PAWA Sec-Gen Okediran urges Nigerian writers to address societal ills
By Joshua Olomu
Dr Wale Okediran, prolific author and Secretary- General of the Pan African Writers’ Association (PAWA) has urged Nigerian authors to use their works to address societal ills and advocate for social change.
Okediran made the call in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at the sideline of the April edition of the monthly “Reading and Writers Dialogue” in Abuja.
The “Reading and Writers Dialogue” is a flagship programme of the Abuja Chapter of Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) that brings together authors and literary enthusiasts to discuss the works of a selected guest author.
The April edition of the dialogue is with the theme, “Pen, Politics and Practice: The Nigerian Writer in Public Service.”
The event was also used by the writers to celebrate Okediran’s 70th birthday and to launch his book, ‘Medicine and Literature Without Borders.’
According to Okediran, a former National President of ANA, writers are the conscience and voice of the people, and they are supposed to use their works to advocate for an egalitarian society.
The literary icon, therefore, urged Nigerian writers not to remain detached from societal challenges, such as economic hardship, bad leadership at all levels, insecurity, and others.
“More than ever before, the Nigerian writer has a big role to play, because we are seen as the conscience of the people.
“In our works, in our activities, we should actually be the conscience of the people, because so many people find it difficult to express themselves.
“There are so many people who are in poverty, the underserved, people who have no connection with power that be, who have no voices.
“The writer should be the voice, should be the eyes and should be the minds of people, particularly the oppressed.
“It’s been confirmed historically that writers have always played that very important role of changing society for good.
“This has been confirmed in many works; Oliver Twist, for example, written in the English society of many years ago, was written to correct the poverty among young British and it has helped.
“I’m happy that people are now writing about insurgency, they are writing about corruption and politics; through all these writings, we are praying that our society will be better for it,” he said.
Okediran, who has also served as Chairman of ANA Abuja Chapter, expressed delight for the writers’ support and goodwill.
He said, although writing was an onerous task, every writer ought to be on top of their game and as well support one another.
He, therefore, urged both young and seasoned authors to look beyond monetary gains and use their writings to advocate fair and better society for all Nigerians.
According to him, his masterpiece, ‘Medicine and Literature Without Borders’, is written to explore the nexus between health practice and literature.
He said studies have shown that when doctors and other health workers are exposed to literature, their behaviour and performance become better.
“It has been confirmed many years ago in the developed climes that people in the health sector; doctors, nurses and other health workers become better when they are taught literature.
“They become more humane, because the humanity that comes from reading books is brought into their works, which makes them better than those who are trained without any background in literature.
“We have always complained that sometimes when you go to the hospital, the nurses are too harsh, the doctors are too difficult.
“In fact, there is a section of literature that is called Medical Humanities, and that has been taught in many medical schools all over the world,” he said.
Earlier in his speech, Chukwudi Eze, Chairman ANA Abuja, lauded Okediran for using the written craft to advocate equal society and as well hold leaders accountable.
According to him, the Reading/Writing Dialogue is part of the association’s efforts towards championing narratives that will usher in a better Nigeria for all.
“Today is no ordinary literary gathering, it is a triple celebration: a reading and dialogue session, the launch of a remarkable book titled Medicine and Literature Without Borders.
“Besides, it is for the celebration of a literary colossus, a public servant of rare integrity, and an accomplished medical practitioner, Dr Wale Okediran, on the occasion of his 70th birthday.
“As a past Chairman of this chapter, former National President of ANA, and now Secretary General of the Pan-African Writers Association (PAWA), Dr Okediran has remained a firm pillar of literary advancement on the continent.
“His creation of the Ebedi International Writers Residency remains a legacy that will continue to enrich African literature for generations.
“Today, we gather to honour not just the man, but the enduring values he represents – commitment to the written word, devotion to public service, and the seamless fusion of medicine, politics, and literature,” he said.
NAN reports that the event also featured a discussion panel, spoken-word, poetry and other presentations by students, and the highpoint was the presentation of awards to young authors and others. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi
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