₦airaland Forum

THE ROLE OF LITERATURE IN HUMAN RIGHTS

Being a paper presented at the first Webinar of the International Human Rights Art Festival (IHRAF) African Chapter by Onyekachi Peter Onuoha, Lecturer at the University of Calabar

As a matter of interpretative convenience this talk reframes the theme of today’s discourse in a rhetorical manner by asking, “What is the role of literature in human rights?

Human rights literature is the appropriation of creative literature as a tool for social change. It is the use of literature to amplify the voices of the oppressed and in the seeking for social justice and equality in the society. Human rights literature re-enacts and reflects society through highlighting of social interactions and actions, which sometimes leads to subjugate of the subalterns within their social space. This social depiction provides a moral focus for those who still have conscience to act in an attempt to correct social ills. Human rights literature is a form of creative testimony that provides a balance of narrative for all parties involved in social controversies to make a case for their own existence through balance of characters depiction and engagement within the framework of art.

African Literature from the time of Achebe until now has played a functional role in social justice and equality in the society. The foregoing foregrounding Achebe’s postulation when he submit, that art for art seek is a deodorised dog shit. Achebe believes in the functionality of literature in the society and that is why he clearly state in Morning Yet on Creation Day that; “I will be quite satisfied if my earliest novels (especially the ones I set in the past) did no more than teach my readers that their past- with all its imperfections- was not one long night of savagery from which the first European acting on God’s behalf delivered them (45). From the foregoing, Achebe’s earliest novels were seeking for the dignity and the rights of Africans within the framework of art. An attempt to reject the human rights violations and exploitation of the colonialist government as depicted in Things Fall Apart and Arrow of God, through literature Achebe makes a case for the pre-literate African society before the coming of colonialism.

Literature as depicted by Achebe frames social justice within alternate spaces and allows us to reimagined situations through the framework of reflection as represented by art. Achebe’s depiction of human interactions in Umuofia in Things Fall Apart implicates the role of literature and human rights when he affirms; “Perhaps what I write is applied art as distinct from pure. (…) art is important but so is education of the kind I have in mind”. This in brief shows that literature assist in the depiction of human rights. The role of human rights literature educates the masses on the abuse of their human rights as foregrounded in Achebe’s Things Fall Apart and Arrow of God etc. Literature in human rights is an applied form of literature as clearly illustrated by Achebe. It is a form of literature that makes a case for the masses on their rights and the abuse of their rights in the society.
Sometimes, the role of literature in human rights takes the form of propaganda to draw the attention of the world to the subjugation of the masses. W.E. B. Du Bois in “Criteria for Negro Art” note that; “…all art is propaganda and ever must be, despite the wailing of the purists. I stand in utter shamelessness and say that what ever art I have for writing has been used always for propaganda for gaining the right of black folk to love and enjoy. I do not care a damn for any art that is not used for propaganda. But I do care when propaganda is confined to one side while the others is stripped and silent” (103). Oppression and injustice is backed by a form of propaganda that emphasizes the superiority of one above the other. And W.E.B Du bois thus re-domesticates the operation of the propaganda to seek for the existences of his people through the framework of literature. Feminist literature foregrounds the function of literature in human rights, literature and propaganda in the advancement of equality of gender within the African traditional society as portray by feminist writers in the depiction of subjugated and liberated woman within the framework of art and the African Novel. Feminism is t a clear illustration of the functionality of the role of literature and human rights in the human society. Feminist literature advocates for gender complementarity and gender equality in literature and by extension in the society. Human rights literature through representation re-engages social norms and belief in the society in a form of interactions that reflects various advantages and disadvantages as criteria for change and social justice.

Denis Brutus’ Letter to Martha did a poetic witnessing to pain and trauma in South African prison as a depiction of the functionality of the role of literature and human rights abuse. Poetic witnessing is used to illustrate the climate of uncertainties and a bearer or witness to pain. Brutus’ Letter to Martha is the poetic narrative of the oppressed through an autobiographical presentation of his plights and suffering in the hands of Apartheid administration. Writers over the years have used art as testimony as witnessing against the nation state and its exploitation of the masses within such political discourse. Achebe in witnessing and resistance through poetic composition captures the pain and alienation during the Nigerian Biafran in his Girls at War captures the pain and annihilation of the people of the former eastern region during the Nigerian Biafran Civil war. In recent times, the poetic composition and video recordings on social media captures the not too long python dance in the Eastern states is the to the brutality of the people of the Eastern region and the function of literature as witness to human rights abuses and advocacy in Nigeria. Creative literature aids the dislodgement of the fierce python dancing in Eastern region in the sense that literary and (auto) biographical representations of the actions of the military in that part of Nigeria raises questions on the motives of their actions in the region.

Kan Saro Wiwa through his literary writings and activism seek for social and environment justice for his people within the Nigerian society and the concept of resource control. Saro Wiwa employs literature as a tool for enlightenment and to highlight the effect of oil exploration in the Niger Delta. Many writers after him have used literature to x-ray the effect of oil spillage and the exploitation of the people of the Niger Delta and thereby demanding for social justice. The foregoing illustrate how literature functions within the framework of human rights or how human rights function within the framework of literature as literary materials for the advocacy and the survival of the subalterns in the society.

End SARS poets as depicted in End SARS Rhythms continue in this form of poetic tradition of witnessing and resistance to injustice in Nigeria as an illustration of the role of literature in human rights. The poets through poetic remediation of memory engages in poetic activism and resistances to police brutality in Nigeria. Human rights poetics in literature is a form of literary mediation of resistance and the erecting of memorial in art as confrontation to totalitarian system of governance. The poetics of End SARS Rhythms highlights how poetry participates in movements and fashions its content based on the agitation and redefines the memory of such movement as freezing the memory in poetic frame. The role of literature in human rights is framed in poetic resistance and is founded on the ideological concept of Marxism which is geared toward emancipation of the oppressed in the society. This is also the temperament and the function of literature in human rights. The Editor’s Note in in End SARS Rhythms indicates the functionality of poetic witnessing in literature and by extension the role of human rights thus; “Literature and arts owe society the duty not just to entertain and educate but also to document the history of the people as well as mirror and x-ray the society” (5). End SARS Rhythms does three things which are: to entertain the people within the site of their trauma and brutalisation, document in poetic form various instances of their brutalisation and through this medium question the moral fabric of the society. Through such questioning the poetic rendition of End SARS Rhythms highlight human rights violations and implicates the role of literature as a tool for confrontation of social injustice.

In accounting for Marxism and how it functions in human right literature, Charles Bressler note that;“…society shapes our consciousness; that social… conditions directly influences how what we believe and value…Marxism offers us an opportunity and a plan for changing the world from a play of bigotry, hatred and conflict resulting in class struggle…” (115). Marxist poetic which is steeped in the use of poetry as resistance to oppression in the society highlights such oppression as witnesses against the Nigerian Police force and by extension bad governance in Nigeria. This is an indication of how literature function in human rights. Human rights literature does not only portray abuse of human rights but suggest methods and medium to change such social abnormities and make the world a better place for humans.

Furthermore, Endsars.com is a Digital Storytelling site that hosts testimonial which became part and collect cause for resistance to police brutality and activism during the End SARS in Nigeria. The narratives in Endsars.com are a form of (auto) biographical narrative in blog clearly depicts how police brutalities have destroyed many Nigerian youths. Digital Storytelling becomes testimonies and memorials as a form of activism and resistance to police brutality in Nigeria. #Endsars narratives in #Endsars.com portrayals the damage police brutality has done to many Nigerians and through such narratives keep protesters of #Endsars across Nigeria in the streets during the protest.
In the human rights literature, memory plays an active role in the composition of art. The human memory powers the human creative imagination and leads to literary output. The authorial vision within the framework of art is the principle that aids the gleaning from memory amidst the interfacing influence of the imagination. Onuoha writes about memory that; “Memories are a defining characteristics of man; they are a form of socialisation of self-worth and they are the promise of the definition of what is good and bad in the African traditional environment” (84). Raji’s work strives on memory and poetic justice is one of the cardinal principles of Remi Rjai’s Webs of Remembrance. In the attempt of the poet persona to remember the injustice done to his people by those in the corridor of power the poet persona proclaims hailstone judgement against them amidst the memorials of the afflicted. Michael A. Quinlam writes in regards to poetic justice that; “The study of poetic justice necessarily involves a study of ethical principles in literary art; for the very idea of poetic justice implies a judgement regarding the morality of action. As a result, then, of studying criticism it is possible to come to a partial knowledge of the principles of by which a given races of people was governed at same given time” (ii). What the foregoing highlight is that poetic justice is an act of literary retribution within the work of art and it reflects the morality of the society.

Memory and history is an enabler to the poetic composition of Web of Remembrance. Raji reimagines the past under the same sign of the past even in the present; memory recall makes him to locate the search for justice within the sight of historical crime. Paul Ricoeur corroborates the foregoing that; “Under the sign of the same: “Re-Enacting” the past in the present under the sign of the same. I place the conception of as a re-enactment of the past…(13). Web of Remembrance is a re-enactment of the past and the coming back of traumatic memory of the poet person is a product of history which is powered by memory of such history. Raji’s Web of Remembrance is a re-enactment of memory in fierce remembrance of the evil of military dictatorship and by extension an enactment of memorial for the plight of the masses using poetry as the memorial tomb as an evidence for seeking of justice.

Finally, literature in human rights provides realist evidence on the actions and inactions of man within his immediate environment. it educate man and provides a medium and a second handle in the assessment of man in an alternate space as a representation of his environment. Human rights literature gives man a sort of objective representation to see his actions and relationship with others in his environment. Literature plays a functional role in the liberation of the people and enables the people to change their ways and to be involves in issues that affect them and the society. Human rights seek for the equality of all including the environment in the society.

ENDNOTE

Achebe, Chinua. Morning Yet on Creation Day. Heinemann Educational Books Ltd,
1981
Bressler, Charles. Literary Criticism: An Introduction to Theory and Practice.
Paramount Communication Company Publishers Ltd, 2011
Du Bois, W.E. B. “Criteria of Negro Art” in The Portable Harlem Renaissance Reader.
Penguin Book, 1929.
Ricoeur, Paul. The Aquinas Lecture: The Reality of The Historical Past. Marquette
University Press, 1984
Quinlan, A. Michael. Poetic Justice : The History of an Ethnical Principle in Literary
Activism. Forgotten Books, 1912


Raji, Remi. Webs of Remembrance. Kraftgriots, 2021

© International Human Rights Art Festival (IHRAF) African Chapter – June, 2022.

