A prominent monarch in Ogun State and Olowu of Owu in Abeokuta, Oba (Professor) Saka Matemilola, has charged writers to maintain a united front in participating fully in developmental efforts to rebuild Nigeria.
This, the former university don said, they should do by remaining above board in all their dealings.
Declaring open a three-day conference of the South West Authors Forum (SWAF) in Abeokuta at the weekend, Matemilola, who was the chairman of the occasion, stressed the need for writers to join politics in a bid to enhance the quality of governance in the country.
“Why are the ANA or SWAF members not in government?” the traditional ruler asked.
Dr. Chris Omotosho, the Head of Department of Theatre Arts, Federal College of Education, Abeokuta, was elected the first President of SWAF, while Dr. Sola Balogun was elected Vice President, Ms. Brenda Nwafor was elected General Secretary, and Ms. Funke Awodiya was elected Assistant Secretary.
Messrs. Ojo Ola-Rotimi and Yode Ajagbe were elected Financial Secretary and Publicity Secretary, respectively, according to a statement by Dare Folarin, Public Relations Officer for the ANA Ogun chapter, given to Persecondnews.
The monarch said there were three categories of people: “idiots,” who are always selfish and have no scruples to defraud the nation; tribalists and citizens interested in progress; and enjoined writers to teach morals in their writings.
The Olowu listed the establishment of a library at the palace, the sponsorship of Owu scholars, and the coaching of some SSS 3 students and UTME candidates, amongst several others, as some of the achievements recorded since he ascended the thrones of his forefathers.
Speaking after the swearing-in of the officers, Dr. Omotosho described their election as a call for higher service and thanked delegates for the confidence reposed in them, adding, “We will not disappoint you.”
Delivering the keynote address on the theme “Fostering National Unity Through Creativity,” the guest lecturer, Dr. Patricia Ezenandu, charged authors to write in indigenous languages to foster unity and build trust amongst the federating units.
She urged writers to stop stereotypical casting of characters where some tribes are always portrayed as servants and gatekeepers while people of other tribes are cast as professionals.
Special recognition awards were presented to Olowu of Owu, wife of the late Dr. Solomon Iguanre, and others.
The conference was attended by delegates from the six South-West states.
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