By Joshua Olomu
Erelu Bisi Fayemi, a prolific writer and wife of former Ekiti State governor, Kayode Fayemi, has tasked Nigerian authors to use their works to address societal ills and advocate social change.
Fayemi made the call in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sideline of the June 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, literary enthusiasts that discusses the works of a selected Guest Author.
NAN reports that the June edition of the dialogue, with the theme, “The Writer as an Advocate of Social and Political Change”, which was held on Saturday, featured Fayemi as the Guest Writer.
According to Fayemi, writers are driven by passion to make positive changes in societies, adding that authors work should be used as a tool to advocate social and political change.
She, therefore, urged Nigerian writers not to keep mute in the midst of various challenges, such as economic hardship, bad leadership, insecurity, child abuse and domestic violence.
“Everyone, who feels inspired to write, regardless of their age, where they are positioned, what platform they occupy, should continue to do so because we all have something to say.
“Those of us who are advocating a better world, for change, for a more inclusive society, sometimes we feel that this change takes a long time for people to have, and we become discouraged.
“We find ourselves writing the same thing over and over again; writing about poverty, writing about gender and sexual-based violence, writing about the lack of education opportunities for the girl child.
“We write about how we are all victims when it comes to having a society that is uneven and unequal, and writing about how our leaders need to do better, and sometimes we get tired.
“That is why it is as if some people just keep quiet and do not want to write anymore, and my response to that is, we need to write anyway because keeping quiet is not an option.
“Silence is exactly what some people are counting on, that the change we are seeking for does not happen,” she said.
Some of Fayemi’s books discussed at the event included ‘Loud Whispers’; ‘Where is Your Wrapper’; ‘A Tray of Locust Beans’ and ‘Demand and Supply’.
Earlier in his speech, Chukwudi Eze, Chairman ANA Abuja, lauded Fayemi for using her writings to advocate equal society, promote women’s right and hold leaders accountable.
He urged both young and seasoned authors to look beyond monetary gains and use their writings to advocate fair and better society for all Nigerians.
“Erelu is not only a trailblazer in advocacy and activism, but also a prolific writer, with a collection of notable publications that amplify the voices of marginalised communities.
“As we go into discussions inspired by her remarkable career and literary legacy, let us be reminded of the responsibilities we bear as writers to advocate for positive change in our society.
“Through our stories, poems and essays, we have the capacity to inspire, challenge and mobilise for a better tomorrow, “ he said.
Also, Prof. Tanure Ojaide, who chaired the discussion panel, said: “Writers are people who want to leave the world better than they met it.
“It is therefore important that both young and established writers use their works to advocate for societal change.”
In his goodwill message, Ekiti State Gov. Biodun Oyebanji, lauded the leadership of ANA Abuja for the initiative and urged Nigerian authors to always use their works to promote positive change.
NAN reports that the event featured spoken word , songs, poetry and other presentations by students, and the highpoint was the presentation of awards to young authors. (NAN) (nannews.ng)
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