Wunmi Semudara
Literary activist and poet, Sir Eriata Oribhabor has revealed that Nigeria currently need more literary work to correct the ills in the society.
He stressed the urgent need for Nigerian poets and writers to be empowered and upright, as they play a vital role in transforming the nation.
Oribhabor mentioned this during a Commemorative Discourse, held in his honour recently to mark his 60th anniversary, and unveiling of the books Eriata Di Poet.
He said Nigerian writers should be celebrated as they contribute immensely to the society.
Speaking virtually at the event, Eriata stated that deliberate attempt must be made by writers (especially poets) to ensure that arts continues to be a relevant wind of change, transformation, justice and equality within the country.
Delving a bit into the politics of the day, Oribhabor was of the opinion that the more politicians abuse power, the more the need for poets in Nigeria to find their voice.
” With a growing number of young Nigerian poets in the country and abroad, it becomes much more imperative that platforms are established to empower more poets and writers, to do exploits”, he said.
The Head of WE FM Abuja, Mr Benjamin Ubiri, who was present at the virtual meeting, explained that the works of the former Chairman of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) Abuja, is one that budding writers must emulate.
While adding that it is time that the country, as a nation had a discussion about making pidgin more valuable than it is at the moment.
He argued that with pidgin terms and words gaining entrance into the lexicons, it is important that the government finds a way to promote the teaching of pidgin, as a course in universities in the country.
This drive he says must begin with standardization of Pidgin in Nigeria, with the works of Oribhabor playing a vital role of reference when it comes to the literary aspects of the course.
Ubiri called for more support for the work that Oribhabor has been doing, especially his role in creating platforms for young poets and writers to find their voices.
He urged agencies like the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism in Nigeria, to partner with people like Mr Oribhabor, who has for so many years promoted food, music, tourism, language and education in the country.
Other guests who were at the interactive session also praised the philanthropist, and continued patronage of poetry, which is the heart of Mr Oribhabor work.
They urged the government and all lovers of poetry, and arts in Nigeria to take a second look at the landmark projects Oribhabor has embarked across the nation, and find ways to honour his legacy even while he is alive.
Asides the calls for collaborations earlier stated, other recommendations from the panel as to how the prolific author’s legacy can be preserved included: creating a library in his honour, establishing an endowment fund that will help meet the needs of emerging writers, holding yearly conferences where more lights would be thrown on works and service of Oribhabor (with emphasis on book reviews and pidgin poetry for the preservation of Nigerian culture).
Prominent amongst those present at the gathering put together by the World Poetry Movement, and the Splendors of Dawn (Nigeria), were: Mr Odoh Okenyodo (writer, pharmacist, activist poet and journalist) , Dr. Ayo Ayoola-Amale (Poet and Lawyer), Utibe-Eno Ekpuk (Communication Specialist), Solutionist Clementina (Poet and Writer), Iquo Diana-Abasi (poet) Soonest Nathaniel (poet) and Paul Liam (Poet and Host).
Oribhabor is the President, Poets in Nigeria (PIN) Initiative. He has authored several poetry collections, and has been widely published within and outside Nigeria.
In his continuous work towards the growth of Nigeria’s literary sector, Oribhabor who will be launching new books on Saturday in Abuja, said plans are already underway to hold a second edition of “Poetry Cross-Country” – an initiative that would ensure poets read and perform in various stages across Nigeria on the same day.
The poet said the event will take place in 36 states, and urged the general public to support and join in the engagement which has the potentials to transform the nation by promoting healing, resilience and cultural understanding and appreciation of the Nigerian heritage.
