A BRIEF HISTORY OF CWAN WRITTEN BY JOSEPH
AJIROGHENE OREH
INTRODUCTION
Literature Always Matters
Creative Writers’ Association of Nigeria (CWAN) is envisioned
by the linguist-cum-literati, Goodnews Andrew Eruemuare also
known as SIR A-ONE from the oil rich Delta state.
A clime that has produced and still producing grave writers
and critics that dominate Nigeria’s literary landscape. These writers
and critics include ebullient J.P. Clark, Dennis Osadabey, Simon
Umukoro, Tanure Ojaide, G.G. Darah, Isidore Okpewho, Tony
Afejoku, Nduka Otiono, Austine Anigala, Sunny Awhefeada, Mabel
Ewheriorhoma, Ogaga Ifowodo, Kzine Agary, Ebi Taibo, amongst
other redoubtable legislators of life.
CWAN is single handedly founded by the aforementioned
linguist on November 22nd, 2009. At the now known World Book
capital Port Harcourt, Rivers state. Sometime in year 2010,
Goodnews Eruemuare and his first three literary disciples and
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Ideological
co-travelers,
Tunde
Harasaki,
Judith
Mbah
and
Ukgochukwu F. Jude encased for a meeting of literary matters.
This “first” meeting of the group, was symbolic and epi
phaneous. The gathering is reminiscent of the same literary
gathering at the scenic “academic” haven of the University of
Nigeria (NSUKKA) on the initiation of the late famed story teller,
Professor Chinua Achebe the Nsukka’s gathering culminated in the
founding of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) in June 27,
1981.
Over seven years of its inception or formation, CWAN has
been among those in the forefront for the promotion and
sustenance
of Nigeria
and
African literature. In terms of
membership, and literary outputs, CWAN is next to the Association
of Nigerian Authors (ANA).
December 13th, 2013, this anthology of writers, critics and
literary enthusiasts, CWAN commissioned a “Facebook” group: this
giant stride by the assertion offers a veritable platform for
emerging writers to hone their creativity. Since its commissioning,
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the daily “refined” literary output sprouting from CWAN’s facebook
group is ten times higher than Nigeria’s oil production.
Aims
The aims of this group is very altruistic!
1.
To nurse oneness and creativity among all Nigerian
creative writers in general.
2.
Scheme their eagerness.
3.
Shelter their interest home and abroad.
4.
Speak in one voice in relation to any literary purpose.
State Chapters and Administrators
CWAN, a collection of literatis is headquartered in Abraka,
locale of Delta State University, Abraka. It presently has over
sixteen (16) state chapters man by grave creative writers. The
following are the literary priests of CWAN:
1.
Goodnews Andrew Eruemuare – National Coordinator
2.
Godwin Inyang
Coordinator, Akwa Ibom state
3.
Rich Alzy
Coordinator, Anambra state
4.
Biokpo Joshua West
Coordinator, Rivers state
5.
Jodekss Gloatkenf
Coordinator, Osun state
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6.
Adewumi Benedict Olumide
Coordinator, Ondo state
7.
Kingsley Nwabufo
Coordinator, Edo state
8.
Gabriel Ogunyomi
Coordinator, Ekiti state
9.
Richardson Eyong
Coordinator, Cross River
10. Abbass Abubakar
Coordinator, Niger state
11. Favour Chukwuma
Coordinator, Imo state
12. Gladys Biv
Coordinator, Delta state
13. Malik Arch Jubril Olalekan Coordinator, Lagos state
14. Stefn Sylvester Anyatonwu
Coordinator, Abia state
15. Akor Emmanuel
Coordinator, Kogi state
16. Ujebe Humphrey Onyekachi
Coordinator, Ebonyi state
ITS PATRON
Jibrin Idris Inuwa, author of ‘Fools in Uniform’.
Board of Trustees Chairman
Sam Onombre II
Programmes and Projects
In order to uplift the living standard of inventiveness and
imagination, which are the hallmarks of literature, CWAN initiated
and introduced enchanting programmes and projects geared
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towards encouraging emerging writers and budding critics to
improve and be consistent in their humanistic calling.
One of such laudable programmes is the publication of an
anthology. The publication of an anthology which comprise all
genres of literature, poetry, drama and prose.
The first anthology of the association was aptly titled “The
Storytellers”. It is a three-in-one, drama, prose and poetry. The
contributors are:
1.
Batubo Otokini Harry
Rivers state
2.
Kayode Emmanuel Sunday
Osun State
3.
Benjamin Oluwarotimi
Oyo state
4.
Egharevba Terrific Terry
Edo state
5.
Nkechi Akabogu
Anambra state
6.
Mathias Pantaleon
Lagos state
7.
Ogheneborie Owhofasa
Delta state
8.
Goodnews Eruemuare
Delta state
9.
