₦airaland Forum

OSUN CVR EXERCISE: IPAC COMMITTEE RELEASES FORENSIC REPORT AFTER MEETING WITH OSUN INEC REC


A 3-man committee constituted to look into the spurious allegations raised by a faceless group on the ongoing Continuous Voters Registration Exercise in Osun state has released their report after meeting with the Osun State Resident Electoral Commissioner of INEC, Mr. Olusegun Agbaje.

This was contained in a press release issued by IPAC Chairman, Mr. Wale Adebayo who is also the State Chairman of Allied Peoples Movement (APM) on Tuesday in Osogbo.

The Committee headed by Engr Femi Adesuyi who is also IPAC State Deputy Chairman and the Chairman of the Zenith Labour Party in the state confirmed the earlier claim of IPAC Chairman that the allegations raised by the faceless group against INEC was baseless and biased.

Other Members of the committee which included Pastor Popoola Olatunji of APGA (IPAC state PRO), and Alhaji Olaniyi Abass (Representative of SDP) also substantiated the Committee Chairman’s report.

Some of the reasons given by the INEC boss include: influx of students from the 41 tertiary institutions domiciled in Osun state participating in the registration exercise, also 80 percent of the registrants who are also digital savvy falls between the age bracket of 18 and 35 and selection of wrong/incorrect options during the registration exercise. Other reasons are also listed in the below release.

Osun IPAC Chairman under the leadership of Mr. Wale Adebayo urged Osun political parties and citizens to be guided by the below report and disregard any group or press statement reported to have been earlier circulated by unauthorized/faceless persons on this issue.

Find below the full release issued by the Chairman of IPAC, Mr. Wale Adebayo after the Committee Chairman, Engr Femi Adesuyi gave his forensic report to the House on the whole issue.

Sequel to my publication on the 27th of July 2021, I communicated my knowledge of some news making rounds about the increase in the total number of new voters registered in the ongoing Continuous Voters Exercise Nationwide.

I promised that IPAC would look into the matter and constitute a Committee to visit the INEC REC for Osun State so as to get clarity on why there is a massive hike in the number of voters in the State, as against her counterparts.

A 3 man Committee was constituted to this effect and they are, IPAC State Deputy Chairman Engr Femi Adesuyi State Chairman Zenith Labour Party, others are Pastor Popoola Olatunji IPAC state PRO, State Chairman APGA, and Alhaji Olaniyi Abass Representative of SDP.

They met with the REC and the following was the outcome of their deliberations with the REC. Osun INEC REC explained to IPAC the reason Osun State has alarming figures close to 200,000 as at the time of visit.

1. The REC stated that the CVR are in two phases, the first phase is preregistration exercise which is done purely online without any interference from INEC. Individuals register from their homes, and cannot be held for a number of voter registrations from a particular region or state.


2. Number of Tertiary institutions in Osun State: He said Osun state has about 10 Universities, 8 Polytechnics, 8 College of Education, 6 Schools/Colleges of Health Sciences, 8 Innovation Colleges/Institutes and 1 Monotechnics. Making a total of 41 Tertiary institutions. With this development, Osun recorded a high surge of youthful engagements in political matters.

3. He also said Majority of the registrants are youths. Further examination of the statistics shows that youth from the age bracket 18-35 covers 80 percent of the figures. And this can largely be due to the recent consensus from the Nigerian youth to get fully involved in politics, a course championed more in the South Western region of the Country.

3. Wrong or incorrect Registration option. He further revealed that it was discovered that most people chose the "fresh registration" option, whereas some of them are either for Transfer of Voters Card or Damaged or defaced Voters Card or Correction of Data. Since they mostly registered as FRESH REGISTRANT, it will reflect as a new registrant even though they are now. All the above options are available, but most still registered as new registrants.

HIS RESOLUTION ON THE MATTER.

However, Osun INEC REC made it clear that every registration in the CVR era will be sorted into appropriate Categories. And this will be done when they appear for phase two which is physical biometric data capturing.

He also told the committee that Phase two of the Continuous Voters Registration, which is where applicants are expected to show up for biometric capturing. During this exercise, multiple registration will be sieved out, and also those who chose wrong options will be corrected as well. At the end of the phase two exercise, the number of fresh registrants will be ascertained.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner then implored all IPAC members in the State, to educate their members, helping them choose appropriate options when filling the online registration. He Also warned that multiple registration is an electoral offence, and members of the public should desist from such acts.

OUR POSITION.

After listening to the State REC, and deliberating amongst ourselves. These were our conclusions:

1. That the Political parties give INEC a full benefit of doubt as touching this issue. Since it has come up with an intelligent reason for the hike in number, provided it ascertains its position of cross checking for any case of registration fraud.

2. That the Commission makes substantive awareness when the second phase begins, so that all corrections will be effected and the abnormalities regulated.

3. The commission also should ensure that the final accurate number of new registered voters be made public, via their website for all to see, after which we are sure all concerns would have been attended to.

4. That the Commission continue in its frequent briefing of IPAC on the progress of both the registration and other electioneering procedures as we draw closer to the Gubernatorial polls.

