A vista into the contemporary literature of Spain would be opened at the May 26, Guest Writer Session, in Abuja by the Ambassador of Spain to Nigeria, Marcelino Cabanas Ansorena.
A statement by the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of Abuja Writers’ Forum (AWF), Edith Yassin said others to feature on the same bill are the Nigerian writers Folu Agoi and Habiba Alkali- Nur and the guitarist, Emmanuel Ezediuno.
“Born in Madrid, Spain and with degrees in Economics and Business, Mr Marcelino Cabanas Ansorena began his diplomatic career in 1987. His working experiences outside Spain have included Bolivia, Norway, Budapest, Hungary, Greece and the United Nations. His first African stint was in Morocco, and since then he has served as Spain’s Ambassador in Cameroon, Chad and Central African Republic. He gave his letter of credence to the Nigerian President in April, 2018.
“Foluso Adedoyin Agoi (Folu Agoi) is a creative (and academic) writer, poet, critic, literary activist, book editor, publisher and teacher. Born in Ipe-Akoko, Ondo State, on Tuesday, June 8, 1965, he earned an M.A. in English Language (2000) from the University of Lagos, Akoka, Yaba.
“He has taught English Language and Literary Studies, besides some other courses, in a number of post-primary and tertiary institutions in Nigeria, including Lagos State University, LASU, serving as Programme Officer of the Department of English at Anthony Village campus of Lagos State University from October 20, 2009 till March 31, 2017.
“Erstwhile Chairman of Association of Nigerian Authors, ANA, Lagos Branch (March 13, 2004 – October 13, 2007) and currently President, PEN Nigeria, Agoi is a lyrical poet whose verses, and other works have featured in many national and international publications. He will be reading from his new collection of poems, I Know the Smell of My Lover’s Skin.
“Habiba Alkali- Nur was born on the 31st of August 1978. An indigene of Borno State, she grew up in the heart of the city of Maiduguri where she obtained her primary and secondary education and graduated from the University of Maiduguri in Business Administration in 2001.
“Her working career began in 2007 where she first worked in the health care industry in Maiduguri as a Civil servant for eight years till she transferred her services to the Federal Capital Territory in 2015.
“The Phantom Army is her debut novel inspired by her personal experiences during the crisis that erupted in Maiduguri in 2009. In this enthralling debut set in a fictional Geneira, Habiba Alkali-Nur tells a horrifying tale of terrorism, destruction and survival. It reveals suppressed narratives and the untold stories of the victims and the perpetrators in a time of war.
“Emmanuel Ezediuno (aka Kilokeys) is a safety professional by day, and a creative at night fond of the guitar. He will provide the music interludes,” the statement read.
According to the statement, the Guest Writer Session, which would be open to the public will hold at the Aso Hall of Nanet Suites, Central Business District, Abuja. It also features a raffle-draw for books and runs from 4-7pm.
Meanwhile preparations continue for the Abuja Literary Festival (June 28 -30, 2018).
