An academic and the current Head of the Department of Theatre Arts, Federal College of Education, Abeokuta, Dr. Chris Omotosho, has been elected as the first President of the South West Authors Forum (SWAF).
Dr. Omotosho and other members of the Executive were elected at the just concluded 3-day Conference of the forum at ASUSS, Secretariat, Abeokuta over the weekend.
Dr. Sola Balogun was elected Vice President while Ms. Brenda Nwafor emerged as General Secretary and Ms. Funke Awodiya was elected as Assistant Secretary.
Messrs Ojo Ola-Rotimi and Yode Ajagbe were elected Financial Secretary and Publicity Secretary respectively.
Speaking after the swearing-in ceremony, Dr. Omotosho described their election as a call for higher service and thanked delegates for the confidence reposed in them adding “we will not disappoint you”.
Speaking while declaring the Conference open, the Chairman of occasion and Olowu of Owu, Oba Professor Saka Matemilola charged writers to maintain a united front to participate fully in developmental efforts to rebuild Nigeria by remaining above boards in all their dealings.
He asked, “Why are ANA or SWAF members not in government?”
He said there were three categories of people namely “idiots” who are always selfish and have no scruples to defraud the nation, tribalists and citizens interested in progress and enjoined writers to teach morals in their writings.
The Olowu listed the establishment of a library at the Palace, sponsorship of Owu scholars and coaching of some SSS 3 students and UTME candidates amongst several others; as some of the achievements recorded since he ascended the thrones of his forefathers.
Delivering the keynote address on the theme “Fostering National Unity Through Creativity”, the Guest Lecturer, Dr. Patricia Ezenandu charged authors to write in indigenous languages to foster unity and build trust amongst the federating units.
She urged writers to stop stereotypical casting of characters where some tribes are always portrayed as servants and gatekeepers while people of other tribes are cast as professionals.
Special recognition awards were presented to Olowu of Owu, wife of late Dr. Solomon Iguanre and others. The Conference was attended by delegates from the six states in the South West Region.
