Why SYNW Celebrates Chinua Achebe Annually

 

WHY SYNW CELEBRATES CHINUA ACHEBE ANNUALLY

 

The Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW) has been organizing Chinua Achebe Day annually since 2016 to celebrate the life and works of the late Professor Chinua Achebe, a literary icon whose works have continued to influence generations of writers across the world.

This annual event was initiated and started by Izunna Okafor, a multiple award-winning author and the National Secretary of the SYNW. The event includes a range of activities such as lectures, dramatizations, recitation of poems, essay writing competitions, open microphone sessions, spoken word poetry, and the unveiling and launching of the third Achebe Poetry/Essay Anthology.

Chinua Achebe Day is organized to remember, honour, and celebrate the life and works of the late Professor Chinua Achebe, a literary icon whose works have continued to influence generations of writers across the world. The event provides an opportunity to reflect on Achebe's contributions to African literature and his impact on the global literary scene.

The primary objective of Chinua Achebe Day is to produce and publish a poetry/essay anthology in memory of Late Prof. Chinua Achebe. This is done through calling for and securing quality poems/essays from writers across the world, all written in memory of Achebe. By doing so, the SYNW hopes to keep Achebe's legacy alive and inspire new writers to carry on his work.

Another objective of the event is to use Achebe's life and personality as an ideal to raise new amazing writers of our own present time. Achebe was known for his passion for writing and his dedication to using his work to tell African stories. Through his life and works, he showed the world that Africa has a rich and diverse culture, and that it is important to preserve and promote it. By promoting Achebe's ideals, the SYNW hopes to inspire young writers to tell their own stories and contribute to the literary world.

Chinua Achebe Day also aims to promote, encourage, and reward creative writing and reading culture among our youths and students. In a world where technology has taken over, and social media has become a primary source of information, it is important to encourage young people to read and write. Through the event, the SYNW hopes to create an environment where young people can develop a love for reading and writing, and where their talents can be discovered and harnessed.

Furthermore, the event provides an opportunity to discover and harness the hidden amazing talents among our young ones in the creative field. Many young people have talents that are yet to be discovered, and through Chinua Achebe Day, the SYNW hopes to provide a platform for young people to showcase their talents and develop their skills. This will not only benefit the individuals but also contribute to the growth and development of the literary world.

Chinua Achebe Day also aims to present writers and readers (intellectuals) as the elixirs to the country’s ailments. Literature has the power to educate, inspire, and transform. Through literature, we can address social, economic, and political issues affecting our society. By promoting literature, the SYNW hopes to create a society where writers and readers are recognized and appreciated for their contributions to the country's development.

The event also provides an opportunity to engage with the literary community and build partnerships that can drive the growth and development of the literary world. By bringing writers, publishers, literary agents, and other stakeholders together, the SYNW hopes to create a network that can support the growth and development of young writers and the literary community in general.

Chinua Achebe Day is not just about celebrating Achebe's legacy but also about showcasing the diversity of African literature. Through the event, the SYNW hopes to promote African literature and create an environment where African writers can thrive.