Young
Nigerian Writers unveil Int'l Poetry/Essay Anthology on Covid-19
In a bid to contribute her own tranche in the
fight against coronavirus, the Society of Young Nigerian Writers which is a
national umbrella of young writers in Nigeria, has unveiled a new classical
anthology on COVID-19.
This was contained in a statement signed by
Izunna Okafor who is the National Coordinator and Chairman of the Writers
Against COVID-19 Movement, —a broad project under which the anthology was
birthed —as well as the Editor-in-Chief of the anthology.
According to the statement, the journey to the
anthology began in April, following their announcing of a 'Call for
Submissions' to that effect, in response to which over 200 writers from
different countries of the world submitted 'pretty' poems and essays.
The statement reads in parts, "The fight
against the novel coronavirus has become a global affray that requires the
collective effort of every creature –writers inclusive –and the application of
every efficacious weapon at man’s disposal– pen inclusive. This is buttressed
by Edward Bulwer-Lytton’s age-long aphorism that ‘pen is mightier than
sword’.
"Unarguably, this basically informed this
journey to this classic anthology – the quest to employ the weapon of pen in
the fight against coronavirus.
"In response to our Call for Submission
which lasted for 30 days, a total of 249 beautiful poems and essays were
received from writers from different countries of the world, jostling for space
in the anthology. However, after a series of vetting, the editorial team found
97 entries worthy for the anthology, particularly with regard to adherence to
the theme.
"These writers, employing the tool of
creativity, and toeing the path of experience and art diversity, masterfully
dissect the theme, unleash their ripostes and make headway towards defeating
the world’s latest enemy – coronavirus. It was the conglomeration of these
ninety-six classical works of these writers that gave birth to this masterpiece
– Ripostes of Locked Down Voices, which is a must-read for everyone.
"Obviously, with this publication, another
feat has indeed been recorded in this global fight against the monstrous virus
christened ‘COVID-19’. And this will hauntingly stand as global writers’ common
‘voice’ and ‘punch’ in this universal fight, even for generations to come.
"My appreciation and congratulations to
this troop of writers who identified with this noble cause, including those
whose works could not make it to the anthology. As I always say, keep writing,
for writing is part of life.
"I must also appreciate the indefatigable
National President of the Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW), and
initiator of Writers Against COVID-19 Movement, Mr. Wole Adedoyin, for this
wonderful initiative, which has indeed offered writers the opportunity to
contribute their pencraft and creativity towards winning this battle; and also
for giving us the wonderful opportunity to steer this worthy journey.
"My appreciation also goes to my highly-talented
and hardworking editorial team members – Musa Sunusi Ahmad (National PRO, SYNW,
and Sec. Gen., Writers Against COVID-19 Movement ), Luqman Alawole (SYNW
Coordinator, Osun State), Angelica C. Uwaezuoke (SYNW Coordinator, University
of Nigeria, Nsukka), Alabi Matthew (SYNW Coordinator, University of Lagos), and
Abdulrazak Denja Balema (SYNW Coordinator, Federal University Lokoja) – and
other Committee Members of the Writers Against COVID-19 Movement – Innocent
David Chinaecherem (SYNW Coordinator, Federal University of Technology,
Owerri), Henry Ndifreke Precious (SYNW Coordinator, University of Abuja),
Sakinah Yusuf (SYNW Coordinator, Bayero University, Kano), Adebayo Iwalola
(SYNW Coordinator Adekunle Ajasin University) – who all gave their best in every
ramification towards the success of this project.
"It was nice working with you bards. May
your pen never run dry. Thanks also to everyone else for being part of this.
To you all, I say, let’s do it again next
time."
The anthology can be (freely) downloaded via:
https://9jabooks.com/book-10117
https://riposteoflockeddownvoices.wordpress.com/2020/07/07/follow-the-below-link-to-download-your-copy
