₦airaland Forum

I GET MY INSPIRATION FROM ENVIRONMENT AND NATURE - OGUNSOLA AYOOLUWA FOLAKUNMI

Ogunsola Ayooluwa Folakunmi is a graduate of Tai Solarin University of Education. He is a Young Motivated Environmental Activist, a Poet and Digital Marketer. In this short interview with Wole Adedoyin, he shares with him his writing experience.

WA: HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WRITING?
OAF: I have been writing for more than 10 years
WA: WHEN DID YOU START WRITING?
OAF: I remember writing story books in used Note books about the age of 11
WA: HAVE YOU ALWAYS WANTED TO BE A WRITER?
OAF: Definitely, I always knew I couldn't run away from writing as it was a form of expression for me
WA: WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE A NEW WRITER, SOMEONE JUST STARTING OUT?
OAF: Let it flow from the inside. Everyone has a Writer in their soul just waiting for an Ink to Explore
WA: HOW DO YOU HANDLE WRITER’S BLOCK?
OAF: I usually try to read other books and go out with friends to get inspirations
WA: HOW MANY BOOKS HAVE YOU WRITTEN? WHICH IS YOUR FAVOURITE?
OAF: I have not written a book. But I have a book that is upcoming
WHAT IS THE MOST SURPRISING THING YOU DISCOVERED WHILE WRITING YOUR BOOK(S)?
OAF: The fact that each Character has a reflection of the writer’s personality hidden in them and at the same time they function at different areas
WA: WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR INSPIRATION?
OAF: I get my inspiration from my environment
WA: WHERE CAN READERS PURCHASE YOUR BOOKS?
OAF: My books will be on online stores very soon .
WA: WHERE CAN READERS FIND OUT MORE ABOUT YOU AND YOUR BOOKS?
OAF: They can check my LinkedIn and Social Media.
WA: WHICH OF YOUR BOOKS WERE THE MOST ENJOYABLE TO WRITE?
OAF: My current book
WHAT, IN YOUR OPINION, ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT ELEMENTS OF GOOD WRITING?
OAF: I think that the master of each character and expression matters to a large extent.
WA: WHO'S YOUR FAVORITE AUTHOR OF ALL TIME? YOUR FAVORITE BOOK BY THEM?
OAF: Dale Carnegie
WA: ARE THERE ANY SECRETS FROM THE BOOK, YOU CAN SHARE WITH YOUR READERS?
OAF: Yea my book explores Characters of individuals who are on a trip to the North and they discover social issues like drug abuse, Ethnicity ,Alumanjiri and Terrorism. The book ends with Love and .....
WA: WHAT WAS THE INSPIRATION FOR THE STORY?
OAF: The inspiration of the story was from my friends in the university and Northern Nigerian
WA: WHAT IS THE KEY THEME AND/OR MESSAGE IN THE BOOK?
OAF: To learn about how human interaction can be better improved and finding societal solutions to problems one step at a time
WA: WHAT DO YOU HOPE YOUR READERS TAKE AWAY FROM THIS BOOK?
OAF: To learn to live with people in love and harmony and find creative solutions to social problems.
WA: WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE TITLE?
OAF: Time is of the essence
WA: HAS A BOOK EVER CHANGED YOUR LIFE?
OAF: A lot of books
WA: WHAT BOOKS DO YOU LOVE?
OAF: Career development books
WA: WHAT AUTHOR (WHO IS STILL LIVING) WOULD YOU DEARLY LOVE TO MEET?
OAF: Wole Soyinka
WA: DO YOU LIKE TO DISPLAY YOUR BOOKS ON A BOOKSHELF OR KEEP THEM IN A VIRTUAL LIBRARY?
OAF: I prefer Virtual Libraries
WA: DO YOU PREFER FLASH FICTION, SHORT STORIES, NOVELLAS, OR NOVELS?
Novels
WA: WHAT BOOK CAN YOU RECOMMEND TO ME?
OAF: How to win friends over by dale Carnegie
WA: WHEN DID YOU LAST VISIT A LIBRARY?
OAF: One week ago
WA: HAVE YOU EVER HAD A CRUSH ON A BOOK CHARACTER?
OAF: I have admired a couple of characters but a crush is a strong word. Hahaha
WA: HAS A BOOK EVER MADE YOU LAUGH OUT LOUD?
OAF: yes!

A GOOD LITERATURE WILL MAKE YOU FEEL YOURSELF MORE AROUND, MORE REAL AND MORE VIVIDLY THAN YOU'VE EVER FELT - ADEKOLA EMMANUEL ADEBOWALE

Wale Adekola is a literary scholar and teacher; he has trained several pupils and students at various academic levels: primary, secondary and A'level schools such as: First Class Prevarsity, Idi-ape, Teekay tutorials, Owode, Al-aleem Model College, Olunde, Real Educational Consult (REC), UI, etc., and he currently teaches A'level classes at Winners Academy, Olorunkemi, Ibadan. In this interview with Wole Adedoyin, he takes you to his literary world and the things that inspire and motivate him.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START WRITING?


AEA: I can't pinpoint one particular thing that inspired me to write, but I know that I had a lot of tumultuous ideas and recurrent sparse events in my head. I usually tried to arrange them chronologically and tell them to my friends; I didn't even know I could write until I read a particular novel, Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda N. Adichie. Though I had read few other writers before her—Sophocles, Chinua Achebe, Wole Soyinka—but I found Purple Hibiscus more contemporary and closer to one of the storylines in my head so I thought I could also find expression in writing.


WA: HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WRITING?


AEA: Wow! If I can still rely on my memory, I believe it's about eight years now of mindful writing. Yes, eight years.


WA: WHEN DID YOU START WRITING?


AEA: Hmm, I started writing quite a long time before I could say I had really started writing. That's the difference I draw between mindful and unmindful writing. I started when I was in primary school; I started with some picture stories that a class friend of mine, Taiwo—I can't remember his surname—and I usually did. We would use different paintings alongside short explanations of the event at each scene to narrate stories. However most times ungrammatical, our other mates found them very hilarious, and of course, we were just 'green' kids!


WA: HAVE YOU ALWAYS WANTED TO BE A WRITER?


AEA: The answer is simply no. I wasn't always wanting to be a writer. I actually wanted to genuinely defend my country but I knew I would hold fast to my writing skills, and I would write about many other events in the military, the gory and the glorious ones.


WA: WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE A NEW WRITER, SOMEONE JUST STARTING OUT?


AEA: If I'm truly fit to offer any advice at all, I would rather the new writer picked up good books and read. To be a writer, you must be a reader first. And to continue being a writer, you must be an active reader. Reading opened and opens my world, reading made me realize the materialization of the ideas in my head few years ago. A good literature will make you feel yourself more around, more real and more vividly than you've ever felt. A good literature will open your mind, take you out of yourself to places, yet you're just in your conducive study or comfortable room.


WA: HOW DO YOU HANDLE WRITER’S BLOCK?


AEA: That's a giant one. I was even barred by this for few months without knowing what it was. The quest to break it led me to reading dictionaries. I read Chambers and Collins dictionaries completely but I still realized that even my large word bank could still fail at a point. One Mr Taiwo, a then master's student in UI later told me what it was and that by listening to people, making research on topical writings and reading both academic and non academic writings, I would overcome it. In addition to these ideas, I got a thesaurus. In it, it is easy for me to locate a word's synonymous form that fits properly in a particular context.


WA: HOW MANY BOOKS HAVE YOU WRITTEN? WHICH IS YOUR FAVOURITE?


AEA: I have written five books sir. In the order of their creations, they are: Our Buffalos, Who's Olukubu?, Dual Paradigms of Now, a Humane Robber_ and Songs of Hope through a Penitent's Journey. The last one is poetry. Though copyrighted, they aren't published yet. Among all, my favorite remains Dual Paradigms of Now.

WA: WHAT IS THE MOST SURPRISING THING YOU DISCOVERED WHILE WRITING YOUR BOOK(S)?


AEA: I was just surprised that I could do better than my first draft of a book titled, The Clowns but now, Our Buffalos. It was surprising how writing challenge could help me grow that fast. Because one Rev. Ismaila who pastors at my church had challenged me some time ago, in 2013, with a deadline for rewriting after reading my very first draft that reeked of errors of all kinds. I'm just grateful he guided me and didn't kill the vibe.


WA: WHO IS YOUR FAVOURITE CHARACTER?


AEA: My favorite character is in my Our Buffalos; his name is Victor. I like his willful power and surviving spirit that finally gave him a victory.


WA: WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR INSPIRATION?


AEA: Hmm, my inspiration is actually derived from meditation on God's ways and His glorious empyrean. Aside that, I don't think anything else brings me better inspiration. There's a serene conduciveness in magnifying Him or just praying, believing that He hears me and staying silently in His presence for some moments. I get refreshed and renewed and filled up with some inner joy that is unexplainable.


WA: WHERE CAN READERS PURCHASE YOUR BOOKS?


AEA: Like I said earlier, my books aren't published yet due to some financial incapabilities. But I hope that by God's grace, next year, I shall get, at least, one published.


WA: WHERE CAN READERS FIND OUT MORE ABOUT YOU AND YOUR BOOKS?


AEA: Well, finding out more about me is not a problem. My Facebook profile, Emmanuel Adekola, speaks, as well as my Facebook page, Wale Adekola's Literary Space. People can also find more about me and my books via my personal WhatsApp contact: https:///+2349060283962


WA: HAVE ANY OF YOUR BOOKS BEEN MADE INTO AUDIOBOOKS? IF SO, WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES IN PRODUCING AN AUDIO BOOK?


AEA:No, any of them hasn't been made into audiobook.


WA: WHICH OF YOUR BOOKS WERE THE MOST ENJOYABLE TO WRITE?


AEA: The most enjoyable to write among my books is Dual Paradigms of Now simply because I enjoy the make up of its verisimilitude and the nexus created between two different worlds.


TELL US ABOUT YOUR FIRST PUBLISHED BOOK? WHAT WAS THE JOURNEY LIKE?


AEA: I haven't had experience with a published work of mine. I have only accrued experiences in how tedious it may be to try to publish.


WA: WHAT, IN YOUR OPINION, ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT ELEMENTS OF GOOD WRITING?


AEA: Ah, in my opinion, I strongly believe that three major elements are much more important as far as good writing is concerned. The first one is clarity, its communicative essence; two, a good command of the language of communication. And then truth. Not in the general or traditional sense but in accordance to the world created in the book. That is, the work should have verisimilitude. Don't tell us, for example, in your writing, that someone got reduced in height while walking without giving us the basis of the Gravitational Pull of the Earth that might have caused it, if you're writing a science fiction. That is my opinion.


WA: WHO'S YOUR FAVORITE AUTHOR OF ALL TIME? YOUR FAVORITE BOOK BY THEM?


AEA: Choosing a favorite author, for me, is somehow difficult because I literally enjoy all authors I've come across. I've appreciated all their works being unique and aesthetic in their different styles. But to answer this question, I'll rather give a ranking to showcase my level of liking for each. First is Femi Osofisan, Ola Rotimi then Wole Soyinka, followed by Chinua Achebe, even though he's dead. Next is Chimamanda N. Adichie and then Camara Laye then Remi Raji, plus many others. Meanwhile, none of them really owns a position; there's constant interchangeability of the levels in my mind. My favorite books of these authors in respective order are: Who's Afraid of Solarin?, Ovonramwen Nogbaisi, The Lion and the Jewel, Things Fall Apart , Half of a Yellow Sun, African Child, Gather my Blood Rivers of Song.


WA: ON YOUR LATEST BOOK TITLED CAN YOU SHARE WITH US SOMETHING ABOUT THE BOOK


AEA: My latest one is a collection of poems titled Songs of Hope through a Penitent's Journey. It simply comprises of different lyrical poems yet telling a story of a person's spiritual journey with God and his experience with Ifá and other religions.


WA: ARE THERE ANY SECRETS FROM THE BOOK, YOU CAN SHARE WITH YOUR READERS?


AEA: I will share no secret but this particular one. In that poetry book, there's a secret, among many others, about our unreasonable and outrageous religiousity in Africa, and what piety truly means versus what God really wants.


WA: WHAT WAS THE INSPIRATION FOR THE STORY?


AEA: The inspiration was gotten from silent prayer to God like I said the other time. He has taken me through long spiritual, physical, emotional and alluring journeys, then He laid it so strongly upon my heart to write what could serve as an eye opener to our unrighteous righteousness in Africa and lots more.


WA: WHAT IS THE KEY THEME AND/OR MESSAGE IN THE BOOK?


