Abdu-Rahman Adebayo Adenrinoye is the chairman of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Kwara State chapter. Amid the growing fear of the corona virus pandemic last November, he and his team were able to muster enough courage, resources and manpower to host the 39th international convention of ANA in Ilorin, Kwara State. A dogged and resilient leader and critical writer and critic, he says in this chat with Edozie Udeze that literature and literary activities are alive in the state as more young writers continue to show interest in writing and much more.How do you assess the level and the standard of literature in Kwara at the moment'I would say that the level of literature in the state at the moment is quite reasonable. Yes, its certainly not at its peak but it can get better with time and consistency in the tempo already embarked upon by the current administration of Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrasaq, especially at the grassroots level. Im quite optimistic that it would definitely get better.As a writer and leader of the writers body in your state, what would you say are the greatest headache in the composition of membership in the state ANA'First and foremost, it is imperative that we recognise the fact that writing, apart from being a skill that could be acquired, is also a natural talent which manifests in different ways. Suffice therefore to say that, leading the writers body and having to deal with matters bordering on membership composition is certainly no mean task. It is definitely a very challenging one albeit, has been made easy in view of the natural interest cum ingenuity and passion for the Art. Similarly, the fact that the Association has a quite rich history and antecedents (in the form of resilience) with which it has been dealing with various challenges over time has kept it to remain overboard and consistent with respect to depth and sync vis-a-vis the vast world of writing.Kwara State has a number of elite that have helped the association in many ways in the past. What is the situation like now'Indeed, the State is quite blessed when it comes to gaining support for Arts, especially with respect to writing. And, as I have said earlier, the Association has a robust history behind it which has made it grow so thick, strong and well insulated to maintain as well as reinvigorate the tempo at most auspicious moments when the need arises since inception. This same notion (sense of purpose) has remained the strong driving force or main factor for its consistency and relevance till date. Hence, to answer your question more directly as per the situation of things with respect to the support of elites to the Association; I would say that we couldnt have had it better. The likes of late Hon. Justice M.M.A Akanbi, PCA, (rtd.), Pioneer Chairman ICPC, Mallam Yusuf Olaolu Ali (SAN), Prof. Olu Obafemi (former President, Pioneer Chairman of the Association in the State and a member of the Advisory Council), Prof. AbdulRasheed NaAllah (Former Vice Chancellor, Kwara State University and Current Vice Chancellor, UniAbuja), Prof. Muhammad Akanbi (Vice Chancellor, Kwara State University), Prof. Sulayman Age AbdulKareem (Vice Chancellor, University of Ilorin), Prof. Jeleel Ojuade of Performing Arts, University of Ilorin, Dr. Isiaka Ali Agan, Dr. Usman Oladipo Akanbi, Colonel Oladele Babajamu (rtd.) and a host of others are part of the prominent elites that the State is blessed with and are still a source of strength as well as inspiration to the Association both at the local and national scenes.During the 39th ANA convention last year in Ilorin organised under very difficult moments, what was the role of the state government in ensuring it happened'It is somewhat difficult for me to describe within this space, the role of the State Government at the 39th International Convention of the Association and the reason is not far-fetched. This is because the administration of Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq created an enabling environment for us to have a quite modest and lofty outing despite the prevailing difficulties around the globe. We all know that Year 2020 was pervaded with many difficulties and its attendant peculiarities or should I say economic challenges which therefore made it almost impossible for anyone to venture into capital projects. However, the new administration brought about some sense of stability and harmonious situation in almost all faces of life in Kwara State thereby ensuring that we could take the challenges head-on, especially with the injection of some vibrantly brilliant and quite competent new hands in the commissioners, heads of parastatals, departments and agencies. Indeed and holistically, the State Government gave us all the necessary support which eventually enabled us to put the Convention together successfully.What have been your most difficult moments as a writer'HmmmI would say it is mostly publishing apart from the occasional blank moments which is common with writers generally. Once the black-out moments are overcome, the most daunting moments for me as a writer would be getting published which could be ascribed to perhaps, ones penchant for standards and quality finish that is usually a tall order in our climes hereTwice now, Kwara ANA has rescued the association. First was in 1995 when Ken Saro wiwa was killed and no state could muster the courage to host ANA and Kwara did. Second was last year in the throes of the corona virus pandemic. Where does the courage usually come from and why'I would say its in our DNA. You know as a state of harmony, we must always display that sense of hospitality whereby we present the tolerant, accommodating and harmonious nature of Kwara despite our very diverse backgrounds. Essentially, I think providence has a way of naturally portraying and at the same time, rewarding us as a people of harmonious sensibilities.What will you leave behind when your tenure as chairman is over'GRACE. At the end of my tenure by April this year God willing as the Chairman of ANA Kwara, I would want to be remembered for the grace of the Almighty which has seen me through the four (4) years in office. This grace is full of gratitude to Man and God Almighty for the incessant benevolence which abided with us all through these periods. Similarly, the grace also reflects that sense of resilience in us as humans with utmost determination and the ability to withstand all hardships in order to succeed. Also in the grace is the agility required to be able to riggle through the tough moments associated with leadership positions, especially in the administration of the affairs of man as well as the consistency of efforts to attain the most desirous eminent personality.What in your opinion is the state of the relationship between publishers and writers'I guess the relationship is in a state it has always been from time immemorial. Ideally, it is expected to be a kind of symbiotic relationship but we all know that it has degenerated over time to a seeming cat and mouse relationship which I do not think is healthy for our writing industry. I think there should be a way of mediating between these two (2) independent block for the improvement of literary arts in the Country.
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