Good writing aids preservation of values, traditions, cultures —- Author says
Good writing aids preservation of values, traditions, cultures —- Author says
Writing
By Babatunde Ogunrinde and Michael Ajayi
Lagos, March 4, 2020 (NAN) “Part of the glory of every culture and nation is the ability to encourage writers in their works,’’ Reginald Ofodile, an author, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Wednesday.
According to him, good writing helps to preserve traditions, cultures and values for posterity.
The actor also urged up-and-coming writers to be focused on the purpose of their arts and should not expect immediate financial rewards from such works of art.
He said that if a writer’s commitment depended on financial rewards, such was not likely to go very far, except in rare cases.
“The future is quite bright for young writers who are committed but they must also emulate great works of past heroes.
“Being a successful writer comes with a lot of hard work and young writers must be ready to give their all to the quest.
“A committed creative writer must embrace hard work.
“Pursuing an early financial reward can actually blight a writer’s art or artistic development. They must understand that it takes poverty to make an artiste become creative,” Ofodile said.
According to him, budding writers should not give up in the face of hardship, challenges or unfavourable conditions.
He also urged them to always seek good and knowledgeable editors to edit and review their works.
“How ever well told a story is, you can’t really ignore issues of grammar, issues of basic correctness and the basic presentation in the language that we use.’’
On the reading culture in the country, Ofodile said that though it had declined , there were still pockets of determined enthusiasts who read.
He advised parents, wards and teachers to start early to encourage their children to imbibe the reading culture.
NAN reports that Ofodile had written several short poems and published nine books with: “ A Night of Content’’ being the most widely read.
He is also known to have done several sketches for stage, radio and screen.
Ofodile is a mentor; vet works, participates in writers’ circles, readings, a commentator on issues and suggestions as well as provides information on opportunity openings for young artistes. (NAN)
BAO/MA/VIV/PAD
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Edited by Vivian Ihechu/Peter Dada