As the Society of Young Nigerian Writers in collaboration with Anambra State Library Board staged the 2024 Chinua Achebe Literary Festivals and memorial lecture, stakeholders have called for urgent assistance on secondary school youths to incalcate writing and reading skills.
The event which took place at the Dike Library, on Saturday, 16th Nov, had in attendance Scholars, traditional rulers, renowed Writers and various schools present.
In his opening remark, the convener, a renowed Anambra journalist, Comrade Izunna Okafor said the essence was to commemorate and immotalize the literary icon, Chinua Achebe. Every 16th novmeber we gathered here to celebrate him and immortalise him which we have been doing for eight years until Soludo named him after the Anambra International Airport.
Comrade Izunna how ever stated that the quiz competition among Secondary schools which formed part of the highlights was a means to catch them young initiative where the young students are been trained in the act of writing and reading skills.
“At this stage many of them may loose direction and so we are using the Chinua Achebe model to teach these children at this tender age, so they can begin now to make impact in the society which made Achebe stand out at his tender age.
He lauded the efforts of the students who participated in the competition expressing that there is hope for some of them to do better in the near future
In his address, Chief of Staff to the Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, Hon Ernest Nnaama Ezeajughi said that “We met the infrastructural decay coming into office but today we have changed the narratives. Mr Governor doesn’t play with education, it is the key to success. Education in Anambra today is free and we have provided up to eight thousand teachers including laboratory equipemnts. Our fore fathers made the way and we have to follow it. We named the anambra airport Chinua Achebe to tell you the importance of this Icon”.
“Let emulate the footsteps of chinua Achebe and this is what Soludo is doing by improving infrastructure including Solution fun city for relaxation. We want to make Anambra a digital state and so we will continue to support you as well as seek your support for more development”.
Also speaking, Hon Commissioner of Culture and Entertainment, Hon Don Onyenji called on the students to adopt additional skills in vocational studies for personal gain and upliftment. Adding that there is also need to learn traditional and international cusines. “Growing up while reading your book ask yourself what you can learn to adapt to changing environment. Don’t waste your time with unnecessary things in the social media. Read your book, be wise and know when your peer group wants to decieve you and when you do all these you will grow as good citizens and become productive to the society”.
“Our goverment is revamping core traditional values and that is why the state introduced ministry of culture and tourism.
Hon Patrick Agha Mbah, Commissioner for Youths represented by Mr Emeka Omatah in his address said the event is a wholesome of honouring a great Igbo man and critical thinkers who are useful in our society. “Though we live in a society where we face decaying norms, what it will cost you to do the wrong things is what it will cost you to do the right things”.
“I assure you that the government is ready and resolute to support you. We already have Anambra talent hunt, which will help you enhance your growth particularly in the area of literature”.
He emphasized that Chinua Achebe is an epitome of great excellence and Anambra State is happy to have him and that is why Governor Soludo named the Anambra airport the Chinua Achebe International Airport. “He is an enigma, challenging western sterotype and protecting Igbo cultural heritage. He paved way to African literature as an authentic voice”.
First female Professor of Mass Communications in West Africa, Professor Stella Okunna noted that the the students should not be left unguarded while enphasizing that the parents and school should take up the responsibilities of teaching the children writing and reading culture.
Anambra state civic and social reformation office, Sir Chuks Nnabuife however thanked the beneficiaries of the easy writing, and adivced them toctake their studies serious as education is only a means to liberate them from the shackles of poverty and ignorance.
Meanwhile, Award presentations for 2024 Chinua Achebe Essay Competition for Secondary School were given to 1st runner, St Lucy Secondary School, Ifite Awka, 2nd position – Community Secondary School Okpuno, and 3rd position – Faith Model Secondary School
St Mary’s College Awka, 4th Position, and 5th position – St John of God Secondary School Awka, while others who participated were, Redeemer international high School, Kenneth Dike memorial Secondary school.
Also, individual award was given to Miss Chinanu StellaMaris Amaechi Agbodike, Mr Uche Osunkwo, Sixtus Uzoegbo, Michael Egwuagu, Chisom Okonkwo, among others.
