Ken Saro-Wiwa Foundation Begins a Discussion Series with Renowned Niger Delta Poet



 By Raphael Edookue (Publicity Secretary, ANA Rivers).



The role of Activism in the upturning of oppressive norms across the world cannot be overemphasized. Associated with it's purest forms are names like Martin Luther King Jnr., Nelson Mandela, Ken Saro-Wiwa to mention but a few. However, over the years, Activism has been abused by the young and old through acts of personal aggrandizement so much so that it has given birth to some ugly derivatives like "cash-tivists." It is a robust approach to liberating a people from whatever noose retarding the full stretch of their necks hence, activism requires so many tools beyond ranting on radio and television, protests and vandalism. The late Ken Saro-Wiwa had relied much on writing.

There will be another perspective to activism again as The Ken Saro-Wiwa Foundation (KSF) is set to begin a new series of discussions captioned "Art and Activism",  perhaps, this initiative will among other things, considers how Art as a tool can spice and lubricate the wheels of Activism against the friction of retrogressive methodologies?  

Moreover, there could have been a search for the right author especially of Rivers State origin to begin the first series tagged: "The Writer and the Society", and the searchlight has beamed on the perfect writer - Dr. Obari Gomba who is to feature as the lead discussant. Dr. Gomba is a distinguished author and Honorary Fellow in Writing of the University of Iowa (USA). A renowned Niger Delta poet, Dr. Gomba fearlessly punched the face of the Oppression of Niger Delta in his globally acclaimed poetry collection: Pearls of the Mangrove, a collection that was: Book of the Festival Poetry Calabar in 2019, Book of the 2015 Lagos Book and Art Festival and Book of the Garden City Literary Festival, 2011. His other award winning titles are: " For Every Homeland " (poetry), "Length of  Eyes" (poetry), "Thunder Protocols" (poetry) and "Guerilla Post" (drama). He is a senior lecturer at the university of Port Harcourt, where he teaches Literature and Creative Writing. He is also a member of the Rivers State branch of Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA, Rivers).

Furthermore, in a light chat between yours truly and the multiple award-winning poet and playwright in the early hours of today, he disclosed his readiness to feature in the upcoming event. The discussion, as also seen on the flyer is schedule to hold on Saturday, 10th July, 2021 at 24 Aggrey Road, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, the Port Harcourt complex of Saros International Publishers owned by the late author and environmental activist, Ken Saro-Wiwa. 

In his reaction, the chairman of ANA Rivers, Chief Adi Wali applauded the Ken Saro-Wiwa Foundation for taking a bold step that will further immortalize the late Ken Saro-Wiwa, who was vice-president and later president of Association of Nigerian Authors between 1988 and 1993.


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