Literature - NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA

Philip Daniel Yatai
Jun, Sun, 2025

CDS seeks more literature on military to inspire younger generation

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By Amen Gajira

The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, has called for more books written on the military so as to inspire the younger generation to join the Armed Forces to serve Nigeria together.

Musa made the call during the public presentation and launch of a book titled: ‘Professionalism and Service to Fatherland: The Military Heroes of Southern Kaduna’.

The book, written by Pastor Agat Nkut in honour of retired military officers from Southern Kaduna, was launched on Sunday in Kagoro, Kaura Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

Represented by Maj.-Gen. Henry Yanet, the defence chief stated that writing books on the military was a noble idea that ought to be embraced by all and sundry.

He commended the author for documenting the contributions of retired Southern Kaduna military officers to national stability.

“We encourage people to write about the military because if we don’t tell our story hardly anybody will tell it for us,” he stated.

In his remarks, Gov. Uba Sani, represented by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr James Kanyip, described the book as a landmark of patriotism.

He commended the initiative for preserving the legacies of Southern Kaduna veterans and called on retired military to remain engaged in national development and peace building.

Also speaking, the Executive Chairman of the Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service, Mr Jerry Adams, said the book served as a reminder of the integral role retired Southern Kaduna officers had played in fostering unity, patriotism and resilience.

Adams stated that service to the nation was not a role confined to the uniformed officers but extends to everyone.

“As we navigate the complexities of security in our area, we must continue to look to the example set by our retired officers.

“Their commitment to professionalism and their tireless efforts to maintain peace is an inspiration to us all,” he added.

On his part, Prof. Ayuba Kwasau, the book reviewer, explained that the 466-page book, containing five chapters, paid tributes to retired officers from Southern Kaduna and their invaluable contributions.

Kwasau lauded the author’s meticulous research, historical insight and engaging narrative style.

He urged young Nigerians to draw inspiration from the exemplary service of the military heroes profiled in the book. (NAN)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

Don urges women to embrace writing to transform society

Philip Daniel Yatai
May, Fri, 2025

Education

Don urges women to embrace writing to transform society

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By Thompson Yamput

Prof. Maria Ofure, a Literature Professor at Federal University Lokoja (FUL), has called on women to engage more actively in literary writing to help transform society and gain importance.

She made the appeal during the university’s 27th Inaugural Lecture titled “Navigating a Room of Her Own: Women’s Writing, Dynamics of Culture and the Politics of Identity,” on Thursday in Lokoja.

Ofure explained that creating “a room of her own” for women was not just about having physical or economic space to write, but also about claiming cultural, intellectual, and emotional space in a world that often ignored or limited them.

“The room we seek is not just a private place, but a space to speak out against traditions and norms that hold us back, whether on a stage, in a classroom, or in parliament.

“It is a space to act and bring change.

“Women writers and scholars should write to reclaim their rights and demand equal opportunities with men,” she said.

She added that African women writers today were not only asking for space but were actively shaping it with stories that crossed time, language, and cultures.

“Women are taking centre stage, showing their full creative potential.”

Ofure described literature as both a mirror and a tool for change, reflecting real life and reshaping society’s views.

She also noted the new chances women had through social media, blogs, and self-publishing to share their stories outside traditional limits.

“While these platforms have risks like online harassment, they also offer powerful ways to connect and influence culture.”

The professor said that literature had helped to bring important issues like abortion rights, gender-based violence, and queer rights into public discussion.

Ofure also lauded groups like Writivism, Femrite, and the African Women’s Development Fund for supporting women writers and building lasting communities for growth.

Earlier, FUL Vice-Chancellor Prof. Olayemi Akinwumi described the lecture as very timely and important.

He said it would help Nigerians better understand how women used writing to express themselves and challenge traditions.

He congratulated Ofure on delivering a lecture of great value. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru