Evelyn Osagie
WRITERS, under the aegis of Nigerian Centre of PEN International, aka PEN Nigeria, has called for stimulus package for writers.
The association promotes literature and defends freedom of expression and linguistic rights globally.
It said besides the apprehension occasioned by insecurity, forcing starving residents to become night guards to fight off marauders, this period had been traumatic for writers.
They called on governments not to forget creative writers and other components of the community “in its effort to cushion the excruciating impact of the coronavirus lockdown …”
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“This period has been particularly traumatic for writers who are known to be hypersensitive to chaos, discomfort and claustrophobia, the situation has exposed many of us to extreme boredom and depression.
“We appeal to the government and well-meaning Nigerians to extend the stimulus package to members of the literary community, considering the crucial role writers play in projecting and shaping society, besides charting a course for its advancement and civilisation.
“We…have, for several decades, been carrying out our social responsibilities under several pressure – physical, psychological, economic, et cetera, with little or no concrete support from the government,” the association said in a statement signed by its President, Folu Agoi.
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