Thursday, 28th March 2024
To guardian.ng
Search

Experts enumerate benefits of creative writing, effective communication

By  Ujunwa Atueyi
28 April 2016   |   12:58 am
The need to expose children to reading and writing early in life formed the crux of discourse at a forum organised by Flipbook, an online creative writing platform, as part of activities to....
Denja-Abdullahi

Denja Abdullahi

The need to expose children to reading and writing early in life formed the crux of discourse at a forum organised by Flipbook, an online creative writing platform, as part of activities to mark the 2016 World Book and Copyright Day.

Several speakers at the event attended by experts from the creative industry and select students from public schools in Lagos State, noted that early exposure to reading and writing cultivates the minds of the young ones and sharpens their intellect and critical thinking skills.

They frowned at the poor writing skills exhibited by contemporary youths, urging all concerned to rise to the call and help reawaken originality among Nigerian students.

President, Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Denja Abdullahi, in his presentation said that the influence of creative writing and effective communication to an individual and the nation were overwhelming, as evidenced in all sphere of life.

According to him “When you create, you bring something out of nothing. You bring into being, something that does not exist. So, creativity is paramount in everything we do. Even in today’s world you have to be creative to run an economy, to do business and be innovative.”

Emphasising the importance of inculcating reading habit in children, Abdullahi added, “It is very imperative because you cannot write well if you don’t read. You must be an avid reader to be a good writer. It develops the power of observation, sincerity and truthfulness. As you write, it teaches you empathy and compassion, and you grow to become a balanced individual.”

Chief Executive Officer of Discovery Consult, Don Adinuba, in his remarks described the ability to write well as an asset as it concerns all professions. “When people are literary proficient, they would communicate effectively. So, no matter what you studied, you should be able to communicate effectively else you will be handicapped in your lifetime. Communication is key in every organisation, agencies or parastals, and our young ones must be made to understand this,” he added.

Founder of Flipbook, Belinda Nzeribe, on her part said, “An amazing writing skill can impact on every facet of human endeavours. There are millions of children and youths who have the potential to become accomplished novelists, writers, scientists, innovators and directors. If only they could be encouraged to put their imagination to task, master the skills of reading and playing with words.

“Flipbook believes that young people can be creative, thinkers, writers and communicators, and so we encourage them to create their own stories, poems, lyrics, articles and illustrations then share their works with everyone. Success is found in helping the youth express their feelings.”

Commending Flipbook for their inspirational role in improving the writing skills of students, the Tutor General/Permanent Secretary, Education District III, Ikoyi, Mr. Gbemi Olaniyi, remarked that the decline in reading habit among pupils is indeed worrisome.

Olaniyi, represented by the Director Co-Curricular, Science and Technology Department, Mrs. Odunsi-Titus Aderonke, added, “When children are made to love books, it gives them the opportunity to explore the pleasure of reading. Indeed, all hand must be on deck to make our children realise that book is the mirror to everything they need to know.”

0 Comments