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Volume 1, Issue 4 |
September 1999 |
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ALS HONOURS ACHEBE...At National Creativity day By Ken Ike O. The Abuja Literary Society recently had the opporhmity to be part of the National Creativity Day activities organized by the Federal Ministry for Culture and Tourism. The event, which took place on Tuesday the 14th of September, also, celebrated World Peace Day. To mark the event, a press briefing was held by the Honourable Minister for Culture and Tourism, Chief Ojo Maduekwe at the National Press Centre. At the briefing,Professor Chinua Achebe was honoured with the first National Creativity Award. The Abuja Literary Society(ALS) presented a drama sketch on creativity which was very well received by the audience which included Professor Achebe and his family, Elder Steve Rhodes, renowned artists Bruce Onobrakpeya and Prof.Yusuf Grille. Writer and critic, Chinweizu was also in attendance. Others present at the event were Major-General Charles Ndiomu of the National War College, Mr. Pascal Dozie, Chairman Diamond Bank, Mr. Mma Agbagha of the Post Express Editorial Board. The Director-General of UNESCO was represented by Dr. Molokwu. Denja Abdullahi coordinated the drama sketch for ALS. Our own Uncle Ralph Opera compered the event. Following the award ceremony, two members of ALS - Dr Ike Anya and Ms. Edima Otuokon read a selection of poetry. Ms Otuokon read her "Triple Oppression" which was enthusiastically applauded. Dr. Anya then followed with "ANew Dawn", his own work, and "After A War" written by the Guest of Honour, Professor Chinua Achebe. After the press briefing, a dinner party hosted by the Honourable Minister for Culture and Tourism and his charming wife Uche was held at their residence at the Ministerial quarters in Mabushi. The event attracted a glittering array of personalities including several cabinet ministers, artists, writers, journalists and senior civil servants. The ALS again presented a selection of poetry by Edima Otuokon and Ike Anya. Poems read c~uring this session, which also featured a discussion on the values and uses of poetry, include the provocative "Be A Father" by Edima Otuokon and "Kuramo Waters" by Anya. The session ended with "Salute To A Master" written by Dr. Anya in honour of Professor Achebe. Ihe performance ~ew encomiums from the audience, particularly Chief Bola Ige Honourable Minister for Power and Steel, who reiterated his promise to support the society. Due to the exigencies of time, the ALS could not present its second chrana sketch at the dinner. However, Mr. Kaz Kawase of the Embassy of Japan was able to thrill the audience with a medieval dance piece under the aegis of the ALS. In all, it was a beautiful event to honour an icon of our time. As usual, Architect Ferdinand Agu, Chairman ALS Board of Trustees, was on hand to lend the support of his massive physical and intellectual presence. |
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