Kingsley Wenenda Wali, the prominent figurehead of the Unity House Foundation (UHF), an advocacy group dedicated to promoting good governance, has urged both government institutions and the media to play an active role in fostering and bolstering the culture of reading and writing within the nation.
He emphasized that a noticeable void exists in the historical documentation of the country’s governance and political evolution, primarily due to the absence of memoirs or literature penned by government officials and journalists, elucidating their first-hand experiences.
Addressing an audience at the 2023 August meeting in Port Harcourt, Wali underscored the importance of extending encouragement and support for the development of literary pursuits.
He suggested that this backing could manifest in the form of incentives and the establishment of mentorship programs, which would contribute to nurturing the talents of aspiring writers and readers.
The UHF leader said: “Government institutions and media organizations can play a vital role in fostering a culture of writing by encouraging officials and journalists to document their experiences. Providing incentives, such as dedicated time, resources, and recognition, can inspire individuals to embark on the writing process.
“Establishing a mentorship program between experienced authors and aspiring writers can help individuals navigate the writing process.
“Collaboration between government officials, journalists, and professional writers can ensure the accurate and effective communication of experience while maintaining the integrity and authenticity of the stories.
“Government institutions and media organizations should provide support in terms of research assistance, access to archives, and expert feedback.
“This support can help authors verify facts, enhance the credibility of their work, and ensure that the books contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the historical context.”
Earlier, in his opening remarks, the chairman of the occasion, Chief Onueze Okocha (SAN), represented by Dr. Oros Okocha, said the idea and concept of the August Meeting is to inspire the next generation to read.