AEA: I have already answered this earlier. Nevertheless, I will be more explicit. The major theme is a presentation of God's mind purely through His words. Another theme is the evil being religious, but not pious, does to us as a people in Africa.


WA: WHAT DO YOU HOPE YOUR READERS TAKE AWAY FROM THIS BOOK?


AEA:Relief. I hope they will take relief. Rest and peace and freedom from the shackles of human-hyped religiousity as well as a confidence of the mind in their approach of the spiritual. And also, fresh innovative mind.


WA: WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE TITLE?


AEA: Songs of Hope through a Penitent's Journey. The significance of this is that the songs are the different lyrical poems one will come across in it, and it is through a journey because it narrates through the penitent's life. In a world so corrupt, hardly can one find 40% of men who are still very rational. The penitent therefore hopes for a better day. He hopes that one day, the darkness will be over, light will come and he will witness it.


WA: HAS A BOOK EVER CHANGED YOUR LIFE?


AEA: I won't say yes neither will I say no. The change came before the book. Manifestation of the change is the book. The book is a representation of experiences. Glory be to God for surmounting.


WA: WHAT GENRES DO YOU LOVE?


AEA: I like all the three major genres of literature. Among the sub-genres, I think I enjoy fiction and high comedy so much and also narrative poems.


WA: ARE THERE ANY GENRES YOU DISLIKE?


AEA: As far as literature is concerned, I hate no genre. Though I can say I don't really enjoy autobiography.


WA: WHAT AUTHOR (WHO IS STILL LIVING) WOULD YOU DEARLY LOVE TO MEET?


AEA: Oh, my God! There are a number. I would love so much to meet Ọkùnrin ogun, Prof. Wole Soyinka, Prof. Femi Osofisan, Chimamanda N. Adichie and Oke Ndibe.


WA: DO YOU LIKE TO DISPLAY YOUR BOOKS ON A BOOKSHELF OR KEEP THEM IN A VIRTUAL LIBRARY?


AEA: I don't really like virtual books or soft copies. Even if what is available is soft copy, I'll print it out. On a bookshelf, yes, that's where I like to display my books.


WA: DO YOU PREFER FLASH FICTION, SHORT STORIES, NOVELLAS, OR NOVELS?


AEA: I prefer both short stories and novels to others.


WA: WHAT BOOK CAN YOU RECOMMEND TO ME?


AEA: Hmm, I can gladly recommend to you _Dream-Seeker on Divining Chain_ by Okinba Launko if you don't have it already anyways.


WA: WHEN DID YOU LAST VISIT A LIBRARY?


AEA:That's this past November. I visited KDL, Kenneth Dike Library, University of Ibadan.


WA: HAVE YOU EVER HAD A CRUSH ON A BOOK CHARACTER?


AEA: Smiles... Yes, I've once had a crush on a book character and that's Kambili of Chimamanda's _Purple Hibiscus_ .



WA: HAS A BOOK EVER MADE YOU LAUGH OUT LOUD?


AEA: Oh, yes! Who's Afraid of Solarin? did. Gbonmiayelobiojo and his cabinet members' reactions on realizing that the person who took so many things from them was just an imposter and that the real Solarin, government's inspector, had just arrived made me laugh so loud. Another one is the dancing home of the soldiers before realizing they had already reached the barracks and that they had left their guns behind in Femi Osofisan's Once Upon Four Robbers.

EWI NI MO GBADUN JU LATI MA KO - OLUJIDE JACOB OLÚMOFE

Olujide Jacob Olúmofe je okan lara omo egbe Ibadan Book Club. Ninu iforowero pelu Wole Adedoyin, o so nipa iriri re gegebi Onkowe

WA: BAWO LOSE BERE? KÍNNI OTI KO ATI WIPE KIN LÓ N KO LOWO?

OJO: Ó pẹ́ tí mo ti bẹ̀rẹ̀. Ọ̀nà àkọ́kọ́ ni pé mo pinnu. Mi ò tíì kọ ìwé kankan síta ṣùgbọ́n mo ni àwọn iṣẹ́ kéèkèé kan ti mo ti kọ. Àwọn kan jẹ́ Ewì: Àpẹrẹ: Láyípo Layé.. Àwọn kan, Ọ̀rọ̀ Ìyànjú (motivational talks) ní gẹ̀ẹ́sì àti ní Yorùbá: Appreciation..

WA: KÍNNI IKAN TO WU E LORI TI O FI RO PÉ IWO NAA FE MÁA KO NKAN

OJO: Ohun tó wúmi lórí ni pé mo ní àwọn iṣẹ́ tí mo fẹ́ẹ́jẹ́ láùjọ ènìyàn nípa èyí tí mo fẹ́ la àwọn ipa rere.

WA: TANI OUN WO GEGE BI AWO KOSE, ATI WIPE KÍNNI IDI TI ENI NAA FI JE AWOKOSE FÚN E.

OJO: Àwọn aláwòṣeè mi pọ̀ o, látorí àwọn òbíì mi, àyíká, ilé-ẹ̀kọ́ ìwé, ilé-ìjọsìn ṣọ́ọ́ṣì, gbígbọ́ àwọn ètò kan lóríi rédíò àti tẹlifíṣàn abbl.

WA: SE ONI NKANKAN PATO TÓ MÁA N FI ISE RE SUN

OJO: Àwọn ọ̀rọ̀ ìrètí, ìṣítí abbl

WA: AMORAN WO LO LE GBA AWON OJE WEWE TO SESE BO.

OJO: Kí wọ́n pinnu, kí wọ́n sọ fún Ọlọ́run, kí wọ́n jẹ́ kí Ọlọ́run pèsèe wọn torí gbogbo nǹkan ló ní kíkọ́.

WA: SE O NI ILANA TO FI KO NKAN TO N KO,ABI ONI ONA KAN PATO TO N KO NKAN LE LORI?

OJO: Mo nílànà. Lọ́wọ́ lọ́wọ́, ìlànà Báyọ̀ Fálétí àti Ọ̀jọ̀gbọ́n Akínwùmi Ìṣọ̀lá ní mò ń lò.

WA: BAWO LESE BERE? IGBA WO LO BERE? KÍNNI IDI TOFI BERE?

OJO: Ọdún yẹn ti pẹ́. Mo kàn ṣáàmọ̀ pé bí kiní ọ̀hún bá dé sími, kìí ṣe wèrè o. Ẹ̀mí Ìmísí Ọlọ́run ni. Tí ó bá ti dé, mi ò kíì le ṣe nǹkan míràn àfi tí nbá kọ ohun tó fẹ́ kí nkọ. Ìmísí àti Ìpinnu.

WA: ÌWÉ WO LO KOKO GBÉ JADE

OJO: Mi ò tíì gbé ìwé jáde.

WA: TOBA JU ISE RE SI IGBORO KINNI AWON ESI TO RI LATI ODO ÀWON TÓ N KA

OJO: Wọ́nní bórin dùn bí ò dùn, ẹni tan wò máa wí. Àwọn èèyàn tó yímika ni mo máa n kéwì tàbí ka iṣẹ́ mi létíi wọn. Wọn a sì ṣàríwísí si.

WA: BAWO NI AWON EYAN SELE MO E SÍ?

OJO: Lágbára Ọlọ́run, kò sí ìgbà tí àwọn èèyàn fẹ́ mọ̀mí tí mi ò níí ṣetán láti dáhùn.

WA: KÍNNI OGBON TÓ N TASI,TI WU AYÉ LORI TI AYE FI GBA ITAN RE

OJO: Kò lọ́gbọ́n ju ki n ṣàkójọ iṣẹ́ẹ̀ mi lọ́nà tí ó ṣeé gbà nílànà Yorùbá àkọtán òde-òní.

WA: SE IWO NAA MO AWON ASISE KEKEKE TI AWON ONKOWE TO SESE BERE MÁA N SE.

OJO: Mo mọ̀ lará ẹ̀.

WA: EWO NINU AWON ITAN RE LO GBÁDÙN NI KIKO JU

OJO: Kò sí iṣẹ́ mi tí nkò gbádùn. Ṣùgbọ́n Ewì ni mo gbádùn jù lọ́wọ́ lọ́wọ́.

WA: KÍNNI AWON ISE TI O N FI IWE NÁÀ RÁN SÍ ÀWÙJO

OJO: Àwọn iṣẹ́ tí mò ń rán sáùjọ ènìyàn ni pé kámá wayé máyà. Ká má fayé ni ọmọnìyàn lára. Ká jẹ́ kí ìṣèjọba tu tẹrútọmọ lára abbl.

WA: BAWO L'ASE LERI E LORI AYELUJARA

OJO: Lóríi Facebook àti Instagram, Olúmofe Olujide Jacob. Ẹ ṣeun. Ire ò.

WE CAN ALWAYS GROW TOGETHER BY BEING OUR BROTHER'S KEEPER - OLOMIDE FATIHA

Olomide Fatiha is a 16 year old girl. She just finished her Senior Secondary Certificate Examination from The International School, University of Ibadan. She's the convener of Our Future is Now project. In this interview with Wole Adedoyin she talks about her passion for building and sharpening professional, moral and leadership skills in teenagers.


WA: YOU ARE THE FOUNDER OUR FUTURE IS NOW INITIATIVE, WHAT ACTUALLY LED TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE INITIATIVE?

OF: It has always been a thing of concern to me seeing children roaming the streets when they should be in school. Why would some of us be driven to school while other children our age are hawking and roaming the streets aimlessly. Such would become a huge threat to us in the future. We can always grow together by being our brother's keeper. This is the spirit in me that I felt needed to be expressed through this project. The main focus of the initiative is to see children of school age off the streets and back to school. Other areas of our pursuit include building and sharpening professional, moral and leadership skills in teenagers.

WA: WHAT HAS BEEN THE BIGGEST HIGHLIGHT OF YOUR INITIATIVE?

OF: It is yet to come. This would be when the number of out of school children reduces to the bearest minimum. I've made some attempts in the past like leading a walk involving about 500 students against the out of school syndrome in Ibadan, taking the campaign to the doorstep of my state Governor and various media houses. I plan to build a team of like minds to build a great future for our mates on the streets.

WA: TELL US ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND AND EXPERIENCE IN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CAMPAIGN AND ADVOCACY

OF: I just finished my Senior Secondary Certificate Examination from The International School, University of Ibadan. I desire to be a successful legal practitioner championing the course of the less privileged and the down trodden. I started the campaign 2 years ago. I want to make it an African project because what affects us in Nigeria also affects them in other African countries.

WA: IN WHAT WAY IS YOUR ORGANIZATION CONTRIBUTING TO THE GROWTH OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, EDUCATION AND READING CULTURE IN NIGERIA

OF: The fact that I'm creating awareness to children, parents and the government to see children of school age off the streets and back to school is my way of contributing to the development of the society. No one goes to school without reading so my effort is taking care of all of the interests raises in the question.

WA: WHAT CHALLENGES ARE YOU FACING IN YOUR FIELD OF WORK

OF: I don't want to tolerate any challenge. This is a project I so much believe in, every child on the streets must go back to school.

WA: WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO BE AN EXPERT IN LEADERSHIP EDUCATION

OF: It takes courage, determination, patience and a lot of sacrifice

WA: AS THE FOUNDER OF OUR FUTURE IS NOW INITIATIVE, WHAT KINDS OF CHALLENGES DO YOU FACE?

OF: The existence of these children on the streets is the only thing I consider a challenge and that's why I remain determined to be part of the drive to see them off the streets and back to school.

WA: HOW AND IN WHICH AREAS DO YOU THINK OUR FUTURE IS NOW INITIATIVE AND THE IBADAN BOOK CLUB CAN COLLABORATE

OF: I plan to lead a campaign for the formation and upliftment of reading clubs in secondary schools and Ibadan book club would be a great collaborator in this project.

WA: WHAT ARE THE THEMATIC AREAS OF THE OUR FUTURE IS NOW INITIATIVE

OF: Seeing children off the streets and back to school, building and sharpening professional, moral and leadership skills in teenagers and also improving the reading culture.

WA: WHATDRIVES YOU AS THE TEAM LEAD AND VISIONER OF OUR FUTURE IS NOW INITIATIVE

OF: The desire to be a champion of positive change in the society through education.

WA: WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT SINCE THE INCEPTION OF YOUR ORGANIZATION

OF: This is yet to come but I'm happy to see it making impact day in, day out.

WA: WHAT MESSAGE WOULD YOU GIVE TO TEENAGERS LIKE YOURSELF

OF: They need to come out of their shells and appreciate the fact that their future starts now. They should make efforts to impact positively on their generation.

