Lagos State is set to host one of the biggest writers’ conferences in the country next year under the auspices of Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA).
Writers conference, amongst other things, aims at developing, as well as improving the requisite skills of writers and aspiring writers. It’s a great opportunity to learn about writing professionally, as it focuses on the business of script-writing, publishing, creative writing, editing and lots more.
According to a delegation from ANA Lagos, which visited The Nation’s Head Office, Lagos State will host the writer’s and stakeholders of the book/publishing industry at its 37
th international annual convention, set to hold for November next year.
The delegation was led by ANA Chairman, Yemi Adebiyi, who said the visit was part of the sensitization/media tour to intimate the public and the state government on the programme.
Mr Yemi further said that the convention will have a huge economic opportunity for the people and the state government. He called for support from the government and the corporate bodies, including the media, to make the event a success.
He said: “Lagos is ready to host the world at the ANA 37th international annual convention, which will hold next year. And we are excited because of the economic potential that the event holds for Lagosians and the government. Writers from across the country will be coming to Lagos. Imagine the revenue that would generate for the state, if the potential of this glorious event is richly galvanized.
“For this to happen, all hands must be on deck. We are open to partnership and ideas, and are calling on the government and corporate organization for support and sponsorship.”
As it has been observed that the book industry is a major contributor to the country’s intellectual growth, ANA Lagos Public Relations Officer (PR0 2) Mr Feyi Abiodun stated that more needs to be done to create an enabling environment for writers and other key players in the industry.
“We commend the efforts of the present administration, led by our ever progressive Governor Akinwunmi Amode, towards the promotion of the arts in the state. He has shown himself as a lover of the arts. However, we are asking that he extends his art campaign/ support to the writers and book/publishing industry. The convention presents another opportunity for the government to revisit the promotion of the book/publishing industry, writers, as well as the reading culture in the state.”
Other members of the ANA delegation included the Vice Chairman, Babatunde Ayo-Vaughan; Secretary, Brenda Nwafor PRO (1) and Margaret Irabor.
Featured image credit: Brittle Paper
