THE Vice Chancellor of Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu Alike, Ikwo, AE-FUNAI, in Ebonyi State, Prof Chinedum Nwajiuba, weekend stated that the occupation of the minds of youths in positive ventures such as creative writing would assist in curbing the menace of cultism, armed robbery, hooliganism commonly associated with youths in the Country.
The Vice Chancellor who was the Chief Host of the 2nd Creative writing competition 2019 with the theme: “Harmony ” for both Students and Staff of AE-FUNAI, explained that in addition to the acquisition of knowledge, the purpose of the University was meant to assist in harnessing the talents and gifttings inherent in students.
According to him, such development would position them for greater academic exploits amongst their peers.
Presenting various categories of Awards and prizes in Poetry, Drama and Short stories to Staff and Students of the institution who participated in the annual competition charged the organizers to sustain the tempo of the competition, so as to increase the number of participants and make AE-FUNAI the best among it’s equals.
In a welcome address, the initiator and Touchbearer of the Creative Writing Competition of AE-FUNAI, Prof G.M.T Emezue who explained that a total of 240 entries comprising submissions in the genres of Poetry, Drama and short stories were received from Staff and Students of the institution.
“After this verification exercise, the Committee went in for the third round of screening, where all the entries on the short list were reviewed collectively. Also, the entries that were screened out, were equally reviewed, to ensure that the yardstick for judgement was equally applied to all entries. From the exercise, the final short list will be used in announcing the winning titles and winners of today.
“Finally, I must confess that all we are doing here today wouldn’t have been possible without the support and vision of the Vice Chancellor, Prof Chinedum Nwajiuba, who is also endowed with the vision of the third sight. As a creative writer, in his own right, I am happy that he has thought it necessary to sow and nurture the seeds of creative enterprises in the fertile soil of AE-FUNAI.”
In a remarks, Mrs Anyaoku, representative of the Federal Ministry of Education at the University Council praised AE-FUNAI for initiating the creative writing competition for both students and staff adding that the initiative would lead to the discovery and development of future writers in the country.
The event featured entertainment by students from the AE-FUNAI Creative Writers’ Association, popularly known as AE-FUNAI crew. Ends
