In this photo, taken by Abdu’azeez Fagge, I am receiving my award from Nigeria’s former Minister of Information and National Orientation, Prof. Jerry Gana.
Last Tuesday night, May 6, 2008 I was one of the distinguished Nigerians honoured with an honorary award by the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Niger State chapter, for contributions to the development of literature in northern Nigeria. It was at the maiden edition of the Northern Nigerian Writers Summit, a big event held before a large crowd in Minna, the state capital. It was reported by virtually all the leading newspapers in the country. This came only a few weeks after I was honoured with a similar award by the Bayero University Alumni Association.
As with the BUK award, in this particularly award I was the youngest recipient.
Some of the other recipients were: Prof. Olu Obafemi, Alhaji Labo Yari, Alhaji Abubakar Gimba, Prof. Zaynab Alkali, Hajiya Balaraba Ramat Yakubu, Hajiya Hafsatu Abdulwaheed, late Alhaji Abubakar Imam, late Gen. Mamman Jiya Vatsa, late Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa-Balewa, Nana Asma’u Danfodio, Alhaji Kasimu Yero, etc.
Alhamdu lillah!
