Govt. pledges to help authors build Writers Village

Niger State Government says it would support the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), to build its proposed Writers Village.The state’s Commissioner for Education, Hajiya Fatima Madugu, made the promise during New Year celebration by ANA, tagged ``Role of the Intellectuals under Change’’, in Minna.

Madugu said this would encourage young writers to exhibit their works and called on the association to also focus attention on female writers at the secondary school level.

She added that the state government was ready to partner with any association that would bring change and development to the state.

She urged ANA to be more productive and proactive so as to serve as example for others to emulate.

Mrs Farida Mohammad, Chairman, Niger chapter of ANA, called for a forum where talented and upcoming writers would interact and `pool intellectual currency.’

She said the association had published books by young, talented writers with support from the past administration, and urged the present administration for continuous support.

``We have a lot of books written by our members and up-coming writers, and students waiting to be published.

``Due to inadequate fund, we have not been able to publish these books, we need government’s assistance through grants to publish our works.’’

She also called for a library ``that will attract and catch the attention of those with talent in creativity, and interest to write without distraction.’’

She called for state government's sponsorship of Annual Schools Carnival of Arts and Festival of Songs (ASCAFS) 2016 to showcase young talents in creative writing, drama, quiz, painting, cultural display, craft and photography.