WHY SYNW CELEBRATED ACHEBE, SOYINKA, ANGELOU AND OTHERS WITH ELECTRONIC ANTHOLOGIES
The Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW) recently celebrated and immortalized the legacies of some of the greatest literary icons and social activists that have graced the African continent. This was done through a series of electronic anthologies that were compiled and collated in honor of their remarkable lives and achievements. The icons include Prof. Dora Akunyili, Maya Angelou, Prof. Catherine Acholonu, Prof. Chinua Achebe, and Nelson Mandela.
The decision to compile electronic anthologies in honor of these literary giants was inspired by the desire to immortalize their contributions to literature and society as a whole. The entries were sourced from young writers across Nigeria and beyond, who were encouraged to submit poems, essays, and other literary pieces that captured the essence of each icon’s life and work.
The anthology compiled for Prof. Wole Soyinka, the only living legend among them, was compiled when he clocked 80. The compilation was used to celebrate his 80th birthday, and it served as a fitting tribute to a literary giant who has contributed immensely to African literature and society at large.
For the late Prof. Dora Akunyili, the anthology was titled “The March of an Amazon”. This title was chosen to reflect her unwavering commitment to the fight against counterfeit drugs and her leadership role as the former Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
Maya Angelou, on the other hand, was honored with the anthology titled “Wailing Songs for Maya Angelou”. This title was inspired by the profound impact that her poetry and prose had on the lives of countless people, both in Africa and beyond.
The anthology for Prof. Chinua Achebe was titled “Silent Voices”, in recognition of the fact that his writings gave voice to a generation of Africans who had been silenced by years of colonialism and oppression. The anthology contained poems, essays, and other literary works that celebrated Achebe’s literary achievements and his impact on African literature.
Late Prof. Catherine Acholonu was immortalized with the anthology titled “Going Home”. This title was chosen to reflect her belief in the importance of returning to one’s roots and connecting with one’s cultural heritage. The anthology contained poems and essays that celebrated her life and work as a writer and cultural activist.
Lastly, the anthology for Nelson Mandela was titled “Moonlight Songs for Nelson Mandela”. This title was inspired by the role that music played in the life of the iconic leader, as well as his lifelong commitment to fighting for justice and equality. The anthology contained poems, essays, and other literary works that celebrated Mandela’s life and his impact on the world.
The electronic anthologies were well received by literary enthusiasts, scholars, and the general public alike. They served as a reminder of the immense contributions that these literary icons made to society and provided a platform for young writers to express their admiration and respect for their work.
The Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW) expressed their gratitude to all the young writers who submitted their entries and contributed to the success of the project. They also commended the literary giants who were celebrated, for their immense contributions to literature and society, and for inspiring generations of writers and activists to come.
In conclusion, the electronic anthologies compiled in honor of Prof. Dora Akunyili, Maya Angelou, Prof. Catherine Acholonu, Prof. Chinua Achebe, and Nelson Mandela serve as a fitting tribute to their remarkable lives and achievements. They serve as a reminder of the importance of literature in society, and the role that writers can play in shaping the world around them.