Author of the book, Beautiful Thief, Alex Abesadu Byanyiko has called on Nigerians to appreciate reading as it helps to develop the human mind, saying those who read nothing, become nothing.
The writer stated this during the launch and public presentation of his book “Beautiful Thief and other short stories” in Abuja over the weekend.
He said the book is a collection of both short and contemporary stories that cut across many things. He said the book captures some aspects of his Gbagyi culture and tradition, also highlighting his experiences and that of other people.
While speaking, Byanyiko urged writers in the country to continue writing. “I want to call on writers to keep writing and never give up. No circumstances should make you give up writing.”
On reading culture among Nigerians, he said; “Reading should start from the home. Parents should encourage their children by buying them story books to read. If you do that, your children will develop great reading habits that will their intellect and creativity at a very early stage of their lives.
“Reading habits that will enable them to develop their intellect, and enhance their imaginations and creativity. When children develop great reading habits, their educational endeavor is more than 60 percent facilitated.”
Also speaking, Director, Abuja Writer’s Association, Shehu Emmanuel said ideas come from writing, thinking and publishing. He said because you are able to have ideas you can develop.
“Countries that are developed are countries that have the greatest literature. Everything is not about science. If you do not develop your mind to think – ideas, you can’t rule the world. God brooded over the waters, he was thinking, he had an idea and then he created the world. And he created man in his own image and therefore we’ve been created by God to tell stories.
Speaking about the author, he said, “Alex came to the Abuja Writers’ Forum because we created a platform for people to be able to tell their stories. Today we are very proud of Alex because he has shown the vision of AWF. We are pleased to witness the manifestation of his courage. I want to encourage you to continue to develop your skills in storytelling.”
