Samuel Ortom Charge Nigerian Authors To Use Literary Skills To Tackle Insecurity
The Benue state governor, Samuel Ortom has challenge the Nigerian authors to use literature to mirror the society, shape the minds of people and set the country on the path of development.
Governor Ortom who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Tivlumun Njitse, at the 41st annual convention of Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) on Friday in Abuja, charged them to remain committed to the task of ensuring that literature continues to add value to the nation’s corporate existence and make the younger generation see the need to acquire knowledge.
The Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu who was represented by the Director Department of Educational Planning, Research and Development, Mrs Helen Wang said that the ministry is not resting on its mandate to imbibe the culture of reading amongst younger generation.
Also speaking, President, Association of Nigeria Authors(ANA), Camillus Ukah said literature can act as a catalyst and formidable way through which writers express their nationalist consciousness and belief as he stress the need for writers to take up their correctional roles in shaping and reshaping the society.
The Vice Chancellor, University of Abuja, Professor Abdulrshseed Na’allah, who was the keynote speaker of the event, said there is need for younger ones to imbibe the reading culture among themselves, as one who refuse to read, remain in darkness.
He added that one of the factor on poor reading culture in Nigeria is the lack of encouragement or motivation especially by the younger ones, as students only read to pass examination than to understand what they are being thought.
The Vice Chancellor who was represented by the Head of Department l, English Language, Professor of English Razinat Muhammad.
The first lady of Kaduna State, Her Excellency, Hadiza El-Rufai, said most of the younger generation has neglected reading culture as it affect their performance in school.
Literature plays a very vital role in the society. The 41st Annual International Convention of Association of Nigerian Authors, with the theme Literature and National Consciousness: The Story As A Catalyst.
Present at the 41st convention, were Professor Shamsudren Amali, Former Vice Chancellor Unilorin, Professors, Musical legend Dr. Bongos Ikwe, cultural group and other notable literary icons.
