Again , Enugu state Council for Arts and Culture headed by the Executive Secretary,Laurence Ani has moved a step further in reviving Arts and Culture , promoting tourism in the state as well as making Enugu a literary hub in Nigeria with the unveiling of a book, “Harmattan on Rolling Hills:.An anthology inspired by the history, culture and lives experiences of Enugu,
Executive secretary, Enugu state Council for Arts and Culture , Laurence Ani giving brief on “Harmattan on Rolling Hills
Speaking at the unveiling of the book on Friday , July 10,2026 at the International Conference Centre, ICC , Enugu , the Executive Secretary , Enugu state Council of Arts and Culture, Laurence Ani, described the project as a major step towards repositioning the Coal City as Nigeria’s literary capital and a future UNESCO City of Literature.
Organised by the Enugu State Council for Arts and Culture in collaboration with AFREADS and the Umuofia Arts and Books Festival., Ani said the 15-story book was conceived to revive Enugu’s rich literary tradition while providing a publishing platform for emerging writers.
According to him, the project was born out of the need to restore the city’s reputation as a leading centre for literature and creative expression.
Displaying of the Anthology at the ICC ,Enugu on Friday,10 July,2026
“Harmattan on Rolling Hills was born out of the quest to revive what I consider the writing culture and literary tradition for which Enugu was once renowned.
“One of the greatest challenges facing young writers today is the lack of publishing opportunities, and this anthology provides that platform,” he said.
He disclosed that the collection emerged from an open call for entries that attracted dozens of submissions from young writers across Nigeria and abroad.
Ani explained that the anthology was never intended as a government publicity publication but as a work of fiction reflecting Enugu’s history, identity and cultural heritage.
“We didn’t set out to produce government propaganda. These are works of fiction inspired by Enugu. Books have the power to immortalise cities and preserve memories for generations. We want Enugu to become a destination not only for investment and tourism but also for literature and the arts,” he said.
He announced that Harmattan on Rolling Hills would become an annual publication, expressing confidence that each edition would attract more writers and further strengthen Enugu’s literary ecosystem.
Editor of the anthology, Ada Onwudiwe
Editor of the anthology, Ada Onwudiwe, described the project as an attempt to make Enugu the central character of every story rather than merely a backdrop.
She revealed that more than 72 manuscripts were received, from which only 15 stories were selected after a rigorous editorial process.
“We wanted readers to feel Enugu. We deliberately made the city the protagonist of the book. Every contributor has lived in Enugu and understands its stories, its red dust, its people and its memories,” she said.
According to her, contributors came from Enugu, Abuja, Lagos, Owerri, Awka and the United States, united by their personal experiences of the Coal City.
Executive secretary of Enugu state Council for Arts and Culture , Laurence Ani with staff of the Council displaying the Anthology.
Onwudiwe urged writers to participate in subsequent editions while expressing hope that the anthology would become a lasting annual tradition.
She also renewed the campaign for Enugu to attain UNESCO City of Literature status.
“My dream is for Enugu to become a UNESCO City of Literature. With our literary heritage, we have every reason to aspire to that recognition if we continue to invest in storytelling and reading culture,” she stated
.
Reviewing the anthology, renowned writer James Eze described Harmattan on Rolling Hills as a landmark contribution to Nigerian literature, saying the collection places Enugu alongside great cities whose stories have been preserved through fiction
Book Reviewer, Hon James Ezeh hailed the quality of the writing
He said unlike conventional city anthologies, the book presents Enugu as “a living character” through stories that explore its history, resilience, landscapes and people.
Eze praised the quality of writing, noting that the anthology introduces a new generation of gifted storytellers while preserving the collective memory of the Coal City.
“Harmattan on Rolling Hills reminds us that cities are like human beings—they have histories, moments of innocence and pain, and an enduring determination to live and breathe again. Enugu’s story has now found a worthy literary home,” he said.
The anthology features fifteen short stories written by authors connected through their experiences in Enugu and is arranged in five thematic sections exploring the city’s historical foundations, resilience, migration, identity and evolving cultural landscape.
Enugu State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dame Ugochi Madueke unveiling the Anthology
Speaking while unveiling the book, the Enugu State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dame Ugochi Madueke, said the anthology captures the unique experiences, history and identity of Enugu.
According to her, the stories revolve around places and events that define the state, including the historic Iva Valley, Coal Camp and other cultural landmarks.
Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on External Relations,Uche Anichukwu (L) and the Executive Secretary,Enugu state Council for Arts and Culture Laurence Ani(R) displaying the Anthology
“It’s about the things happening and that happened in Enugu; what Enugu is known for. These are experiences of different people, but the difference is that they are experiences about Enugu.
“As the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, every story is about us. It is our duty to collate these stories into a book, and that’s exactly what we have done,” she said.
Chairman of Nkanu East Local Government Area, Hon. Sydney Edeh, represented by Francis Nwankwo;
In their goodwill messages, the Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Enugu State, and Chairman of Nkanu East Local Government Area, Hon. Sydney Edeh, represented by Francis Nwankwo; the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Enugu State on Mainstream Media, Hon. Dan Nomeh; the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on New Media, Dr. Reuben Onyishi; and the Chairman ,Enugu state Civil Service Commission, Robinson Odo commended the Executive Secretary of the Enugu State Council for Arts and Culture for his vision in promoting literature and preserving the state’s cultural heritage.
They expressed optimism that the publication would stimulate literary tourism, encourage creative writing among young people and further position Enugu as one of Africa’s emerging centres for arts, culture and storytelling.