A year-long literary festival honouring the outstanding achievements of Nigerian literary icon BM Dzukogi to mentorship, literature, and societal reform is underway as he approaches his 60th birthday in January 2025. This historic event, organised by the Hill-Top Creative Arts Foundation (HCAF), a committed group of friends and his family, aims to commemorate a milestone in years and a lifetime dedicated to advancing Nigerian literature and culture. As part of this commemoration, we invite authors, academics, and fans to share their thoughts and feelings via essays that explore different facets of the multifaceted life and legacy of BM Dzukogi.
The celebration flares in several phases, each designed to capture the essence of BM Dzukogi’s journey and impact. Beginning in February 2024, the Local Organizing Committee invites essay submissions, laying the foundation for a year of literary exploration and introspection.
February 2024: Call for Essays
Writers are encouraged to submit essays on various sub-themes that reflect BM Dzukogi’s influence on contemporary Nigerian literature, mentorship, societal engagement, and beyond. The call seeks to explore his role as a pioneer in teen authorship, a mentor through the Hill-Top Creative Arts Foundation, and a catalyst for societal regeneration.
October 2024: HCAF Headquarters Commissioning
The commissioning of the Hill-Top Creative Arts Foundation Headquarters on its 20th anniversary is one of the celebration’s major events. This accomplishment will assert the long-lasting legacy of BM Dzukogi and the foundation’s dedication to supporting artistic expression and innovation.
September 2024: Publication of the Book
A book titled “BM Dzukogi: Bequeathing a Literary Heritage” will be published, further solidifying the celebration. This book will function as an extensive collection of essays representing various views on the life, career, and impact of BM Dzukogi.
January 2025: 3-Day National Conference
The culmination of the celebration is a 3-day national conference honouring BM Dzukogi, scheduled for January 12–14, 2025. There will be an extensive array of insights into the various sides of his identity when academics, writers, and enthusiasts come together to present and discuss their essays.
Call for Essays Sub-Themes:
Contributors are invited to submit essays on the following sub-themes:
1. Pioneering Contemporary Teen Authorship in Nigeria: the BM Dzukogi Mission.
2. Mentorship and Nigerian Literature: the Hill-Top Creative Arts Foundation Model.
3. The Writer, Society, and Regeneration.
4. The Writer as a Non-conformist.
5. The Writer as a Revolutionary Artist.
6. The Writer as a Literary Activist.
7. The Writer as a Philosopher.
8. The Writer as a Social Commentator.
9. The Writer as a Political Analyst.
10. The Writer and the Nigerian Child.
11. The Writer and the Girl-child.
12. The Writer and the Environment.
13. Dzukogi: The Short Story Writer.
14. Dzukogi: The Essayist.
15. Dzukogi: The Revolutionary Poet.
16. Dzukogi: The Mentor.
17. Dzukogi: The Innovative Art Administrator.
18. Dzukogi: The Sportsman & Sports Administrator.
19. Dzukogi: The Teacher & Educationist.
20. Dzukogi: The De-tribalised Citizen.
21. Dzukogi: The Family Man and His House of Poets.
22. Dzukogi: The Public Speaker.
23. Dzukogi and the Nigerian Youth.
24. Dzukogi as a Newspaper Columnist.
25. Dzukogi and Social Media Engagements.
26. Dzukogi as a Political Speculator (SEA): A Review.
27. Tributes on BM Dzukogi.
Submission Guideline:
By the deadline of April 30, 2024, interested contributors are encouraged to send essays to bmdzukogiat60@gmail.com.
Editors’ Contact Details:
- 08028408885, Dr. Kamar Hamza
- 08065380091, Ismail Bala Garba
- 07038307366, Dr. Ola Ifatimehin
We welcome writers from all areas of life to share their thoughts, observations, and viewpoints as we begin this journey, honouring BM Dzukogi’s 60th birthday. We hope to celebrate a literary pioneer and icon by bringing to life the essence of BM Dzukogi’s significant influence on mentorship, literature, and social reformation through our joint endeavour. The writings should serve as a tribute to the man whose life has enhanced the literary landscape of Nigeria and beyond.
