CREATIVE writing was at the centre of celebration at the recently held 9th Macmillan Literary Night in Lagos with the reading of works and presentations by different artistes.Chairman, Macmillan Nigeria Publishers Limited, Mr. Bode Emanuel, set the tone and raised the expectations of guests when he said an array of acclaimed readers and actors had been procured, who will, through scintillating presentations, encourage, thrill and inspire all to take quick action in blazing the hope for a radical transformation of the nation.On the choice of theme, Blazing Hope, Emanuel said it was selected to re-enforce the momentum of amazing hope and inspire Nigerians to be courageous in the face of seemingly intractable challenges of insecurity, endemic corruption, poor infrastructure, poverty, favourism, nepotism, gangsterism, violence, vandalism, cultism, robbery, child-abuse, child trafficking, sexual perversions, HIV/AIDS, and misrule to name a few.Despite the multi-faceted challenges Nigerians face as a people, Emmanuel said they could not afford to discard vision and hope because with strong passion targeted at building a greater Nigeria, they shall inevitably reach their goal in a nation where peace and justice shall eventually reign supreme.He stated, 'The process of democratic institutionalisation, which is presently being entrenched in the country is hope-strengthening. This, definitely, is the time for all of us to rise and fully enthrone democracy, credible elections, rule of law and good governance. The time is ripe to sow the seeds of a brighter future. Posterity will not forgive us if we fail to use the opportunity to make a change, exercise and utilise the enormous power and sovereignty in our possession as a people.'It is obvious that the role of writers and literature as worthy hope of the Nigeria project is vital especially in championing the cause of social change for the common good and reflecting the true aspirations of the generality of the people. More valuable materials projecting and providing remedies to the prevalent challenges are desirable'.After acknowledging writers that had used their pens and talent to examine society as it wades through colonial subjugation, nationalism and disenchantment, Emanuel said writers had projected the need of nationhood vis-a-vis social vices while ironing out matters affecting the people's collective realities and fortunes.He promised that Macmillan Nigeria Publishers Limited would never rest on its oars in providing requisite support for writing, publishing, reading and literary endeavours.In all, there were 17 presentations, two dance drama presentations by Crown Troupe of Africa and Footprints of David, a song presentation by the Nefertiti with special appearance by Ben Tomoloju, who thrilled the audience and ensured that the night was well spent. Excerpts read from prose and poetry also made the night a memorable outing for the guests.Fireworks of the night started with a satire titled O ti ya, (it is time) presented by the Crown Troupe of Africa; it examined some of the ills in society and the challenges faced by the citizens in carrying out their day-to-day activities.The play narrated the tale of a man with mature children but who still suckled from feeding bottles and was constantly telling his children to go to their mother for the provision of their basic needs.After the performance, Udoka Njoku read an excerpt from Christopher Okigbo, 'Lament of the drums'; then Nobert Young read Femi Fatoba's 'In My own way', which was followed by the recitation of an extract from an article published in ThisDay, 'A country of low expectations', written by Chido Onumah and read by Joke Silva. There was also a reading from Odia Ofeimum's 'The Ranchos' by Ihria Enakhimio.The issues spotlighted in the readings range from religious to political, leadership, ethnicity and followers' insensitivity.Managing Director of Macmillan, Dr. A. I. Adelekan, thanked the audience for coming and noted that Nigeria is a land of opportunities and outstanding personalities. 'We should all do our very best and keep the hope blazing,' he appealed.A student of King's College, Master Obed Obanor, praised Macmillan for organising the literary night and the calibre of artistes brought in to perform as it also showed the abundance of talent in the country.He said it was the first time he attended and that he did not regret obeying the instruction of their principal who asked them to attend the programme shortly before its commencement.Although the chairman of the event and governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi, could not make it, the Special Guest of Honour and governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN), was represented by the Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Olayinka Oladunjoye.
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