The Chairman, Association of Nigeria Authors, (ANA) Imo State branch, Mr. Patrick Amanze Njoku has expressed dismay over the declining culture of reading and writing among Nigerians, for the past 20 years, even as he made it clear that reading and writing are the basic instruments for education.
Mr. Amanze Njoku disclosed this while speaking to newsmen recently in Owerri, he frowned at the attitudinal tune of the society which according to him does not appreciate books, even as, he noted with dismay that only few people read books, which they do manly for passing examinations.
Speaking further, he noted that in secondary school level, one can find a lot of good talents who should be trained and encouraged to become good writers to replace the outgoing generation, he further stated that the elites should lead by examples and encourage the less privileged, even as he expressed bitterness that the elites are not living up to their expectations and are not leading by examples.
Mr. Amanze Njoku charged the leaders to encourage writers by making resources available for them, he further stressed the need for the people authority to come into partnership with writers by getting involved in writers careers, pointing out in that even in the West they give kind responses to writers.
Mr. Njoku revealed the association’s plan towards organizing a launching for fund raising in June, to highlight the need for reading and writing.
He pointed out that, reading helps to open up one’s horizon to other ideas, he therefore called on government to support writers financially, pointing out that writers like Wole Soyinka always point out how government and people in authority go wrong and proffer solutions.
Mr. Njoku decried the high level of bad economy, blaming this on the government, even as he maintained that the government has failed in its duties making the masses to suffer.
