Date: 2017-05-12

In an effort to stand tall against the nascent goblins of misconstrued culture of Africa, concerned members of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Kwara State, under the aegis of Honourable Justice Mustapha Akanbi (Rtd), have resolved that only a matter of genuine commitment can ignite, in the hearts of gifted children, a passion to contribute creatively as prospective authors.

Dr Oladipo Akanbi, the event anchor and an ex officio member of ANA, gave an in-depth explanation of the motive behind the campaign. He explained the shared understanding between the national body of the association and the Kwara state chapter whose major goal is to stimulate and inspire young writers to hone and develop their writing skills, in order to become published authors.

Thus, invited teachers of English language and Literature were, on the 10th day of May, 2017, charged with the responsibility to scout for, and recommend students who have the creative wherewithal to participate in the Teen Authorship Programme (TAP). In an effort geared towards the revival of Nigeria's literary culture, the primary concern of TAP according to the State Secretary of ANA, Mr Babayemi Opeyemi, encompasses "mentoring, writing and publishing; with a beam light on students in secondary schools.

Eligibility for TAP is restricted to secondary school students within Kwara State. Participants are to be nominated by their English language teacher. The teacher must ensure that the nominated student(s) must have exhibited evidence of creative writing talent."

Sheriff Olanrewaju, a representative of ANA-Kwara encouraged teachers to look beyond mere grammatical surface and watch out for students with meaningful writings and realistic contents. He suggested that eloquence alone is inadequate, our culture as Africans and religiously harmonious Kwarans must not be trivialized, in this age when people are trying to lure our youths into participating in immoral acts under the guise of civilization.

The Chief Librarian, National Library of Nigeria, Kwara State branch, Hajia Kafayat Olani who also participated as a facilitator hinted on the symbiotic relationship between writers and readers. She was of the view that indigenous authors must consider it incumbent upon them to promote African culture which is obviously eroding the minds of most Nigerian children.

With a well stocked library and the philanthropic door left ajar for bibliophiles and writers by H.J. Mustapha Akanbi(rtd), through the Knowledge Platform, GRA, Ilorin, aspiring writers across the state are also encouraged to join the legion of writers to cross-fertilize and juxtapose ideas every month.