I am certain that with these measures in place, we will be able to go to the polls full of confidence that every party stands an equal chance at the polls.

I am always and will forever be committed to securing the interest of the people of Osun State, and I want every political stakeholder to keep supporting IPAC to enable her to achieve her lofty aims.

WRITER'S BLOCK CAN BE FRUSTRATING SOMETIMES ESPECIALLY WHEN ONE IS YET TO FIND THE TRICK AROUND IT – AYOOLUWA OLASUPO (IMISI)


WA: WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START WRITING?

IMISI: Writing for me began as a spur, and what later transpired into a passion, then hobby from childhood. It began from the enthusiasm I often experienced from wielding a pen over the fresh page of a new book and I was notorious for always "wasting" money, buying new exercise books during my childhood days. As far back as I know, this art of buying new exercise books with the aim of writing something on it was one of my greatest sources of excitement as a child.

WA: HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WRITING?

IMISI: I have been writing since I was 8. As at primary 4, I was through with the final draft of my first creative book consisting of originally created stories, curated quotable quotes, riddles, jokes, cartoons and so on. I rewrote this book over and over until it was perfectly ready for print. My parents promised to print the book for me and even now I can still see the pages in my mind, with the calendar wrapped cover and my tiny handwriting in colourful pens. But the printer died and in those days too, writing and other art related talents were not often paid much attention to like it is today, so this was how I was unable to publish my first book at age 8.

WA: WHEN DID YOU START WRITING?

IMISI: As earlier answered above, I started writing 20 years ago.

WA: HAVE YOU ALWAYS WANTED TO BE A WRITER?

IMISI: Yes I have; since I was 8 as earlier stated.

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

IMISI: I think I'm also just starting out and the advice I'd give all of us is:
We need to keep learning, unlearning and relearning. We need to not know so that we will be able to know; yet, we need to know so that we can be confident of our craft, able to teach those coming behind us.

WA: HOW DO YOU HANDLE WRITER’S BLOCK?

IMISI: I handle writer's block in different ways depending on the situation.
Sometimes, I let myself stretch beyond limit, melting the block rigorously with the wind of persistence over hours to days until what is hard begins to release droplets of ideas that flow in form of writing but at other times which is what I more commonly apply, I take the risk of letting the block block me out of my inspiration, until I find myself in a close where I forget I was in need of inspiration, going about my routine activities.
Then I suddenly realize that road blocks are often accompanied by sign posts indicating a new route, so I start to explore the new route of ideas, while the old inspiration returns with multiple and mightier muse.
But writer's block can be frustrating sometimes especially when one is yet to find the trick around it.

WA: WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR INSPIRATION?

IMISI: Majorly from my day to day life situations especially as ordained by God. My name Ìmísí means inspiration and according to Job 32:8, my inspiration is often God breathed, mostly through my life experience including the good and seemingly unpalatable ones. I believe divinity is a key to unlock creativity

WA: TELL US ABOUT YOUR FIRST PUBLISHED BOOK?

IMISI: I have published works in reputable journals but none in print yet. My first published work was "Saviours of savour", a poem written in the Christian Literary Hub's Anthology published in September 2020.

WA: WHAT WAS THE JOURNEY LIKE

IMISI: Full of ups and downs, building of confidence and sometimes the shaking of it; full of discovery and beauty, connection to great writers, opportunities and feeling of fulfilment, watching my art breathe. Above all, I've discovered that writing is a great tool for influence especially for those of us whose creative writings are mostly around faith and Christian living.

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

IMISI: Simplicity, Aesthetics, Coherence, Originality, Good vocabulary, Excellent editing, Emotion, and thought provoking. Able to induce impact.

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

IMISI: Francine Rivers, the award winning, renown Christian novelist, Taiwo Iredele Olubiyi, our own astute Nigerian novelist, Warsan Shire, the award winning poet

WA: YOUR FAVORITE BOOK BY HIM?

IMISI: Francine Rivers: Redeeming Love
Warshan Shire: Home
Taiwo Iredele Olubiyi: Shadows from the past

WA: HAS A BOOK EVER CHANGED YOUR LIFE?

IMISI: Yes. Francine Rivers' Redeeming Love.
As far back as 2010 after reading the book, I was moved to dedicate my life to Christ. The book was borrowed but I couldn't resist scribbling the words of my dedication inside the back cover. I look forward to more of such books especially from faith based authors in our days. I'm currently reading the book the third time— my own copy which I purchased 2 years ago.

WA: WHAT GENRES DO YOU LOVE?

IMISI: I love writing poetry and creative nonfiction. I enjoy reading fiction too.

WA: ARE THERE ANY GENRES YOU DISLIKE?

IMISI: Not really. Though I don't really like straightforward essays, I'm beginning to get a grasp of it through more creative forms like journalism, travel essays and memoirs.

