Dr. Chris Omotosho, Head of Department of Theatre Arts at the Federal College of Education,Osiele, Abeokuta, has been elected as the pioneer President of the South West Authors Forum (SWAF).
A statement issued by the Public Relations Officer of ANA in the state,.Dare Folarin sated that the announcement came following a three-day Conference of the SWAF held at the ASUSS Secretariat in Abeokuta over the weekend.
Alongside Dr. Omotosho, a cohort of distinguished individuals comprising the SWAF executive board were elected by delegates.
Dr. Sola Balogun clinched the position of Vice President, Ms. Brenda Nwafor secured the role of General Secretary, and Ms. Funke Awodiya was elected as Assistant Secretary.
Additionally, Mr. Ojo Ola-Rotimi and Mr. Yode Ajagbe were elected as Financial Secretary and Publicity Secretary, respectively.
Addressing attendees after the swearing-in ceremony, Dr. Omotosho expressed profound gratitude for the trust vested in the newly elected leadership.
He emphasized a commitment to elevated service, asserting, “We will not disappoint you.”
In an address delivered during the conference’s opening ceremony, the Chairman of the occasion, Olowu of Owu, Oba Professor Saka Matemilola, issued a clarion call to writers to actively engage in political discourse.
He underscored the imperative for writers to wield their influence in nation-building efforts, urging them to transcend narrow interests and uphold principles of integrity.
Oba Matemilola delineated three distinct categories of individuals—selfish “idiots,” tribalists, and citizens dedicated to progress—challenging writers to instill moral values in their literary works.
Highlighting achievements during his tenure, the Olowu of Owu underscored the importance of initiatives such as the establishment of a palace library and support for educational endeavors.
He urged writers to leverage their platforms to foster unity and trust among Nigeria’s diverse ethnic groups.
The conference’s keynote address, delivered by a guest lecturer Dr. Patricia Ezenandu, centered on the theme “Fostering National Unity Through Creativity.”
Dr. Ezenandu advocated the use of indigenous languages in literature as a catalyst for national cohesion.
She implored writers to eschew stereotypes and embrace inclusive portrayals in their works.
Special recognition awards were bestowed upon distinguished individuals, including the Olowu of Owu and the late Dr. Solomon Iguanre’s wife, in acknowledgment of their contributions to literature and society.
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