Dr. Bukar Usman, former President of the Nigerian Folklore Society and President of the Bukar Usman Foundation, has called on Nigerian writers to utilize literature as a tool for nation-building, peace, and national security. He made this appeal at the 45th Annual International Convention of the Association of Nigerian Authors in Abuja, which had the theme: “Literature, National Security and the Place of Nigeria in the World.” Usman emphasized that literature is a powerful instrument that must be used responsibly.
According to Usman, the written word has the potential to either build a nation or fuel division and chaos. He noted that in today's world, propaganda and mass disinformation can be just as destructive as sophisticated tanks and artillery. Usman stressed that writers must use their influence with circumspection, reminding them that “the pen is mightier than the sword.” He urged writers to uphold respect for the country while exercising their right to criticize government policies and national developments.
Usman drew an analogy between the relationship of parents and children, suggesting that citizens can express dissatisfaction with the state of the nation without being disrespectful. He explained that national security goes beyond protecting lives and property to include citizens' welfare and safeguarding the government against subversion. Usman identified some of Nigeria's major internal security challenges, including communal conflicts, armed robbery, banditry, kidnapping, farmer-herder clashes, electoral violence, and border disputes.
To address these challenges, Usman recommended that security initiatives should be extended to the local government level to strengthen security at the grassroots. He also expressed concerns over foreign studies that rank countries based on violence, poverty, development indices, maternal mortality, and the number of out-of-school children. According to him, such reports often portray Nigeria in an unfavorable light and are sometimes characterized by the abuse of statistics.
Usman noted that there is urgency in addressing these developmental gaps and that writers have a role in bringing them to the attention of authorities. He identified six broad themes that have dominated the works of Nigerian writers since independence in 1960, including the conflict between colonial and indigenous cultures, corruption, military dictatorship, the civil war, ethno-religious violence, and human rights and gender issues.
While acknowledging the contributions of Nigerian writers to national development, Usman cautioned against adopting a bitter or excessively negative approach that could undermine the country's image. He emphasized that freedom of expression is guaranteed, but writers must exercise this right responsibly and avoid violating laws relating to treason, subversion, and labels.
Usman expressed satisfaction that Nigeria has maintained its territorial integrity since independence in 1960, despite the various challenges confronting the country. He urged writers to help the country solve some of these challenges by highlighting them constructively.
Key points
- Dr. Bukar Usman urges Nigerian writers to deploy literature for nation-building, peace, and national security.
- Literature can be a powerful tool for nation-building or destruction, depending on how it is used.
- Nigerian writers must exercise their right to criticize government policies and national developments responsibly.