Osokpor Tony
Delta State
10. Akpoviri Akpoveta Prince
Delta state
11. Emmanuel Ugokwe
Imo state
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12. Oluchukwu V. Akabogu
Anambra
13. Chisom Anokwu
Abia state
14. Nwangene Nnaemeka
Anambra
15. Gideon O. Umezurike
Abia state
16. Adewumi O. Benedict
Ondo state
17. Akpobome C.S. Diffre -Odiete
Delta state
18. Lekan Malik
Lagos state
19. Ajenifuja L. Adetokunbo
Ogun state
20. Adelaja Ridwan Olyrid
Ogun state
21. Uche Chidozie Okorie
Abia state
22. Bebor F. Oghenekevwe
Delta state
Enter the second anthology. This was solely in the oldest
genre, poetry. The call of entries from poetry writers was brief, a
duration of 48 hours.
The enthusiasm showed by poets were
phenomenon! After rigorous critique and scrutiny twenty-one
poems appeared by different poets.
The selected poets are:
1.
Jerome Okeme
2.
Godson Osarenren
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3.
Joe Oritsegbubemi Jesse
4.
Sir A-one
5.
Lakshmi Pramod (India)
6.
Akor Emmanuel
7.
Amarachi Calista Attamah
8.
Uche Chidozie Okorie
9.
Lekan Malik
10. Partta Sarathi Paul (India)
11. Adewumi Olumide Benedict
12. Udensi Udensi
13. Jodekss Gloatkenf
14. Olajide Teniola
15. Merry Sue–Sunshine
16. Abubakar Abdulkadir
17. Richadson Eyong
18. Favour Chukwuma
19. Ighomuaye Kelvinson Ufuoma
20. Ifechukwu Nwefee
21. Rich Alzy.
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Awards and Recognitions
Literary awards are awards presented in recognition of a
particular literary piece or body of work. It is normally and
customarily presented to an author. There are award for general
forms of writing such as award poetry, drama and prose. They are
also awards of spoof.
Literary awards mostly come with a corresponding award
ceremony. In 2014, amidst distress, trepidation and uncertainty
that enveloped the “Giant of Africa”, Nigeria, the Creative Writers’
Association of Nigeria held an online literary award ceremony from
Sunday 28th through Tuesday 30th December, 2014 the social
media was agog and busy as over a hundred writers, onshore and
offshore garnered home various awards in recognition of their
sterling creative endeavor that had an enormous impact on
humanity. They were voted through online medium on Facebook,
and they were awarded “electronic plaques”.
The awardees and their categories are as follows:
Poetry
1.
Terry Terrific Egharevba
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2.
Olajuwon Joseph Olumide
3.
Rich Alzy
4.
Victor Mike
5.
Adewumi Benedict Olumide
6.
Oluwaseyi Ogunojuwo
7.
Ajenifuja Adetokunbo Creativecreature
8.
Adelaja Ridwan Olayiwola
9.
Olusegun Governor Lawal
10. Echezona Ononukwe
11. Poet AnnyRazon Justine
12. Timileyin Gabriel Olajuwon
13. Malik Arch-Jubril Olalekan
14. Tj Mzamo
15. Lot Kalas
16. Ogechukwu Emmanuel Samuel
17. Alex Edevwie
Drama
1.
Godwin Inyang
2.
Goodnews Eruemuare
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3.
Jodekss Gloatkenf
Prose (Short Stories)
1.
Godwin Inyang
2.
Wisdom O. Chuks
3.
Richardson Eyong
4.
Ogechukwu Emmanuel Samuel
5.
Echezona Ononukwe
Literary Queens of the year
1.
Maureen Alikor Berry
2.
Mary Ajayi
3.
Noleen Utterance Desiree Titus
Most hilarious literary Icon
1.
Goodnews A. Eruemuare
Most Rewarding Literary Genius
1.
Godwin Inyang
Literary Emperors/Empresses
1.
Rich Alzy
2.
Rex Mayor
3.
Judith Chekwube Sern
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4.
Abegunde Sunday
5.
Goodnews A. Eruemuare
6.
Alaba T. Adenekan
Creative youths of the year
1.
Ebenezar Wikina
2.
James Adewuyiwa
Cultured and Tactical Poet
Victor Idem
Wordy-Adorable Poet
Irekpita Godfrey
Enchanting poet of the year
Abu Abdukadir
Transformative vibrating Poet
Salisu Usman Alhaji
Profound poetry Wizard
Okeme Jerome
Religious Thematic Poet
Carl Hatter
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Prodigy Poetess of the Year
Osasuyi Merit
Brilliant Narrator and Most charming poet
Jodekss Gloatkenf
Poetry King of the Year
1.
Kukogho Iruesiri Samson
CWAN Admins of the Year (group and page)
1.
Abigail West Samuel
2.
Chistopher Chukwuka Otakpor
3.
Biokpo Joshua West
4.
Akpoviri Don Veta Akpoveta
5.
Ajenifuja Adetokunbo Creativecreature
6.
Jodekss Gloatkenf
7.
Ben Ige
8.
