By JAPHET ALAKAM

THE 33rd International Annual Convention of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) held at the ancient city of Ibadan has come and gone but the memories of the event continues to ring bells in the ears of many especially the members. Apart from the normal programme of the convention , one issue that drew the attention of the people was the remarks by the president of Nigeria, Dr Goodluck Jonathan.

The President who was represented by Molora Wood, the Special Assistant to the President on Documentation, acknowledged the contributions of the writers. He commended all Nigerian creative writers for their contributions to Nigeria civilization over the years through their various expressions. “You have promoted our culture, nurtured our values and energized the knowledge industry in a very remarkable way.”

•National Executives of Association of Nigerian Authors and representative of the president,Molara Wood cutting the 33rd anniversary cake in Ibadan recently

“We value you, our writers. You elevate our thinking and worldview, you liven up our days with your creative imaginings, and you provide succour and catharsis in difficult times, such as the one our country is going through at this period. I salute the creative spirit that has propelled our writers to excel in the midst of their peers worldwide.”

In line with the above, Mr President directed the Ministry of Culture and Tourism to establish in our nation’s capital, a National Hall of Fame, in honour of those, who out of their creative genius, had contributed to the growth and development of our country, and the advancement of human civilisation.

Recalling 33years when the master story teller Chinua Achebe called fellow writers to Nsukka to float an association to promote and protect the interest of creative writers in Nigeria, said, “I felt it was important for me to be among you for this 33rd annual convention because there will never be another ANA convention quite like this one, taking place in the very year of Nigeria’s centenary.”

He congratulated the organisers on the successful convening of this convention, which he described as one of the major milestones in our year-long celebrations of our centenary. He paid special commendation to the amiable Professor Remi Raji, National President of the Association of Nigerian Authors and one of the finest poets Nigeria has produced, for his leadership of ANA at this critical time in our history.

Speaking on the theme: ‘Literatures, Languages and Diversities: How Has Nigeria Fared in the Last Hundred Years?’ he noted that indeed, there has never been a better time to ask the question and to take stock on the journey so far. “I commend the rich programme of events, including a play, book chats and even a city tour.”

President Jonathan also thanked the ANA President for his remarks at the Presidential Dinner for the Creative Industry, held in Lagos recently, where the ANA President articulated the mission of the Association since its founding in 1981 as one involving “productive creativity for national integration, engagement and development.

Mr President who has always felt a particular closeness to the literary community, as indispensable partners in our quest to build a better society, noted that writers have written the country’s name in lights all over the world.

“Some of the best-known Nigerians are writers; and they have won every international award, including the Caine Prize for African Writing, the Orange Prize for Women’s Fiction and the most coveted, the Nobel Prize for Literature – won in 1986 by Professor Wole Soyinka.

The late Professor Chinua Achebe, winner of the prestigious International Booker, gifted the world a book that will last for all time, when he published Things Fall Apart in 1958. It has been translated into over 50 languages, and is regularly voted one of the greatest novels ever written.”

He stated that in recognition of Professor Achebe’s monumental contribution to world literature, he was physically present at the literary giant’s funeral in his birthplace of Ogidi, Anambra State, last year and also identified with the Nigerian literary community, which had suffered a great loss.

Continuing, he pointed out that the Nigerian National Order of Merit Award, the highest and the most prestigious honour this nation bestows, was awarded to Professor Niyi Osundare, the great poet, scholar and survivor of Hurricane Katrina, who continues to paint his country’s name in gold.

The admission of Prof. Osundare as the 71st member of the body of the Nigerian National Order of Merit Laureates, demonstrates that as a nation, we promote and celebrate excellence.

The President who also stated that he have sought to place reading at the forefront of national consciousness with initiatives such as Bring Back The Book, therefore called on writers to join with government and help find ways to take this citizens framework to the next level.

He also directed the Minister of Culture to work with ANA leadership to see how government can partner with the private sector to give added fillip to your ANA Literary Prizes to further enhance their prestige.

The prizes over the years have showcased budding talents who are now masters in different literary fields.