ANA COMMISERATES WITH PROF. WOLE SOYINKA OVER BROTHER’S DEATH

By: ANA Publicity Committee

The President of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Camillus Ukah has commiserated with Prof. Wole Soyinka over the death of his younger brother, Prof. Femi Soyinka, a former Provost of the College of Health Sciences of Obafemi Awolowo University.
It would be recalled that Prof. Femi Soyinka died in the early hours of Tuesday, June 14, 2022, at his home in Kukumada Village, Ibadan, Oyo State.
General Secretary of ANA, Maik Ortserga disclosed this in a statement he signed on Thursday.
According to the statement, “Our heartfelt sympathy goes to Professor Wole Soyinka and his family at this trying period, although we know that only God can comfort him.”
“Prof. Femi Soyinka’s death is not only shocking and painful but has also created a vacuum very difficult to fill. He would be deeply missed for his proactive efforts in tackling health challenges confronting Nigerians, particularly the fight against HIV/AIDs.”
ANA further described the passing of Prof. Femi Soyinka as a painful loss to the family, medical profession and the country at large.
The body finally prayed that God would grant the deceased eternal rest and strengthen his family to bear the irreparable loss.
Born in 1937 Professor Femi Soyinka received a Medical degree in Medicine and Surgery MBchB from University of Heidelberg, 1964; and Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree from the same University in 1965. He specialised and practised as a Dermatologist, Venereologist and Allergologist at the University of Giessen, 1969.
In 1972, he obtained a Master of Public Health degree from Hadassah Medical School, (MPH) Israel.
He worked in the academic field for 30 years, holding various positions from Chief Medical Director to Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences and the Provost of College of Health Sciences of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. He was also involved in ex-tensive research work on Tropical Skin Diseases and Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in collaboration with the Federal government, international donor agencies and organizations such as the World Bank, UNDP, DFID, the British Council; and the International Development Re-search Centre, Canada.
He pioneered several researches in the field of HIV/AIDS and worked as consultant to various international and local agencies including the World Health Organization, DFID, UNDP and Nigerian Federal Ministry of Health based on his extensive experience on the subject in various parts of the country.
Prof. Femi Soyinka was in the forefront of mitigating the impact of HIV/AIDS in Nigeria. By translating the outcomes of his researches into clinical practice. He impacted significantly not only in the lives of numerous individuals and families living with the disease, but also on the nation as a whole.
He initiated the Ambassador of Hope program in Nigeria, encouraging people living with HIV/AIDs (PLWHAs) to speak up, thereby bringing the much-needed public awareness to the disease at a time when knowledge was low and stigma was high. He also demonstrated technical knowledge and was involved with many other HIV/AIDs related programs including HIV/AIDS prevention, care and support, prevention of mother-to-child transmission, ARV programs, voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) and home-based care for PLWHAs in Nigeria.
Subsequently, he contributed significantly to capacity building of indigenous organizations across the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria through his non-governmental organization – New Initiative for the Enhancement of Life and Health (NELAH) previously known as; Network on Ethics/Human Rights, Law, HIV/AIDS-Prevention, Support and Care (NELA). He was a past president of Society for AIDS in Africa and he successfully coordinated the International Conference on AIDS and STIS In Africa (ICASA) in Abuja, Nigeria in the year 2005.
He is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Burial arrangements would be announced by the family later.

THE ROLE OF LITERATURE IN HUMAN RIGHTS

Being a paper presented at the first Webinar of the International Human Rights Art Festival (IHRAF) African Chapter by , Lecturer at the University of Calabar

As a matter of interpretative convenience this talk reframes the theme of today’s discourse in a rhetorical manner by asking, “What is the role of literature in human rights?

Human rights literature is the appropriation of creative literature as a tool for social change. It is the use of literature to amplify the voices of the oppressed and in the seeking for social justice and equality in the society. Human rights literature re-enacts and reflects society through highlighting of social interactions and actions, which sometimes leads to subjugate of the subalterns within their social space. This social depiction provides a moral focus for those who still have conscience to act in an attempt to correct social ills. Human rights literature is a form of creative testimony that provides a balance of narrative for all parties involved in social controversies to make a case for their own existence through balance of characters depiction and engagement within the framework of art.

African Literature from the time of Achebe until now has played a functional role in social justice and equality in the society. The foregoing foregrounding Achebe’s postulation when he submit, that art for art seek is a deodorised dog shit. Achebe believes in the functionality of literature in the society and that is why he clearly state in Morning Yet on Creation Day that; “I will be quite satisfied if my earliest novels (especially the ones I set in the past) did no more than teach my readers that their past- with all its imperfections- was not one long night of savagery from which the first European acting on God’s behalf delivered them (45). From the foregoing, Achebe’s earliest novels were seeking for the dignity and the rights of Africans within the framework of art. An attempt to reject the human rights violations and exploitation of the colonialist government as depicted in Things Fall Apart and Arrow of God, through literature Achebe makes a case for the pre-literate African society before the coming of colonialism.

Literature as depicted by Achebe frames social justice within alternate spaces and allows us to reimagined situations through the framework of reflection as represented by art. Achebe’s depiction of human interactions in Umuofia in Things Fall Apart implicates the role of literature and human rights when he affirms; “Perhaps what I write is applied art as distinct from pure. (…) art is important but so is education of the kind I have in mind”. This in brief shows that literature assist in the depiction of human rights. The role of human rights literature educates the masses on the abuse of their human rights as foregrounded in Achebe’s Things Fall Apart and Arrow of God etc. Literature in human rights is an applied form of literature as clearly illustrated by Achebe. It is a form of literature that makes a case for the masses on their rights and the abuse of their rights in the society.
Sometimes, the role of literature in human rights takes the form of propaganda to draw the attention of the world to the subjugation of the masses. W.E. B. Du Bois in “Criteria for Negro Art” note that; “…all art is propaganda and ever must be, despite the wailing of the purists. I stand in utter shamelessness and say that what ever art I have for writing has been used always for propaganda for gaining the right of black folk to love and enjoy. I do not care a damn for any art that is not used for propaganda. But I do care when propaganda is confined to one side while the others is stripped and silent” (103). Oppression and injustice is backed by a form of propaganda that emphasizes the superiority of one above the other. And W.E.B Du bois thus re-domesticates the operation of the propaganda to seek for the existences of his people through the framework of literature. Feminist literature foregrounds the function of literature in human rights, literature and propaganda in the advancement of equality of gender within the African traditional society as portray by feminist writers in the depiction of subjugated and liberated woman within the framework of art and the African Novel. Feminism is t a clear illustration of the functionality of the role of literature and human rights in the human society. Feminist literature advocates for gender complementarity and gender equality in literature and by extension in the society. Human rights literature through representation re-engages social norms and belief in the society in a form of interactions that reflects various advantages and disadvantages as criteria for change and social justice.

Denis Brutus’ Letter to Martha did a poetic witnessing to pain and trauma in South African prison as a depiction of the functionality of the role of literature and human rights abuse. Poetic witnessing is used to illustrate the climate of uncertainties and a bearer or witness to pain. Brutus’ Letter to Martha is the poetic narrative of the oppressed through an autobiographical presentation of his plights and suffering in the hands of Apartheid administration. Writers over the years have used art as testimony as witnessing against the nation state and its exploitation of the masses within such political discourse. Achebe in witnessing and resistance through poetic composition captures the pain and alienation during the Nigerian Biafran in his Girls at War captures the pain and annihilation of the people of the former eastern region during the Nigerian Biafran Civil war. In recent times, the poetic composition and video recordings on social media captures the not too long python dance in the Eastern states is the to the brutality of the people of the Eastern region and the function of literature as witness to human rights abuses and advocacy in Nigeria. Creative literature aids the dislodgement of the fierce python dancing in Eastern region in the sense that literary and (auto) biographical representations of the actions of the military in that part of Nigeria raises questions on the motives of their actions in the region.

Kan Saro Wiwa through his literary writings and activism seek for social and environment justice for his people within the Nigerian society and the concept of resource control. Saro Wiwa employs literature as a tool for enlightenment and to highlight the effect of oil exploration in the Niger Delta. Many writers after him have used literature to x-ray the effect of oil spillage and the exploitation of the people of the Niger Delta and thereby demanding for social justice. The foregoing illustrate how literature functions within the framework of human rights or how human rights function within the framework of literature as literary materials for the advocacy and the survival of the subalterns in the society.

End SARS poets as depicted in End SARS Rhythms continue in this form of poetic tradition of witnessing and resistance to injustice in Nigeria as an illustration of the role of literature in human rights. The poets through poetic remediation of memory engages in poetic activism and resistances to police brutality in Nigeria. Human rights poetics in literature is a form of literary mediation of resistance and the erecting of memorial in art as confrontation to totalitarian system of governance. The poetics of End SARS Rhythms highlights how poetry participates in movements and fashions its content based on the agitation and redefines the memory of such movement as freezing the memory in poetic frame. The role of literature in human rights is framed in poetic resistance and is founded on the ideological concept of Marxism which is geared toward emancipation of the oppressed in the society. This is also the temperament and the function of literature in human rights. The Editor’s Note in in End SARS Rhythms indicates the functionality of poetic witnessing in literature and by extension the role of human rights thus; “Literature and arts owe society the duty not just to entertain and educate but also to document the history of the people as well as mirror and x-ray the society” (5). End SARS Rhythms does three things which are: to entertain the people within the site of their trauma and brutalisation, document in poetic form various instances of their brutalisation and through this medium question the moral fabric of the society. Through such questioning the poetic rendition of End SARS Rhythms highlight human rights violations and implicates the role of literature as a tool for confrontation of social injustice.

In accounting for Marxism and how it functions in human right literature, Charles Bressler note that;“…society shapes our consciousness; that social… conditions directly influences how what we believe and value…Marxism offers us an opportunity and a plan for changing the world from a play of bigotry, hatred and conflict resulting in class struggle…” (115). Marxist poetic which is steeped in the use of poetry as resistance to oppression in the society highlights such oppression as witnesses against the Nigerian Police force and by extension bad governance in Nigeria. This is an indication of how literature function in human rights. Human rights literature does not only portray abuse of human rights but suggest methods and medium to change such social abnormities and make the world a better place for humans.

