The Commissioner of the Youth Development, Hon. Partrick Agha Mba has assured Young Nigerian Writers, Anambra Chapter that the government state led by Governor Chukwuma Soludo is fully ready and resolute to support them in maximizing their potentials.
Angel Network News (ANN) reports that
Agha Mba stated this through his representative Engr. Tony Omatah at the
2024 Chinua Achebe Literacy Festival and Memorial Lecture organized by Young Nigerian Writers at the Anambra State Central E-Library (also known as the Prof. Kenneth Dike State Central E-Library Library) in Awka with the theme “Remembering Achebe In a Time Like This”.
The commissioner also said that the government have kickstarted an annual programme known as Anambra Talent Hunt, which is targeted at talent cultivation and development.
In his words “I assure you that the government of Anambra state is now ready and resolute to support you in maximizing your potentials. We already have an annual programme known as Anambra Talent Hunt, which is targeted at talent cultivation and development”
On the occasion which is aimed at honoring Prof. Chinua Achebe, a great son of not only Igboland but Africa as a whole, the commissioner commended the Society of Young Nigerian Writers on their efforts as young people in tasking themselves in critical thinking, thus becoming useful to themselves and the society.
Agha Mba applauded them and urged to understand that we lived in a world that is bedeviled by high level of societal decay in the value system; he said many young people now want to do the wrong things, with the notion that they provide the easiest pathway to success, whereas it is exactly what it is not.
The Youth Commissioner also said that wrong things actually lead to destruction and the evidences are there for all to know. He stated that, what it will cost to do the wrong things is the same thing it will cost to do the right things, hence stressed the need for young people to do the right things.
He charged the young writers to chose to be agents of change through their works, assuring that the government of Anambra state is now ready and resolute to support them in through programmes like Talent Hunt which have 6 categories namely: Media and Entertainment, Technology, Literature, Fine and Applied Art, Fashion/Modelling and finally Sports.
Agha Mba said their group will benefit a lot from the programme, particularly in the area of Literature, while inviting them to be part of the planning and implementation processes.
The Commissioner described Achebe as an epitome of outstanding who accomplished in all ramifications both in character and works.
He stated that Anambra State is highly honored to have Achebe as a son and this is evident in the wise decision of Soludo to name Anambra Airport after him.
In his remark, the State Coordinator of the Society of Young Nigerian Writers (Anambra State Chapter), Izunna Okafor, while giving update on the association said Chinua Achebe Literary Festival and Memorial Lecture, initiated in 2016 and currently in its 9th edition, is a literary event the association annually organizes in honour and memory of Nigerian literary icon, Late Prof. Chinua Achebe, in celebration of his life, works and legacies.
Okafor added that the reason for inviting students is in order to catch them young. We are using Achebe as an ICON and role model who started making impact early.
ANN gathered that ten school participated with St. Lucy Secondary School Ifite Awka coming first position, St John Okpuno took second. The winners were rewarded with cash price, books and certificates.
The event attracted dignitaries such as Prof. Stella Okunna, Dr. Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, Sir Chuka Nnabuife amongst others.
