The Kogi State chapter of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) has inaugurated a committee to organise the 2026 edition of the Yusuf Ali Literary Contest for secondary school students, as part of ongoing 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, under the chairmanship of Mr. Yusuf J. Itopa.
The newly inaugurated committee has been mandated to ensure the successful organisation of the competition, which is scheduled to hold in the first week of October. The annual contest is expected to draw participants from secondary schools across Kogi State, offering a platform for discovering and nurturing young literary talents.
Beyond the literary contest, the meeting also addressed preparations for the Association’s National Convention, billed to hold in Abuja in October. Members deliberated on the Kogi chapter’s participation in the convention and discussed strategies for ensuring strong representation at the national gathering.
Speaking at the meeting, the Kogi State Chairman of ANA, Mr. 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 effort 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 gathering ended on a note of renewed optimism, with members pledging to work together to achieve the chapter’s objectives in the months ahead.
