent Kenyan writers, Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o and Gacheche Wauringi. For the over 43 years since its formation, ANA has been in the forefront of the promotion of Nigerian Literature and the interest of Nigerian writers. Today, ANA has maintained its place as a very vibrant and the largest society of writers in sub-Saharan Africa.
At 87, and with over six decades of writing, Ngũgĩ established himself as a titan of African literature, who triumphed over the depressing burdens of jail, exile, and illness, to gift us rejuvenating works that advocate for human dignity and equity. What we have now witnessed is his physical transition— his words and works live with us! Therefore, as an Association, we celebrate the endearing legacy of Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, especially his commitment to social justice which constitutes the centre-piece of his creative and intellectual works.
May his legacy continue to inspire and ignite in us the light of redemption across the African continent and the world at large!
Usman Oladipo Akanbi
President
Dame Joan Oji
General Secretary