Furthermore, Endsars.com is a Digital Storytelling site that hosts testimonial which became part and collect cause for resistance to police brutality and activism during the End SARS in Nigeria. The narratives in Endsars.com are a form of (auto) biographical narrative in blog clearly depicts how police brutalities have destroyed many Nigerian youths. Digital Storytelling becomes testimonies and memorials as a form of activism and resistance to police brutality in Nigeria. #Endsars narratives in #Endsars.com portrayals the damage police brutality has done to many Nigerians and through such narratives keep protesters of #Endsars across Nigeria in the streets during the protest.
In the human rights literature, memory plays an active role in the composition of art. The human memory powers the human creative imagination and leads to literary output. The authorial vision within the framework of art is the principle that aids the gleaning from memory amidst the interfacing influence of the imagination. Onuoha writes about memory that; “Memories are a defining characteristics of man; they are a form of socialisation of self-worth and they are the promise of the definition of what is good and bad in the African traditional environment” (84). Raji’s work strives on memory and poetic justice is one of the cardinal principles of Remi Rjai’s Webs of Remembrance. In the attempt of the poet persona to remember the injustice done to his people by those in the corridor of power the poet persona proclaims hailstone judgement against them amidst the memorials of the afflicted. Michael A. Quinlam writes in regards to poetic justice that; “The study of poetic justice necessarily involves a study of ethical principles in literary art; for the very idea of poetic justice implies a judgement regarding the morality of action. As a result, then, of studying criticism it is possible to come to a partial knowledge of the principles of by which a given races of people was governed at same given time” (ii). What the foregoing highlight is that poetic justice is an act of literary retribution within the work of art and it reflects the morality of the society.

Memory and history is an enabler to the poetic composition of Web of Remembrance. Raji reimagines the past under the same sign of the past even in the present; memory recall makes him to locate the search for justice within the sight of historical crime. Paul Ricoeur corroborates the foregoing that; “Under the sign of the same: “Re-Enacting” the past in the present under the sign of the same. I place the conception of as a re-enactment of the past…(13). Web of Remembrance is a re-enactment of the past and the coming back of traumatic memory of the poet person is a product of history which is powered by memory of such history. Raji’s Web of Remembrance is a re-enactment of memory in fierce remembrance of the evil of military dictatorship and by extension an enactment of memorial for the plight of the masses using poetry as the memorial tomb as an evidence for seeking of justice.

Finally, literature in human rights provides realist evidence on the actions and inactions of man within his immediate environment. it educate man and provides a medium and a second handle in the assessment of man in an alternate space as a representation of his environment. Human rights literature gives man a sort of objective representation to see his actions and relationship with others in his environment. Literature plays a functional role in the liberation of the people and enables the people to change their ways and to be involves in issues that affect them and the society. Human rights seek for the equality of all including the environment in the society.

ENDNOTE

Achebe, Chinua. Morning Yet on Creation Day. Heinemann Educational Books Ltd,
1981
Bressler, Charles. Literary Criticism: An Introduction to Theory and Practice.
Paramount Communication Company Publishers Ltd, 2011
Du Bois, W.E. B. “Criteria of Negro Art” in The Portable Harlem Renaissance Reader.
Penguin Book, 1929.
Ricoeur, Paul. The Aquinas Lecture: The Reality of The Historical Past. Marquette
University Press, 1984
Quinlan, A. Michael. Poetic Justice : The History of an Ethnical Principle in Literary
Activism. Forgotten Books, 1912


Raji, Remi. Webs of Remembrance. Kraftgriots, 2021

© International Human Rights Art Festival (IHRAF) African Chapter – June, 2022.

IBADAN BOOK CLUB SET TO HOST THE THIRD EDITION OF THE READ NIGERIA PROJECT

Ibadan Book Club has expressed readiness to host the third edition of the Read Nigeria Project.
A statement issued by the Coordinator and Secretary of the club, Ayobami Odunyemi and Hassanat Ayoade said the event would take place at the Oyo State Library Board, Opposite Cocoa House, Ibadan by 12PM prompt.

Read Nigeria Project is a nationwide chain of reading events administered by Adwinsa Publications (Gh) Ltd. The reading will be hosting four Ibadan-based teen writers, Stephen Ajeigbe, Peace Akindimeji Akin-Tella, Chukwudi Divine and Ayuba Gbolahan in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State.

The project also hopes to promote book reading through different events like book bee, quiz contests and other mediums across the country irrespective of tribe, color, sect, age, religion and gender.

MEET OUR GUEST WRITERS/READERS

STEPHEN AJEIGBE

Ajeigbe Stephen was born in the year 2008 in Ibadan, Oyo state and he resides there, as he grew up, he never knew he had the talent of writing poems but he tried to be an artist but unfortunately, he discovered it was not in him, at the age of thirteen, he was taken to Ibadan book club by Mr Marcus Ugboduma and when he saw others displaying their talents. By the time it was over, he left very sad because he had nothing to display. At that point Mr. Marcus inspired him to be a poet. He wrote his first poem titled beauty and some other titles "friendship" and “anger in a man". Stephen is a member of The Book Friendly Club of God's blessing Comprehensive College and also the Ibadan Book Club.

He feels privileged to have read his first poem ever on the floors of the Ibadan Book Club.

Stephen is a writer per excellence, who seizes every opportunity available to write poems.

He now believes that with constant personal and group reading and learning with book club members, he hopes to write more poems sooner.

Stephen is sure that in the future, his poems will flood the world as the biggest writer of poems, his current poem is titled "Education with Godliness".

PEACE AKINDIMEJI AKIN-TELLA

Akin-Tella Peace Akindimeji was born on 29th day of September 2008, in Ibadan.

Peace did not start writing Early enough, but preferred reading. His ability to write was discovered at the age of 13, when he saw his classmates and other friends writing and feeling happy with their works being read in gathering and on the School assembly ground, also at that point came the constant boastings of one of his teachers, Mr Marcus Ugboduma, The coordinator of the Book Friendly Club of his school, who used to boast about his students writing prowess and creative skills, especially in Poetry and prose.

He also constantly advised that writing was going to help them academically and it was capable of taking them to greater heights.

This prompted Peace to write his first set of poems which includes: "Why death", "Ibadan",
" I am strong" and "Foolishness."

Peace Akin- Tella is currently a member of his School's Choir, The JETS Club, the Book Friendly Club of God's Blessing Comprehensive College and the Ibadan Book Club.

He has represented his School in several competitions and most recently The Science Teachers Association of Nigeria OLYMPIAD 2022, at the junior category. He looks forward to becoming a renowned Science fiction writer in the near future. His Parental encouragement has been his source of inspiration in Writing.


CHUKWUDI DIVINE

Chukwudi Divine is a member of Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW). He writes fiction and nonfiction.


AYUBA GBOLAHAN

Ayuba Gbolahan is a metaphysical poet, a speaker and a writer. He loves reading and as a result of that, he was nicknamed, bookworm. Gbolahan is currently the Publicity Secretary of Society of Young Nigerian Writers (Oyo State Chapter)

THREE OSUN-BASED WRITERS TO HEADLINE READ NIGERIA PROJECT IN OSOGBO

Read Nigeria Project, a nationwide chain of reading events administered by Adwinsa Publications (Gh) Ltd has set aside Saturday 18th day of June, 2022 to host three Osun-based writers, Babatunde Abdulhakim Adekunle, Abdulazeez Suliyat Boluwatife and Olaonipekun Olatunde in Osogbo, the capital of Osun State.

A statement issued by the Coordinator and Secretary of the club, Grace Godwin and Ahmed Aishat said the second phase of the sensitization reading would take place at No 20, Obafemi Awolowo Way, Ibuaje Micro Finance Bank Building, Pepsi Cola, Area Osogbo, Osun State by 12PM prompt.

Read Nigeria Project is a project devoted for readers and lovers of books across Nigeria to celebrate and honour some selected important personalities who have contributed meaningfully to the learning and reading culture of the country.

The project also hopes to promote book reading through different events like book bee, quiz contests and other mediums across the country irrespective of tribe, color, sect, age, religion and gender.

Adwinsa Publications was established in March of 1977 in Madina, a suburb of Accra, the capital of Ghana in West Africa. The young business at the time began in the CEO’s house. During the late 1980’s Adwinsa went from a small location to Accra Newtown, also in the Capital City. During this time we also embraced “desktop publishing” (which was also an industry in its infancy) as well as commercial offset printing. From the year 2000 to 2014, we have added multiple high speed printing machines that propelled us into a new level of high-quality offset printing. We also built and expanded our services by putting up an office complex in Agbobga in Accra, Ghana.

The publishing firm is considered experts in Junior and Senior High school syllabus based text books in Ghana. The firm focuses on books for the Basic, secondary and tertiary institutions that have been largely acknowledged locally by students, parents, governments and the international community. As a family-owned company, one of Adwinsa Publications’ strengths is its focus on the family and its desire to see families succeed in education, especially in the long term development of every child in the family.

MEET OUR GUEST WRITERS

BABATUNDE ABDULHAKIM ADEKUNLE

Babatunde Abdulhakim Adekunle is a student of the University of Ibadan. He is studying Education and English.

Abdulhakim is a content creator, Motivational writer, poet. He writes for different blogs among which is Cornelius blog and international Writers among others.

He belongs to different writers' Academy and has received different certificates within and outside Nigeria.

Abdulhakim, however, has been a voice for Nigerian students in his institution and has been working tirelessly to support individuals one way or the other and this has earned him awards both in school and off school.

As at the time of this reading, Babatunde is the Coordinator of Ilesha Book Club

ABDULAZEEZ SULIYAT BOLUWATIFE

Abdulazeez Suliyat Boluwatife is a Student of Saint Mark's Commercial High School, Osogbo, Osun State. She is a staunch member of Osogbo Book Club and the International Women Writing Guild, USA. Suliyat is a short story writer.


OLAONIPEKUN OLATUNDE

Olaonipekun Olatunde is an indigene of Osun State. Attended the prestigious Ilesa Grammar School for his secondary education. He had his undergraduate and post-graduate studies at the great citadel of learning Obafemi Awolowo University,Ile-Ife in the Computer Science and Engineering Department and graduated as an Engineer. Poetry found him and he embraced it by expanding his horizon,he has great affinity and love for words.
The pen and paper is his office and this has led him to write lots of poetry getting inspired from every angle.
He is an active player both offline and online in poetry circles. He has a collection of poetry waiting to be produced before the years run out. He sees himself as a poetical engineer.

