Dominic Nwobodo & Liana-Lois O. Apeh
The 12th edition of the Mbari Series which was held at the Prof. Chinua Achebe International Conference Centre in Abuja on the 27th of March, 2023 is a spill-off from the last Mbari Series held on January 28th themed, “The Power of Choice”.
Nigerians recently went to the polls to elect their leaders in one of the most controversial electioneering observed by both local and international critics and observers, and so, ‘A Nation in the State of Turmoil: The Role of the Writer/intellectual’ could not have come at a better time.
The event was hosted by a creative icon, Prof. Udenta O. Udenta and President of the Association of Nigerian Authors, Dr. Camilus Ukah. Moderators of the event were Dr. Emmanuel Ojukwu (CP Rtd) and Dr. Lois Otse Adams, National Treasurer of Association of Nigerian Authors.
Other conversationalists included noble intellectuals such as Prof. Abdulhameed Ozohu-Suleiman, Prof. Mabel Itohanosa Erioyuvwen, Prof. Emeka Aniagolu, and Prof. Nuhu Yakub, the former Vice Chancellor of the University of Abuja and Sokoto State University.
Young adults also graced the event and took part of the discourse, such as Uthman Qasim, Tomisin Juliet Faoye, students from the University of Abuja, and members of the Association of Nigerian Authors at both state and national levels.
The host, Prof. Udenta, and others took audience beyond the Nigerian society to emphasize the strength of every society through creativity. The conversation covered a broad range of issues, including the critical roles of writers as icons, mouthpieces, interpreters, teachers, and artists, making them (writers) vulnerable.
On the issue of poor leadership, it was agreed that as writers, entertainers, and social crusaders, they have the strength and character to work towards a better society and be active players in the positive evolution of society.
During the conversation, discussants highlighted the crucial role of intellectuals and writers in emerging democratic societies, which are distracted by various distortions of facts, leading to turmoil. The speakers highlighted many issues affecting Nigerian society since independence and the nation’s socio-political and economic woes due to bad leadership at all levels.
The citizens’ reading culture was also a key topic of discussion. While some guests lamented its current status, others commended Nigeria’s creative society for its creativity. It was affirmed that if the reading culture dies, no citizen will understand that certain ideas exist or existed.
The 12th edition of Mbari Series present critical questions that will lead to solutions to end distractions in governance and a catalyst for renewing the hopes of young minds who have lost faith in the country.
Also discussed was the need to live and not die under the boots of suppressors, making the ink of resolution flow through the writer’s pen and subtle pushes that will inspire people to write.
The education sector is underfunded, ruptured, and has left much to be desired, therefore, to wrap up the March edition of the Mbari Series, writers agreed to eliminate some things that divide Nigerians.
Several recommendations at the end of the discourse were made, it was agreed that there must be human development, and people should be neutrally intelligible.
Again, discussions were held on the restoration of the societal common values and saving them from going into extinction is paramount. Striving to make Nigerians’ cultural identity enviable; the need to engage more in social interaction, appropriation of funds, and so on were highlighted. It was stated that there should be an option of residency to supersede the state of origin and non-indigenization and involvement in politics. There was a strong call for leaders to ensure they are remembered for their good work.
The Mbari Series, which was birthed at the University of Ibadan by an intellectual mentor, Prof. Chinua Achebe, was established to bring like-minded and creative individuals together to charge the government on good governance and progressive democracy.
The April special Mbari Series with the theme; The writer in a climate of corruption comes up this weekend, tomorrow, Saturday 29th in memory of a former Trustee of Association of Nigerian Authors, Labo Yari and the occasion will feature notable personalities.
