Veteran author, Paul Nalley, has urged writers in Rivers State and Nigeria to remain persistent and resolute in their creative pursuits, saying determination is essential for distinguishing themselves in the literary world.
Nalley disclosed this in an interview with our correspondent in Port Harcourt, maintained that creative writing remains a powerful tool for expression, education, cultural preservation, social change and personal development.
The octogenarian encouraged both emerging and established writers to remain committed to their craft despite the socioeconomic and infrastructural challenges confronting creative writers in the country.
“where there is a will, there is always a way,” he said. While urging writers not to abandon their creative pursuits because of the difficulties they encounter.
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Reflecting on the history of ANA in Rivers State, the veteran author recalled that the branch was established following the 1992 ANA National Convention in Abeokuta, during the tenure of late environmental and human rights activist, Ken Saro-Wiwa, who was then President of the association.
According to him, he and Saro-Wiwa returned to Port Harcourt after the convention and co-founded the Rivers State branch of ANA. Nalley served as the founding Secretary, while Saro-Wiwa initially chaired the branch before handing over leadership to celebrated novelist, Elechi Amadi.
Nalley also used the occasion to encourage members of Nigeria’s creative-writing community, extending his best wishes to ANA members across the country and writers around the world.
The author, whose notable works include The Adventure of Kuru, The Fisherman of Iboko, Kabalaka, and Sapiliko and the Lizard and the Gecko, among others, resides in Port Harcourt with his wife, Madam Dinebari Nalley.