OSOGBO BOOK CLUB SET TO HOST THE SECOND PHASE OF THE READ NIGERIA PROJECT


Osogbo Book Club has expressed her readiness to host the second phase of the Read Nigeria Project.


Read Nigeria Project, a nationwide chain of reading events administered by Adwinsa Publications (Gh) Ltd has set aside Saturday 18th day of June, 2022 to host three Osun-based writers, Babatunde Abdulhakim Adekunle, Abdulazeez Suliyat Boluwatife and Olaonipekun Olatunde in Osogbo, the capital of Osun State.


A statement issued by the Coordinator and Secretary of the club, Grace Godwin and Ahmed Aishat said the second phase of the sensitization reading would take place at No 20, Obafemi Awolowo Way, Ibuaje Micro Finance Bank Building, Pepsi Cola, Area Osogbo, Osun State by 12PM prompt.


Read Nigeria Project is a project devoted for readers and lovers of books across Nigeria to celebrate and honour some selected important personalities who have contributed meaningfully to the learning and reading culture of the country.


The project also hopes to promote book reading through different events like book bee, quiz contests and other mediums across the country irrespective of tribe, color, sect, age, religion and gender.


Adwinsa Publications was established in March of 1977 in Madina, a suberb of Accra, the capital of Ghana in West Africa. The young business at the time began in the CEO’s house. During the late 1980’s Adwinsa went from a small location to Accra Newtown, also in the Capital City. During this time we also embraced “desktop publishing” (which was also an industry in its infancy) as well as commercial offset printing. From the year 2000 to 2014, we have added multiple high speed printing machines that propelled us into a new level of high-quality offset printing. We also built and expanded our services by putting up an office complex in Agbobga in Accra, Ghana.


The publishing firm is considered experts in Junior and Senior High school syllabus based text books in Ghana. The firm focuses on books for the Basic, secondary and tertiary institutions that have been largely acknowledged locally by students, parents, governments and the international community. As a family-owned company, one of Adwinsa Publications’ strengths is its focus on the family and its desire to see families succeed in education, especially in the long term development of every child in the family.


MEET OUR GUEST WRITERS


BABATUNDE ABDULHAKIM ADEKUNLE


Babatunde Abdulhakim Adekunle is a student of the University of Ibadan. He is studying Education and English.

Abdulhakim is a content creator, Motivational writer, poet. He writes for different blogs among which is Cornelius blog and international Writers among others.

He belongs to different writers' Academy and has received different certificates within and outside Nigeria.

Abdulhakim, however, has been a voice for Nigerian students in his institution and has been working tirelessly to support individuals one way or the other and this has earned him awards both in school and off school.

As at the time of this reading, Babatunde is the Coordinator of Ilesha Book Club.


ABDULAZEEZ SULIYAT BOLUWATIFE


Abdulazeez Suliyat Boluwatife is a Student of Saint Mark's Commercial High School, Osogbo, Osun State. She is a staunch member of Osogbo Book Club and the International Women Writing Guild, USA. Suliyat is a short story writer.



OLAONIPEKUN OLATUNDE


Olaonipekun Olatunde is an indigene of Osun State. Attended the prestigious Ilesa Grammar School for his secondary education. He had his undergraduate and post-graduate studies at the great citadel of learning Obafemi Awolowo University,Ile-Ife in the Computer Science and Engineering Department and graduated as an Engineer. Poetry found him and he embraced it by expanding his horizon,he has great affinity and love for words.
The pen and paper is his office and this has led him to write lots of poetry getting inspired from every angle.
He is an active player both offline and online in poetry circles. He has a collection of poetry waiting to be produced before the years run out. He sees himself as a poetical engineer.

THE PAN AFRICAN WRITERS ASSOCIATION (PAWA) CONFERENCE AND GENERAL ASSEMBLY:

DATE: June 23 to 25 2022

VENUE: Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, Nigeria.

Writers from 40 African Countries will be in attendance.

PARTNERS
Nigerian Academy Of Letters (NAL) and the Association Of Nigerian Authors (ANA)

THEME: Literature Since Makerere 1962: The African Writers’ Pan-African Agenda For Peace, Security and Cultural Development.

HIGHLIGHTS

Keynote Lectures
Panel Discussions
Business Meeting
Festival Of Life
Excursions
Awards/Dinner Night

P.S.
Conference will be Physical and Virtual. (Zoom details later)

RSVP
Dr Wale Okediran
PAWA Secretary General
waleokediran@yahoo.co.uk

IBADAN BOOK CLUB EULOGISES GOV MAKINDE’S WIFE, TAMUNOMININI ON HER BIRTHDAY


Ibadan Book Club on Thursday felicitated with the First Lady of Oyo State, Mrs. Tamunominini Olufunke Makinde, on the occasion of her 50th Birthday.


In a statement issued by Odunyemi Ayobami, the Coordinator of Ibadan Book Club said, members of the Club expressed delight with Mrs. Tamunominini Olufunke Makinde’s humanitarian activities.


According to her, her Excellency, Mrs. Tamunominini Olufunke Makinde is a woman of substance, a team leader who inspires others, in addition to her humility which is an essential ingredient of leadership. She also described the governor’s wife as a rare gem who is supportive and a shoulder to lean on at all times.


The club further noted that as First Lady of Oyo State, the governor’s wife had been transforming and uplifting the quality of life of widows and the less privileged members of society.


Ibadan Book Club finally wished Mrs. Tamunominini Olufunke Makinde a happy 50th birthday celebration and prayed that God almighty will grant her many more years of good health and strength.

NIGERIAN WRITERS COMMISSION SECRETARIAT AT MAMMAN VATSA WRITERS VILLAGE

By Maik Ortserga

The weekend of 20-22 May, 2022 included a range of activities that brought Nigerian writers together at the Mamman Vatsa Writers Village, Mpape Abuja. The event was the commissioning of the Femi Osofisan Secretariat within the Chinua Achebe International Conference Centre. The roll call of major writers included Emeritus Prof. Femi Osofisan, Prof. Olu Obafemi, Prof. Tanure Ojaide, Prof. Akachi Adimora Ezeigbo, Prof. Mallam Al -Bishak, Prof. Razinat T. Mohammed, Prof. Idris Amali, Prof. Moses Tsenongu, Prof. Chimalum Nwankwo, Dr. Maria Ajima, Mallam Denja Abdullahi, Dr. Obari Gomba and a host of others.

The commissioning of the secretariat took place in the afternoon of Saturday 21May, 2022 intended to provide a safe space for ANA to carry out its administrative work efficiently . The commissioning was done by no less a personality than the Almin Musulmi of Idoma land and former Vice-Chancellor, University of Ilorin and Nasarawa State University, Emerutus Prof. Shamsudeen Amali. In his speech, ANA president Camillus Ukah thanked the almighty God for counting him worthy to complete bring for commissioning what was started by his predecessors like Mallam Denja Abdullahi who he likened to the biblical Moses that handed over to him, a Joshua, to take ANA to the Promise land. He explained that the naming of the secretariat after Emeritus Prof. Femi Osofisan could not be faulted due to Osofisan's resilience in ensuring that ANA is not lost to the antics of opportunist who wanted to wreck the vision of of founding fathers by fractionalizing the Association.

It was a solemn moment of meditation when Prof. Mallam Al - Bishak, with his profound oratorical equipage reeled off Prof. Shamsudeen Amali's citation, mesmerising Nigerian writers with the the tale of a Muslim - Catholic marriage between Prof. S. Amali and Prof. Mrs M. Amali which has lasted for over forty years and has been cited as a symbol of religious tolerance expected of Nigerians. Before cutting the tape, the Almin Musulmi of Idoma land appreciated the ANA President and the national executives for living up to expectation.
Much of the day was taken over by the Mbari Series May edition, held inside the newly furnished conference hall within the Femi Osofisan Secretariat. Mbari has a fascinating history. It was founded in Ibadan, Nigeria, in 1961 by Ulli Beier, with the involvement of a group of young writers including Wole Soyinka and Chinua Achebe. Mbari, an Igbo concept related to "creation", was suggested as the name by Achebe. Among other Mbari members were Christopher Okigbo, J. P. Clark and South African writer Ezekiel Mphahlele, Frances Ademola, Demas Nwoko, Mabel Segun, Uche Okeke, Arthur Nortje and Bruce Onobrakpeya.

The Camillus Ukah led exco of ANA has since revived the Mbari Series. The May edition came under the theme "The Story as a Donkey" and was moderated by the duo of Prof. Mallam Al -Bishak and Prof. Razinat Mohammed. Most of the discussants saw the theme as metaphoric, a demonstration of how the story has been overburdened like a donkey, others saw the story from the angle of strength, commitment and stubbornness that is reflective of the donkey.There was also a special reading from the poet laureate Dr. Obari Gomba, winner of the 2022 PAWA Poetry Prize, which thrilled the audience.

The rest of the evening was taken over by a reading session, featuring the environmental poet Dr. Greg Mbajiorgwu. Prof. Chimalun Nwankwo's forklorist poem mesmerised the gathering while Prof. Tanure Ojaide's poem descended like an axe on the craze for foreign football that has taken over the Aftican continent, enslaving our people. The spoken world poet, Atta Dhe Titan took over the floor with his poem "How I killed Suiicide" which was quite electrifying. The reading session ended with a sumptuous dinner.

Sunday was slated for departure so writers were preparing to move out of their hotels to catch their flights or board their buses, then word sailed in that the Almin Musulmi of Idoma land Prof. Shamsudeen Amali has invited writers for breakfast in his residence. It was indeed a banquet that awaited Nigerian writers that early Sunday morning.

As one young writer said , “this large family of Writers called ANA is, indeed, a place to connect, talk, learn, geek out and write – what more could you want?” We couldn’t agree more!

ANA CONGRATULATES PROF. AKACHI ADIMORA EZEIGBO ON FONLON-NICHOLS AWARD.

By: ANA Publicity Committee

The President of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Camillus Ukah has said that the Fonlon-Nichols Award given to the Chairperson of the Advisory Board for the Nigerian Prize for Literature and Emeritus Professor of English, Akachi Adimora Ezeigbo is an award well deserved.

A statement by ANA General Secretary, Maik Ortserga said that Prof. Akachi Adimora Ezeigbo meritoriously deserved the award considering her achievements and contributions to the development of Literature in Nigeria and Africa.

