ANA begins ‘catch them young hunt’ to encourage creative writing in Taraba
Jethro Yerga, Jalingo
In order to encourage creative writing among teenagers in Taraba state, the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Taraba State Chapter has under its Teen Author Program, began hunting of teenagers to identify those endowed with creative writing skills to see how best they can be helped to impact positively to the country through their writings.
The chairman, Taraba State Chapter of the Association, Mr. Rifongsikwe Kingham disclosed this development at an occasion of a launching of Ten Million Naira (10, 000.000.00) Book Development Fund and investiture of the Executive Governor of Taraba State, Arc. Darius Dickson Ishaku, organized by the association at the Taraba State University Jalingo.
Mr. Rifongsikwe Kingham stated that Taraba State is blessed with very brilliant minds who have written fascinating manuscripts but they lack the finance to publish them, hence the call for the launching by the association.
He said “As part of Our Catch Them Young efforts, we have sampled one school in Jalingo and had an on the spot examination of the pupils and students and there after compiled and published their works but could not even recover the cost of the production afterward.
“This hampered the continuation of the beautiful program. We want to however, assure every one of our zeal to support very brilliant minds who have written fascinating manuscripts but lack the finance to publish them, if funds are available”. He added.
In his speech, the guest speaker at the event, Dr. Joseph Lucas who described creative writers as destiny shapers, ex-rayed various other importance of creative writing in the society and called on the dignitaries to support the association to bring up talented young men in Taraba State who would contribute their quota towards the development of the state through their writings.
“Creative writers give society the direction, they simply appeal to our emotions and get us inspired, tapping from intuition and telling us whatever it is about life that we ought to know through the power of their pen either in form of poetry, drama or prose”.He stated
Also speaking, the Speaker, Taraba State House of Assembly (TSHA) Hon. Prof. Albasu Kunini decried the negative impact of the Social Media on the younger generation which has affected their reading and writing habits as well as their academic performance.
The Hon. Speaker who was ably represented at the event by Sukoji Bakoji, called on ANA and authors to rise up to the challenge through their works and sensitize the youth on the negative impact of constant use of Social Media on their reading and writing habits.
He said recent findings revealed that about two-thirds of students of tertiary institutions were found using the Social Media platforms while in class or reading which has led to distractions and poor academic performance.
Quoting an American author and clergy, Jane Porter, who said, “the chief glory of a country arises from its authors; but only when they are oracles of wisdom, the Taraba State Speaker encouraged Taraba authors to write on the various social vices in the society so as to reverse the ugly trend as well as keep the government on its toes.
Earlier in her speech, the Public Relation Officer of ANA, Taraba State Chapter, Dr. Rebecca Iranny, said apart from helping to advertise the works of authors, the association also counsel, edits and restructure the works of authors as well as help them to publish them.
Dr. Rebecca who is also the Dean of Student Affairs, Taraba State University (TSU), expressed hope that the occasion would harvest more people after the event.
Meanwhile, the occasion witnessed Investiture of Governor Darius Dickson Ishaku as the Grand Patron of ANA, Taraba State Chapter and the unveiling of ANA Review Journal. There was also highly inspirational Stage Performance by the TSU Theatre and Film Students.