WA: WHAT ARE THE KEY LESSONS YOU HAVE LEARNED SINCE THE INCEPTION OF YOUR INITIATIVE?

OF: Ordinary efforts would produce ordinary results, great efforts would produce great results.

WA: WHAT IN YOUR LIFE HAS BROUGHT OR GIVEN YOU THE GREATEST SATISFACTION OR FULFILLMENT?

OF: Being able to make a positive impact on my generation.

WA: LOOKING BACK, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE DONE DIFFERENTLY? WHAT WOULD YOU DO AGAIN?

OF: What I'll have done differently is to have started this project earlier. What I'll do again is to pursue this project with more vigour.

OSOGBO BOOK CLUB SENDS BIRTHDAY GREETINGS TO OLALERE FAGBOLA AT 67


Osogbo Book Club has congratulated Olalere Fagbola, a former South-West Bureau Chief of the Punch Newspaper and Veteran Journalist on his 67th birthday.

Osogbo Book Club (OBC), in a statement signed by its Coordinator and Secretary, Grace Godwin and Ahmed Aishat on Friday in Osogbo, lauded the veteran Journalist for his extraordinary contributions towards raising the standards of journalism.

The release partly reads, “Today, we honor both your wonderful life and your extraordinary contributions towards raising the standards of journalism. You are certainly one of the best gifts God gave the world of journalism. Your sincere love and passion for your work is what sets you apart from so many of your colleagues. Not too many journalists have the ability to relentlessly uphold the canons of journalism in the course of performing their duties like you do. You are truly a remarkable journalist. Happy birthday to a very confident and strong journalist.”

Olalere Fagbola is a seasoned and veteran journalist, with untiring passion for engaging in various forms of writing as he treats writing with serious devotion. As an accomplished author, biographer, poet, songwriter, writing prophetologist and publisher, Fagbola has authored and published no fewer than twenty books of his own authorship while he has edited great works of academics, educationists and biographies of more than thirty clerics at home and abroad. For his professional experience, he has worked with reputable media in Nigeria and served as media consultant to local, state, federal, private and international institutions while his poems and music have been broadcast in both the radio and television stations in Nigeria and Oversea.

ADEKOLA, OLOMIDE, OGUNSOLA AND OLUMOFE TO HEADLINE IBADAN BOOK PARTY

Ibadan Book Club (IBC) has set aside 18th day of December, 2021 to host four Ibadan based writers, Emmanuel Adekola, Olomide Fatiha, Ogunsola Ayooluwa Folakunmi and Olujide Jacob Olúmọfe in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State for its 2021 Ibadan Book Party.

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

Below are short profiles of Ibadan Book Club’s Guest Writers for the month of December, 2021.


ADEKOLA EMMANUEL ADEBOWALE’s pen name is Wale Adekola. He hails from Ilesha East, Osun state, and was born in Ilesha on the 14th, June, 1994. Wale Adekola is a literary scholar and teacher; he has trained several pupils and students at various academic levels: primary, secondary and A'level schools such as: First Class Prevarsity, Idi-ape, Teekay tutorials, Owode, Al-aleem Model College, Olunde, Real Educational Consult (REC), UI, etc., and he currently teaches A'level classes at Winners Academy, Olorunkemi, Ibadan.

Wale Adekola completed his basic education at Olomi Community Primary School in 2006 and attended Eleta High School from 2006-2011. Due to some academic challenges, he was only able to get good SSCE results in 2015; and got admitted into tertiary institution in 2018. He is currently a junior with 3.7 cgpa out of a total 4.0 at the prestigious University of Ibadan where he studies English and Literature.

His writing experience started in 2013 when he wrote a first draft of a work then titled "The Clowns" but now "Our Buffalos". He had grown very interested in Literature since his second year in senior high school. And now, he has been writing good materials across the three genres of Literature. The titles include: i. Our Buffalos (prose), ii. Dual Paradigms of Now (prose), iii. a Humane Robber (drama), iv. Who is Olukubu? (Drama), v. Songs of Hope through a Penitent's Journey (poetry).
Though once completely clueless, Wale Adekola had trained himself assiduously through the years such that he now edits even other people's works. He acted as chief editor of recent works titled: "Glittering Quill" (poetry) by Gabriel Oluwalana and "Unlocking your Potentials" by Samuel Chibueze Okonkwo, LL.B, Ibadan. Since after his first trial of literature, his works have always been proofread and edited to perfection by himself as confirmed by Mrs Akinyemi MA, English, Ibadan and Dr Efunwole, Iree. He now also serves as the in-house editor at Spring Creative Publication, a recent publishing company founded by Gabriel Oluwalana. In August, 2021, he became a member of Wikipedia.

His debut, Our Buffalos, is currently being produced. Wale Adekola hopes to keep writing our stories as true as they are even when the land demands one's own blood to write even a piece of truth!

OLOMIDE FATIHA is a 16 year old girl. She just finished her Senior Secondary Certificate Examination from The International School, University of Ibadan . She's the convener of Our Future is Now project, where they build and sharpen professional, moral and leadership skills in teenagers.

She has had a couple of activities in the last two years which included a seminar where professionals from different fields were invited to share with teenagers some life experiences on how to achieve a purposeful future. She also led a walk involving over 500 youths in Ibadan against the Out of School syndrome which is unfortunately becoming rampant in our society. She has also taken the campaign to the doorstep of the state governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde.

Her primary focus is to see children left on the streets back to school to achieve a purposeful future. She wants to make a positive impact on her generation. She desires to be a champion of positive change. She doesn’t intend to do this alone, she’s building a team of like minds to create a brighter future for all.

OGUNSOLA AYOOLUWA FOLAKUNMI is a recent graduate of Tai Solarin University of Education. He is a Young Motivated Environmental Activist, a Poet and Digital Marketer.

To get Ayooluwa Talking, His areas of interest are: Campaign Coordination, Volunteerism, Youth Coordination, Transformative Leadership, Peer Monitoring, Gender Equality, Project Management, Research and Documentations, Children and Youth Development, Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies , Strategies on Environmental Pollution Reduction. Ayooluwa Carried out a project that hosted more than 180 people from more than 11 African Countries that brought him to the limelight Due to his Indomitable attitude he as written Academic Research Papers with the Habin Institute of Technology and International Arctic school on Issues on pollution in the Arctic region.

For the Last Three years Ayooluwa has worked with reputable Organizations like, Green and Better World Cameroon, Green Globe Initiative as The Head of Program Ogun state Chapter, Quickteller as a Campus Ambassador.

Awards that are attached to His name are: Certificate on Poetry / Anthology In Honor of the former Governor of Oyo state Senator Isiaka Abiola Ajimobi, Winner of Hult prize Campus, Winner of climate solution Mastermind class of 2018/19.

Ayooluwa is currently working on an innovative project that is quick getting attention. He was selected as one of the Most enterprising Student in Nigeria by Ideaslane Africa and Edusko Africa and was just given an Eco champion Award at the International Climate Action Challenge.

He is Currently The Youth Zonal Coordinator at Eco Diversified International and a Global Youth Ambassador at Their world.

His works on poetry are not yet published but he has done some readings of his poetry at the international Youth summit. Some of his poems that are always requested for at international Conferences are: Hopes with a Child with Autism, what would Our son say?

He believes writing poetry can be a tool for Environmental activism with people from various cultures and Create opportunities that change our world one step at a time.

OLUJIDE JACOB OLÚMOFE

Olujide Jacob Olúmọfe was born on the 5th of October, 1979 in Kaduna State. His parents are Mr. Samson Ọláńrewájú Olúmọfẹ of Eṣé-Àkókó, Àkókó West Local Government, Òkè-Àgbè in Ondo State and Mrs Bọ́sọ̀dé Mary Olúmọfẹ of Òmùò Èkìtì. He attended St. Marks Primary School, Kọta Òmùò Èkìtì for his primary education. While schooling at St. Marks Primary School, Olujide Jacob Olúmọfe was made the school’s head boy. For his Secondary education, he attended Olivet High School Kọta ,Òmùò Èkìtì where he was also made the Assistant Senior Boy. His newly developed love for Yoruba Language and Literature made him to proceed to University of Ibadan where he bagged Bachelor of Arts Degree in Linguistics (Yoruba Language). Olumofe is a writer, Gospel Musician, a Police Officer, Broadcast Journalist, Yoruba Language promoter, Translator and a Christian Counselor. As at the time of this event, he teaches Yoruba Language on humanitarian grounds at the Community Primary School Lagbeja, Akinyele Local Government in Ibadan. He is a senior member of Ibadan Book Club (IBC).

The upcoming book reading event promises to be an avenue for reading creative works such as poetry, fiction, book sales and signing, contacts with other readers and book writers in all corners of the Oyo State, the statement added.

Prospective writers who have works in poetry, short stories and novels can also attend to read their works to other writers and readers. Membership forms and certificate of membership will be available at no charge to first timers.

Ibadan 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 Oyo State.

The Ibadan Book Club consists of a group of people who meet, 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.

Some of the publications published by Ibadan Book 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.

IBADAN BOOK PARTY HOLDS TOMORROW

The much-awaited Ibadan Book Party holds tomorrow, 18th day of December, 2021. Ibadan Book Party is the end of the year party of Ibadan Book Club (IBC). The 2021 edition of Ibadan Book Party will feature four Ibadan based writers. The writers are: Emmanuel Adekola, Olomide Fatiha, Ogunsola Ayooluwa Folakunmi and Olujide Jacob Olúmọfe.
A statement issued by both the Coordinator and Secretary of the club, Ayobami Odunyemi and Mary Ndukwo said the event would take place at the Oyo State Library Board, Opposite Cocoa House, Ibadan by 12PM prompt.
Ibadan Book Party is the end of the year party of Ibadan Book Club (IBC). The 2021 edition of Ibadan book party will be focusing on Yoruba Literature. Literary books by three prominent Yoruba writers will be examined. The writers are Late D.O. Fagunwa, Akinwumi Isola and Adebayo Faleti. The month of December is very significant in the lives of these three writers. Prof. Akinwumi Isola was born on the 24th of December 1939. D.O. Fagunwa also died on the 7th of December 1963 while Alagba Adebayo Faleti was born on the 26th of December. Books by the three writers will be made available for members and readers to read. The Party will also feature readings by four Ibadan based writers, the writers are: Emmanuel Adekola, Olomide Fatiha, Ogunsola Ayooluwa Folakunmi and Olujide Jacob Olúmọfe.
Upcoming writers who have works in poetry, Short stories and novels can also attend to read their works to fellow writers and readers. Membership form will be made available Free for first timers.
The upcoming book reading event promises to be an avenue for reading creative works such as poetry, fiction, book sales and signing, contacts with other readers and book writers in all corners of the Oyo State, the statement added.
Prospective writers who have works in poetry, short stories and novels can also attend to read their works to other writers and readers. Membership forms and certificate of membership will be available at no charge to first timers.
Ibadan 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 Oyo State.
The Ibadan Book Club consists of a group of people who meet, 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.
Some of the publications published by Ibadan Book 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.
For participation and Enquiry, kindly call: 08164148985 , 08151978620

MEET THE WINNERS OF OUR AFRICAN HUMAN RIGHTS PLAYWRITING PRIZE


STEPHANIE MWUESE, ABUGHDYER

Stephanie Mwuese, ABUGHDYER is from Ushongo Local Government Area of Benue State. Author of “Sons of the Earth” and “Monster in my marrows”, Stephanie is also an administrator and an aspiringe academic.

She holds a B.Ed English honours, M.A Intenational Relations and Strategic Studies all at the Benue State University, Makurdi and has currently rounded up studies for a masters in English Education at the Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi.

When she is not reading or writing, Stephanie enjoys travelling. She lives in Makurdi in a house full of relatives at the moment.


ALEXANDER NDERITU

Alexander Nderitu is a multi-hyphenated Kenyan writer with a strong belief in justice, equality, and racial harmony. He is currently the Deputy Secretary-General of Kenyan PEN and a Regional Editor for TheTheatreTimes.com. His poetry has appeared in the World Poetry Almanac and the World Poetry Yearbook. His debut play, Hannah and the Angel, was translated into Japanese and Arabic. His most recent work is a stage play about Prof. Wangari Maathai who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004. In 2017, Business Daily newspaper named Nderitu one of Kenya’s ‘Top 40 Under 40 Men’. In 2020, he was shortlisted for the Collins Elesiro Literature Prize.


ARI-AJIA OLANREWAJU

Ari-Ajia Olanrewaju is a bibliophile who writes both in Yoruba Language and English Language. He writes the three genres.


