Use Yours Creative Skills to Effect Positive Change in the Society – Buratai urges Writers
Former Chief of Army Staff and former Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai CFR has stressed the pivotal role of writers in today’s evolving world, urging them to use their creative skills to enforce positive change in the society.
In a thought-provoking address at the World Organisation of Writers (WOW) Conference in Abuja on Thursday, the former Army Chief, underscored the importance of writers adapting and innovating to effectively engage with their audience as the world undergoes rapid changes.
He highlighted that being a writer entails more than storytelling; it involves educating, entertaining, enlightening, and sometimes even rebuking.
Pointing out the impact of new technologies and communication platforms, Buratai noted the significant opportunity for writers to connect with diverse perspectives and reach a broader audience. He emphasized that writers play a vital role in shaping a country’s collective consciousness and identity, holding a unique position in society with a weighty responsibility.
The former Army Chief articulated that writers are instrumental in nation-building, fostering unity, understanding, and progress within communities. Through their creative works, including stories, poems, articles, and essays, writers have the power to spark conversations that lead to positive transformations. He highlighted the writer’s pen as a potent tool capable of either building or destroying.
Buratai urged writers to leverage their craft to showcase the beauty of diverse cultures, tackle social issues constructively, and cultivate empathy and understanding among different groups. His call to action resonated with the audience, emphasizing the significant role writers play in shaping society for the better.
Let us strive to be agents of positive change through our writing, fostering empathy, dialogue, and a shared sense of belonging among all Nigerians.
“Together, let us embrace the challenge of harnessing the transformative power of literature to contribute meaningfully to the ongoing process of nation-building in Nigeria.
“It is imperative that African writers rise to the challenge of shaping a narrative that uplifts and unites rather than divides and incites. By harnessing the power of words to build bridges of understanding and empathy, writers can contribute significantly to the development and cohesion of our nation.” He adds.
The event had in attendance, renowned writers from from across the globe, former Nigerian Minister of Information and Culture Dr Lai Mohammed as well as student-delegates from schools within the FCT.
