Nigerian writer and broadcaster, Wana Udobang, popularly known as Wana Wana, has been selected to participate in the 54th International Writing Programme (IWP) Fall Residency at the University of Iowa. The 11-week course, courtesy of the United States Department of State, will have Wana alongside 29 other writers from across the globe in the world’s oldest and largest multinational writing residency.
The participants will give readings and lectures that share their work and cultures collaborate with artists from other genres and art forms, and travel to interact with audiences and literary communities across The United States.
An excited Wana took to Twitter to share the cheering news writing: “Your girl is going to be an international writing programme resident in IOWA in the spring next year. Still pinching myself. Hugging face❤”
United States Consul General Claire Pierangelo congratulated the Nigerian writer on her acceptance into the residency program. She stated that the goal of the IWP Fall Residency is to provide outstanding writers with a platform for cultural exchange and collaboration.
“This is an extremely competitive program and we are proud to have you represent Nigeria,” she said.
“Your accomplishments as a poet and writer are well-known and we hope this is an opportunity for you to take time to focus on your writing, connect with well-established writers from around the globe, learn more about the United States, and contribute to literature courses both at The University of Iowa and across the country.”