ANA Bayelsa Holds Special Reading on Niger Delta Literature in Honour of Ogoriba and His Quest for Equity, Fairness and Social Justice
The Bayelsa State Chapter of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) has held its September Special Monthly Reading on Saturday, September 27th, 2025 in Yenagoa, with a call for literary writers to exhibit more commitment to the Niger Delta cause.
This was the fall out of a lecture and an interactive discourse, highlighting the distinctive features, prospects and challenges of Niger Delta Literature and the need for budding writers of Niger Delta stock, to push the frontiers of creativity and productivity to be at par – or better – with their peers in the comity of regional literatures within the corpus of Nigerian and African writings at large.
In his Keynote address, Dr Lebe Joel B, a Lecturer at the Federal University, Otuoke, did justice to the theme: “Niger Delta Literature: Concept, Processes and Prospects,” highlighting several nuances on what portend Niger Delta literature.
In his opening remarks, host of the event, Chief Deo Doupere Kalsuo, reeled out some of his literary works in the offing challenging all to always keep reading and writing as the world is evolving day by day and only those who can adapt to the changing times through acquisition of knowledge can withstand the tide of the times.
Chief Kalsuo thanked ANA Bayelsa for availing him the platform to host the August monthly reading and share literary as well as social experiences for the upliftment of the deprived region as he affirmed that the future of the Izon struggle against socio-cultural injustices by the State and IOCs, is etched on intellectual militancy rather than resorting to violence.
Chairman of ANA Bayelsa, Dr Ernest Weridonghan, thanked members for finding time to attend, as he admonished all attendees to relax and participate as it promised to be jaw dropping and awe inspiring.
Several members took turns to read their literary pieces in honour of the Special Guest of Honour – Elder T.K. Ogoriba – serenading him with tributes in metaphors symbolizing his many attributes of selfless service for socio-environmental and ethnic Justice for the Izon people of the oil-rich region.
Highpoint of the session, was a rendition by Dr Amatare Mozimo, titled “WHERE IS T.K.O.? THE WATERS OF THE WILD” and that of Mrs Lunaniweri Komonibo, written and performed in Izon language, titled “ALUKU DOGO-DOGO.”
Participants all agreed that the future of Niger Delta Literature is brighter, if indigenous writers remain committed to the cause of socio-cultural justice, in order to salvage the Niger Delta people from the shackles of socio-economic and environmental malaises.
In his response, an elated Elder Ogoriba, shocked beyond words, over the colourful tributes poured on him by various presenters of literary excerpts, expressed delight to up the ante while appreciating all for the show of solidarity and support.
The MOSIEND helmsman, pledged to uphold public trust reposed on him in his quest to be the next National President of the foremost Izon Socio-Cultural Pressure Group – the Izon National Congress (INC).
Elder T.K. Ogoriba is a Frontline Izon Niger Delta Activist and Founder of MOSIEND. He is gunning for the race of the INC National President billed for February, 2026.
The ANA Bayelsa September monthly reading availed Elder T.K. Ogoriba, the opportunity to rally the Bayelsa intelligentsia with a view to consolidate on his ongoing consultations across board within and outside the Niger Delta.
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