The Honourable Minister of State for Education, Professor Anthony Gozie Anwukah has urged Nigerians to ”read and write no matter the reason or season.”
Prof. Anwukah made the call as Nigeria joined other countries of the world to celebrate World Poetry Day.
Speaking at an even to mark the day held at Governemnt Secondary School, Nyanya, Abuja on Tuesday, March 21, 2017, the Minister said that the observance of World poetry Day was meant to encourage a return to the oral tradition of poetry recitals.
The Minister who was represented by his Special Assistant (Technical), Prof. Godswill Obioma, said that the World poetry Day is an “invitation” to reflect on the power of language and full development of each person’s creative abilities, which is germane for academic achievement.
“The purpose of the day is to promote reading, writing, publishing and teaching of poetry throughout the world and to give fresh recognition and impetus to national, regional and international poetry movement,” he said.
The Minister urged students to form the habit of reading and writing poetry, noting that poetry supports linguistic diversity through poetic expression and also offers endangered languages the opportunity to be heard within their communities.
Recitation of poems and dances by students were high points of the event.
World Poetry Day is observed every year on March 21st.
Chukwu, H.O (Mrs)
ACIO (Press)
For Director Press& Public Relation.
