Helon Habila, our headliner for this year's North East Festival of Arts and Culture, is a celebrated literary figure whose works have left a lasting mark on contemporary literature.
Born in Gombe State, Habila has earned international recognition and numerous prestigious awards for his deep exploration of human experiences. His debut novel, "Waiting for an Angel," won the Commonwealth Writers' Prize for Best First Book (Africa Region) in 2003. His subsequent works, "Measuring Time" and "Oil on Water," received similar acclaim, with the latter winning the Commonwealth Prize and being shortlisted for the PEN/Open Book Award.
Habila's latest novel, "Travellers," the festival’s featured read, explores the lives of African immigrants in Europe, touching on themes of displacement, identity, and belonging. These themes resonate deeply with the experiences of those affected by the Boko Haram crisis and the resulting displacement in our region.
Having Helon Habila as our headliner is a tribute to his exceptional literary contributions and the powerful stories he tells. His presence at the festival highlights the potential for great achievements from our region and serves as an inspiration for students, art lovers, and creators throughout the North East.