By Philomina Attah
Author and former lawmaker, Mr Orok Duke, has urged Nigerians to doc their private and collective histories to protect nationwide reminiscence for future generations.
Duke made the decision in Abuja on Thursday at a literary occasion that includes readings and the general public presentation of his new works.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) experiences that the occasion, tagged “Readings II”, featured poetry renditions, e-book opinions and unveiling of books.
Literary students, lawmakers and members of the general public attended the occasion.
Duke mentioned many Nigerians had been failing to inform their very own tales, leaving others to outline their narratives.
“If the lion does not tell its own story, the story of the hunt will always celebrate the hunter,” he mentioned.
He mentioned failure by Nigerians to doc their tales would permit others to take the glory, including that there is a necessity to go away legacies via writing.
Duke additionally known as for presidency intervention to revive the native publishing trade, noting that prime printing prices and publishing overseas had made books unaffordable for a lot of Nigerian college students.
He recalled that bookshops had been as soon as widespread and books had been cheaper, however lamented that the state of affairs had modified.
He mentioned the event was discouraging writers and limiting entry to information.
“We should give consideration to duties on importation of books and printing equipment. If you write and cannot publish, you become discouraged,” he mentioned.
Duke mentioned he had made digital variations of his works obtainable to enhance accessibility.
He additionally advocated help for native printing to encourage a studying tradition.
Earlier, reviewers on the occasion emphasised the significance of e-book opinions in selling studying tradition.
They famous that many consumers hardly learn the books they buy.
The reviewers described Duke as a prolific storyteller and thorough researcher whose works discover historical past, the surroundings, battle, household and societal values.
Unveiling the books, Sen. Gershom Bassey, who represented Cross River South Senatorial District, recommended the writer’s expertise and contribution to information, describing writing as a particular present.
Also, Sen. Eteng Williams, representing Cross River Central, represented the President of the Senate, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, on the occasion.
Williams mentioned Akpabio would have beloved to attend however was unavailable attributable to different official engagements.
He introduced a donation of N10 million on behalf of the Senate President and N1 million personally in help of the literary initiative.
NAN additionally experiences that dignitaries on the occasion included teachers, lawmakers and literary lovers, who took turns to learn excerpts from the works.
The occasion additionally noticed a minute’s silence in honour of colleagues and elders who died between the primary studying in 2017 and the present version. (NAN)
Edited by Grace Alegba
