Literary icons and other stakeholders in the creative sector have urged Nigerian artistes, authors, and other creatives to use their works to address societal ills and promote peaceful coexistence.

According to them, creative works are a veritable instrument for societal change and peacebuilding if deployed effectively.

They made the call on Saturday at the quarterly literary talk show ‘Book Conversations and Coffee with Tea’ in Abuja.

The show is a flagship programme of Tea-Prime Leadership Academy, an NGO that focuses on creativity, culture, and  leadership  for personal and national development.

They urged Nigerian creatives to be intentional in using their works to address societal issues, hold leaders accountable, and build an egalitarian society.

Emmanuel Ojukwu, a prolific writer and  former Commissioner of Police, said  creatives  have crucial roles in reshaping society towards achieving its destiny.

Mr Ojukwu, the provost of Police Public Relations School, urged Nigerian writers and artistes not to be detached from societal challenges, such as economic hardship, bad leadership, insecurity, and others.

Albert Omotayo, author and former Nigerian envoy to Mozambique, described writers and other creatives as people driven by passion to make a difference in society by using their works to reshape the nation. He, however, urged Nigerian writers and artistes to uphold cultural identity in telling their stories to the rest of the world.

Bella Ndubuisi, a cultural and public diplomacy professional, advised Nigerian writers to remain authentic for their stories to remain unique on the global stage.

Esther Adelana, founder of Tea-Prime Leadership Academy and host of the show, said it was an opportunity for budding talents to get mentored.

Ms Adelana, the spokeswoman for the Association of Nigerian Authors, FCT chapter, said the show was a meeting point for seasoned authors and other professionals to share their experiences with the younger generation.

(NAN)