The Samira Bawumia Literature Prize: A critical vehicle for reviving writing, literature and nurturing talents

The Samira Bawumia Literature Prize is definitely worth commending. A great example of using stature and position to impact positively. Yes, she may be privileged because of her position, but she has not reneged or relented in using this position to do something practical and useful, especially for a key demographic group consequential to the nation’s future; the youth.

She did not relax, take the line of least resistance, mind her own business and go through the traditional routines or just settle into the position.

She has exerted herself and identified an area often neglected–the arts–and come up with an initiative to revive such an enduring, critical and relevant discipline: Literature.

In the midst of the extensive attention that STEM receives, and that is absolutely necessary too, it is easy to look down or downplay the arts.

Arts and literature have always been useful in a very connected and relatable manner to the endurance of society. The arts, and or literature remain useful to maintaining, cultures, sustaining values, telling authentic stories, documenting history, giving insight into the nature of society and its way of life, reflecting on our journey, challenges and progress as well as advocating for causes and shaping minds or attitudes.

Writing is a tool that can be used to inspire and invigorate a nation into action, empower and serve as a catalytic force for change. She is not just nurturing talents, she is building a society that will never forget the gift of the garb, the power of words, and the importance of literacy in essentializing, enhancing and empowering humanity.

She is providing careers and giving opportunities for talents to blossom. The arts, words, and literature remain the single most important vehicle through which our humanity comes to life.

No matter how grandiloquent our accomplishments we should definitely dream big, our humanity is what connects us all together.

Our humanity remains the single most defining element of our existence. Our spirit, character, values and soul are what accentuates our humanity.  And the arts, literature and words remain critical to establishing this.

Through literature stories are told, identities are created, minds are shaped cultures are formed, narratives are created and understandings are gained into what it means to be human and to navigate this world from one generation to the next.

Written BY: Prof. Etse Sikanku is an Associate Professor of Journalism and Communication at the University of Media, Arts and Communication.