Former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor (rtd), has commended the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) for providing mentorship and development opportunities for young writers.
He gave the commendation in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sideline of the June edition of the monthly Reading and Writers Dialogue on Saturday in Abuja.
According to him, such initiatives will inspire young Nigerians to become writers, and thereby contribute meaningfully to national development.
The dialogue, which was held at the Mamman Vatsa’s Writers Village, is a flagship programme of the Abuja chapter of ANA that brings together authors, literary enthusiasts and students.
Irabor,who featured as the special guest for the June edition of the event, said the monthly dialogue was a veritable platform for interactions between scholars, students and literary enthusiasts.
“This platform that ANA uses to bring students from various schools is the way to go, and we must support it.
“Their performances today actually show that they are aware of what is happening in our country. They know our history and they are actually preparing themselves for the future.
“I am delighted, with Kudos to ANA for the work they are doing in this regard,” he said.
The former CDS, who launched his new book, “Scars: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum,” last year, said writers were critical stakeholders in nation building.
According to him, the masterpiece was conceived to provoke a national conversation on how Nigeria handles its security threats.
“It is necessary to tell your story because if you fail to tell your story, then of course, someone will tell the story and it will not be in your favour.
“Having revolved in defense and security for close to four decades, I thought that I have something to contribute that will advance the cause of defense and security in Nigeria.
“That is the reason I wrote the book, and I will keep writing,” he said.
Earlier in his opening address, Chukwudi Eze, Chairman ANA Abuja, said Literature has always served as the conscience of society, as it preserves history, interrogates leadership, heals wounds, inspires hope, and builds bridges.
He said the choice of Irabor as guest writer for the dialogue was to draw from his experience both as a celebrated military officer and an author.
According to him, the writer and the soldier may appear to walk different paths, yet both are custodians of our national destiny.
He added that while one defends the nation through arms; the other preserves it through written ideas.
“In a society where soldiering is often viewed through the lens of warfare and command, Gen. Irabor reminds us that beyond the uniform lies reflection, empathy, memory, and the enduring power of words, as contained in his latest book: SCARS.
“At a time when our nation grapples with insecurity, moral decline, sociał fragmentation, and a growing disconnect between generations, conversations like this become not only relevant but necessary.
“We must therefore continue to tell our stories, document our journeys, and humanise our leadership.
“We must create spaces where intellect meets experience, where young people can listen, question, and learn from those who have carried the weight of national responsibility,” he said.
Eze said Abuja chapter of ANA remains committed to sustaining the culture of reading, dialogue, critical engagement, and literary excellence.
He said through the platform, the association nurtures young minds, inspires creativity, and deepens national conversations through the instrumentality of literature.
“To our young writers and students here today, I urge you to pay attention. Great leadership is not only built on strength, but also on thoughtfulness, emotional intelligence, and the courage to reflect.
“Books like SCARS remain one of the greatest weapons for such transformation,” he said.
NAN reports the dialogue also had a discussion panel, and as well featured spoken word, songs, poetry and other presentations by students.
Highlight of the event was the presentation of awards to student writers and poets, including the Prof. Hakeem Fawehinmi Prose and Poetry Prize.
