Fides Media Living the Faith
By Amarachi Okpunobi
Following the change of name for the organization, Aurick Foundation, formerly known as Youngauthors Foundation, in a press briefing at Prof. Kenneth Dike State E-Library on Saturday, June 23, 2018 unveiled their plan for their annual Young Authors Conference. The conference which is scheduled to hold at Marble Arch Hotel, Awka, on Saturday 14th July 2018 will have its theme as ‘Story of the African Author’.
According to the CEO, of the foundation, Michael Chineme Ike, the theme is aimed at bringing together, young authors and writers around the globe as many have wasted their talents in the quest to meet the like minds to explore their dreams.He added that the Aurick Foundation is also aimed at celebrating the African culture hence, the dress code will be traditional. Chineme thereafter called on all authors especially modern writers to go back to recognising Africa as their origin and write Africa above what the world thinks it is. He also said that the conference will be a call for young minds to think back home and appreciate who they are and where they come from. The young CEO who further expressed his gratitude to the Executive governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obianofor his support and also Hon Bonaventure Enemali, the Commissioner for Sports and Youth Empowerment for his love and care for the foundation. He however confessed that it hasn’t been an easy ride for the foundation since it has no particular sponsor.
Speaking at the press conference, the Acting Director of Library Services, Anambra State, Nkechi Odeze, highlighted the necessity of frequent use of the library by writers as regards making good writing. She thereafter thanked the government of Anambra State,most especially Governor Willie Obiano whom she called the Education friendly governor for empowering the youths through the provision of libraries in the communities.
On her part, Dr. C. Igwe expressed her utmost joy to Aurick Foundation for their efforts in bringing back the African Culture through writing. She maintained that young writers need a voice to tell their stories their own way and express themselves clearly. She further thanked the Aurick Foundation, most especially the CEO, Michael Chineme Ike for his dream for young writers regardless of the challenges as a young chap. “It is a good course, keep fighting it, I am strongly behind you”, she concluded.
Among the speakers at the Event are; Prof Kate Omenugha, Commisioner for Education Anambra were Prof Ngozi Chuma Udeh, Dean Faculty of Arts COOU ,Igbariam; Tobenna Obiano, Editor-in-Chief Explorer Magazine;Kpana Nadia Gaygay, Liberian Writer; Prof Alex Asigbo, HOD Theatre and Film Department UNIZIK; Prof Tracie Utoh-Ezeajugh, Dean Faculty of Arts UNIZIK, Chinua Ezenwa-Ohaneto, Very Rev. Fr. Donachritus Umeogu; Amb Michael Madubueze and Amarachi Theresa Okafor as the Event anchor.