Bakandamiya Reading Club (BRC) has celebrated its third anniversary with a virtual ceremony that featured the recognition of outstanding writers’ associations, volunteers and members of its Executive Committee, as well as the presentation of prizes to winners of its National Hausa Playwriting Competition.
The anniversary celebration, held on 16 August 2026 through the BRC WhatsApp Group, brought together members, writers, students, researchers and other participants who joined the event to celebrate three years of the Club’s activities. Despite being conducted online, the ceremony was described by participants as lively and well organised, with many expressing satisfaction with the way the programme was conducted without any major hitch.
One of the major highlights of the celebration was the presentation of awards to winners of the National Hausa Playwriting Competition 2026, which BRC organised ahead of the anniversary. About eight writers’ associations submitted entries for the competition, after which a panel of judges assessed the works and selected the three outstanding entries.
Farar Aniya Writers Association emerged as the first-place winner, receiving a cash prize of ₦50,000 and a certificate. Majalisar Adabin Hausa took second place and received ₦30,000 and a certificate, while Association of Nigerian Authors, Kaduna State Chapter came third, receiving ₦20,000 and a certificate. Other participating associations, from fourth place to the last position, were also presented with certificates in recognition of their participation in the competition.
Speaking on the achievement, the leader of Farar Aniya Writers Association described the feeling of winning the competition as difficult to put into words. She said the joy was even greater because the association had been selected as the best among the participating organisations.
“Comparing the happiness we found ourselves in is something without an example,” she said, explaining that anyone who is told they have emerged first in a competition would naturally feel overwhelmed with joy.
She added that members of the association were all happy with the achievement and considered it a blessing that Allah had chosen them from among the competing organisations. She expressed appreciation to Bakandamiya for creating an opportunity for writers to test and sharpen their abilities.
According to her, the competition provided an avenue for writers to “play with our pens” and further develop the talents Allah had given them. She also prayed for continued guidance and success for Bakandamiya and everyone involved in its activities.
Another important aspect of the anniversary was the recognition of BRC volunteers, whose efforts and commitment to the Club were acknowledged through the presentation of certificates. The gesture was intended not only to appreciate their contributions but also to encourage them to remain committed to the Club’s activities.
The Bakandamiya Foundation also honoured members of the BRC Executive Committee (EXCO) with certificates in recognition of their service and contribution to the development of the organisation.
The atmosphere throughout the celebration was described as one of excitement and appreciation. Participants who joined the virtual ceremony expressed their happiness with the programme and commended the organisers for putting together a celebration that maintained its festive character despite being held through WhatsApp.
The event also provided an opportunity for members and participants to reflect on BRC’s journey over the past three years and the role it continues to play in promoting reading, writing and literary activities. The recognition of writers’ associations, volunteers and the Club’s leadership further highlighted the importance of collective effort in sustaining literary initiatives.
The anniversary celebration ended with prayers for the continued success, growth and progress of Bakandamiya Foundation, as participants wished the organisation more achievements in the years ahead.