The Statement reads "Ma, we salute your unwavering commitment to the core values of excellence, integrity, probity and selfless service in piloting the affairs of the Nigeria Prize for Literature under your leadership as the Chairperson of the Advisory Board for the Prize."

"Ma, ANA is pleased to see you accomplishing the various milestone achievements in your field of endeavor."

"With this international award, it shows that all your efforts to move literature forward in Nigeria and Africa were being noticed!"

"While wishing you continued success in all you seek to achieve, please, accept our heartiest congratulations on being confered with such a prestigious award."

The Fonlon-Nichols is awarded to an African writer for excellence in creative writing and contributions to the struggle for human rights and freedom of expression. The award comes with a $1,000.00 cash prize.

At its 1993 meeting in Guadeloupe, the Executive of the African Literature Association resolved that the Award be conferred regularly at the annual meetings of the ALA.

Past recipients of the award are: 2018: Abdellatif Abdalla, 2016: Tanure Ojaide, 2015: Pepetela, 2014: Nadine Gordimer, 2013: Albie Sachs, 2012: Mbulelo Mzamane, 2011: Isidore Okpewho, 2010: Odia Ofeimun, 2009: Tess Onwueme, 2008: Chukwuemeka Ike, 2007: Nawal El Saadawi, 2006: Femi Osofisan, 2005: Dennis Brutus, 2004: Pius Ngandu Nkashama, 2003: Emmanuel Dongala, 2002: Jack Mapanje, 2001: Nuruddin Farah, 2000: Wole Soyinka, 1999: Abdellatif Laäbi, 1998: Niyi Osundare, 1997: Assia Djebar, 1996: Ngugi wa Thiong'o, 1995: Sony Labou Tansi, 1994: Ken Saro-Wiwa, 1993: Werewere Liking, 1992: Mongo Beti & René Philombe.

IFE BOOK CLUB

PRESENTS

WEBINAR ON DIGITAL BOOK MARKETING AND CREATIVE WRITING

Do you know you can make money as a creative writer through the Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs)?
In this one day webinar, we will break down how you can market and sell your books online.
The audiobook industry is expanding rapidly, but it’s a competitive market and if you want to be part of it you need to acquire the skills and techniques that will enable you to deliver a first-class audio performance. One of our speakers will be talking on how you can sell your audiobook via the Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs).

If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to make cool cash with your literary works via NFTs, then this online workshop is for you.

This webinar is designed to give you real digital book marketing experience under the direction of one of Nigeria’s finest digital marketer and you’ll leave the webinar with the knowledge needed to make pure and cool cash.

Join Nwaokolo Stephen Awele and Iwu Jeff as they deliver lectures on fundamental topics bordering Digital Book Marketing and Creative Writing.

DATE: 25th May, 2022
TIME: 8:00PM
VENUE: WHATSAPP
To join click on this link: https:///Jq0Omjdy8aI3LdinJNnoBi
THE WEBINAR IS A DAY EVENT

REQUIREMENTS
• You should have access to an android phone with Internet connection

BENEFITS OF PARTICIPATION
• Automatic Membership into the Association of Nigerian Christian Authors and Publishers (ANCAPS)
• Free Ebooks on Christian Writing
• Free E-Certificate of Participation

GUEST INSTRUCTORS

NWAOKOLO STEPHEN AWELE

Nwaokolo Stephen Awele is a certified digital marketer and voice over artist. He has worked in the independent and commercial sectors of the audio industry.


IWU JEFF

Iwu Jeff is a creative writer who writes the three genres of literature and a teacher of English and Literature-in-English, with Nigerian Certificate in Education and Bachelor of Arts Education (B.A Ed), both in English from Federal College of Education, Kontagora and Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, respectively. He presently lives and writes from University of Nigeria, Nsukka, where he studies for a Masters degree in the department of English and Literary studies. His works have been published in different local and international anthologies and magazines and few have garnered awards.

He is the author of the critically acclaimed play, Verdict of the gods, and the novel, Files of the Heart (Winner of WRR Publishers Green Author Prize, 2017). His play, The Consignment was published by The Shallow Tales Review.

In the June edition of The Year of the Poet Anthology 2019, he was featured as one of the global poets by Inner Child Press, USA and same year appointed the editor-in-chief of The Ogene Magazine (a publication of Igbo Students'Association, FCE, Kontagora, Niger state). He is also the fiction and nonfiction editor of Poemify online Magazine.

NWAOKOLO, IWU JEFF TO HEADLINE WEBINAR ON DIGITAL BOOK MARKETING

Ife Book Club, a literary organization based in Ile Ile, Osun State has set aside May 25th, 2022 to host a certified digital marketer, Nwaokolo Stephen Awele and a creative writer, Iwu Jeff. They will be lecturing on Digital Book Marketing and germane issues bordering Nigerian Literature.
A statement issued by the Coordinator of the Club, Misturah Shittu said the event would take place via Whatsapp by 8:00PM.
According to the statement, Ife Digital Book Marketing and Creative Writing Webinar is a day event designed for writers and freelance publishers who are new to Digital Book Marketing and to give intending participants real digital book marketing experience.
The Webinar offers the opportunity to learn from a faculty of certified Digital Marketer and an award winning author and to meet fellow writers/publishers who share common interests.
PROFILES OF OUR GUEST INSTRUCTORS

NWAOKOLO STEPHEN AWELE

Nwaokolo Stephen Awele is a certified digital marketer and voice over artist. He has worked in the independent and commercial sectors of the audio industry.


IWU JEFF

Iwu Jeff is a creative writer who writes the three genres of literature and a teacher of English and Literature-in-English, with Nigerian Certificate in Education and Bachelor of Arts Education (B.A Ed), both in English from Federal College of Education, Kontagora and Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, respectively. He presently lives and writes from University of Nigeria, Nsukka, where he studies for a Masters degree in the department of English and Literary studies. His works have been published in different local and international anthologies and magazines and few have garnered awards.

He is the author of the critically acclaimed play, Verdict of the gods, and the novel, Files of the Heart (Winner of WRR Publishers Green Author Prize, 2017). His play, The Consignment was published by The Shallow Tales Review.

In the June edition of The Year of the Poet Anthology 2019, he was featured as one of the global poets by Inner Child Press, USA and same year appointed the editor-in-chief of The Ogene Magazine (a publication of Igbo Students'Association, FCE, Kontagora, Niger state). He is also the fiction and nonfiction editor of Poemify online Magazine.

*CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS!!!*

AWAITED REVOLUTION POETRY/ESSAY ANTHOLOGY

Society of Young Nigerian Writers Imo State Chapter, as a result of current happenings is launching a call with theme `The AWAITED REVOLUTION' Writers are hereby invited to submit poems and essays on `THE AWAITED REVOLUTION' for her upcoming Poetry/Essay Anthology.
Entries should be centered on present happenings in Nigeria.

Thus, only works written on the theme will be considered for publication.

*Please Note*

1. Submission is FREE and open to writers from any part of the world.
2. Entry must focus on the theme —'THE AWAITED REVOLUTION'

3. Avoid the temptation of giving your work the title of the theme of the anthology. Entrants are expected to be creative with their titles.
5. There is NO monetary prize attached for submitting your work for publication.
6. Only works that 'comply' to the submission guidelines will be considered for publication.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES:
1. Maximum of ONE entry per entrant for either (poem or essay).
2. English is the Language
3. We like it brief and concise. 500 words will do for essays, and a 30 lines for poetry.
4. Author’s information —location, contact details, and a short bio of not more than 120 words should be included in the submission.
5. Entry MUST be type-written and sent AS AN ATTACHMENT.
6. Entry MUST be original work of the entrant.
7. All entries should be sent on or before 20th July, 2022. Late entry will not be accepted.
8.The subject of mail should be 'THE AWAITED REVOLUTION ANTHOLOGY'.

BENEFITS:
1. All successful and shortlisted entries will be published in the AWAITED REVOLUTION' Poetry/Essay Anthology.
2. All successful/published entrants are entitled to e-copy of the published anthology.
3. All successful/¬published entrants will be given Certificates of Participation.

Send entries to synwimochapter@gmail.com and copy etumnuemeka@gmail.com
For further inquiries, support or partnership, contact:
Mr Etumnu Emeka Williams +2348067575628
Miss Nwosu Prayerlife Onyinyechi +2347046150939.

OSUN 2022: ACPP ACCUSES IPAC OF BEING BIAS AGAINST PDP AND DEMOLA ADELEKE

The Alliance of Collaborating Political Parties (ACPP) which consists of Osun based political groups and parties has alleged that the recent activities of the Osun state chapter of the Interparty Advisory Council (IPAC) under the leadership of one Mr. Wale Adebayo were against Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate in the forthcoming poll, Demola Adeleke which were designed to cause mayhem in IPAC and to scuttle democracy in the state.

ACPP under the leadership of Wole Adedoyin made the allegation on Tuesday after the Council recently went to the press with two screaming headlines, “IPAC Lampoons Adeleke over alleged plans to influence outcome of governorship poll” and “IPAC tackles PDP over alleged plan to rig Osun Polls”

ACPP described as false the Council’s allegation that PDP and its governorship candidate, Demola Adeleke wants to influence the outcome of governorship polls and have no plan to rig any election.

ACPP further alleged that IPAC in Osun State under the leadership of Mr. Wale Adebayo flouted the IPAC Code of Conduct by coming out publicly condemning one party for another party who are both members of the same council saying there was no balance, justice or fairness and it was glaring.

Parts of the release read: "The major function of IPAC is to work assiduously with INEC to strengthen the capacity of political parties through voter education, sensitisation of members and the general public, to completely minimise inconclusive elections and promote level playing ground for all political parties."

"IPAC is not INEC’s Spokesperson. Turning IPAC into a political tool against PDP and its candidate will only bring condemnation and destruction to the Council. The duo of Osun IPAC Chairman and Secretary should let the Stakeholders know if IPAC is now an appendage of the APC Government. PDP and APC are both staunch members of IPAC. The Chairman and Secretary of Osun IPAC should have published the releases under the platforms of their respective political parties. There is need for them to be reschooled on the aim and objectives of IPAC. Their actions are against IPAC’s Code of Conduct. IPAC is a neutral body.

ACPP finally urged the good people of Osun State to disregard allegations by the Council against the People's Democratic Party (PDP) and it's candidate, Demola Adeleke, describing them as propaganda.

