Edo ANA honours Canada-based Nigerian writer for promoting Benin culture

THE Edo State chapter of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) has given Lady Nekpen Obasogie, a Canada-based Nigerian writer, the honorary Pen Award for her contributions to the promotion of the Benin culture.

The vice chairman of ANA in the state, Robinson Lawani, said that the choice of Lady Obasogie, the author of “Great Benin: The Alcazar of Post-Colonial Culture,” as ANA Author of the Year, was part of measures to celebrate Edo writers who have added value to the society.

“Great Benin: The Alcazar of Post-Colonial Culture” examines how the systems introduced to Benin by the colonialists, right from the first contact between the Europeans and Great Benin Kingdom in 1400 AD to when it was invaded by Britain towards the tail end of the 19th century in 1897 redefined and shaped the political, economic, social, and cultural structures of Benin and its people.

In 2021, an act of curiosity prompted Lady Obasogie to embark on the journey of researching the history of the Europeans and the Great Benin kingdom during the early contact on the 15th century.

Lawani said that after a thorough search, Lady Obasogie caught the attention for the association due to her recent programme which was held recently in Los Angeles, United States and had in attendance, Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Presidential Assistant on Diaspora Affairs and a host of other eminent Nigerians.

He said: “We beamed our searchlight throughout the world. It’s given out to those who have carved a name for themselves in this country. The award is a different one from other awards that have been given out by the association to any individual, a special one which has not been given to any individual by the association. It’s like a royal award.

“It is an award given out, irrespective of tribe, tongue and religion, to Nigerian citizens in the diaspora who have done well by using their talents to help humanity and promote Africa cultural heritage to the world through their creativity and personality.”

The Edo ANA vice chairman described her as an African writer who has promoted African cultural heritage through her creativity and writing.

Lawani disclosed that she is also the author of another best-selling book of Benin folk stories, “The Life of Princess Adesuwa” which has gained another global attention by putting Benin folk stories before the international community.

He said that the author, the founder of NEBO TV Canada and NEBO TV Magazine in Toronto, Canada has carved a niche for herself as the custodian of the rich Benin cultural heritage in the diaspora and Nigeria.

He added that her enthusiasm and love for the Benin culture is sufficiently displayed in her television programmes and several written works.

Lady Obasogie said that Benin culture is one of the most important and richest of all cultures in Africa and the world at large.

She added: “It’s the reason I took the bold initiative of promoting and showcasing the rich, much-talked about Benin cultural heritage to the rest of the world. It is time for Africans to write their own stories from indigenous knowledge perspectives.”