VICTOR OLA-MATTHEW

Victor Ola-Matthew is a Nigerian storyteller. A lover of the arts, his work has appeared in Everyday Journal, A Cape-town based short story and photography magazine.

AFRICAN HUMAN RIGHTS PLAYWRITING PRIZE WINNERS ANNOUNCED

The Organizers of the African Human Rights Playwriting Prize have announced the winners of the just concluded international playwriting contest aimed at elevating public consciousness and understanding of human rights values through plays in order to guarantee the safeguarding of people's rights in Africa.

The winners were meritoriously picked from the 9 (Nine) shortlisted entries earlier picked by Marcus Ovie Ugboduma.

However, the winning entries were judged by Tom Block.

Tom is a playwright, author of five books, and 20+ year visual artist. He has exhibited his artwork and spoken about his ideas throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, Turkey, and the Middle East. Tom founded the International Human Rights Art Festival at Dixon Place (NYC) in March 2017.

Find below the final winners and their outstanding entries:

Abughdyer Mwuese Stephanie - THE PERFECT HUSBAND
Alexander Nderitu - FREEDOM CORNER
Ari-Ajia Olanrewaju - A DOG LIFE
Victor Ola-Matthew - GUNFIRE AT OUR MARKET

The four winning plays will receive a reading as part of the IHRAF African Drama Festival. Their works will be featured in an online reading in January/February 2022. The International Human Rights Art Festival (IHRAF) with its international headquarters in New York will cast professional actors and a professional off-Broadway Director to read the plays. This will be held on a Saturday afternoon at 2PM NYC/8PM in Africa. Also, only the four (4) winning entries will be published. There are no monetary awards for this competition.

The winners are to contact the African Regional Director of IHRAF, Wole Adedoyin for further information and directive.

African Human Rights Playwriting Prize is an initiative of the International Human Rights Art Festival (IHRAF), USA aimed at elevating public consciousness and understanding of human rights values through plays in order to guarantee the safeguarding of people's rights in Africa.

IBADAN BOOK AWARD: IBC TO AWARD AND RECOGNIZE DESERVING MEMBERS AND ORGANIZATIONS

Ibadan Book Club, one of the book clubs of the Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW) is to award and recognize deserving members and organizations for supporting the club in achieving its target and for their impact and contributions in promoting reading and writing culture in Oyo State.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Coordinator of the Club, Mrs. Ayobami Odunyemi in Ibadan on Tuesday.

According to her, the award was meant to encourage Ibadan Book Club members and appreciate other book stakeholders like the Ebedi International Writers Residency, Oyo State Library Board, Oyo State Branch of the National Library of Nigeria, SUBEB, Oyo State Ministry of Education to mention but few.

The shortlisted recipients will be recognized during the 2021 edition of Ibadan Book Party.

Since the beginning of this literary year, Ibadan Book Club has featured over twenty writers/Guest lecturers including Artists, interviewed over fifteen writers, collated a poetry anthology which is currently undergoing editing, it also held Ibadan Creative Writing Workshop.

To view the past activities of the club, kindly log on to: https://ibadanbookclubonline..com. To view the videos of our readings online, kindly type Ibadan Book Club in YouTube Search box.

Ibadan 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 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.

Some of the publications published by Ibadan Book 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.

ADEKOLA, OLOMIDE AND OGUNSOLA TO HEADLINE IBADAN BOOK PARTY

Ibadan Book Club (IBC) has set aside 18th day of December, 2021 to host four Ibadan based writers, Emmanuel Adekola, Olomide Fatiha and Ogunsola Ayooluwa Folakunmi in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State for its 2021 Ibadan Book Party.
A statement issued by both the Coordinator and Secretary of the club, Ayobami Odunyemi and Mary Ndukwo said the event would take place at the Oyo State Library Board, Opposite Cocoa House, Ibadan by 12PM prompt.
Below are short profiles of Ibadan Book Club’s Guest Writers for the month of December, 2021.

ADEKOLA EMMANUEL ADEBOWALE’s pen name is Wale Adekola. He hails from Ilesha East, Osun state, and was born in Ilesha on the 14th, June, 1994. Wale Adekola is a literary scholar and teacher; he has trained several pupils and students at various academic levels: primary, secondary and A'level schools such as: First Class Prevarsity, Idi-ape, Teekay tutorials, Owode, Al-aleem Model College, Olunde, Real Educational Consult (REC), UI, etc., and he currently teaches A'level classes at Winners Academy, Olorunkemi, Ibadan.
Wale Adekola completed his basic education at Olomi Community Primary School in 2006 and attended Eleta High School from 2006-2011. Due to some academic challenges, he was only able to get good SSCE results in 2015; and got admitted into tertiary institution in 2018. He is currently a junior with 3.7 cgpa out of a total 4.0 at the prestigious University of Ibadan where he studies English and Literature.
His writing experience started in 2013 when he wrote a first draft of a work then titled "The Clowns" but now "Our Buffalos". He had grown very interested in Literature since his second year in senior high school. And now, he has been writing good materials across the three genres of Literature. The titles include: i. Our Buffalos (prose), ii. Dual Paradigms of Now (prose), iii. a Humane Robber (drama), iv. Who is Olukubu? (Drama), v. Songs of Hope through a Penitent's Journey (poetry).
Though once completely clueless, Wale Adekola had trained himself assiduously through the years such that he now edits even other people's works. He acted as chief editor of recent works titled: "Glittering Quill" (poetry) by Gabriel Oluwalana and "Unlocking your Potentials" by Samuel Chibueze Okonkwo, LL.B, Ibadan. Since after his first trial of literature, his works have always been proofread and edited to perfection by himself as confirmed by Mrs Akinyemi MA, English, Ibadan and Dr Efunwole, Iree. He now also serves as the in-house editor at Spring Creative Publication, a recent publishing company founded by Gabriel Oluwalana. In August, 2021, he became a member of Wikipedia.
His debut, Our Buffalos, is currently being produced. Wale Adekola hopes to keep writing our stories as true as they are even when the land demands one's own blood to write even a piece of truth!

OLOMIDE FATIHA is a 16 year old girl. She just finished her Senior Secondary Certificate Examination from The International School, University of Ibadan . She's the convener of Our Future is Now project, where they build and sharpen professional, moral and leadership skills in teenagers.
She has had a couple of activities in the last two years which included a seminar where professionals from different fields were invited to share with teenagers some life experiences on how to achieve a purposeful future. She also led a walk involving over 500 youths in Ibadan against the Out of School syndrome which is unfortunately becoming rampant in our society. She has also taken the campaign to the doorstep of the state governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde.
Her primary focus is to see children left on the streets back to school to achieve a purposeful future. She wants to make a positive impact on her generation. She desires to be a champion of positive change. She doesn’t intend to do this alone, she’s building a team of like minds to create a brighter future for all.

OGUNSOLA AYOOLUWA FOLAKUNMI is a recent graduate of Tai Solarin University of Education. He is a Young Motivated Environmental Activist, a Poet and Digital Marketer.
To get Ayooluwa Talking, His areas of interest are: Campaign Coordination, Volunteerism, Youth Coordination, Transformative Leadership, Peer Monitoring, Gender Equality, Project Management, Research and Documentations, Children and Youth Development, Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies , Strategies on Environmental Pollution Reduction. Ayooluwa Carried out a project that hosted more than 180 people from more than 11 African Countries that brought him to the limelight Due to his Indomitable attitude he as written Academic Research Papers with the Habin Institute of Technology and International Arctic school on Issues on pollution in the Arctic region.
For the Last Three years Ayooluwa has worked with reputable Organizations like, Green and Better World Cameroon, Green Globe Initiative as The Head of Program Ogun state Chapter, Quickteller as a Campus Ambassador.
Awards that are attached to His name are: Certificate on Poetry / Anthology In Honor of the former Governor of Oyo state Senator Isiaka Abiola Ajimobi, Winner of Hult prize Campus, Winner of climate solution Mastermind class of 2018/19
Ayooluwa is currently working on an innovative project that is quick getting attention. He was selected as one of the Most enterprising Student in Nigeria by Ideaslane Africa and Edusko Africa and was just given an Eco champion Award at the International Climate Action Challenge.
He is Currently The Youth Zonal Coordinator at Eco Diversified International and a Global Youth Ambassador at Their world.
His works on poetry are not yet published but he has done some readings of his poetry at the international Youth summit. Some of his poems that are always requested for at international Conferences are: Hopes with a Child with Autism, what would Our son say?
He believes writing poetry can be a tool for Environmental activism with people from various cultures and Create opportunities that change our world one step at a time.

The upcoming book reading event promises to be an avenue for reading creative works such as poetry, fiction, book sales and signing, contacts with other readers and book writers in all corners of the Oyo State, the statement added.
Prospective writers who have works in poetry, short stories and novels can also attend to read their works to other writers and readers. Membership forms and certificate of membership will be available at no charge to first timers.
Ibadan 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 Oyo State.
The Ibadan Book Club consists of a group of people who meet, 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.
Some of the publications published by Ibadan Book 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.
For participation and Enquiry, kindly call: 08164148985 , 08151978620

IBADAN BOOK CLUB SET TO HOLD IBADAN BOOK PARTY

Ibadan Book Club (IBC) has set aside 18th day of December, 2021 to hold Ibadan Book Party. Ibadan Book Party is the end of the year party of Ibadan Book Club (IBC). The 2021 edition of Ibadan Book Party will focus on Yoruba Literature. Literary books by three prominent Yoruba writers will be read and examined. The writers are Late D.O. Fagunwa, Akinwumi Isola and Adebayo Faleti.
A statement issued by both the Coordinator and Secretary of the club, Ayobami Odunyemi and Mary Ndukwo said the event would take place at the Oyo State Library Board, Opposite Cocoa House, Ibadan by 12PM prompt.
Ibadan Book Party is the end of the year party of Ibadan Book Club (IBC). The 2021 edition of Ibadan book party will be focusing on Yoruba Literature. Literary books by three prominent Yoruba writers will be examined. The writers are Late D.O. Fagunwa, Akinwumi Isola and Adebayo Faleti. The month of December is very significant in the lives of these three writers. Prof. Akinwumi Isola was born on the 24th of December 1939. D.O. Fagunwa also died on the 7th of December 1963 while Alagba Adebayo Faleti was born on the 26th of December. Books by the three writers will be made available for members and readers to read. The Party will also feature readings by three up and coming Ibadan based writers, the writers are: Emmanuel Adekola, Olomide Fatiha and Ogunsola Ayooluwa Folakunmi.
Upcoming writers who have works in poetry, Short stories and novels can also attend to read their works to fellow writers and readers. Membership form will be made available Free for first timers.
The upcoming book reading event promises to be an avenue for reading creative works such as poetry, fiction, book sales and signing, contacts with other readers and book writers in all corners of the Oyo State, the statement added.
Prospective writers who have works in poetry, short stories and novels can also attend to read their works to other writers and readers. Membership forms and certificate of membership will be available at no charge to first timers.
Ibadan 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 Oyo State.
The Ibadan Book Club consists of a group of people who meet, 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.
Some of the publications published by Ibadan Book 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.
For participation and Enquiry, kindly call: 08164148985 , 08151978620

ANA RELEASES ELECTRONIC NEWSLETTER

By: ANA Publicity Committee

In a continuing effort to keep ANA Members, general public and other book stakeholders informed of ANA monthly literary activities and events, the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) has published its November newsletter. The newly restored electronic newsletter will be a communicative resource for external updates and news about ANA.

The November newsletter details recent developments within the association. Developments like the 40th Anniversary of ANA, latest appointment of members etc.

Titles of reports published in the November/2021 Convention Edition are listed below:

• Thank You Message from ANA President
• Fight with words, not Swords – Association Urges Writers
• When Writers Gather to Celebrate ANA AT 40
• ANA Marks 40th Anniversary, to donate 40,000 books to schools
• Osofisan Wants Formation of Leadership Taken Seriously
• ANA 40th Anniversary highlights quality of innocence in travelogue
• Literature can always save a nation from deterioration
• ANA Constitutes 8-Member Publicity Committee
• ANA President Promises to Consolidate on Achievements
• At Mamman Vatsa writers’ village, authors gather to rebuild Nigeria
• Ebonyi indigene wins inaugural Chinua Achebe Prize
• ANA Dissociates self from STRADA Development Initiative and Engaging Boarders Africa Project
• Photo Gallery and lots more.

With the ANA electronic newsletter, ANA Members and the general public will always stay informed about its activities, reports, press releases, communiqués and events.
The newsletter tagged after the 2019 Campaign Slogan (ANA KINETIC) of the President of ANA, Camillus Ukah will be hosted every month on ANA Website, blog and social media platforms.