FIVE IBADAN-BASED WRITERS TO HEADLINE READ NIGERIA PROJECT’S SENSITIZATION READING

Read Nigeria Project, a nationwide chain of reading events administered by Adwinsa Publications (Gh) Ltd and Ibadan Book Club has set aside 28th day of May, 2022 to host five Ibadan-based writers, Kehinde Adedeji, Fale Joshua, Anifowose Zainab Oluwafunmilola, Ademola Ayomide Miracle and Yusuff Opeere in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State.
A statement issued by the Coordinator and Secretary of the club, Ayobami Odunyemi and Hassanat Ayoade said the first phase of the sensitization reading would take place at the Oyo State Library Board, Opposite Cocoa House, Ibadan by 12PM prompt.
Read Nigeria Project is a nationwide chain of events administered by Adwinsa Publications (Gh) Ltd and Ibadan Book Club. It is a project devoted for readers and lovers of books across Nigeria to celebrate and honour some selected important personalities who have contributed meaningfully to the learning and reading culture of the country.

The project also hopes to promote book reading through different events like book bee, quiz contests and other mediums across the country irrespective of tribe, color, sect, age, religion and gender.

Adwinsa Publications was established in March of 1977 in Madina, a suberb of Accra, the capital of Ghana in West Africa. The young business at the time began in the CEO’s house. During the late 1980’s Adwinsa went from a small location to Accra Newtown, also in the Capital City. During this time we also embraced “desktop publishing” (which was also an industry in its infancy) as well as commercial offset printing. From the year 2000 to 2014, we have added multiple high speed printing machines that propelled us into a new level of high-quality offset printing. We also built and expanded our services by putting up an office complex in Agbobga in Accra, Ghana.

The publishing firm is considered experts in Junior and Senior High school syllabus based text books in Ghana. The firm focuses on books for the Basic, secondary and tertiary institutions that have been largely acknowledged locally by students, parents, governments and the international community. As a family-owned company, one of Adwinsa Publications’ strengths is its focus on the family and its desire to see families succeed in education, especially in the long term development of every child in the family.

Ibadan Book Club is an initiative of the Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW). It was founded in 2011 by SYNW in order to contribute its own quota to the growth and development of Reading Culture in Oyo State.

The Ibadan Book Club consists of a group of people who meet periodically to discuss the book they have read and exchange those books. Club members encourage each other and learn to read with a critical mind, articulating their opinions about a particular book with others. Certain types of books not available or read receive attention through the book club.

The Club is known for historical reading activities like Ibadan Book Award, Ibadan Book Party, Ibadan Creative Writing Workshop etc.
Some of the publications published by the Club are: Olubadan Centennial Anthology: a collection of essays, articles, poems and works of art in honor of Oba (Dr.) Samuel Odulana, Odugade 1, Voices from Oja Oba Market and Finally, Senator Abiola Ajimobi: Memories, Dreams, Reflections of a Mind Always in Motion.

MEET OUR GUEST WRITERS/READERS


KEHINDE ADEDEJI

Kehinde Adedeji is a young Nigerian poet, spoken word artist, scriptwriter and actor. He is a student of the great University of Ibadan, where he belongs to the department of Linguistics and African languages. His works can be found on AfricaWriter magazine and Akpesha Sandesh, an online Indian magazine. He is founder of PEARLS, a literary blog and home of creativity. As at the time of this reading, Kehinde Adedeji is the Coordinator of UI Book Club.

FALE JOSHUA

Fale Joshua is a student of Criminology and Security studies from the National Open University of Nigeria. Fale has published works in some notable online literary journals like Strida and Poetry House. Two of his works were also published by the Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW) via their anthologies “Upcoming Voices” and “Voices from Oja Oba.”
Fale’s first personal collection of poems titled “Change Unleash” was published in April 2013.

ANIFOWOSE ZAINAB OLUWAFUNMILOLA

Anifowose Zainab Oluwafunmilola is a 400 level student of the department of linguistics and African Languages, University of Ibadan. She is a writer, a poet and a chanter.

ADEMOLA AYOMIDE MIRACLE

Ademola Ayomide Miracle is a nutritionist, lifestyle therapist, a writer, a speaker, and a climate change advocate.

He is the CEO of Ourdiet Line, an organization that gives updates about the new developments in the field of nutrition and health, the organization also deliver lectures and teachings concerning healthy living and healthy eating through outreaches and online platforms.

He has written several poems and books so as to enlighten readers on several issues of life. One of his books is "My Passion, My Course", a book that teaches how to merge passion with reality. He was one of the over 60 writers from 14 countries that wrote a global anthology titled "War Against Fake News". He was an editor of an anthology on rape titled "GET CONSENT.

He has also acquired several trainings and certifications from institutions such as Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai., Nigeria Red Cross society and Initiative for Sound Education, Relationship and Health (ISERH) among others. He is also a member and ambassador of quite a number of organizations such as People of Possibility, Difference Maker Corporation, Global Warming Shield foundation, people of possibility and Ecogreen among others.

He is an alumnus of Federal Polytechnic, Ede where he earned a diploma in Nutrition and Dietetics and currently an undergraduate of Federal university of Agriculture, Abeokuta studying the same course. He has received several awards especially in regard to his academic pursuit and he is currently the Deputy Campus Director of Hultprize in Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta.
He is a passionate young man committed to making Nigeria and the world in general a better place through health and nutrition advocacy, writing, climate change advocacy, entrepreneurship, leadership and any other opportunities that shall be available.


YUSUFF OPEERE

Yusuff Opeere can't deny being a gig worker, Poet, Volunteer and Writer. He spent an inordinate quantity of his life in villages, over twenty years of experience in farming, working as a trev.

Yusuff Opeere was the senior prefect boy during his last year in basic school and grammar school too. He was a student of Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, Apata Ibadan where he studied Statistics.

His poem first appeared in SYNW; RAPE ANTHOLOGY, but now he's planning to publish a short memoir, GOD I SEE WHAT YOU'RE DOING FOR OTHERS.

Yusuff Opeere lives with his parents in Iseyin, Oyo state. You can reach him through, yusuffopeere@gmail.com.

READ NIGERIA: ADWINSA PUBLICATIONS LTD. AND IBADAN BOOK CLUB SET TO HOST FIVE IBADAN-BASED YOUNG WRITERS

Read Nigeria Project, a nationwide chain of reading events administered by Adwinsa Publications (Gh) Ltd and Ibadan Book Club has set aside 28th day of May, 2022 to host five Ibadan-based writers, Kehinde Adedeji, Fale Joshua, Anifowose Zainab Oluwafunmilola, Ademola Ayomide Miracle and Yusuff Opeere in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State.


A statement issued by the Coordinator and Secretary of the club, Ayobami Odunyemi and Hassanat Ayoade said the event would take place at the Oyo State Library Board, Opposite Cocoa House, Ibadan by 12PM prompt.

A statement issued by the Coordinator and Secretary of the club, Ayobami Odunyemi and Hassanat Ayoade said the first phase of the sensitization reading would take place at the Oyo State Library Board, Opposite Cocoa House, Ibadan by 12PM prompt.

Read Nigeria Project is a nationwide chain of events administered by Adwinsa Publications (Gh) Ltd and Ibadan Book Club. It is a project devoted for readers and lovers of books across Nigeria to celebrate and honour some selected important personalities who have contributed meaningfully to the learning and reading culture of the country.


The project also hopes to promote book reading through different events like book bee, quiz contests and other mediums across the country irrespective of tribe, color, sect, age, religion and gender.

Adwinsa Publications was established in March of 1977 in Madina, a suberb of Accra, the capital of Ghana in West Africa. The young business at the time began in the CEO’s house. During the late 1980’s Adwinsa went from a small location to Accra Newtown, also in the Capital City. During this time we also embraced “desktop publishing” (which was also an industry in its infancy) as well as commercial offset printing. From the year 2000 to 2014, we have added multiple high speed printing machines that propelled us into a new level of high-quality offset printing. We also built and expanded our services by putting up an office complex in Agbobga in Accra, Ghana.

The publishing firm is considered experts in Junior and Senior High school syllabus based text books in Ghana. The firm focuses on books for the Basic, secondary and tertiary institutions that have been largely acknowledged locally by students, parents, governments and the international community. As a family-owned company, one of Adwinsa Publications’ strengths is its focus on the family and its desire to see families succeed in education, especially in the long term development of every child in the family.

Ibadan Book Club is an initiative of the Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW). It was founded in 2011 by SYNW in order to contribute its own quota to the growth and development of Reading Culture in Oyo State.

The Ibadan Book Club consists of a group of people who meet periodically to discuss the book they have read and exchange those books. Club members encourage each other and learn to read with a critical mind, articulating their opinions about a particular book with others. Certain types of books not available or read receive attention through the book club.

The Club is known for historical reading activities like Ibadan Book Award, Ibadan Book Party, Ibadan Creative Writing Workshop etc.

Some of the publications published by the Club are: Olubadan Centennial Anthology: a collection of essays, articles, poems and works of art in honor of Oba (Dr.) Samuel Odulana, Odugade 1, Voices from Oja Oba Market and Finally, Senator Abiola Ajimobi: Memories, Dreams, Reflections of a Mind Always in Motion.

MEET OUR GUEST WRITERS/READERS



KEHINDE ADEDEJI

Kehinde Adedeji is a young Nigerian poet, spoken word artist, scriptwriter and actor. He is a student of the great University of Ibadan, where he belongs to the department of Linguistics and African languages. His works can be found on AfricaWriter magazine and Akpesha Sandesh, an online Indian magazine. He is founder of PEARLS, a literary blog and home of creativity. As at the time of this reading, Kehinde Adedeji is the Coordinator of UI Book Club.


FALE JOSHUA

Fale Joshua is a student of Criminology and Security studies from the National Open University of Nigeria. Fale has published works in some notable online literary journals like Strida and Poetry House. Two of his works were also published by the Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW) via their anthologies “Upcoming Voices” and “Voices from Oja Oba.”
Fale’s first personal collection of poems titled “Change Unleash” was published in April 2013.


ANIFOWOSE ZAINAB OLUWAFUNMILOLA

Anifowose Zainab Oluwafunmilola is a 400 level student of the department of linguistics and African Languages, University of Ibadan. She is a writer, a poet and a chanter.


