By PRISCA SAM-DURU

All is now set for the 11th Macmillan Literary Night which comes up on the 14th November, 2013 at  the Agip Recital Hall of the Muson Centre, Lagos.

This year’s Literary feast which commences at 6pm is themed “Fix it: The Nigerian Character” and according to the Executive Director Operations, Macmillan Nigeria Publishers Limited and Acting Chairman Macmillan Literary Events Committee, Mr Yinka Olaniyan, it is chosen to address  the lingering  perception of Nigerians as cheats, ritualists, dupes, drug traffickers and terrorists by nationals of other countries.

Mr Olaniyan lamented that a country that was conceived as giant of Africa has descended far down the ladder due to character deficiencies in some of her citizens stressing that “this is why the Macmillan Literary Events Committee with the usual backing of the Board and Management, has resolved to pay closer attention to the solutions instead of focusing on the Problems. We are well aware that  factors like endemic corruption, violence, collapse of the family institutions, among others are partly responsible for the present bad image of the country.”

With the resolve not to bemoan the people’s fate any longer, Olaniyan noted that his organisation through the literary event, is calling on Nigerians , to re-cast themselves towards the desired change in character  which entails that the average citizen of Nigeria plays a prominent role in order to move the country forward.

“Macmillan Nigeria Publishers wishes to use this event to make a clarion call to all citizens to be patriotic and imbibe the spirit of togetherness in building a great and prosperous country where every Nigerian can live with utmost dignity.”

A total of 18 items in the selected genres of Literature; Poetry, Prose and Drama that will be featured, will appeal to Nigerians’ sense of Patriotism. It is also expected that it will go beyond the appeal to highlight some practical result-oriented options in the organisation’s quest to re-build the country’s image in a positive light.

The dance drama will be performed by Crown Troupe of Africa led by Segun Adefila, Songs are to be rendered by Jumoke Oke, in the Poetry category, 8 poems will be rendered by 5 artists to include Theatre icons,Tina Mba, Joke Sylva, Nobert Young and, seasoned writer and international culturalist, Taiwo Ajayi, while Prose will be handled by the duo of Nobert Young and Taiwo Ajayi.

Issues to be highlighted during the night of entertainment and education will also, reflect on personality, fidelity, discipline, courage and responsibility. Odia Ofeimun will as usual, pilot the event.