The December and subsequent editions will feature activities and events of ANA State Chapters across the country.

Click the link below to download your copy:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1__xYmfwfLy14q6LbXqtOmiEBuwdTKPBq/view?usp=sharing

Click the below link to read Online:
https://anarecorder..com/2021/12/ana-releases-electronic-newsletter.html

ANA DISSOCIATES SELF FROM STRADA DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE AND ENGAGING BORDERS AFRICA PROJECT


The Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) has said that the association is no more partnering with STRADA Development Initiative or involve in its dealings, totally dissociating itself from their ongoing ANA/Engaging Borders Africa Project which was recently published on Social Media by some literary extremists who were expelled from the association many months ago.


ANA described the project as not only fake but other antics to dupe STRADA Development Initiative of their hard-earned money and to steal the intellectual properties of young and promising Nigerian writers for their selfish gains.


The Statement stressed that the clarification became necessary due to the ways some writers are sharing the fake project on the social media. ANA has no project tagged, “ANA/Engaging Borders Africa Project”.


A statement issued by the Publicity Committee of the Association said, “The attention of the national leadership of ANA has been drawn to a fake project titled, “ANA/Engaging Borders Africa Project” organized by a group of persons purported to be members of ANA. These few literary extremists did not and cannot represent ANA in any way and in any capacity because they are not known to the Association. We however frown at the inclusion of the name of ANA as part of the project.”


“We wish to unequivocally state that ANA is not part of the “ANA/Engaging Borders Africa Project”. We were not consulted and thereby dissociating the association from everything about it. We are dissociating ourselves from STRADA and their moves; we want the whole world to know that they are on their own. We must therefore at this point state that the name of ANA be removed from the project.”


“STRADA’s Memorandum of Understanding with ANA has since expired. ANA PCVE was a three year nongovernmental, preventing and countering violent extremism programme of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), visit www.pcve.org.ng for more information. The last time STRADA had an encounter with ANA was during Denja Abdulahi’s tenure(2016-2019). Richard Ali, the Programme Manager of the Association of Nigerian Authors Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (ANA PCVE) Programme failed to execute any programme in respect of the MOU signed with ANA and also failed to report to Denja Abdulahi’s EXCO after Denja Abdulahi’s EXCO asked him to account for all he did as Programme Manager.”


ANA finally urged its members and the general public to disregard the call for entries for ANA/Engaging Borders Africa Project. The public should be wary of any information out there about ANA engaging in any MOU or executing any programmed activity if it does not emanate from the National Secretariat of ANA in Km 2 Mamman Vatsa Writers Village, Mpape, Abuja or signed by any approved executive official.

ADENIKE KEHINDE AND AKINRINADE GABRIEL AYOBAMI TO HEADLINE ILESHA BOOK CLUB NOVEMBER READING

The much-awaited November reading of Ilesha Book Club (IBC) holds today, 30th November, 2021 by 12PM. The reading will feature two Ilesha based writers, Nike Kehinde and Akinrinade Gabriel Ayobami (Stunch), in Ilesha, Osun State.

According to a statement issued by the Coordinator of the Club, Abdulhakim A. Babatunde said the event would take place at B011, Osun State College of Education, Ilesha, Osun State.

Upcoming writers who have works in poetry, Short stories and novels can also attend to read their works to fellow writers and readers. Membership form will be made available Free for first timer.

AKINRINADE GABRIEL AYOBAMI, popularly known as Staunch was born in Modakeke, Osun State.


He loves reading, writing, and teaching.


He is the founder of Staunch World � (one of the biggest Whatsapp Community) which started in 2013, now 8 years.


He's a Relationship Coach, Therapist, Tutor, Prosaist, Affiliate Marketer, Hotprenuer, App Developer, Writer (his unique style of writing, teaching and presentation captivate his listeners and readers), Educationist, and Theologian.


ADENIKE OLUWATOYOSI KEHINDE is a Nigerian poet/writer. She resides in Ibadan but currently studying Economics and Education at the Osun State College of Education, Ilesa in affiliation with the University of Ibadan. Her work appeared in "Get Consent" (a book published by the Society of Young Nigerian Writer). She worked with a Pakistani writer (Farahen Chandio) to publish a book titled Women in Dark Waters (available on Amazon).


She is the first runner-up in CADA Art contest 2020. She was also awarded for the best performance in UYSG 2020 webinar. She is the Editor in Chief of Flourish Magazine. She has been awarded certificate of excellence by the Students Union Government of OSCOED ILESA for her brilliant work(Magazine publication).


Her writings often motivate and serve as an eye opener to people. Another thing she enjoys doing is talking and interviewing people. Miss Adenike is also an entrepreneur, CEO Nikkisage Clothings.
She loves God and everyone around her.


Ilesha Book Club is an initiative of Society of Young Nigerian Writers. It was established by the society in order to contribute its own quota towards the growth and development of reading culture in Ilesa and its environs.

For enquiry and participation call: 09036619960

NOVEMBER READING: IBADAN BOOK CLUB SET TO HOST FIVE TEEN WRITERS AND ARTIST ON SATURDAY

Ibadan Book Club (IBC) has set aside 27th day of November, 2021 to host five Ibadan based teen writers and artist, four of which are students of God’s Blessing Comprehensive College, Yemetu Ibadan. The guest writers and artist are: Akinfenwa Temitope, Oyetunji Moyinoluwa Sarah, Tinuade Dorcas Omitoogun, Ajobo Haleeah Oluwalaanumi and Razak Samads.

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

Find below are short profiles of Ibadan Book Club’s Guest Writers and Artist for the month of November, 2021.

OYETUNJI MOYINOLUWA SARAH

Oyetunji Moyinoluwa Sarah, born thirteen (13) years ago in Ibadan , her birth was recorded on the 17th day of November 2008, she is presently a Junior secondary School III, student of God's Blessing Comprehensive College.
Her journey into creative writing was discovered at an early age, but as a relatively shy and quiet girl, she kept all her writings to herself, with hardly no reader, until her school mother, helped her. Adebayo Damilola, helped her discover her talent and motivated her to write and never be discouraged, and so she courted the habit of reading every good book available to read.
She started writing at the age of nine when she was in primary four and has written over five short stories and several poems
Her hobbies includes singing, reading writing and debating,
Her interest in reading and writing has made her a better person and has opened her eyes to desire changing the world positive..
Moyinoluwa specializes in writing poetry and prose, and may consider playwriting in the near future.
She is a member of the Book Friendly Club in her school, where she shares ideas and discusses her works with other writers, under the tutelage of Mr Marcus Ugboduma .
She is also a member of the Ibadan Book Club. Her greatest aspiration is to become a great writer from Africa.
She has written many poems, some of which include
'Have you ever wondered',
'I am me',
'Rights of the youths,
"My way of giving" "Poetry is me",
"My parents my jewel", "What goes around, comes around",
" Giving is taking" among other poems all yet to be published
Moyinoluwa has also three written works in prose which are,
"My life my Complications"
" The rough path", and "Folashades's mystery."
Moyinoluwa as at certain times in her youthful life engaged in acting in the past, usually at the church during special programmes and when she was in primary school, and her next acting stint in which she is actively involved is AGBEKOYA a play on the Farmers uprising in Ibadan in the 70s, which would be staged coincidentally on her forthcoming birthday this November. She had three of her poems read to the listening pleasure of members of the Ibadan book club.
She is grateful to God for her writing skill.

TEMITOPE AKINFENWA

Temitope Akinfenwa was born 12 years ago , since her childhood days she developed her interest in books and enjoys reading at ease, she dreams of being a mass communicator, or an accountant, since she discovered how versatile she is reading and writing, her teachers at God's Blessing Comprehensive College discovered she was fond of converting her note books to her writing pad where she wrote her poems and short stories, it was then it was discovered that she had several other works she had secretly written and kept to herself, which she had been writing since she was 9 years old. And so she was advised to join the Book Friendly Club of God's Blessing Comprehensive College Ibadan. Since then, her writing skill has taken a new dimension. She had her first opportunity to read her poems to a large audience when the joined the club, and she was further encouraged, at the monthly reading of the Ibadan book club where she was appreciated having read her poems to a more larger and experienced audience.
Some of her poems includes
'I must shine'
" My tomorrow"
"Victory is mine" and
"My body,God's temple"
While her plays and prose includes,
"Do no cry yet"
"The Young virgin"
"Blood she'd and not shed" and
"From Shame to glory" and others.
She believes a future career in writing is possible and that constant reading shapes ones future, while God, her parents and teachers motivates her to write stories, poems and plays, and they have been her pillars supporting her to be a better person, to them she shall be forever grateful.

TINUADE DORCAS OMITOOGUN

Tinuade Dorcas Omitoogun, is an upcoming budding creative writer, with a penchant for writing prose and short stories. She is twelve years old and was born to the family of Mr and Mrs Omitoogun on the 23rd day of October, 2009. She started out loving to read books her parents bought for her, and reading books her older siblings had at home. As she fiddled with books at an early age, tearing off book covers and pages of novels, her family never got discouraged, this prompted her father to buy her books meant for her age, at that time she was barely three years old. She guided her book jealously and since then holds every book in high esteem, as she scribbled on this books, the love for writing began to take shape. She got motivated by every book she read, and her appetite for reading heightened. And a desire to write stories began to build up, because of her love for reading.
At the age of 8 years she fulfilled her dream to be a writer, by completing her first story titled "The best place to be" at that time she was in primary 4.
Among her other works are
"Seed to sow",
"honesty pays",
"The reward of jealously", and
"Why didn't I listen"? etc.some of my poems also are
"Why is this world wicked", "My mother".
Tinuade Dorcas Omitoogun is a member of Book Friendly Club of God’s Blessing Group of Schools and also the Ibadan Book Club, where she has had opportunities to read out her poems and stories to club members, She earned herself a major role in AGBEKOYA, a play based on farmers uprising in Ibadan in the 60s. The play has further motivated her to write plays and so she looks forward to publishing her first book soon.

AJOBO HALEEAH OLUWALAANUMI

Ajobo Haleeah Oluwalaanumi is a lover of nature and enjoys reading and narrating stories. Presently, preparing for her BECE 2021/22 Academic Session. She aspires to become a qualified and successful Medical Practitioner. A foundation member of Elewura Readers’ Club. Haleeah recently read one of her works at a readership promotion campaign programme of the National Library of Nigeria, Oyo State Branch held recently in Ibadan.

RAZAK SAMADS

Razak Samads was born in the year 2007 in Ibadan, Oyo state where he hails from and currently lives. As Samads grew up he watched his elder sister draw and paint object and pictures and that inspired him to desire to draw and paint pictures too, At the age of seven, the turnaround came when he drew his first picture, his elder sister saw the talent in him and began helping him out to perfect his artistic skills. Support and encouragement from his parents and teachers have him the needed lifeline,
One day he was suspended from the table tennis team of God's blessing Comprehensive College Ibadan. He was kept out of the team for weeks for failing to take his studies seriously. While he sat one morning watching his peers play, he had in one hand his drawing pad, some students were gathered around and flipping from page to page with excitement on their faces. At that point Mr Marcus Ugboduma discovered he was an artist and decided to nurture him and promote his artistic works, so he began tasking him. At that point he became a celebrity Artist, whose specialty is simply to draw celebrities and notable personalities.
Among the notable personalities or celebrities he has drawn includes: Burna Boy, Dr Yinka Ayefele, President Mohammadu Buhari, Governor Setup Makinde. But his most favorite drawings are That of the Olubadan of Ibadan Land and Dr Yinka Ayefele. Samad really appreciated his teacher, mentor and master, Mr. Marcus Ugboduma who tutored, mentored, encouraged and took him like his son. In a bid to show his gratitude to him, Samad drew a beautiful portrait of Mr. Marcus and his wife to mark their 3rd wedding anniversary.
Samad is a member of the Book friendly club of God's blessing Comprehensive college, and also the Ibadan book club. He feels privilege to have exhibited his art works at the 2020 Cultural day celebration held in his school, where the Chairman of the Oyo State council For Arts and culture, was present and promised to take him to the Olubadan of Ibadan Land to present his work to Our royal father, but that dream is yet to see the light of day but he hopes it comes sooner, His works were also exhibited at the Ibadan book club in one of their monthly readings,
Samad is an artist per excellence, who recently played the role of prisoner 1 in Agbekoye. The play AGBEKOYA was staged by students of his School to mark the 2020/21 Valedictory Service. He now believes that with constant reading and study with book club members, he hopes to write poems plays and prose sooner.
Samad is sure that in the nearest future his drawings will flood the art space as the biggest maker of celebrity art works, his current work is the drawing of Prophetess Esther Ajayi.
The upcoming book reading event promises to be an avenue for reading creative works such as poetry, fiction, book sales and signing, contacts with other readers and book writers in all corners of the Oyo State, the statement added.
Prospective writers who have works in poetry, short stories and novels can also attend to read their works to other writers and readers. Membership forms and certificate of membership will be available at no charge to first timers.
Ibadan 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 Oyo State.
The Ibadan Book Club consists of a group of people who meet, 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.
Some of the publications published by Ibadan Book 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.

