Award-winning Nigerian novelist Obinna Udenwe gave a book reading and discussion session on August 10, 2025, at the Hill-Top Creative Foundation Headquarters in Minna. The discussion focused on Udenwe’s most recent book, Years of Shame. The occasion was a part of the author’s current national book tour, which he was doing with his publisher. In the days before the Minna stop, he had already visited Jos and Abuja. Ibraheem Uthman, the administrative secretary of the Hill-Top Creative Arts Foundation, a poet and author of Mind of a Bard, and Fatima Salihu, a principal of Minna Literary Class and author of Sketches, co-hosted the session. Together, they facilitated an insightful and lively discussion with the author about the craft choices, historical background, and thematic depth that influenced Years of Shame. In addition to exploring the novel’s moral dilemmas, cultural setting, and narrative style, the dialogue was exquisite and insightful, giving the audience a better understanding of the author’s thought process and goals. On August 10, 2025, acclaimed Nigerian novelist Obinna Udenwe held a book reading and discussion for his latest work, Years of Shame, at the Hill-Top Creative Foundation Headquarters in Minna. This event was part of his national book tour with his publisher, which had previously made stops in Jos and Abuja. The session was co-hosted by Ibraheem Uthman, administrative secretary of the Hill-Top Creative Arts Foundation and author of Mind of a Bard, and Fatima Salihu, principal of Minna Literary Class and author of Sketches. They facilitated a dynamic and stimulating dialogue with Udenwe, digging into the craft choices, historical context, and thematic depth that shaped Years of Shame. The discussion presented the audience with a thorough understanding of the author’s creative process and intentions, exploring the novel’s moral dilemmas, cultural setting, and narrative style.
Among the day’s most noteworthy aspects was the audience’s involvement. Guests were actively engaged, asking insightful questions and voicing their opinions on the book. The special guest of honour, Dr Al-Mustapha Alheri, a former Niger State Commissioner of Health, was the high point of this interactive exchange. His insightful questions and remarks prompted additional conversations between the author and the audience.
Notable literary and cultural figures graced the occasion, including Muhammad Abdulmalik, who represented Hon. Ibrahim Sayuti Halilu, Chairman of Agaie Local Government; Mrs. Adishetu Usman Adama, Vice President of the Minna Book Club; Mrs Amara, who served as Obari Gomba’s secretary and represented Purple Shelf Publishers; Almamun Mallam, who was the Chairman of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Niger State Chapter; Abdullahi Yusuf Tela, who was the Vice President of the Minna Literary Society; and Aso Salisu, who was a lecturer at the College of Education, Minna.
After the discussion, Obinna Udenwe received a tour of the Hill-Top Creative Foundation’s facilities, which included areas devoted to developing up-and-coming authors and artists. A memorable group photo and book signing event, where attendees could meet the author in person and receive signed copies of Years of Shame, marked the end of the day. The event was a resounding success, a stimulating literary gathering that not only celebrated the launch of Years of Shame but also reinforced the Hill-Top Creative Foundation’s commitment to facilitating dialogue between writers and their audience, thereby further cementing Minna’s reputation as the literary capital of Nigeria.
