The Words Finesse

Afro Anthology Series and Enkare Review have invited African story writers to submit a fictional work that centers around a blind protagonist or has blindness as its core theme. 

According to them in their release, the anthology will be published on World Sight Day 2018 which comes up on October 11 in recognition of blind citizens and to draw attention to blindness and visual impairment. 

The Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Lagos Branch has expressed her sympathy to victims of last Thursday petrol tanker explosion which occurred on the Otedola Estate Bridge-side of Lagos-Ibadan Express Way of Lagos, applauding  various state agencies for taking quick action to rescue the situation.

Lagos State chapter Chairman of the Association, Mr Yemi Adebiyi expressed shock at the losses due to the incident.

“It is saddening that at a time Nigerians are yet to overcome the trauma of the Plateau massacre by unknown gunmen, the incident in Lagos which occurred due to the unfortunate explosion of a moving petrol tanker ended in not only throw Lagosians into mourning but, also aggravated our pains for the several disasters which have befell our nation in recent time.

“Members of the ANA are greatly agonised by the losses of lives in the incident. We feel the pains and sorrow of the injured, death of loved ones and loss of properties and commiserate with Lagosians and Lagos State government on the sad incident.”

He further added that “one cannot fail to notice and commend the swift response of relevant disaster rescue and emergency agencies of the Lagos State authorities, including men of the Nigeria Police as they rallied round to salvage the situation in order to ameliorate the possible ripple effects of the disaster, which could have aggravated the pains on Lagosians, in record time."

It would be recalled that Lagos is the hosting state of the forthcoming international convention of ANA, holding between October 25 and 28, 2018.

Culled from Daily Independent.

Kenyan writer Makena Onjerika has won the 2018 Caine Prize for African Writing for her short story “Fanta Blackcurrant”, beating four other finalists.

The prize comes with a £10,000 award.

The Ake Arts and Book Festival has announced a call for entries for the 2018 edition of their annual journal, Ake Review.

According to the statement issued, the theme for this year’s festival which is the 6th Edition is: Fantastical Futures, focused on a re-imagined African future.