ANA PRESIDENT, CAMILLUS UKAH PROMISES TO CONSOLIDATE ON ACHIEVEMENTS


By: ANA Publicity Committee


The Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) just concluded her 40th anniversary and 2021 International Convention in what could be described as a peaceful and successful event.

The convention saw to the re-emergence of Camillus Chima Ukah as President of ANA for second term.

Camillus Ukah, ANA President while making his speech began on an appreciative note and also acknowledged all those present that made the event a hitch-free one.

In Ukah’s recent Thank You Message published on Social Media, he thanked all those who made the convention possible and also promised to consolidate on achievements recorded during his first tenure in office.

ANA President said that he was short of words to describe the joy that flows in his heart and gratitude for the overwhelming support received before, during and after ANA 40th Anniversary. He also acknowledged the unity currently existing in the Association.


Camillus Ukah’s Thank You Message reads:: “True, the just concluded ANA Convention was an indisputable splurge but it was certainly not under the superintendence of Bacchus! Rather, it was an excess of success, of achievement, of progress and cementing of the age long zealously guarded camaraderie of the fraternity of Nigerian writers.”


“Looking back the morning after-- again that mischievous phrase!-- one cannot escape a sense of overawing humility that Providence chose my day to bring to fruition the relentless toil and immeasurable sacrifice and lofty vision of my worthy predecessors.”


“For there is no gainsaying that the hosting of the writers from not only all parts of the nation but also the Continent on the piece of real estate gifted the Association by the late uncommonly cerebral soldier, Mamman Vatsa, three plus decades ago is a grand dream come true.”

“But with the giddiness of achievement comes also a sobering sense of immense gratitude. A welling up of limitless thankfulness to Almighty God and also to all the people that made the event the huge success it was.”

“One's first thanks is of course to the ANA Congress. It was the ANA Congress that gave the mandate with which we took the baton after the dazzling relay by my predecessors. And of these responsible elders of ANA I must pause and specially say: no sturdier support can any toddling Executive Committee boast. They have maintained the solicitude of fathers of the Association and have helped navigate numberless stormy waters.”

“But the ultimate credit belongs to the ANA Congress. And to these pen gladiators we say: thanks!”

“Thanks for the investment of confidence-- in the first instalment of two years.”

“Thanks also for the endorsement of our efforts and reinvestment of confidence for another two years.
For now, let us just pledge an even improved delivery on leadership this second term.”

“For my predecessors and other elders of ANA, to my thank you I also affix a solemn commitment: the beautiful child you placed in my arms will not only thrive but will also prosper.”

“Now, it may be necessary to say this. In the course of my leadership of ANA, I have learnt one vital lesson which is: Any leader who purposes to succeed must first learn to distinguish between the statements of sense and noises of distraction and mischief.”

“For such a leader, where the statements of reason would command instant attention, the cacophonies of distraction must be disregarded and their attention-famished authors completely ignored. This, of course, does not foreclose the firm and decisive handling of mischief makers insanely intent on desecrating our rich heritage.”

“But in all, on this day, this morning after, I say thanks!”

“My people, it can only get better!”

The Association of Nigerian Authors was founded on the 27th June, 1981, during a conference convened by the late Professor Chinua Achebe. That maiden conference of Nigerian writers which held at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka was attended by notable personalities in Nigerian literature and two Kenyan writers, Ngugi Wa Thiongo and Gacheche Wauringi.
Subsequently, the Association of Nigerian Authors was registered as a corporate body/professional association with the Corporate Affairs Commission.

AKINFENWA, OYETUNJI, OMITOOGUN, AJOBO AND RAZAK TO HEADLINE IBADAN BOOK CLUB NOVEMBER READING

Ibadan Book Club (IBC) has set aside 27th day of November, 2021 to host five Ibadan based teen writers and artist, four of which are students of God’s Blessing Comprehensive College, Yemetu Ibadan. The guest writers and artist are: Akinfenwa Temitope, Oyetunji Moyinoluwa Sarah, Tinuade Dorcas Omitoogun, Ajobo Haleeah Oluwalaanumi and Razak Samads.

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

Find below are short profiles of Ibadan Book Club’s Guest Writers and Artist for the month of November, 2021.

OYETUNJI MOYINOLUWA SARAH

Oyetunji Moyinoluwa Sarah, born thirteen (13) years ago in Ibadan , her birth was recorded on the 17th day of November 2008, she is presently a Junior secondary School III, student of God's Blessing Comprehensive College.

Her journey into creative writing was discovered at an early age, but as a relatively shy and quiet girl, she kept all her writings to herself, with hardly no reader, until her school mother, helped her. Adebayo Damilola, helped her discover her talent and motivated her to write and never be discouraged, and so she courted the habit of reading every good book available to read.

She started writing at the age of nine when she was in primary four and has written over five short stories and several poems
Her hobbies includes singing, reading writing and debating,

Her interest in reading and writing has made her a better person and has opened her eyes to desire changing the world positive.

Moyinoluwa specializes in writing poetry and prose, and may consider playwriting in the near future.

She is a member of the Book Friendly Club in her school, where she shares ideas and discusses her works with other writers, under the tutelage of Mr Marcus Ugboduma .

She is also a member of the Ibadan Book Club. Her greatest aspiration is to become a great writer from Africa.

She has written many poems, some of which include

'Have you ever wondered',
'I am me',
'Rights of the youths,
"My way of giving" "Poetry is me",
"My parents my jewel", "What goes around, comes around",
" Giving is taking" among other poems all yet to be published
Moyinoluwa has also three written works in prose which are,
"My life my Complications"
" The rough path", and "Folashades's mystery."
Moyinoluwa as at certain times in her youthful life engaged in acting in the past, usually at the church during special programmes and when she was in primary school, and her next acting stint in which she is actively involved is AGBEKOYA a play on the Farmers uprising in Ibadan in the 70s, which would be staged coincidentally on her forthcoming birthday this November. She had three of her poems read to the listening pleasure of members of the Ibadan book club.
She is grateful to God for her writing skill.

TEMITOPE AKINFENWA

Temitope Akinfenwa was born 12 years ago , since her childhood days she developed her interest in books and enjoys reading at ease, she dreams of being a mass communicator, or an accountant, since she discovered how versatile she is reading and writing, her teachers at God's Blessing Comprehensive College discovered she was fond of converting her note books to her writing pad where she wrote her poems and short stories, it was then it was discovered that she had several other works she had secretly written and kept to herself, which she had been writing since she was 9 years old. And so she was advised to join the Book Friendly Club of God's Blessing Comprehensive College Ibadan. Since then, her writing skill has taken a new dimension. She had her first opportunity to read her poems to a large audience when the joined the club, and she was further encouraged, at the monthly reading of the Ibadan book club where she was appreciated having read her poems to a more larger and experienced audience.
Some of her poems includes
'I must shine'
" My tomorrow"
"Victory is mine" and
"My body,God's temple"
While her plays and prose includes,
"Do no cry yet"
"The Young virgin"
"Blood she'd and not shed" and
"From Shame to glory" and others.
She believes a future career in writing is possible and that constant reading shapes ones future, while God, her parents and teachers motivates her to write stories, poems and plays, and they have been her pillars supporting her to be a better person, to them she shall be forever grateful.

TINUADE DORCAS OMITOOGUN

Tinuade Dorcas Omitoogun, is an upcoming budding creative writer, with a penchant for writing prose and short stories. She is twelve years old and was born to the family of Mr and Mrs Omitoogun on the 23rd day of October, 2009. She started out loving to read books her parents bought for her, and reading books her older siblings had at home. As she fiddled with books at an early age, tearing off book covers and pages of novels, her family never got discouraged, this prompted her father to buy her books meant for her age, at that time she was barely three years old. She guided her book jealously and since then holds every book in high esteem, as she scribbled on this books, the love for writing began to take shape. She got motivated by every book she read, and her appetite for reading heightened. And a desire to write stories began to build up, because of her love for reading.

At the age of 8 years she fulfilled her dream to be a writer, by completing her first story titled "The best place to be" at that time she was in primary 4.

Among her other works are
"Seed to sow",
"honesty pays",
"The reward of jealously", and
"Why didn't I listen"? etc.some of my poems also are
"Why is this world wicked", "My mother".
Tinuade Dorcas Omitoogun is a member of Book Friendly Club of God’s Blessing Group of Schools and also the Ibadan Book Club, where she has had opportunities to read out her poems and stories to club members, She earned herself a major role in AGBEKOYA, a play based on farmers uprising in Ibadan in the 60s. The play has further motivated her to write plays and so she looks forward to publishing her first book soon.
AJOBO HALEEAH OLUWALAANUMI

Ajobo Haleeah Oluwalaanumi is a lover of nature and enjoys reading and narrating stories. Presently, preparing for her BECE 2021/22 Academic Session. She aspires to become a qualified and successful Medical Practitioner. A foundation member of Elewura Readers’ Club. Haleeah recently read one of her works at a readership promotion campaign programme of the National Library of Nigeria, Oyo State Branch held recently in Ibadan.

RAZAK SAMADS

Razak Samads was born in the year 2007 in Ibadan, Oyo state where he hails from and currently lives. As Samads grew up he watched his elder sister draw and paint object and pictures and that inspired him to desire to draw and paint pictures too, At the age of seven, the turnaround came when he drew his first picture, his elder sister saw the talent in him and began helping him out to perfect his artistic skills. Support and encouragement from his parents and teachers have him the needed lifeline.

One day he was suspended from the table tennis team of God's blessing Comprehensive College Ibadan. He was kept out of the team for weeks for failing to take his studies seriously. While he sat one morning watching his peers play, he had in one hand his drawing pad, some students were gathered around and flipping from page to page with excitement on their faces. At that point Mr Marcus Ugboduma discovered he was an artist and decided to nurture him and promote his artistic works, so he began tasking him. At that point he became a celebrity Artist, whose specialty is simply to draw celebrities and notable personalities.

Among the notable personalities or celebrities he has drawn includes: Burna Boy, Dr Yinka Ayefele, President Mohammadu Buhari, Governor Setup Makinde. But his most favorite drawings are That of the Olubadan of Ibadan Land and Dr Yinka Ayefele. Samad really appreciated his teacher, mentor and master, Mr. Marcus Ugboduma who tutored, mentored, encouraged and took him like his son. In a bid to show his gratitude to him, Samad drew a beautiful portrait of Mr. Marcus and his wife to mark their 3rd wedding anniversary.

Samad is a member of the Book friendly club of God's blessing Comprehensive college, and also the Ibadan book club. He feels privilege to have exhibited his art works at the 2020 Cultural day celebration held in his school, where the Chairman of the Oyo State council For Arts and culture, was present and promised to take him to the Olubadan of Ibadan Land to present his work to Our royal father, but that dream is yet to see the light of day but he hopes it comes sooner, His works were also exhibited at the Ibadan book club in one of their monthly readings,

Samad is an artist per excellence, who recently played the role of prisoner 1 in Agbekoye. The play AGBEKOYA was staged by students of his School to mark the 2020/21 Valedictory Service. He now believes that with constant reading and study with book club members, he hopes to write poems plays and prose sooner.

Samad is sure that in the nearest future his drawings will flood the art space as the biggest maker of celebrity art works, his current work is the drawing of Prophetess Esther Ajayi.

The upcoming book reading event promises to be an avenue for reading creative works such as poetry, fiction, book sales and signing, contacts with other readers and book writers in all corners of the Oyo State, the statement added.
Prospective writers who have works in poetry, short stories and novels can also attend to read their works to other writers and readers. Membership forms and certificate of membership will be available at no charge to first timers.
Ibadan 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 Oyo State.
The Ibadan Book Club consists of a group of people who meet, 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.
Some of the publications published by Ibadan Book 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.

IBADAN BOOK CLUB CONGRATULATES JIDE OGUNLANA FOR WINNING 2021 ANA PRIZE FOR CHILDREN LITERATURE

Executives and Members of Ibadan Book Club (IBC) have congratulated Children writer, Editor and Publisher, Jide Ogunlana for winning the 2021 ANA Prize for Children Literature with his book, “A Girl Called Corona Sofia”.


