Abuja: An education advocate, Deborah Bingbeng, has urged Nigerian writers to promote peace through their literary works for the betterment of society. Bingbeng, who is also a writer and poet, made the call while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
According to News Agency of Nigeria, it is imperative for literary scholars to convey messages to Nigerians through their literary works on the need to embrace peace for nation-building. Bingbeng, who earlier advocated for peaceful coexistence between Nigerians through her Future Ready Youth Initiative and book titled ‘Literature for Peace’, advised that books should not be written solely for monetary gains.
‘As writers, we should not just write to gain popularity because the nation needs more from us. Our writing should be able to bring people together from different walks of life. In a place where religion is bringing division and trying to bridge the gap between countries, writers should promote peace, not just in Nigeria but the world at large,’ she said.
She noted that the ‘Literature for Peace Initiative’ has been implemented in diverse settings, including underserved rural communities in Nigeria, where access to education remains limited. ‘The ‘Literature for Peace’ initiative has attracted more than 20,000 young participants across Nigeria and the United States, which is also known as ‘Youth Voices for Peace’. The programme has been implemented in places where access to education remains limited as well as on international platforms engaging students, policymakers, and global advocates,’ she emphasised.
The writer added that the participation of poets in the diaspora was aimed at positioning Nigeria as a global force bridging cultural divides, based on the fact that Nigeria was recognised as a major soft power, ranking among the top countries globally for cultural diversity. ‘As Nigerian writers, our engagement in the United States is positioning our country at the forefront to be reckoned with. Engagement with other countries is also positioning our great nation as a global movement that focuses on bridging cultural and social divides through shared narratives. The initiative has evolved into a cross-continental platform, promoting understanding and coexistence through spoken word, storytelling, and educational engagement,’ Bingbeng added.