RESILIENCE AND NATION BUILDING: THE ROLE OF NIGERIAN LITERATURE

ASS0CIATION OF NIGERIAN AUTHORS (ANA)

“Literature takes a look at the present failure of the country’s leadership”- Prof Osofisan

During the 40th anniversary of the Association of Nigeria Authors (ANA) with the theme “resilience and nation building: The role of Nigerian literature”, this saw a lot of dignitaries who graced the event to commemorate the essence of literature in Nigeria and the world as a whole.

The three days events covered by Aspheric TV, made a notable interview with some of the dignitaries who shed their light and knowledge on the resilient growth of literature over the years.

When asked if literature is playing a vital role in everything that is currently happening Senator Shehu Sani gave a candid response, saying, that you need to read to enrich yourself that means you are arming yourself mentally to intelligently utilize social media for social and political change, he went further to say young people seem to be too lazy in terms of literature prowess these days and that more emphasis is been given to social media providence, he urged literary writers to accept the change and reality of the 21th century and use it as a vehicle to advance itself.

Emeritus professor Femi Osofisan who delivered the anniversary lecture, first of all acknowledged the press for keeping such events and literature alive. He spoke remarkably about Chinua Achebe who he said has been a great influence for 40 years, and he appreciated everyone for keeping ANA running despite the lack of funds. He did not shy away from saying that literature took a look at the present failure of the leadership in the country, and how we need to look at the formation of our leadership system, since they are now power elites with denial of human rights and human respect which democracy does not support.

Ebika Anthony who is a member of ANA oyo state chapter and also the event anchor said that in terms of literature; it has played a vital role because it has done everything possible to promote the beauty of the African poetry, from the raw stage, to the refining stage, down to the consumption stage. Also the chairman of the Ebonyi state ANA chapter, said Nigerian literature has projected the country in different ways through its culture and activities, he said literature has helped the world to know Nigerians in their natural space.