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| Prof. Mabel Evwierhoma |
By Dominic Nwobodo
In preserving Literature, the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), an international umbrella body of writers held an unusual tribute session in honour of Prof. John Pepper Clark yesterday 12th October at the Primegate Academy.
Dignitaries, book enthusiasts, writers, students and people of goodwill converged to celebrate life and legacy of one Africa’s greatest poets, late John Pepper Clark.
The memorial reading was used as an active platform to educate and enlighten young people about the contributions of writers to nation building and how everyone could imbibe the culture of writing to tell a story that will be preserved for life by making positive impact in the society; the resource persons went further to make them realise that the treasure Africa is yet to discover is in the book, in addition therefore, they exposed how writers can earn a living through Literature.
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| LR: Taiwo Akerele, Chairman, ANA Abuja |
Extolling the sociopolitical virtues in J. P. Clark’s writings, insightful character traits of early and contemporary Nigerian writers and how they play a major role in changing the society till date were presented. Participants were encouraged to start writing about things that matter to them and the society.
Speaking at the occasion are Mrs. Mabel Evwierhoma, a Regular Fellow of Nigerian Academy of Letters and Professor of Theater Arts, University of Abuja; Salamatu Sule, a poet and book reviewer and Ambassador Lois Otse Adams, an Author, Biographer, Publisher, Children’ Teacher, literary enthusiast and former Chairman, ANA Abuja Chapter.
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| Amb. Lois Adams |
The official host, Chief Taiwo Akerele, Chairman, Association of Nigerian Authors, Abuja Chapter and Managing Director of Policy House Limited thanked the attendees for making it to the event. He vowed that the Association will retain its committement towards building a community of young and old writers who are inspired to addressing the socioeconomic, sociopolitical and environmental challenges confronting their respective communities. He also expressed his delight over performances of both the host school and visiting schools.
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| Dignitaries and participants |
The occasion was graced by other personalities including Umar Yogiza, ANA National Publicity Secretary, North; Dr. Dame Joan Oji, Author of The Girl Child Challenge: How We Raised Eight; Chief Chidike Ejiofor, Author and supportive member; Uthman Qasim PRO, ANA Abuja; Obinna Okereke, Financial Secretary, ANA Abuja; Chisom Uzoigwe, Head of Operation, Primegate International Academy; students of various schools in Abuja and other distinguished guests.
Highlights of the event is the creative and art performances, presentation of gifts and certificates.
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| Student |
The J. P. Clark Memorial Reading, an initiative of the Association of Nigerian Authors is geared towards celebrating late John Pepper Clark and his literary works and the 2021 edition is billed to hold in three Nigerian states, Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt.
The Association, under the leadership of Dr. Camillus Ukah, holds her 40th year anniversary celebration and annual convention scheduled to take place 3rd to 6th November 2021 at the Prof. Chinua Achebe International Conference Centre located at the Mamman Vasta Writers Village, on the hills of Mpape in the Nation’s capital city of Abuja.
