ANA Chairman proffers solution to Nigeria’s problem

The Chairman, Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Akwa Ibom State Chapter, Hon. Udoibanga Esu has advised Nigerians to be creative noting that it is only creativity that can bring solution to the problem that the country is currently facing.

He gave the advice during the 2016 World Poetry Day held recently in Uyo. Hon Esu said the theme of the event, “Blending Humanity with Creativity” was very apt and suited the prevailing situation in Nigeria. He said if Nigerians are creative, the dwindling economy of the country will speedily be improved. According to him; “Creativity can best serve humanity. Nigerians need creativity for our economy to be improved”.

The guest speaker of the event, Prof. Kalu uka in his key note address said he was impressed with the fact that the World Poetry Day came up shortly after World Women’s Day opining that women are very significant beings in the world. He went on to say that poets are the acceptable legislators of the world. 

Tracing the history of ANA to University of Nigeria, Nsukka in the 1970s, Prof. Uka said inside every human is a splendour which should be expressed by creativity. Hear him; “God creates, and human beings should imitate God by creating something. Create something and make it real”. The Professor who has taught many other professors remarked that poetry is a dream that is captured pictorially, adding that all designs are products of poetry. He advised the present day poet not to allow foreign influence to pollute their poetic ideas noting that poetry has consequences of improving one’s life.

Kalu Uka advised authors not to forget their indigenous languages saying that if they don’t take time Nigerian indigenous languages will fade away. He said as they write in English they should try and write in indigenous languages for the upcoming generations to continue speaking.

The Chairman on the occasion, Dr. Emmanuel Akpanobong said setting aside March 21 every year to commemorate poetry is not out of place, adding that it was a very remarkable event. He noted that creativity started from creation by God  and as such creativity should be the work of every human being. In complementing Prof. Uka’s advice to promote indigenous languages Akpanobong said some writings should done in indigenous languages before being translated into English.

The Publicity Secretary of ANA, Mr Sunday Umanah said the event was the first outing of the present Executive of ANA, Akwa Ibom State Chapter. Emphasizing that it was a successful event, Umanah said ANA, Akwa Ibom State will be coming up with activities every month which will make their voice to be heard. In a chat with the press, he advised young men to start  writing to be creative. “Start writing even when you don’t know what to write. Write something. Start from one word to one line. From one line you can develop to a great poet”, he retorted.

The event featured reading of the following poems; Our lost culture by Ubong Inyang, A thousand and one dreams by David Udoh, Our father land by Blessing Akpan, sickle cell by Iboro offong, Moments ago and Mentors by Obasa Bolabo, Vibration by Dr Justina, Arise O’compatroit by Mercy Ikpe, Beautiful but pitiful by Nse Isong, Before I say goodbye by Victor Ekeji, She by Miracle Bless, Interminable Whispers by Silver Words, I will marry you Plc by Akan Essien and Think fast before you laugh by Rev (Dr) Moses Ibanga Akpabio.