Ibadan Book Club in a congratulatory message issued on Monday by the Coordinator and Secretary of the Club, Ayobami Odunyemi and Mary Ndukwo said Jide Ogunlana had brought glory and pride to Ibadan and Oyo State.


According to the release, “We are proud to know that you have won the 2021 edition of ANA Prize for Children Literature with your book “A Girl Called Corona Sofia”. This exciting news of you winning the award has filled us with extreme joy and pleasure. It’s difficult to express this joy in terms of words.”


“The news of your winning the prize did not come as a surprise to us. Having known the amount of hard work you put in everything you do, this literary prize is a recognition of your literary talents. Your sincerity and passion to excel has borne such fruitful results. You kept your dedication firm and did not budge or give up any time in between, in spite of various attractions and this commitment has brought you here today.”


“We wish you all the very best for your future endeavors and hope to hear many more stories of your success. The extra time you've been putting in on this has really paid off. This literary prize is just the beginning of your glorious career. Keep up the good work!” The release said.


Ibadan Book Club finally rejoiced with the family and friends of Jide Ogunlana insisting that his literary prowess had brought glory and pride to Ibadan and Oyo State as a state.

ANA OSUN SET TO HOST TWO OSOGBO BASED TEEN WRITERS ON SATURDAY, STARTS ADVOCACY ON READING

The Osun State Chapter of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) under the leadership of Bunyamin Sijuwade Zakariyah has set aside Saturday, November 20, 2021 to host two Osogbo based teen writers Ahmed Aishat Ibidun and Adeoye Abigeal in Osogbo, Osun State Capital.

A statement by Oladejo Harneef, State Publicity Secretary of ANA in Osun State said the reading would take place at the ANA Osun State Secretariat, T.M. Aluko House, Unique Success Academy Annex, Behind WAEC Office, 2 Uncle K Street, Akinlade, Alekuwodo, Osogbo by 12:00PM prompt.

According to the release, the Secretary’s Report on the just concluded 2021 ANA International Convention held at the National Secretariat of the Association in Abuja will be presented to members.
Also, the meeting would discuss serious matters and ways of repositioning ANA Osun in terms of future activities and membership drive.
In the same vein, ANA Osun State Chairman, Bunyamin Sijuwade Zakariyah

ANA Osun finally urged interested Osun Writers to partake in the September monthly reading as it is open to the public.

AFRICAN HUMAN RIGHTS PLAYWRITING PRIZE SHORTLIST ANNOUNCED


The Organizers of the African Human Rights Playwriting Prize have announced the shortlist of top and outstanding entries for the just concluded International Human Rights Playwriting Competition aimed at elevating public consciousness and understanding of human rights values through plays in order to guarantee the safeguarding of people's rights in Africa.

The shortlist was selected from the 15 longlisted entries.


The winners of the African Human Rights Playwriting Competition will be announced on the 25th of November, 2021. Only Six winners will be selected. The six winners will be featured in an online reading in January/February 2022. The International Human Rights Art Festival (IHRAF) with its international headquarters in New York will cast professional actors and a professional off-Broadway Director to read the plays. This will be held on a Saturday afternoon at 2PM NYC/8PM in Africa. Also, only the six winning entries will be published. There are no monetary awards for this competition.


The final judging/selection of winners will be done by Tom Block, the founding producer of the International Human Rights Art Festival.


Tom is a playwright, author of five books, and 20+ year visual artist. He has exhibited his artwork and spoken about his ideas throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, Turkey, and the Middle East. Tom founded the International Human Rights Art Festival at Dixon Place (NYC) in March 2017.


Find below the complete shortlist:

1. ABUBAKAR TERKIMBI SAIDU - TIED HANDS
2. ABUGHDYER MWUESE STEPHANIE - THE PERFECT HUSBAND
3. AKWU SUNDAY VICTOR – TEGINA: BROKEN INNOCENCE
4. ALEXANDER NDERITU - FREEDOM CORNER
5. ARI-AJIAOLANREWAJU - A DOG LIFE
6. CHIGOZIE MBADUGHA - I SHOULD HAVE BEEN ENOUGH
7. CONFIDENCE ODE - THE EGG HATCHED
8. R. B. PEMBROKE - MEN WHO LIVE BY BREAD
9. VICTOR OLA-MATTHEW - GUNFIRE AT OUR MARKET



African Human Rights Playwriting Prize is an initiative of the International Human Rights Art Festival (IHRAF), USA aimed at elevating public consciousness and understanding of human rights values through plays in order to guarantee the safeguarding of people's rights in Africa.

FIFTEEN PLAYWRIGHTS MAKE AFRICAN HUMAN RIGHTS PLAYWRITING PRIZE LONG LIST

Fifteen Playwrights from across Africa have made the African Human Rights Playwriting Prize Long List.

The longlist was selected from more than forty English-language submissions. The selection of the longlist was done by Marcus Ovie Ugboduma. Follow the below link to read his profile. https://ihrafafrica..com/2021/11/african-human-rights-playwriting-prize.html.

Entries were received from four different countries which include: Kenya, South Africa, Nigeria and Ghana. Submissions were judged based on Theme, Voice and Style, Characterization, Plot, Dialogue, Appropriateness, Props and Costumes, Stage Direction and conformity to contest rules.

Find below the complete longlist:

1. AKWU SUNDAY VICTOR – TEGINA: BROKEN INNOCENCE
2. ARI-AJIAOLANREWAJU - A DOG LIFE
3. VICTOR OLA-MATTHEW - GUNFIRE AT OUR MARKET
4. ALEXANDER NDERITU - FREEDOM CORNER
5. ABUBAKAR TERKIMBI SAIDU - TIED HANDS
6. CONFIDENCE ODE - THE EGG HATCHED
7. R. B. PEMBROKE - MEN WHO LIVE BY BREAD
8. ABUGHDYER MWUESE STEPHANIE - THE PERFECT HUSBAND
9. CHIGOZIE MBADUGHA - I SHOULD HAVE BEEN ENOUGH
10. ONIS SAMPSON - BABEL OF VOICES
11. ABIGAIL IMOH - BECAUSE HE’S A MAN
12. CHIDOZIE CHUKWUBUIKE - FORMULA TWO
13. KWAGHKULE AONDONENGEN JACOB - THE LONERS' STREET
14. OKWUDIRI FAVOUR - HER LAWFUL CRIME
15. CHUKWU PRECIOUS UGOCHUKWU - MY UNCLE'S LOVE -

The shortlist will be announced tomorrow, Friday, November 19, 2021.

African Human Rights Playwriting Prize is an initiative of the International Human Rights Art Festival (IHRAF), USA aimed at elevating public consciousness and understanding of human rights values through plays in order to guarantee the safeguarding of people's rights in Africa.

UMEADI, OKUNNA, NNABUIFE, UKAH, OTHERS FOR 2021 ACHEBE LECTURE

It promises to be another literary reunion for authors and literary enthusiasts from Nigeria and other countries of the world, as young writers in Anambra State, under the umbrella of Society of Young Nigerian Writers (Anambra State Chapter), set to host the 2021 Chinua Achebe Literary Festival and Memorial Lecture.

The Coordinator of the group, Izunna Okafor, disclosed this in Awka, the Anambra State capital, while giving update on the association's preparedness for the next-week-Tuesday event.

According to him, Chinua Achebe Literary Festival, which is in its sixth edition now, is an annual literary event held in honour of Nigerian literary icon, Late Prof. Chinua Achebe, in celebration of his life, numerous accomplishments and outstanding legacies in the literary field and beyond. He further said the event, which started in 2016, will (as usual) hold on Achebe's date of birth, November 16, 2021, starting at 11.am, at the usual venue —Anambra State Central E-Library, Awka, with many dignitaries in attendance.

He revealed that this year's Chinua Achebe Memorial Lecture will be delivered by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Anambra Newspapers and Printing Corporation (ANPC), Sir Chuka Nnabuife, who is also a veteran journalist, accomplished author, and 2015 winner of Gulder Ultimate Chase; while former Chief Judge of Anambra State, Prof. Peter Umeadi, will chair the occasion.

In his word, "The event will feature the Achebe Lecture, drama, spoken word poetry, announcement of the winners of the 2021 Chinua Achebe Essay Writing Competition (endowed and sponsored by the Anambra Newspapers and Printing Corporation, for secondary schools), announcement and recognition of outstanding entrants for the 2021 Chinua Achebe Poetry/Essay Anthology, special reading, award/certificate presentation, among other literary packages slated for the day."

He also added that the annual event will also feature the cutting of Achebe's 91st posthumous birthday cake, as well as the official unveiling and presentation of the Sixth Chinua Achebe Poetry/Essay Anthology, entitled 'There Was a Man', which is the association's newest anthology of poems and essays published in honour of Achebe. The annual international anthology, Okafor explained, is the writers' one way of immortalizing Achebe, and contains poems, essays, and reviews written and submitted by writers from different countries of the world, in response to a 'Call for Submission' earlier made by the association.

Izunna Okafor, who is also 2015 Winner of the Nigerian Writers Award and brain behind the initiative, further disclosed that the 2021 Literary Festival, themed “REMEMBERING ACHEBE... IN A TIME LIKE THIS” is expected to be graced by top government functionaries and literary enthusiasts, including the Executive Governor of Anambra state, Chief Dr. Willie Obiano, who is expected to declare the event open; the state's Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Mr. C-Don Adinuba; the state's Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Kenneth Anierobi; the Principal Secretary to the Governor, Sir Willie Nwokoye; as well as the Traditional Ruler of Obosi, H.R.H. Igwe Chidubem Iweka, who will also be the Royal Father of the Day.

While revealing that the National President of the Association of Nigerian Authors, Mr. Camilus Ukah, will also attend the event; Okafor further highlighted some of the other literary figures and literary enthusiasts expected at the event, to include: veteran Nollywood actor, Bob-Manuel Udokwu; James Eze (author of 'Dispossessed' and 2020 Winner of the ANA Poetry Prize); Okeke Chika Jerry (author of 'The gods Are Hungry' and 2021 Anambra governorship candidate); Uzor Maxim Uzoatu (author of 'God of Poetry'); Rev. Fr. Ositadimma Amakeze (author of 'The Last Carver'); Isidore Emeka Uzoatu (author of 'Vision Impossible'); and Dr. Paul Ifeanyi (author of 'The Pregnant Virgin')

Continuing, he added that the first female Professor of Mass Communication in Nigeria, Prof. Stella Okunna; the Head of Department, English Language and Literature, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Prof. Jane Ifechelobi; public affairs analyst, Sir John Ifejika; and international actor/award-winning author, R.C. Ofodile, are also expected, among other dignitaries, young and established writers from within and outside the country, storming Awka, to honour the legend, Achebe.

Asked whether this year's preparation for the event was in any way affected by the recurrent sit-at-home orders in the east and the recent governorship election in the state; Okafor, who responded in affirmation, said their planning was seriously affected and slowed down by the duo, to the extent that they had to pause at a point and wait for the election to come and go, before proceeding with their planning.

He said, "Unlike in 2017 when the governorship election held even very close to the event day (two days after our event), this year's own was very serious, because the environment well charged, coupled with the recurrent sit-at-home, which instilled fear in the people, kept many away from office and even crippled movement and other activities in the state.

"It happened to the extent that we had to stop at a point and wait for the election to come and go before proceeding with our planning; and you know what that means, because we have just few days left after the election and the supplementary election. But we thank God that we have come a very long way in our preparation, despite the challenges."

"And, judging from what I am seeing," he continued, "I am very optimistic that this year's edition of event will be very much greater than the previous editions. You can see the caliber of people on our guest list. Postponing or suspending the event is not an option, because, for the past six years, we have always hosted it on Achebe's birthday. So, why not this year? Achebe himself wouldn't have done otherwise if he were alive, and you know that. In fact, he is already waiting for us on 16th, and we are very ready for him."

"Achebe must be celebrated, and deserves to be celebrated even on daily basis," Okafor added.

Born on 16th November, 1930, Chinualumogu Albert Achebe (popularly known as Chinua Achebe) was a foremost Nigerian literary legend and critic, who died on 21st March, 2013 at the age of 82.

ANA CONSTITUTES 9-MEMBER PUBLICITY COMMITTEE

The Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) has approved the composition of a National Publicity Committee to be headed by Wole Adedoyin, the immediate past National Publicity Secretary (South) of the Association.

According to a Statement issued by ANA National PRO (south), Isaiah Eebhodaghe said Umar Yogiza Jr., current ANA National PRO (North) would serve as the Committee’s Secretary.

