By Chibuzo Munonye.
An enthusiastic writer, Camillus Ukah has received the writer – in – focus Author’s award by the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) in recognition of his contributions to the development of literature.
The occasion was well attended by the National Executive of the association including the immediate past national President, Dr Jerry Agada, the Vice – President Mallam Denja Abdulahi and National secretary Mallam Baba Dzukogi.
In his address on the occasion, the Chairman, Association of Nigeria Authors Imo State chapter, Mr. Gbenga Ajileye revealed that Camillus Ukah has over the years developed an immense passion for creative literature pointing out that he has extensively written stories themes as diverse as the human society.
Mr Ajileye appealed to lovers of literature to help in re – establishing Imo as the literary capital ofNigeriastressing that that association is poised to awaken literature in Imo from despondent siesta.
He further pleaded with educational institutions, corporate organizations and individuals to come to the aid of the association by providing generous funding for its programmes, sponsoring writing residencies for writers, adopting a writer for publication and buying its books and reading them.
In his brief remark, the chairman of the occasion who is the immediate past national president of the association, Dr Agada disclosed that the writer – in – focus has gone international describing him as a hero.
Dr Agada who is also a former minister of state for Eductaion, Federal House of Representatives expressed dismay that those in authority who always condemned corruption also engage in it and stressed the need to use literary avenues like this to write against corruption.
He urged students to look at writing as a good professional.
Responding, Mr Ukah expressed gladness for being greatly honoured and the massive turn out of people noting that an eye witnessed tried to describe the event as a mini national convention.
He thanked the literary scholars who found his books worthy of review as well as their decision to hour him in his absence.
The writer –in – focus revealed that he was inspired to start writing due to inherent creativity that suddenly found expression adding that creativity changes the world.
While attributing his challenges in production to Nigerian system, Mr Ukah expressed regrets that after all the struggles, there is no meaningful means of livelihood.
