By Celina Chinwemmeri Ikechukwu
Renowned Nigerian author, poet, literary journalist and editor, Sumaila Isah Umaisha, has been selected for a Special Recognition Award for Outstanding Contribution to Literary Journalism, Writing and Literary Development at the forthcoming Fortham National Education & Book Exhibition 2026.
The award, according to the organisers, is in recognition of Umaisha’s longstanding contributions to creative writing, literary journalism, the promotion of writers and the advancement of Nigerian literature.
The recognition was announced in a letter dated September 8, 2026, signed by Msurshima Comfort Chenge, Event Director/Lead of the Organising Committee of the Fortham National Education & Book Exhibition 2026.
The organisers described Umaisha as an accomplished author, poet, literary journalist, editor and promoter of literature whose sustained commitment to creative writing, literary journalism and the development of writers had contributed significantly to Nigeria’s literary landscape.
They also acknowledged his role in creating platforms for writers and promoting literary engagement as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s writing and reading culture.
The award will be formally presented during the opening ceremony of the Fortham National Education & Book Exhibition 2026, scheduled for Thursday, September 17, at Novare Central Mall, Wuse Zone 5, Abuja.
The exhibition, themed “Strengthening Nigeria’s Reading Culture: Connecting Schools to Quality, Credible, and Impactful Learning Resources,” is expected to bring together government institutions, schools, universities, publishers, authors, booksellers, literary organisations, professional bodies and educational resource providers, among other stakeholders.
In his response to the recognition, Umaisha expressed profound appreciation to the organisers, describing the award as “more than an award” and a significant affirmation and source of encouragement.
He said the honour would inspire him and Authors’ Hub, the literary platform he founded and coordinates, to intensify their efforts towards the promotion and development of literature and the advancement of humanity.
“On behalf of myself, my family, friends and the entire membership of Authors’ Hub, I convey my sincere and heartfelt gratitude to you and your organisation for deeming me worthy of this honour,” Umaisha said.
He particularly acknowledged the contributions of Dr. Awele Ilusanmi and the Awele Ilusanmi Foundation, as well as The FAMBI Group, whose support, he said, had been instrumental to the activities and growth of Authors’ Hub.
Umaisha is a veteran literary journalist and editor whose engagement with literary journalism dates back several decades. His literary career spans journalism, creative writing, editing, literary criticism and the promotion of emerging and established writers.
Through Authors’ Hub, he has also facilitated literary discussions, competitions, workshops, mentoring initiatives and other programmes designed to encourage literary creativity and engagement.
The Fortham recognition therefore adds to the growing acknowledgement of his contribution to Nigeria’s literary ecosystem and his sustained advocacy for writers and literary development.
