The Writer as a Catalyst for Progressive Change

The Writer as a Catalyst for Progressive Change

(Speech delivered to the Association of Nigerian Authors, ANA, Abuja on January 18, 2025)’

Distinguished Writers, Ladies and Gentlemen.

I am truly delighted to finally take this stage today as a guest speaker at the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Abuja, January Reading/Writers Dialogue. I would have played this role much earlier but the timing was never favorable. I feel honoured that the Chairman, Dr. Eze always managed to come back to invite me.

As I join you all today at this esteemed gathering hosted by the Association of Nigerian Authors
(ANA), it is really nostalgic for me to return to the community where I once belonged. I made my debut as an author in 1991 when I launched my first book, Dobia’s Secret, published by Heineman. Before then, I had launched a magazine for young adults, “Asha,” in London.

Dobia’s Secret was adopted in the Nigerian school curriculum. Subsequently, I launched other books, First School Day for Adaze, Kame Chameleon Tours the Garden, and My Precious Book; then I forayed into politics. I still found time to write a compendium, Women of My Era and The Village Boys. After my national appointments as Minister, Ambassador, Chairman of JAMB and PDP National Woman Leader, I wrote Across The Borders, highlighting my achievements in public life.

Today, I describe myself as a retired civil servant, a retired public servant and a politician, I am also an active professional and an active family woman!

The theme of today’s dialogue, “The Writer as a Catalyst for Progressive Change,” is timely and profound, especially considering the pivotal role writers have always played in shaping societies and nations across the world.

Throughout history, writers have been the torchbearers of change, daring to challenge the status quo, advocate for justice, and inspire action. Writers have stood at the forefront of revolutions— be it through literature, poetry, or prose-pushing boundaries and igniting thought and reflection among readers.

Chairman of ANA, It is no exaggeration to say that literature has often been the vehicle for social change. Writers have given voice to the marginalized, the oppressed, and the forgotten. They have painted vivid pictures of the realities we face and offered solutions that call for unity, peace, and justice. From the works of Chinua Achebe to Wole Soyinka, Flora Nwapa, and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Nigerian writers have, through the power of words, opened hearts, expanded minds, and provoked conversations that have led to action.

Three writers stand out as catalysts for change. Chinua Achebe, through his novel Things Fall Apart, reshaped the understanding of colonialism and its effects on African societies, prompting critical conversations about identity, culture, and resistance. Wole Soyinka, a fearless voice for justice, used his writing to challenge authoritarian regimes advocating for human rights, freedom of expression, and the dignity of every person and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, with her works like Half of a Yellow Sun and Americana has given voice to the struggles of identity, gender, and social class, influencing global conversations on race, immigration, and the African experience. I must also mention the works of Flora Nwapa, whose books advocate gender equality and women’s rights and challenge traditional gender roles in African societies.

But the role of the writer does not end with storytelling. In many ways, writers are also architects of the future. They are the builders of ideals, the framers of possibilities.
Through their words, they have the capacity to provoke thought, spark imagination, and drive innovation. This is why it is so important that writers understand the weight of their responsibility: they are not merely recounting history; they are shaping it. They are not just chronicling the present; they are laying the foundation for the future.

As we continue to push for progress in Nigeria, it is crucial for writers to actively engage with the pressing issues of our time- be it politics, gender equality, human rights, or economic development. Writers must not shy away from being bold and critical in their expressions, as they hold the power to influence policy, public opinion, and societal values. They can inspire movements, hold governments accountable, and call for the betterment of the lives of the people they write about.

Fortunately, I retired to adapt my experiences as a writer to create a new vista and orientation for African women to consciously contribute constructively to the development of their societies by mainstreaming themselves into leadership. I founded the Women Leadership Institute and its welfare arm, the Women Leadership Institute Network. We focus mainly on organizing Masterclasses in technology and other pathways. We also focus on training programmes and promoting leadership programmes for young women and women in general.

As an educator, I am committed not only to equipping my audience with knowledge but also with actionable steps so that they know what to do moving forward. Today, I urge you to take the following action steps:

1. Write with purpose: As writers, we must write with an awareness of the power our words have to bring about change. Let our writing not only reflect the world as it is, but also imagine a better, more just world

2. Engage with current issues: Whether through literature, poetry, or essays, let us address the most pressing challenges of our time, such as social justice, political freedom, gender equality, and the protection of our environment.

3. Mentor the next generation: Share your skills and experiences with young writers. By an environment of learning and creativity, we empower the next generation to take on the mantle of writing for change.

4. Stay true to the facts: In an era where social media is the dominant form of communication, it is critical that we, as writers, uphold the importance of verified facts. There is an increasing culture of misinformation, unverified facts, and casual talk that can distort reality. As writers, we must be gatekeepers of truth, ensuring that our work is grounded in facts that are verifiable and trustworthy. We must challenge the spread of false narratives and instead use our platforms to foster informed discourse.

5. Mobilize more writers to become members of ANA. Like we say in Igbo, IGWE BU IKE (there is strength in numbers), and GIDIGIDI BU UGWU EZE ( the king derives his strength from the crowd of people around him).

6. Network with writers in other countries and do not forget that technology is a driving force and you must align yourselves with contemporary issues like Artificial intelligence.

Indeed, writing is not a passive act; it is an active one, deeply tied to the advancement of society. Every narrative has the potential to drive change, every poem has the ability to stir emotions, and every story holds the power to challenge preconceived notions. Writers, therefore, are catalysts for change, and as we gather here today, let us recognize and embrace that responsibility.

As we engage in today’s panel discussion, open mic contest, and various activities, let us reflect on how we can use our creative gifts to create lasting, positive change in our communities. Let us also consider how we can support one another in our journey to elevate the voice of the writer in shaping our nation’s future.

In conclusion, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the Association of Nigerian Authors for organizing this event and to all of you for your commitment to the craft of writing and its power to influence progress. Together, let us continue to use our pens to craft a future that is brighter, more inclusive, and more just for all. Long live Association of Nigerian Authors!

Thank you.

 

Amb Dr. Kema Chikwe, an author of several books, was at various times the Minister of Aviation, Nigeria’s Ambassador to Spain and PDP’s National Women Leader

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