NAL, LNG, TETFund Empower 60 Participants for 2024 Creative Writing Workshop

Kuni Tyessi in Abuja

The Nigerian Academy of Letters (NAL), Nigeria Liquefied and Natural Gas Limited (LNG) and the Fertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) among other sponsors, have empowered 60 participants for the 2024 creative writing workshop from march 1-7 at the University of Abuja.

Delivering his keynote address on the theme ‘Empowering creative writers, shaping the future of Nigerian literature’, Prof. Emmanuel Sule of the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Minna, Niger State, said three traits- creativity, activism and individual talent- must be the hall mark of every aspiring creative writer who wants to succeed in the art.

He said a writer must be actively involved in the creation of change in the society and must be political in taking a stand concerning issues affecting the society, particularly one that catches their craft.

He said “creativity, activism and individual talent must be part of the life of a creative writer. You must have a talent for the craft and a bold conscience and temper for activism. These must be synthesized in your work. You must also have the creative power of imagination for therein is the domain of invention. This included breaking boundaries and interrogating complacency.

“You must find a niche, one that suits your individual talent, your craft must come first and this must not be compromised, be analytical and critical, take position in all that you have against the world and find time to write.”

In his goodwill message, the acting Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Chris Maiyaki, said the NAL’s commitment in nurturing the next generation of leaders, scholars and creative talents demonstrates an unwavering dedication to academic excellence and creative development that has emerged as a beacon of hope.

Represented by former Vice-Chancellor of Kogi State University, Lokoja, Prof. Angela Freeman Miri, Maiyaki urged the 60 participants of the maiden edition of the workshop to transform individual lives and shape the destinies of nations.

“The 60 shortlisted participants, as you embark on a journey that transforms individual lives and shapes nations’ destinies, you represent the embodiment of intellectual curiosity, resilience, and a commitment to positively impacting the creative economy of the world. You pursuit is not merely an academic endeavour, but a noble quest to contribute to the betterment of society,” he said.