Connect Nigeria’s 1st Writers Conference: The Successful Aftermath

  The 5th of April 2014 marked ConnectNigeria.com’s 1^st Writers’ conference themed ‘The Business of Writing’. The Conference was part of Connect Nigeria’s Corporate Social Responsibility Initiative aimed at contributing to societal development through education. The aim was to teach graduates the significance of writing as a skill as well as how to monetize the art form from a business perspective. There were initially only 60 slots for registration but the outcome superseded this number. With over 120 registered participants and  a flow of unregistered participants who had heard about the event and were eager to attend, there was definitely a full house.  

  On the day as initially publicized, there was an amalgam of renowned speakers within the writing industry such as Okechukwu Ofili, Seun Salami, Adaku Ufere, Lekan Otufodunrin, and Ike Nnaebue. These experienced and established public figures covered a range of topics such as the business of script writing, online-editing, fashion and style writing and book publishing, to mention a few. The conference was destined for greatness as Mr. Seun Salami Kick started with a presentation and workshop on The Business of Writing and Editing.   

  Similarly Mr. Lekan Otufodunrin spoke about his experiences at The Nation Newspaper as an Online Editor, giving practical tips on how to be great in this field.  

    Mr. Ike Nnaebue then carried the crowd into the creative realm of ‘The Business of Scriptwriting’. His session was full of laughter as well as real life stories and examples making pursuing a career in scriptwriting seem both pragmatic and tangible.  

  Ms. Adaku Ufere who is a master of many trades gave practical advice on how to balance writing with other career pursuits seeing as she is an established writer, award winning fashion blogger and Oil and Gas Lawyer simultaneously.  

  Mr. Okechukwu Ofili, the author of three self-published books taught the act of self publishing (broke it down to the tiniest details, thank you sir.) His brutal honesty, was very refreshing. By the end of the session many were inspired to begin writing book and publish manuscripts that have been neglected.  

  As well as several presentations on different aspects of writing and how to monetize them, there was also a panel discussion in which participants asked several questions regarding writing, their personal experiences, how to improve their skills and what it takes to pursue a career in the sector.     Full of fun, laughs, energy and interaction, the event was nothing short of a success. Books were also sold during breaks and one lucky and ecstatic participant was awarded a free book by Ukechukwu Ofili.  

Additionally, there was networking and engaging after the close of the event where speakers and participants exchanged contact details details with the hopes of building better relationships in the near future. Several attendees commended the Connect Nigeria team for a well put together conference which they said had inspired them to pursue with more vigor, a career in writing. The speakers were all awarded certificates of outstanding contributions for their commendable and life changing impacts.