EMASCULATING THE ARTS: Reviewing The Exclusion Of Writers From COVID-19 Federal Government Creative Sector Committee By Abraham John Onoja

Over the course of human history, nothing has captured our collective growth and development like the arts. It has been an avenue for satirical reforms, escapism and usher into the fascinating world of the fantastic and ridiculous. They have embodied each civilization and age’s transition, telling stories of the evolution of not just individual thought but also shaping society’s self-awareness.

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In this conclave of the arts, writers hold a special place of prominence. They serve as curators of civilization and the evolution of thought. They may capture the stoicism of history or the romanticism of imagination. They let it all out on the paper (or its equivalent) through the pen (or its equivalent).

Like venerable priests, they breathe life into the world through observation and imagination. Writers help the audience to listen to their heart’s cry and disseminate information effectively.

Why then would these custodians be excluded from a Presidential Creative Sector Committee?

This exclusion is bothersome as it seems to highlights, unfavorably, the premium the government places on the role and importance of the writer in creative arts.

In fact, it is an indictment on the Nigerian society in general on the value and recognition placed on reading and writing.

Considering the giants of letters previously produced by the country, it is a regrettable oversight. Particularly, the lack of premium placed on reading and writing probably best epitomizes the prevailing seeming intellectual development decline in the wider society.

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The question remains: WHY? Why are writers given less recognition and acknowledgement in the Nigerian society?

Creative writing was one of the things that placed Nigeria in a place of prominence on the global map; from Wole Soyinka to Chinua Achebe, from Ola Rotimi to Chimamanda Adhichie, from Obafemi Awolowo to Nnamdi Azikuiwe, we are blessed with immense talents.

Why do we feel they’re not as important when it comes to dealing with issues that pertaining to the economy?

With the creation of the Post-COVID-19 Committee for the Creative Industry by the Federal Government of Nigeria, excluding the writers brings me to reduces me to believing that a group with such a mandate as huge and important as that of the committee would not appreciate the importance of writers involvement.

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I am proudly a writer and I’ll declare it with my chest out!

Universally, COVID-19 has overturned life, as we knew it. Many lives lost, sources of livelihoods were denied others. Hopes dashed. Plans of many were put on hold. Confirmed cases increased geometrically by the day, indefinite grief and hardships, lockdowns and a noticeable downwards trend of the economy.

Writers were not being spared. Lockdowns and shutdowns of public places began with schools, libraries, bookshops and cultural events. Grateful to the evolvement of technology, the emergence of the Internet and digital platforms have helped writers distribute their works beyond the fall walls of libraries, bookshops and cultural events.

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In addition to having works digitally, marketing and promotions is required to get substantial traction.

Tell me, for writers who depend on their book sales for a living, what you think is their hope. No one was left behind as we all faced daunting economic challenges. COVID-19 negatively affected writers in varying ways.

It therefore becomes expedient that any intervention in the creative sector, if it is going to be effective, has to take into consideration some differences.

Some of this creatives are professionally built, others see it as their day job. Some writers are students, others are unemployed graduates and some are physically challenged. There are writers of poetry, prose, drama, screenwriters amongst others.

In as much as every sector in the country has its own significance, so is every creative important. Writers are important too. Writers should be given a place to have their freedom expressed, a need to feel needed and a platform to be a part of the creative sector committee. They should be given a chance to speak!

They should not be waived aside as though they’re not relevant!

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Some have argued that the exclusion of writers was because there is an abundance of literary icons and writers of repute whose input can enrich and sustain the committee. Commendation goes to the swift response of the Minister in charge upon receipt of complaints made regarding the exclusion of some sectors.

We are grateful we now have an EYE, at least, on the table.
Writers deserve to be represented prominently in national issues; they are custodians of our culture and life givers to our imagination. Writers need to be empowered to rise beyond existing internal divisions and lend a voice to the needs of all shades of creative; literature is an essential service to humanity.

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Writers are the voice of the masses, they are the heart of the people and having the ear of government would only benefit society in the long term.

Give writers a chance.

Editor’s Note:  Mr Abraham John Onoja is the President of the Writers Interactive Network (WIN). He writes from Lagos.

www.sojworldnews.com (c) June 17, 2020