PAWA secretary general jets in for MAWU@30 celebrations
The 30th Anniversary Celebrations for the Malawi Writers Union (MAWU) has received a big boost following the arrival of a renowned novelist and literary leader Wale Okediran.
The current secretary general for the Pan African Writers Association (PAWA) arrived through Chileka International Airport in Blantyre ahead of a book fair and a literary indaba set for today and Saturday in the commercial capital city.
At the airport, the multi award winning Nigerian novelist was welcomed by MAWU president Shadreck Chikoti and his predecessor Chikumbutso Ndaferankhande, MAWU treasure and other members.
“I am happy to have arrived here. PAWA is very happy to walk with MAWU in its journey. Malawi’s literature is an important voice in the continent (Africa’s) cultural conversation,” said the Ebedi International Writers Residency founder.
On his part, MAWU president Shadreck Chikoti described Okedina’s arrival as a symbol for strong relationship between Lilongwe and Abuja.
He said: “Nigeria’s literally tradition has benefited us a lot, not only as MAWU, but a country at large. We are happy to host Africa’s celebrated novelist as our keynote speaker.”
Okediran champions cooperation among African writers and the advancement of literature across the continent, in his capacity as head of PAWA – a writers’body established by the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), an affiliate of the African Union (AU).
Dubbed MAWU@30, the local writers’ two day event which takes place at the Blantyre Museum and Golden Peacock Hotel is being celebrated under the theme; “Celebrating Malawi’s Literary Journey: Reflections on Democracy and Literature.”
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