When writers stormed Kano for literary week
The Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Kano State branch, recently celebrated its annual “Kano Literary Week” with the aim of advancing and strengthening literary activities in the state.
The theme of the event was Digital Opportunities for Young Writers and was established to support positive youth engagement, creativity and entrepreneurship among contemporary writers, creation of ravenous and lifelong readers, encouragement of independent reading across schools, improvement of literary skills and competence and to foster connectivity around books and reading.
The event, which drew a large crowd of writers, religious scholars, academics, journalists, started on Tuesday, 28th November, at Mahmud Tukur Theater, old campus, Bayero University, Kano with a grand opening ceremony.
The chairman of the ceremony was the former Executive Secretary of National Examination Council of Nigeria (NECO), Professor Abdurrashid Garba of Bayero University, Kano.
The event featured book exhibition, reading through role models and creative writing competition for secondary schools.
The keynote speaker of the event was Engineer Y. Z. Ya’u of Center for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), who was represented by Mal. Ahmad Muhammad Danyaro.
Reading through role models was aimed to foster a greater interest in reading among children and young people and to promote the reading culture.
It featured the likes of His Royal Highness, Muhammad Sanusi II, CON (Sarkin Kano), Sheik Ibrahim Khalil, Ado Ahmad Gidan Dabino (MON), and Umar S. Jigirya reading books to the students and pupils while an impromptu writing contest called for by the chairman of the occasion, Professor Abdulrashid Garba rewarded winners with surprise prizes.
The literary week also featured quiz for secondary schools with Gora Academy clinching the prize in the Hausa category while GTC Nassarawa and Shekara GGS completed the podium places.
In the English category, Creative Minds Academy clinched the winners’ medal with Fatima Muhammad GGS and Kano Capital Girls College coming second and third respectively.
Other events that marked the week included a one-day workshop on the current opportunities in digital book production, marketing and promotion. The workshop took place at American Corner, Murtala Muhammad Library Complex.
Young writers also got insights into generating story ideas at the Hausa Writers’ Parley, which featured the likes of Bala Anas Babinlata, Bilkisu Yusuf Ali, Hausa Lawan Maiturare and Maimuna Idris Sani Beli. The event also gave readers the chance to engage with some of their favourite writers. The parley was chaired by Mal. Ado Ahmad Gidan Dabino, MON, former Chairman of ANA Kano.
The final day of the event featured award presentation and a grand closing ceremony. The Association awarded some distinguished persons for their roles in supporting literary development in the state while writers who have distinguished themselves were also recognized.
Some of the recipients of the awards included His Highness, Muhammad Sanusi II, CON (Sarkin Kano), Founder of Leadership Newspaper, Mr. Sam Nda-Isaiah, Former President of ANA Dr. Wale Okediran, Professor Isah Mukhtar, Saadatu Baba Ahmad, Sadiya Garba Yakasai among others.