Adewumi Benedict Olumide
9.
Timileyin Gabriel Olajuwon
10. Vivienne Odunze
11. Amarachi Calista Attamah
12. Adelaja Ridwan Olayiwola
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13. Rich Alzy
14. Godwin Inyang
15. Udensi Udensi
16. Goodnews Andrew Eruemuare
Special Recognition
1.
Prof. Sam Ukala
2.
Dr. Martins Tugbokorowei
3.
Alaska Ekele
4.
Chief Macpherson O. Okpara
5.
Rich Alzy
6.
Olumide Olulu Holloway
7.
Mutiu Olawuyi
8.
Sen. Liyel Imoke
9.
Rex Mayor
10. Eriata Oribhabor
11. Dr. Chukwuma Anyanwu
12. Dr. Greene Okome
CWAN GROUP COMMENT
1.
Godwin Inyang
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2.
Udensi Udensi
3.
Goodnews A. Eruemuare
Most Active Group Members
1.
Vivienne Odunze
2.
Biokpo Joshua West
3.
Donatus Don Enubuzor
4.
Goodnews A. Eruemuare
5.
Nwoye Divine Destiny
Group Appearance
1.
Christopher Chukwuka Otakpor
2.
Vivienne Odunze
3.
Nwoye Divine Destiny
4.
Okoroji Santus
5.
Sk Nwaejie
6.
Ndubuisi Agu
7.
Emmanuella Edun-Ajedeji
8.
Salah Kimberly
9.
Olisaemeka Gerald
10. Ogechukwu Emmanuel Samuel
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11. Akpoviri Don Veta Akpoveta
12. Richie Ovuorho
13. Nnaemeka Nwangene
14. Ben Ige
15. Ella Nelson
16. Akpobome Chas Sebe Diffre- Odiete
17. Martins Ekong
18. Kingsley Nwabufo
Some CWAN Administrators
Adewumi Olumide Benedict is a gifted writer that writes on
all the genre of literature, but he is well known in the locale of
poetry. Hails from Oke Akoko, Ondo state, had his Nursery,
Primary and Secondary Education in Ondo state, at presently,
studying English at the Obefemi Awolowo University, lle-lfe.
Born as Godwin S.U. lnyang, in March 10th, 1967, Inyang’s
biofile reveals that he is an innate writer. Most of his poetic
reflections have featured in magazines and journal home and
abroad. Presently, he is known to have the longest poem in the
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African continent entitled “Dr Fixit”. Again, this creative writer is a
short story writer and a novelist.
Gladys Bivbere from Egini Town in Udu Local Government
area of Delta State was born on March 31st 1994. She is a writer
with a distinction. She is well known in the areas of children
literature.
Kayode Emmanuel whose penname is Jodekss Gloatkenf
started writing in the transition year of 2007, through sheer joint
of hard work and consistency he is currently a literary wizkid and
presently studying English at the Obefemi Awolowo University IleIfe.
Lekan Malik, a prodigious talent from the royal dan of
Ikorodu is an English graduate of Lagos state university, (LASU).
In 2012 he published his collection of short stories titled “It happen
that night” and other stories”.
This collection of short stories is now a recommended literary
text at schools in Lagos state. He also have to his credit “Voice
from the Citadel”, a collection of poems published in 2013. This
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corpus of literature have been given critical attention from literary
scholars/critics.
Akoroche
Emmanuel,
birthed
in
1996,
hails
from
Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi State. He proved his
Primary and Secondary education in Kogi state. Emmanuel wears
many
caps
as
essayist,
motivational
speaker,
event
planner/manager, poet etc. He also belong to many association
and groups.
Stephen O.J. Anyatonwu, Pen name Stefn Sylvester hails
from Abia state. He starts writing down at the tender age of 5. He
is a prolific poet, who sees poetry as life. Life is poetry. To his credit
are numerous poems that passed far more than five collection of
poems.
Goodnews Andrew Eruemuare, pen name Sir A-One, hails
from Ogbe-Udu, Udu Local Government Area of Delta State. A
literary shrine Attendant and a self-acclaimed Literary Field
Marshal (LFM). A bilingua writer. Writes in Urhobo language and in
English language. Compiler to several literary anthologies which
include the Storyteller a three–in-one anthology i.e. poetry, prose
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and drama, Peace and Unity: A New Nigeria and others. A Lyricist,
playwright to Enrico and Sedico. Author of “Urhuru Re Ugben” voice
of the pen, poetry collection in Urhobo with analysis in English.
Founder of Creative Writers’ Association of Nigeria (CWAN). A
distinguished scholar. Studied at Ogbe-Udu Primary school, Oghior
comprehensive High School, St. Vincent’s College Okwagbe,
University of Port Harcourt, Certificate, Delta State University,
Bachelors of Arts in Linguistics and Urhobo.
Ejeke Uvienutome, the National Graphics Designer of
CWAN, a graduate of Fine and Applied Arts Delta State University,
Abraka.
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