The release further named some members of the committee as: Abdulhazeez Oyewole(ANA Kwara), Chinedu Vincent Okoro (ANA Abia), Izunna Okafor (ANA Anambra), Terseer Sam Baki (ANA Benue), Folarin Olaniyi (ANA Ondo), Sunusi Musa (ANA Kano) and Sylvester Nwokedi (ANA Imo).

The newly constituted ANA publicity/media committee is expected to establish links with the local media and provide regular reports and press releases on ANA news and activities. The Publicity Committee is appointed to publicize ANA and in maintaining the professional image of the Association. The publicity committee should also ensure favorable publicity about chapters’ activities and accomplishments of the members.

AFRICAN HUMAN RIGHTS PLAYWRITING PRIZE: IHRAF UNVEILS JUDGES

The International Human Rights Art Festival (IHRAF), organizer of the African Human Rights Playwriting Prize has announced the selection of two judges for the just concluded playwriting competition aimed at elevating public consciousness and understanding of human rights values through plays in order to guarantee the safeguarding of people's rights in Africa.

In a statement made available to newsmen in Ibadan, the Director of IHRAF in Africa, Wole Adedoyin disclosed that they have received outstanding entries from four different countries within Africa. The countries are: Kenya, South Africa, Nigeria and Ghana.

To evaluate and select outstanding entries for the top prizes in the competition, the organizer of the African Human Rights Essay Competition has unveiled two distinguished individuals with diverse experiences and expertise in playwriting.

The two selected judges are Block and Marcus Ovie Ugboduma.

Tom Block is a playwright, author of five books and 20+ year visual artist. His plays have been developed and produced at such venues as the Ensemble Studio Theater, HERE, Dixon Place, Theater for the New City, IRT Theater, Theater at the 14th Street Y, Theater Row, A.R.T.-NY and many others. He was the founding producer of the International Human Rights Art Festival (2017), the Amnesty International Human Rights Art Festival (2010) and a Research Fellow at DePaul University (2010). He has exhibited his artwork and spoken about his ideas throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, Turkey and the Middle East. www.tomblock.com


Marcus Ovie Ugboduma is a Nigerian graduate, who also holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Education from the National Teachers Institute Kaduna, and is a professional member of the Certified Institute of Purchasing and Supply Administration of Nigeria.

He is a Teacher, Creative thinker, a playwright, a poet Behavioral Coach and a custodian and promoter of the African Culture.
He is a playwright whose main focus is plays for teens, a decision he reached as a deliberate intention to correct social ills especially among teenagers.

He is an adept lover of books and the founder of the Book Friendly Club of God’s Blessing Comprehensive College and has served as a role model, writing and staging plays, and encouraging young people to write plays and take roles in acting.
In 2006 his bi-lingual play "Ayanmo" was staged by students of Cambridge High School Ibadan as her entry at the Wale Ogunyemi Drama Festival (DRAFEST) for schools in Oyo State Organised by National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners
He is also Author of the play titles "Do Us No Harm" a play on Female Genital Mutilation which was staged by students of God’s Blessing Comprehensive College Ibadan and aired on Space FM Ibadan in 2017 on the International day of the girl child.

Two of his plays for screen have been produced into home videos. "The First Step" is a drama that promotes the need for couples to know their health status especially HIV and AIDS before venturing into marriage. This drama featured his Poem ODO EMENAM An elegy to a friend who contracted the HIV virus and lost his life. His second drama produced into home videos is titled "Voice of the Prophets, it was produced in 2009 and sold out among Christian circle. In both dramas he was the producer and co-directed the plays with Ade Jerry Idris a film maker.

Also Marcus had a brief stint with scripting musical videos for the defunct Ibadan based Hip hop duo “The Love Boys". their songs " We living in the ghetto" and Onye Nkem were aired constantly on because TV for close to two years and emerged as one of the most aired music videos in that year.

In the last 10 Years Marcus prepared students in casting them for roles helping them in blocking their line, and co-directing several other plays with Directors such as Olabamiji Olaiya, Samson Akapo and Tolu Fagbure, He was part of the following plays staged by Students of Gods blessing Comprehensive college Ibadan from 2012 till date, they include, Ogbori Elemoso staged in 2012 Kunrunmi by Ola Rotimi, staged in 2013.

Farewell to A Carnival rage by Prof Femi Osofisam staged in 2014, Langbodo by Wale Ogunyemi staged in 2015.

Twingle Twangled, a twinnie tayle by Prof Femi Osofisan, Other plays staged by students of Gods blessing Comprehensive College at their Annual Valedictory service includes Afonja a play by Dr Saka Alliu staged in 2017, Shadows on Arrival, a play by Prof Catherine Ezenwanebe staged in 2019.

The next play to be staged by his students in which he is also involved in the planning, casting staging is 'Agbeloba', a play on the farmers uprising in Ibadan in the sixties, the play is scheduled to be staged on the 17th day of November 2021 at Ibadan civic centre

Marcus over the years has prepared students whose plays poems and prose had featured and won the annual Fagunwa Day writing competition organised by the Association of young Nigerian writer's.

Marcus has the following plays to his credit.

The masquerade will not dance (II) an extract from his novel made into a covid19 play, to show how the pandemic has affected our cultural life, was staged by students of Gods blessing Comprehensive college at the 2021, Cultural day celebration, The Chairman Oyo state council for Arts and culture was among dignitaries that attended the premiere of this play.
'Regret has no medicine' is another play aimed at correcting societal ills.
'My destiny' a play was also written and staged by students and pupils of Omotoyosi Model Group Of Schools, in 2019 while 'Regret has no medicine' was staged also by students and pupils of the same school in 2018.
His play "Ogunsoye" a play on charms for knowledge was staged in 2018 also by students of Gods blessing Comprehensive College

He was recently one of the three guest speakers at the Ibadan book club for her October 2021 reading where he spoke on
the "importance of Poetry to every writer"

Marcus has also featured in other fields of literature and creative works using reading and writing as a tool to correcting social ills and keeping teenager away from social vices and crime.

He had also led students from Secondary Schools in Oyo state to Win the 2019 Children cultural quiz for secondary schools at the NATIONAL FESTIVAL FOR ARTS AND CULTURE NAFEST EDO 2019.

His students also came overall forth position in Children Essay writing competition at NAFEST EDO 2019, and overall second position at the Children Arts category at NAFEST EDO 2019.

He also led his students to win the National Safety Quiz 2016 in Oyo state.

Marcus enjoys spending time with his students, and mentoring them in creative writing he loves travelling and spending time with his family and when relaxed he reads religious books.

His most inspiring moments are when faced with challenges. and solving them.

His desire for young people is to help them solve social problems and vices which has earned him the accolade the " TOWN CRIER" because of his penchant for writing poems and plays aimed at preserving our cultural heritage, history and documenting political happenings.

Between 2003 and 2007 he was a Ward Chairman of the All Nigerian People's party Ward 9 Mokola Ibadan.

He has been a community Leader of the Mokola Community in Ibadan serving as it's secretary for several years.

He is also one of the founding fathers of the prestigious Mokola Carnival

Before venturing into Teaching he was a singer, rapper, disc Jockey song and script writer.

He is today an educationist, whose aim is to improve reading culture in Nigeria

He also mentored and presented students who have won prizes at three previous editions of the Fagunwa day celebration in areas of poetry, drama and prose.

His poems “The lamentation of an Aborted fetus" and "Okigbo in Biafra" were featured in the anthology of poems in honour of Prof Remi Raji @50.

He also co-edited the anthology of poems in honour of Senator Abiola Ajimobi with Wole Adedoyin.

The shortlist of twelve outstanding entries is expected to be announced on the 15th of November, 2021.

ANA CONGRATULATES CHELUCHI ONYEMELUKWE-ONUOBIA AND UCHECHUKWU UMEZ UWAZURIKE ON WINNING NLNG’S PRIZE FOR LITERATURE AND NLNG’S PRIZE FOR LITERARY CRITICISM


By: Wole Adedoyin (ANA PRO (South)


Camillus Ukah, ANA President has congratulated the duo of Cheluchi Onyemelukwe-Onuobia and Uchechukwu Umezurike for winning the 2021 NLNG’s Prize for Literature and NLNG’s Prize for Literary Criticism on Saturday.


It would be recalled that Cheluchi Onyemelukwe-Onuobia, Author and professor of Law at the Babcock University, Ogun State and Uchechukwu Umezurike, an essayist and poet were announced the winners of the 2021 NLNG’s Prize for Literature and NLNG’s Prize for Literary Criticism for their works, “Son of the House” and “Self Publishing in the Era of Military Rule in Nigeria”.


According to the release,"NLNG’s Prize for Literature Prize and NLNG’s Prize for Literary Criticism are the most prestigious awards given in recognition of literary and academic advances. The Prizes recognize the critically important role that literature plays in our lives. On behalf of ANA, I offer my sincere congratulations to the duo of Cheluchi Onyemelukwe-Onuobi and Uchechukwu Umezurike for their well-deserved awards.


The Chair of the Advisory Board for the NLNG’s Prize for Literature, Professor Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo in her presentation said Cheluchi Onyemelukwe-Onuobi's novel was awarded not only because it was full of suspense and intrigue but for how it was able to “tell human and indeed universal stories of rural as against urban life, suffering and survival, loss and redemption, decline and renaissance, destruction and reconstruction, and death and rebirth.”


Cheluchi Onyemelukwe is a Nigerian-Canadian author and academic. She is best known for her 2019 family saga novel The Son of the House. She is also a Professor of Law at Babcock University, where she served formerly as an Assistant Professor.


In 2019, she won the Sharjah International Book Fair. In 2021, she won the SprinNG women authors prize. Her novel was also nominated for the Giller Prize and Nigeria Prize for Literature awards.

Uchechukwu Peter Umezurike (or Uche Peter Umez) is a Nigerian author. Umez's first published work of poetry, Dark through the Delta, deals with the recurring despoliation of Nigeria using the Niger Delta as its motif.

A graduate of Government & Public Administration from Abia State University, Umez is also the author of Tears in her Eyes (short stories) and Aridity of Feelings (poems). He has a master's degree in English Studies from the University of Port Harcourt and is currently a PhD student at the University of Alberta, Canada.

The Nigeria Prize for Literature has since 2004 rewarded eminent writers such as Gabriel Okara (co-winner, 2005, poetry) for The Dreamer, His Vision; Professor Ezenwa Ohaeto, for his volume of poetry, Chants of a Minstrel (co-winner, 2005, poetry); Ahmed Yerima (2005, drama) for his classic, Hard Ground; Mabel Segun (co-winner, 2007, children’s literature) for her collection of short plays Reader’s Theatre; Professor Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo (co-winner, 2007, children’s literature) with her book, My Cousin Sammy; Kaine Agary with her book, Yellow Yellow (2008, prose); Esiaba Irobi (2010, drama) who clinched the prize posthumously with his book Cemetery Road; Adeleke Adeyemi (2011, children’s literature) with his book The Missing Clock; Chika Unigwe (2012, prose), with her novel, On Black Sister’s Street; Tade Ipadeola (2013, poetry) with his collection of poems, The Sahara Testaments; Professor Sam Ukala (2014, drama) with his play, Iredi War; Abubakar Adam Ibrahim with his novel Season of Crimson Blossoms (2016, prose); Ikeogu Oke with his collection of poetry, The Heresiad; (2017, poetry); Soji Cole with his play, Embers (2018, drama); and Jude Idada with his book, Boom, Boom (2019, Children Literature).

Works of Dr. Wale Okediran

ATIBA BOOK CLUB CONGRATULATES ALAAFIN OF OYO ON HIS 83RD BIRTHDAY

Atiba Book Club, one of the initiatives of the Society of Young Nigerian Writers founded to promote reading culture in the four local government areas of Oyo town has congratulated the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III on the occasion of his 83rd birthday anniversary.

In a statement on Friday, the Coordinator of Atiba Book Club, Odetola Emmanuel Ekundayo hailed the Traditional Ruler for his first class administrative shrewdness and his royal forthrightness which has injected peace and harmony in Oyo State and the whole of Yorubaland.

According to him, “the rein of Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III as the Alaafin of Oyo has enabled the ancient city to witness tremendous development and achievements.”

Odetola Emmanuel Ekundayo further described the foremost monarch as a real custodian of values, culture and traditions of Yoruba land.

The group prayed that the legacy of peace, harmony, prosperity and steadfast progress which the Oyo town has witnessed since the monarch’s reign would endure perpetually.

Odetola Emmanuel Ekundayo finally prayed that almighty God would continue to give Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, more energy, wisdom and grace to continue to lead Oyo town and environs.