ADEMOLA AYOMIDE MIRACLE

Ademola Ayomide Miracle is a nutritionist, lifestyle therapist, a writer, a speaker, and a climate change advocate.

He is the CEO of Ourdiet Line, an organization that gives updates about the new developments in the field of nutrition and health, the organization also deliver lectures and teachings concerning healthy living and healthy eating through outreaches and online platforms.

He has written several poems and books so as to enlighten readers on several issues of life. One of his books is "My Passion, My Course", a book that teaches how to merge passion with reality. He was one of the over 60 writers from 14 countries that wrote a global anthology titled "War Against Fake News". He was an editor of an anthology on rape titled "GET CONSENT.

He has also acquired several trainings and certifications from institutions such as Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai., Nigeria Red Cross society and Initiative for Sound Education, Relationship and Health (ISERH) among others. He is also a member and ambassador of quite a number of organizations such as People of Possibility, Difference Maker Corporation, Global Warming Shield foundation, people of possibility and Ecogreen among others.

He is an alumnus of Federal Polytechnic, Ede where he earned a diploma in Nutrition and Dietetics and currently an undergraduate of Federal university of Agriculture, Abeokuta studying the same course. He has received several awards especially in regard to his academic pursuit and he is currently the Deputy Campus Director of Hultprize in Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta.
He is a passionate young man committed to making Nigeria and the world in general a better place through health and nutrition advocacy, writing, climate change advocacy, entrepreneurship, leadership and any other opportunities that shall be available.



YUSUFF OPEERE

Yusuff Opeere can't deny being a gig worker, Poet, Volunteer and Writer. He spent an inordinate quantity of his life in villages, over twenty years of experience in farming, working as a trev.

Yusuff Opeere was the senior prefect boy during his last year in basic school and grammar school too. He was a student of Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, Apata Ibadan where he studied Statistics.


His poem first appeared in SYNW; RAPE ANTHOLOGY, but now he's planning to publish a short memoir, GOD I SEE WHAT YOU'RE DOING FOR OTHERS.


Yusuff Opeere lives with his parents in Iseyin, Oyo state. You can reach him through, yusuffopeere@gmail.com.

ANA SET TO HOLD AUTHORS’ GROOVE ON MAY 14 AT NIBF 2022

By: ANA Publicity Committee

The Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) will be hosting a special Panel Discussion and Focused Presentations featuring nine guest writers at the 2022 edition of the Authors’ Groove during the Nigeria International Book Fair holding on the 14th of May, 2022 at the Harbour Point Event Center, Victoria Island, Lagos State.
The Theme for this year’s Authors’ Groove is “How can the Nigerian Writing Industry Do Better than the Nigerian Music Industry?”
The Nine selected guest writers expected at the Panel Discussion and a medley of presentations are: Akeem Lasisi, Lekan Balogun, Lola Akande, AJ Dagger Tolar, Folu Agoi, Moshood Oba, Henry Akubuiro,Tanko Okodua, Lawrence Salome. The Discussion will be moderated by Taofeek Olatunbosun.
The event will take place on the 14th of May, 2022 by 11AM Prompt.
The book fair, organized by the Nigeria Book Fair Trust, of which ANA is a Council member and one of the constituent bodies, will also have ANA maintaining an exhibition stand throughout the duration of the fair where it will hold a daily literary clinic for the benefit of aspiring authors and showcase notable books by its members and invited guest authors.
The event, according to a statement by the organizers, promises to be an avenue for book exhibition, signing, presentation of awards, cultural activities, reading and networking.
ANA Members in and around Lagos are enjoined by the statement to attend the Authors; Groove and be at the Fair Ground.

AKURE BOOK CLUB

PRESENTS

AKURE PUBLISHING WEBINAR

Akure Publishing Webinar offers insider advice and strategies on publishing — journal articles, essays, opinion pieces, textbooks, and dissertation-to-book manuscripts.


This Webinar is an introduction to the basic principles of book publishing for trade, academic, university presses, scholarly and professional, and children’s books. Intending participants will explore the structure and functions of the publishing enterprise, as well as the unique attributes of each of the above mentioned segments of the book publishing industry: editorial principles and practices, marketing and publicity, production, sales and distribution. The impact of technology on these segments of the industry, current trends and issues will also be covered.


It also offers a glimpse into the mechanics of electronic publishing – the elements of a manuscript that editors and publishers feel are important, the review process, ethical issues, why manuscripts are accepted or rejected, and how to make your work more discoverable.


REGISTRATION IS FREE


DATE: Friday 29th April, 2022
TIME: 8:00PM
VENUE: WHATSAPP
To join click on this link: https:///FOYfCTqY1E9AV6AyhI9hn7

REQUIREMENTS

• You should have access to a computer with Internet connection
•
BENEFITS OF PARTICIPATION

• Automatic Membership into Ibadan Book Club
• Free Ebooks on Digital Publishing
• Free Certificate of Participation

MEET OUR INSTRUCTOR

Chukwuemeka Godswill is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Boldscholar Research Ltd. He founded the company and is the originator of the ideas behind the business model.

He has Bachelor of Art and Master’s degrees in English and Literary Studies, from the University of Nigeria Nsukka. He has undergone a training on Strategies and Methodologies for EGovernment (ICT-based/ smart government) under United Nations Public Administration Network (UNPAN).

He is also the Managing Director Chuxem Link (www.chuxem.com) an ICT company founded in 2008, which provides E-Library services and software developments (websites and portals) for higher institutions (universities, polytechnics, colleges of education) in Nigeria. It was in the course of delivering quality services to clients in the education sector that he discovered the gap in the education sector in the area of intellectual content availability and distribution, and decided to fill it by founding Boldscholar Research Ltd.

Interestingly, even as the Managing Director of Chuxem Link, in 2012 he took up a job with YSGHubs Ltd (an ICT/e-commerce company that was based in Lagos) as eBook Catalogue Manager, to understudy the collection and distribution of intellectual contents in Nigeria. As the eBook Catalogue Manager with YSGHubs Ltd, it was his duty to negotiate with authors and tertiary institutions on behalf of the company on how to market their eBooks on the company’s online platform. This helped him to understand the problems associated with intellectual contents gathering and distribution in Nigeria through online platforms like websites and apps, and further shaped his development of the business template for Boldscholar Research Ltd.

Chukwuemeka Godswill is highly skilled in Business Management, Negotiation and Critical Thinking. He sees opportunity in virtually everything and knows how to manage skilled staff and human resources to create business out of any negligible item.

AKURE PUBLISHING WEBINAR - MEET OUR INSTRUCTOR

Chukwuemeka Godswill is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Boldscholar Research Ltd. He founded the company and is the originator of the ideas behind the business model.

He has Bachelor of Art and Master’s degrees in English and Literary Studies, from the University of Nigeria Nsukka. He has undergone a training on Strategies and Methodologies for EGovernment (ICT-based/ smart government) under United Nations Public Administration Network (UNPAN).

He is also the Managing Director Chuxem Link (www.chuxem.com) an ICT company founded in 2008, which provides E-Library services and software developments (websites and portals) for higher institutions (universities, polytechnics, colleges of education) in Nigeria. It was in the course of delivering quality services to clients in the education sector that he discovered the gap in the education sector in the area of intellectual content availability and distribution, and decided to fill it by founding Boldscholar Research Ltd.

Interestingly, even as the Managing Director of Chuxem Link, in 2012 he took up a job with YSGHubs Ltd (an ICT/e-commerce company that was based in Lagos) as eBook Catalogue Manager, to understudy the collection and distribution of intellectual contents in Nigeria. As the eBook Catalogue Manager with YSGHubs Ltd, it was his duty to negotiate with authors and tertiary institutions on behalf of the company on how to market their eBooks on the company’s online platform. This helped him to understand the problems associated with intellectual contents gathering and distribution in Nigeria through online platforms like websites and apps, and further shaped his development of the business template for Boldscholar Research Ltd.

Chukwuemeka Godswill is highly skilled in Business Management, Negotiation and Critical Thinking. He sees opportunity in virtually everything and knows how to manage skilled staff and human resources to create business out of any negligible item.

BOLDSCHOLAR FOUNDER CHUKWUEMEKA GODSWILL TO HEADLINE AKURE PUBLISHING WEBINAR

Akure Book Club (ABC) has set aside 29th day of April, 2022 to host Chukwuemeka Godswill, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Boldscholar Research Ltd. He will be talking on the Mechanics of Electronic Publishing.


A statement issued by both the Coordinator of the club, Tunde Akingbondere said the event would take place via WHATSAPP by 80:00PM.


According to the Club, Akure Publishing Webinar offers insider advice and strategies on publishing — journal articles, essays, opinion pieces, textbooks, and dissertation-to-book manuscripts.

“This Webinar is an introduction to the basic principles of book publishing for trade, academic, university presses, scholarly and professional, and children’s books. Intending participants will explore the structure and functions of the publishing enterprise, as well as the unique attributes of each of the above mentioned segments of the book publishing industry: editorial principles and practices, marketing and publicity, production, sales and distribution. The impact of technology on these segments of the industry, current trends and issues will also be covered.”


It also offers a glimpse into the mechanics of electronic publishing – the elements of a manuscript that editors and publishers feel are important, the review process, ethical issues, why manuscripts are accepted or rejected, and how to make your work more discoverable.


Akure Book Club is an initiative of the Nigerian Young Writers Society. It was founded in 2011 by SYNW in order to contribute its own quota to the growth and development of the Reading Culture in Ondo State.

Akure Book Club consists of a group of people who meet periodically to discuss the book they have read and exchange those books. Club members encourage each other and learn to read with a critical mind, articulating their opinions about a particular book with others. Certain types of books not available or read receive attention through the book club.

