Writers, publishers, scholars, editors, journalists, cultural promoters and literary buffs are set to gather to share knowledge and experience on how to deploy the power of the pen for the advancement of a peaceful and harmonious society and humanity.

The event, which is the 16th edition of Authors’ Hub’s monthly panel discussion via google meet, will be held on Saturday, 29th August 2026, from 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm via: meet.google.com/uap-geqa-fqh.

The Founder/Coordinator of Authors’ Hub, Sumaila Isah Umaisha, the topic of the day is ‘Pen for Peace: Harnessing Journalism and Literature for a More Humane Society.’

According to Umaisha, who is also the host of the event, “It is a good platform for writers and thinkers to pay deeper attention to humanity, and explore more robust ways to use literature and journalism to promote a peaceful co-existence in the modern society where human values and social harmony appear to be vanishing.”

The panelists

The event will feature a panel of discussants made up of eminent personalities of letters.

Dr. (Mrs.) Lucy Ry-Kottoh

She is a distinguished Ghanaian academic, Commonwealth Scholar and Senior Lecturer in Publishing Studies at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Ghana. She holds an MBA in General Business Administration from the University of Hull, England; Ph.D in Publishing Studies from the University of Stirling, Scotland, and has over 25 years of higher education experience, including two-term as head of department. A widely published researcher, editor, and international conference presenter, her work focuses on inclusive, digital, and scholarly publishing, children’s literature, and reading promotion.

Prof. Sunday Enessi Ododo

Ododo is a former General Manager/CEO of the National Arts Theatre. He is a globally acclaimed theatre scholar, scenographer, playwright, and theatre technologist whose pioneering Facekuerade Theory has significantly influenced African theatre scholarship. A Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Letters and the Association of Nigerian Authors, he won the ANA Drama Prize for Hard Choice. He is a leading voice in literature, culture, and performance studies.

Prof. Ifeoma Mabel Onyemelukwe

This is a distinguished Nigerian scholar of French and African Literature, and a Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Letters. Renowned for her scholarship, teaching, and mentorship, she has authored over 28 books and more than 194 scholarly articles. A leading authority on African literature of French expression, her research explores literature, culture, language, gender, and social transformation, earning her recognition as one of Nigeria’s foremost literary scholars.

Dr. Ibrahim Sheme

Sheme is an acclaimed Nigerian journalist, novelist, editor, and publisher who graduate from the Bayero University Kano and the University of Wales, Cardiff. He has held senior editorial positions at major Nigerian newspapers and founded Informant Publishing. His award-winning Hausa novel, Yar’tsana, won the inaugural Karaye Prize for Hausa Literature. An ANA Fellow, he is a leading advocate of indigenous literature. His works are noted for their social relevance, linguistic authenticity, and literary excellence.

Prof. Isiaka Aliagan

This is an outstanding Nigerian poet, playwright, editor, publisher, and academic. An ANA Fellow, he has served the Association of Nigerian Authors in several leadership roles, including editor of ANA Review. His award-nominated plays, Olubu and Rusting Time, and numerous books, have earned national and international recognitions. A Professor and Dean at Kwara State University, he is widely respected for mentoring emerging writers and advancing Nigerian literature and media education.

Mr. Odoh Diego Okenyodo

Okenyodo, who will moderate the event, is an acclaimed Nigerian poet, editor, communication consultant, and cultural advocate. A graduate of Ahmadu Bello University and Nasarawa State University, he is the author of A Poem to its Creator and co-editor of Camouflage and After the Curfew. An award-winning poet, he champions literary reform, equitable recognition for creative professionals, and the promotion of Nigeria’s cultural heritage through multimedia initiatives, including AkweyaTV.