Chinua Achebe Literary Festival: Young rriters visit National Light

YOUNG writers, under the umbrella of the Society of Young Nigerian Writers, Anambra State Chapter visited Anambra Newspapers And Printing Corporation (ANPC), publishers of National Light Newspaper, Ka O Di Taa Igbo Newspaper and Sportslight Xtra, in preparation for the 2019 edition of the Chinua Achebe Literary Festival.

  Speaking at the courtesy visit, the state coordinator, Society of Young Nigerian Writers, Mr. Izunna , said the visit was to identify with the firm and seek her partnership and collaboration to ensure a successful Chinua Achebe Literary Festival this year.

He said the annual event, which started in 2016, is organised in memory of the late Prof. Chinua Achebe, in commemoration and celebration of his immense contributions and legacies in the literary field of life. He lamented that Achebe, who was born on 16th November, 1930, died on 21st March, 2013; and  nothing has been done to immortalise him.

Divulging further details about the 2019 edition of the festival, Izunna disclosed that the event is slated to take place on Achebe’s date of birth (November 16), at the Prof. Kenneth Dike Central E-Library Awka, Anambra State, being the venue it has always held since 2016.

In his word, “This year’s Chinua Achebe Literary Festival, themed ” Chinua The Savant: An Epistle For The Living” will feature lectures in memory of Achebe, dramatization of Achebe’s selected books, Open Microphone/Spoken Word Poetry, quiz competition based on Achebe’s works and life, announcement of winners of Chinua Achebe Essay Writing Competition (for secondary school students in the state), unveiling and launching of Chinua Achebe Poetry/Essay Anthology entitled “Arrows of Words”, entertainment and other literary packages .

Concerning the Chinua Achebe Poetry/Essay Anthology which is an annual publication of the SYNW Anambra, Izunna disclosed that there will be no ‘Call For Submission’ this year, as the association will combine the three previous anthologies already published in the past three editions of the event, and publish them together as a single book/anthology, which will also be unveiled on the day of the festival.

Responding, the MD and CEO the ANPC, Sir Chuka Nnabuife described the Chinua Achebe Literary Festival as a great honour done to the blessed memory of the literary savant, Achebe.

He appreciated the young writers for always identifying with the organisation in hosting the annual event, and also commended them for remaining consistent in hosting the festival since 2016, despite all odds or challenges facing them

Avowing his support and that of the firm to the festival, Sir Nnabuife also charged them to remain resolute in the pursuance of their career or passion in the creative writing field and  always make quality their watchword.

The Courtesy Visit was joined by some top members of the SYNW in Anambra State, including the Secretary General, Miss Maureen Kenneth; Dr. Emeka Odogwu Emeka, who is also a veteran Journalist and author; Miss. Cynthia Igbokwe, a published author; and Mr. Chinonso Okafor, a bourgeoning poet.

In a vote of thanks, the editor of the National Light Newspaper, Mrs. Rose Oranye, appreciated the young writers body for the visit, and assured them that the organisation would always be there to support them and their activities in any possible way.