EKO FICTION WRITING WEBINAR

MEET OUR INSTRUCTORS

GABRIEL SUNDAY AFOLAYAN

Gabriel Sunday Afolayan is a Nigerian newspaper columnist, a polytechnic lecturer, novelist, poet and public affairs commentator. His interest covers such genres as prose fiction, poetry and creative essays. He has been writing since his days in the university, contributing local news, articles and short stories for publication in national newspapers and magazines. He attended the Institute of Journalism, Benin City and later Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu, as well as Nnamdi Azikwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria,where he bagged his M.Sc in Mass Communication. He is currently researching a Ph.D in “Media and Ethno-political Crises in Nigeria” from the Department of Mass Communication, University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
The Ekiti State-born writer started his journalism career with the defunct National Concord, where he rose to the position of State Correspondent, later to the The Guardian newspaper as a Staff Reporter and Issues news magazine as Staff Writer. During his days in the news media, he extensively covered different beats, writing many lead stories on crime, political and allied metropolitan events and issues, with particular focus on investigative and interpretative journalism.
A prolific writer, Afolayan’s first published title - Beyond the Silent Grave, published in 2001 by Spectrum Books, Ibadan -was an instant success. The 251-page fast paced novel was later nominated for many awards, including the Cadbury/ANA Prose Prize and NLNG’s Nigeria Prize for Literature in 2004. The book was later awarded the FG/UBE Grant in 2013/2014 alongside some selected titles by different Nigerian authors for the education intervention programme of the Federal Ministry of Education.
Apart from his media experience, he has worked in the manufacturing industry and rose to the post of Marketing Manager in a vegetable oil company in Ondo State before taking appointment with the Ondo State Polytechnic, now, Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, Nigeria, where he currently teaches journalism, media and communication courses in the Department of Mass Communication. As a public affairs analyst, he has been a regular personality on television and radio stations in Ondo State, featuring regularly on such programmes as Cross Fire, AM Today and Ojumo Ire – where topical issues affecting the society are discussed with other panelists.
Apart from a long dossier of about twenty well researched articles published in many reputable journals within and outside Nigeria, his works, ranging from full length novels, book chapters, poems and short stories in anthology collections, have enjoyed wide circulation and acceptance as literature reference materials in many universities across the globe. His other books also includeRomoke: the Little Orphan – published on the grant of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Pa Jeje’s Legendary Tales, The Recalcitrant King and The Sunshine Tales (an anthology of short stories),which he co-edited. His short story novelettes, particularly designed for primary school pupils, include Taiwo and His Naughty Friends, Death and the Three Greedy Rascals, The Richman and the Poor Beggars, among other titles.
As one of a few committed and established writers in the 21st century Africa, his works have been reviewed by different newspapers in Nigeria and scholars in first class institutions abroad. These include Safari Books, Channel Islands, UK, African Books Collective, Oxford, UK, University of Texas, Austin, USA,and World Literature Today, published at the University of Oklahoma, USA and some online platforms. One of his poems: Plagued by the Anger of Hunger was selected in 2021 as one of the “10 most outstanding entries” in the #EndSars poetry contest, organised by the Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW) in collaboration with the US-based International Human Rights Arts Festival.
A literary activist and community development enthusiast, Afolayan is a member of the African Council for Communication Education (ACCE), African Journalism and Communication League (AJCL) Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and currently the Chairman of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Ondo State Chapter and was once a member of the National Executive Committee of the association. He is married to former Miss Oluwatoyin Omodara and their union is blessed with godly and wonderful children.


ALBERT AFESO AKANBI


Albert Afeso Akanbi was born in Nigeria on 31 March, a writer, filmmaker & humanitarian, he holds a B.Sc. in Economics, a certificate in filmmaking and a 2017 RNTC Media institute in the Netherlands certificate in Persuasive Storytelling and Journalism.

One of his short stories was among 50 selected from 38 writers representing 16 countries that appeared in the African Book Club’s maiden anthology The Bundles of Joy and Other Stories from Africa published in the United State of America in 2014. As an alumni of the Sangam House International Writers' residency in India, his creative piece on the subject of dance and the writing craft was among the over 44 works selected from over 40 writers cut across 3 continents that appeared in the Vol 3 of the Sangam House reader, Other Windows, published in India in early 2017.

His short story That Sunday Afternoon won the maiden WordMaster Writers’ Challenge competition in May, 2015.

In 2018 he released two e-books, Urushi and Other Stories from Ososo and Christians and Muslims: A Collection of Articles to some critical acclaim.
In 2019, he launched a picture book about Ososo, the scenic town of streams and rocks caught in-between the undulating Somorika hills of southern Nigeria, and since then has gone on to make documentary films, all of them to critical acclaim.

His op-ed articles appear frequently in a handful Nigerian media platforms.

He is the author of OSOSO: Our Place, Our People & Our Patrimony, The Edge of Patience, Cold Black Night and November 5.

He runs a film making company Doppler Films in Nigeria.

He is a father.

EKO BOOK CLUB

PRESENTS

EKO FICTION WRITING WEBINAR

Fiction Writing Webinar is a day online course for writers and book lovers who are new to fiction writing or who would like to return to the fundamentals of fiction.
Fiction Writing requires a balance of craftsmanship, daring, and insight into human nature. Here you will learn the time-tested elements of fiction craft and how to market your work.

Whether you seek to write short stories or novels, mainstream or literary, comic or tragic, we’ll show you how to spin your thoughts into believable and spellbinding tales.
Join Gabriel Sunday Afolayan and Albert Afeso Akanbi as they deliver lectures on the fundamentals and Techniques of fiction writing – setting, plot, theme, character development, prose, dialogue and more. Expand your skills to take your writing to the next level and to ensure your story will keep readers interested and engaged!

DATE: 28th April, 2022

TIME: 8:00PM

VENUE: WHATSAPP

To join click on this link: https:///BXJZD2d7wWX5Le5QdRfeSG

THE WEBINAR IS A DAY EVENT

REGISTRATION IS FREE

REQUIREMENTS

• You should have access to an android phone with Internet connection

BENEFITS OF PARTICIPATION

• Automatic Membership into the Association of Nigerian Christian Authors and Publishers (ANCAPS)
• Free Ebooks on Christian Writing
• Free E-Certificate of Participation

GUEST INSTRUCTORS

GABRIEL SUNDAY AFOLAYAN

Gabriel Sunday Afolayan is a Nigerian newspaper columnist, a polytechnic lecturer, novelist, poet and public affairs commentator. His interest covers such genres as prose fiction, poetry and creative essays. He has been writing since his days in the university, contributing local news, articles and short stories for publication in national newspapers and magazines. He attended the Institute of Journalism, Benin City and later Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu, as well as Nnamdi Azikwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria,where he bagged his M.Sc in Mass Communication. He is currently researching a Ph.D in “Media and Ethno-political Crises in Nigeria” from the Department of Mass Communication, University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
The Ekiti State-born writer started his journalism career with the defunct National Concord, where he rose to the position of State Correspondent, later to the The Guardian newspaper as a Staff Reporter and Issues news magazine as Staff Writer. During his days in the news media, he extensively covered different beats, writing many lead stories on crime, political and allied metropolitan events and issues, with particular focus on investigative and interpretative journalism.
A prolific writer, Afolayan’s first published title - Beyond the Silent Grave, published in 2001 by Spectrum Books, Ibadan -was an instant success. The 251-page fast paced novel was later nominated for many awards, including the Cadbury/ANA Prose Prize and NLNG’s Nigeria Prize for Literature in 2004. The book was later awarded the FG/UBE Grant in 2013/2014 alongside some selected titles by different Nigerian authors for the education intervention programme of the Federal Ministry of Education.
Apart from his media experience, he has worked in the manufacturing industry and rose to the post of Marketing Manager in a vegetable oil company in Ondo State before taking appointment with the Ondo State Polytechnic, now, Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, Nigeria, where he currently teaches journalism, media and communication courses in the Department of Mass Communication. As a public affairs analyst, he has been a regular personality on television and radio stations in Ondo State, featuring regularly on such programmes as Cross Fire, AM Today and Ojumo Ire – where topical issues affecting the society are discussed with other panelists.
Apart from a long dossier of about twenty well researched articles published in many reputable journals within and outside Nigeria, his works, ranging from full length novels, book chapters, poems and short stories in anthology collections, have enjoyed wide circulation and acceptance as literature reference materials in many universities across the globe. His other books also includeRomoke: the Little Orphan – published on the grant of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Pa Jeje’s Legendary Tales, The Recalcitrant King and The Sunshine Tales (an anthology of short stories),which he co-edited. His short story novelettes, particularly designed for primary school pupils, include Taiwo and His Naughty Friends, Death and the Three Greedy Rascals, The Richman and the Poor Beggars, among other titles.
As one of a few committed and established writers in the 21st century Africa, his works have been reviewed by different newspapers in Nigeria and scholars in first class institutions abroad. These include Safari Books, Channel Islands, UK, African Books Collective, Oxford, UK, University of Texas, Austin, USA,and World Literature Today, published at the University of Oklahoma, USA and some online platforms. One of his poems: Plagued by the Anger of Hunger was selected in 2021 as one of the “10 most outstanding entries” in the #EndSars poetry contest, organised by the Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW) in collaboration with the US-based International Human Rights Arts Festival.
A literary activist and community development enthusiast, Afolayan is a member of the African Council for Communication Education (ACCE), African Journalism and Communication League (AJCL) Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and currently the Chairman of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Ondo State Chapter and was once a member of the National Executive Committee of the association. He is married to former Miss Oluwatoyin Omodara and their union is blessed with godly and wonderful children.


ALBERT AFESO AKANBI


Albert Afeso Akanbi was born in Nigeria on 31 March, a writer, filmmaker & humanitarian, he holds a B.Sc. in Economics, a certificate in filmmaking and a 2017 RNTC Media institute in the Netherlands certificate in Persuasive Storytelling and Journalism.

One of his short stories was among 50 selected from 38 writers representing 16 countries that appeared in the African Book Club’s maiden anthology The Bundles of Joy and Other Stories from Africa published in the United State of America in 2014. As an alumni of the Sangam House International Writers' residency in India, his creative piece on the subject of dance and the writing craft was among the over 44 works selected from over 40 writers cut across 3 continents that appeared in the Vol 3 of the Sangam House reader, Other Windows, published in India in early 2017.

His short story That Sunday Afternoon won the maiden WordMaster Writers’ Challenge competition in May, 2015.

In 2018 he released two e-books, Urushi and Other Stories from Ososo and Christians and Muslims: A Collection of Articles to some critical acclaim.
In 2019, he launched a picture book about Ososo, the scenic town of streams and rocks caught in-between the undulating Somorika hills of southern Nigeria, and since then has gone on to make documentary films, all of them to critical acclaim.

His op-ed articles appear frequently in a handful Nigerian media platforms.

He is the author of OSOSO: Our Place, Our People & Our Patrimony, The Edge of Patience, Cold Black Night and November 5.

He runs a film making company Doppler Films in Nigeria.

He is a father.



For Enquiries contact: Wole Adedoyin: 08072673852 or woleadedoyin@gmail.com