5 REASONS WHY NIGERIA NEED MORE WRITERS

Down the line of time, there has been an influx of knowledge passed on from one generation to the other. Knowledge, which if untapped and unharnessed may soon become volatile from the cradle of reality. The beauty of nature alone coupled with the unarguable blessings of human existence carries in itself so much that can be offered to generations both now and to come. In this regard, writing has always been a medium through which these realities is being passed on.

We are encircled by immeasurable heights of knowledge, which may remain dormant if there isn’t a bold step to creatively permeate into this sphere of existence.

The reality is this, as with other arts, writing is hard. While most careers are built on empirical methods and a clear end goal for each day, writers usually operate from whatever absorbs their fantasy, stirs their heart, and from a hazy subconscious desire. It takes time to develop good writing skills and becoming a world-class writer. It involves practicing daily, reading the works of other writers and much hard work, however the form or style, from novels, stories, or fiction writing. The life of a writer is quite solitary, both by design and necessity. It is possible to have a few friends sometimes or none at all. It can be said with much certainty that being a writer can be a lonely and quiet experience.

Well-meaning as they may be, as a writer, your friends and family don’t understand the thin line between conflict and crisis as you would. They might try hard, but they cannot relate to the consistent muse that you have to create. It becomes challenging trying to compile your work into a book. You would need mentorship, guidance and probably a new set of friends. It’s a thoroughly engaging venture that takes a long time, and may come with little reward. However, being a writer isn’t always about the financial reward, it’s about the passion to share from an inbuilt knowledge, a practical part of living to this generation and those yet unborn.

Hence the question, why we need more writers in Nigeria may really be difficult to grasp. Here are 5 reasons why Nigeria needs more writers.

1. An historical fact

Before the advent of African literature, oral tradition was the primary means by which information was passed down generations. However, the threat of extinction of these traditions necessitated writers like Amos Tutuola, D.O Fagunwa and Chinua Achebe to present our oral traditions into literary works. Such works have had a dynamic effect on showcasing the African narrative to the global audience. These writers understood the importance of the images and structures of our stories beyond creative interaction, and promotion of our culture, they laid out the landscape for the African perspective. It is therefore important for more icons like these to emerge and present the true story of Nigeria to the world.

2. Writers help people to connect the dots

Writing is primarily aimed at capturing the minds of readers, thereby helping them realise those inbuilt capabilities. As popularly asserted, “knowledge is power”, however, knowledge is only potential power, until its being put into sustainable use. This bevy of knowledge crested in the minds of readers, may remain potentially dormant until there is a positive move to ignite self-discovery. This is because, writers possess abilities to show us that anything is possible with stories that are fluid, and often filled with characters that would challenge the readers to see the world from a wider perspective. Hence, the more creative writers we have, perspectives begin to fall into the proper channels.

3. Custodian of facts in the society

The need for more writers in Nigeria goes beyond the symbiotic relationship that is experienced between a writer and his/her reader. Writers are individuals designed with the task of recreating time, place and characters in whatever location they live in. Through the art of writing, a creative writer acts as a link between his/her other generations to come. The different fiction genre for instance may demonstrate a unique facet of the writer’s society. A horror writer may capture the discomforts of his era. A science fiction writer will demonstrate that era’s view on technological innovations. A literary writer, of course will display what everyday life was really like. These facts can only be preserved when more creative writers spring out of the horizons.

4. Writers are social change advocates

Writing is an incredibly powerful art that has been used to create an unbiased perspective in the socio-cultural environment. The writer’s mission today is, as it always has been, the urge to leave a definite mark in literature by striking a blow at the issues which lead society to stagnation and mutual misunderstanding. Writers tend to combine both skill and knowledge to struggle for peace and uplifting of society in which they live. They are people who are constantly influencing society for good and changing the world order. For example, African global change leaders like Timi Olagunju (http://booklify.ng/books/553/YES,-Africa-Can/ ) are writing about the unique talents Africa is creating — people who are showing to the world the great potential we have, and how these young leaders are solving problems in their communities.

5. Writers as teachers

Writers stand in as a brook of knowledge that have something peculiar to tell the world. They have a lesson to teach, a story to write and a tale to tell, hence encapsulating all these messages; be it moral, intellectual, idealistic or cynical for the purpose of teaching a lesson.
The big question now is, are we all blessed with the ability to write? What does it take to hone those writing skills? Anyone can become writer. It is possible only when you decide to pick up that pen and paper and put down something that will impact you first and then society at large.
Writing can become easy with the proper structure in place. You can be on your way to becoming that next rated writer the world may be waiting for.

But first, you may need to join a writing community where you can meet other writers and even more experienced ones you hope to become like. You may think you are all alone in this, but here’s the good news: you’re not alone. In fact, right this moment, writers just like you are actively participating in writing communities like http://booklify.ng on the web. It’s time that you meet.

Just remember that the ability to describe the world in all its entirety using simple words, thus reaching out to people of all age, class and status is the prerogative of writers. The world therefore needs more of this kind.

Never tell yourself you cannot become a writer, great writers of today started with a phrase, a clause perhaps a sentence. You can start with only one letter or a word. Just remember it takes only a pen and paper with the right frame of mind to become a writer.