Chimamanda Adichie, award-winning novelist, says more African stories need to be told to preserve the heritage, history and development of the continent.
Adichie said that stories are important for development as they underline the existence of people and their worldview.
Speaking on Thursday in Egypt at the launch of CANEX book factory and prize for publishing in Africa, she said it has become imperative to reclaim the history of African because the continent has been sidelined for far too long.
“We need more stories on this continent because we need to reclaim our histories. We need stories because stories are very much part of development,” Adichie said.
“Our continent has so often been sidelined and maligned, and while there has been some change, there is still altogether too much patronising and too much pity directed at this continent.
“And it must be said that there are also a few Africans who by their actions, enable the state of affairs.
“If we reclaim our histories, it will give us the confidence that comes from knowing who we are. We need more stories so that we can turn our myths into memory.”
Adichie said African children attend elite boarding schools in different parts of the world, and they learn about Greek mythology, with little or nothing taught on African culture.
“But what is the difference between Persephone, the Greek goddess of planting seeds; and Ala, the Igbo goddess of land?” she queried.
“It is only that one story has been told well, and the other story has not.”
The writer added that telling more of these African stories would give more confidence and dignity to the people and as well shape their political perception.
“There is a clear psychological component to development, a nation without a strong sense of itself, a strong psychological sense of itself, cannot thrive,” she said.
“Stories can take away dignity and stories can also restore dignity.
“Stories shape politics and perception.
“I cannot tell you how many times I have been told by people in different parts of the world, that after reading my novels, they started to see Nigeria differently.”
