Barr Sylvester Okonkwo, chief of staff to the president of the 10th Senate, has called on musicians and writers from Nigeria to take inspiration from the works of the late Christopher Okigbo, whose messages included social justice, cultural values, humanity, and love. Okigbo also exposed the society's problems.
During an interview that followed Saturday's August Reading session in honor of Prof. Christopher Okigbo, which the Uyo Book Club hosted in Uyo, the capital of Akwa Ibom State, Okonkwo made the call.
Since artists of all generations address the contentious topics of their day, he urged them to use their work as a platform to address societal concerns, particularly those pertaining to insecurity.
Society passively adopts art as its language by chatting with itself. I implore the artists of our day to address issues of safety, unity, and resistance to greed and manipulation, as well as societal problems like corruption and injustice.
The first thing Nigeria needs is an ethical reorientation, he added; "don't remove yourself, talk about your guilt also let our artists continue to talk to us." Following that, he urged the audience to speak about humanity, love, justice, and fairness.
His life and works, he said, were evidence of Okigbo's steadfast dedication to these principles and an inspiration to generations to come since they were not superficially creative but rather grounded in the hope for a society where truth, equity, and justice predominate.
The poetry he wrote was a weapon that he used with unmatched skill to fight for equality and justice, to challenge the existing quo, and to question society's very foundations. His works continue to be read and esteemed in academic circles worldwide, and that is no surprise, he added, as they are an essential component of African research.
On behalf of Okigbo's family, Okonkwo accepted the award from the Uyo Book Club. He thanked them and pledged to start a similar organization in his hometown in Anambra State to encourage reading among the children.
Speaking on behalf of Professor Joseph Ushie, Prof. Friday Okon praised Okigbo as a legendary prophet, activist, and poet whose religious and cultural inspirations informed his political awareness and the fight for social justice.
Senator Ekong Sampson, a member of the Eket Senatorial District and the club's patron, has said that no society can advance if its members do not value reading. He has urged all Nigerians, but notably the country's youth, to embrace reading as a means to liberate themselves from mental slavery.
Dr. Udeme Nana, who established the Uyo Book Club, had previously stated that its primary goal was to reawaken a love of reading among young people and to honor the contributions of writers who had an influence on Nigerian history; he also mentioned that the month of August will be dedicated to honoring the late Professor Okigbo.
His description of Okigbo was that of a guy who was academically grounded, politically active, culturally obligated, and socially devoted; he said that Okigbo's art was not created for the sake of art, but rather to promote freedom, justice, fair play, and his culture.
Christopher Okigbo, who passed away recently, fought for his ideals till the end of his physical life. "Writers do not die," we say, and we celebrate his life today. Nana made the astute observation that their works serve as enduring legacies.
As she thanked everyone present, Nana extended a special greeting to the event's distinguished guest of honor and expressed her gratitude for his extensive travel. Despite being a family member, he could have provided an explanation based on his official schedule, but instead he is here, among us.
