The Federal Government of Nigeria has challenged domestic authors to leverage literary works in combating security challenges, societal fractures, and fake news, emphasizing that creative contributions are vital for fostering national cohesion and peace. George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, delivered this charge during the 45th International Convention and Conference of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), hosted at the Mamman Vatsa Writers’ Village in Abuja.
Speaking at the event, Akume noted that literature aids society in grasping the human toll of insecurity, offers representation to displaced populations, and inspires the youth to turn away from violence. Furthermore, the government official emphasized that authors must retain the liberty to scrutinize public policies, interrogate leadership choices, and highlight governance shortcomings, characterizing such discourse as an essential component of a vibrant intellectual sphere.
“Freedom of expression and the right to question those in authority are important features of democratic life,” Akume stated.
Nevertheless, he warned against the intentional deployment of language to provoke hostility, propagate untruths, or deepen ethnic and social divides among citizens. He encouraged ANA members to maintain candid dialogues regarding the nation's hurdles, stressing that the country requires truthful perspectives rather than apathy.
What did the Association of Nigerian Authors demand?
In his response, ANA President Dr. Usman Oladipo Akanbi appealed to the federal administration to incorporate human-centric considerations into its economic policies, noting that numerous citizens are grappling with severe financial hardship and diminishing living standards. While commending ongoing structural adjustments and infrastructural initiatives, Akanbi maintained that citizen welfare must stay at the forefront of governance.
The literary leader additionally requested intensified security measures nationwide to rebuild the younger generation's faith in the country's prospects. He drew attention to widespread safety concerns and the appalling state of rural transportation networks, characterizing trips from various regions into the Federal Capital Territory as arduous.
“Coming to Abuja from many parts of Nigeria through the hinterland roads is a hellish experience,” Akanbi remarked, pointing to documented incidents of abductions, highway robberies, and dilapidated infrastructure.
He advocated for heightened focus on rural routes linking agricultural zones to commercial hubs and settlements nationwide. Additionally, he cautioned political stakeholders to exercise prudence as the nation looks toward the upcoming 2027 general elections.