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

A. H. Mohammed rated as a candid chronicler of young adult writing and shortlisted for the Macmillan write for Africa prize. His book, "Last days at Forcados High School is on the UTME required reading in Nigeria. This literary feat is super excellent especially for a resident doctor in training. Because I'm also a medical doctor, I would like to meet him to know how he's able to achieve this great record combining the duress of medical profession, more so in Nigeria.
The second reason I want to meet him is for my attraction for the group his writings target which is young adults including children and adolescents. If you read my bio, you will discover my love for this same age group.


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

IMISI: Both

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

IMISI: Novels

WA: WHAT BOOK CAN YOU RECOMMEND TO ME?

IMISI: Taiwo Iredele Olubiyi's shadows from the past

WA: WHEN DID YOU LAST VISIT A LIBRARY?
IMISI: I visited a library few weeks ago
WA: HAVE YOU EVER HAD A CRUSH ON A BOOK CHARACTER?

IMISI: None that I can remember right now

WA: HAS A BOOK EVER MADE YOU LAUGH OUT LOUD?
Kayode Olamide Valentine's "Pearls and Pebbles"

CALL FOR PARTICIPATION: OSOGBO WRITERS CONFERENCE

Osogbo Writers Conference is a one day conference, designed to guide and assist Osun state up and coming writers through the process of writing. The primary purpose of this conference is to help unlock the potential of Osun state based writers as “writers” and to help them understand and realize their writing potential.

Osogbo Writers Conference also aims to provide the highest quality of creating writing course, support, and community for writers and readers in Osun State and beyond. The Conference will also strive to ensure that Creative Writing maintains its proper prominence in the state, and that individuals achieve their fullest potential as writers.

Osogbo Writers Conference welcomes all interested Osun state citizens who want to learn more about writing and publishing, no matter their age, experience, or education.

The conference has been slated to take place on the 21st day of August, 2021.

Some of the topics to cover include: Key elements of writing (Poetry, Prose and Drama), Obtaining ISBN, ISSN, character development, publishing, editing, scriptwriting, graphics design, illustration, electronic publishing, ghost writing etc.
Registration is free, to register send your name, phone number, location, gender, email and your favorite genre to 08072673852.
Benefits of participation include: Free certificate of participation, free Creative Writing E-books and automatic membership into the Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW).

OSOGBO BOOK CLUB, IHRAF TO ORGANIZE OSOGBO WRITERS CONFERENCE, SETS UP OSOGBO WRITERS ACADEMY

Osogbo Book Club in conjunction with the International Human Rights Art Festival (IHRAF), African Chapter has expressed readiness to organize a one day conference for Osun state based writers, publishers, bloggers, librarians and editors.

This was contained in a press statement issued by the Coordinator of the Club, Grace Godwin in Osogbo on Saturday.

According to the release, the conference workshop is part of the club’s plan to support the efforts of Osun State writers and to help them effectively transition from one stage of the writing or publishing process to the next.

Osogbo Writers Conference is a one day conference, designed to guide and assist Osun state up and coming writers through the process of writing. The primary purpose of this conference is to help unlock the potential of Osun state based writers as “writers” and to help them understand and realize their writing potential.

Osogbo Writers Conference also aims to provide the highest quality of creating writing course, support, and community for writers and readers in Osun State and beyond. The Conference will also strive to ensure that Creative Writing maintains its proper prominence in the state, and that individuals achieve their fullest potential as writers.

Osogbo Writers Conference welcomes all interested Osun state citizens who want to learn more about writing and publishing, no matter their age, experience, or education.

The conference has been slated to take place on the 21st day of August, 2021.

Some of the topics to cover include: Key elements of writing (Poetry, Prose and Drama), Obtaining ISBN, ISSN, character development, publishing, editing, scriptwriting, graphics design, illustration, electronic publishing, ghost writing etc.
Registration is free, to register send your name, phone number, location, gender, email and your favorite genre to 08072673852.
Benefits of participation include: Free certificate of participation, free Creative Writing E-books and automatic membership into the Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW).

IBADAN BOOK CLUB FELICITATES WITH JELILI OYELERE ON HIS BIRTHDAY

Ibadan Book Club has felicitated with Jelili Oyelere, the Public Relations Officer and Coordinator of the Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW) Polytechnic of Ibadan chapter over his birthday celebration.
In a statement issued by the Coordinator and Secretary of the Club, Ayobami Odunyemi and Mary Ndukwo on Sunday in Ibadan said the Club joined Jelili Oyelere’s family and friends in celebrating the author of Awakening Dreams.
Ibadan Book Club also congratulated the celebrant on his latest publication titled, “The Cave of a Thousand Demons” which will be launched on the 7th day of August, 2021 at the Assembly Hall, the Polytechnic, Ibadan.
According to the release, “Today is your day and we cannot stay calm till we wish you well. It does not matter the kind of ink that is being used. A good writer like you knows how to bring something out of nothing. A good writer is known by his work but a better writer is known by what people say about him. Happy birthday to you sir.”
Ibadan Book Club finally prayed that the Almighty God will grant Oyelere Jelili longer life, good health and more strength to celebrate more fruitful years.

I AM OPEN TO CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM - FADAIRO TESLEEM

Fadairo Tesleem is one of the three writers Osogbo Book Club will be hosting on Saturday. Fadairo Tesleem is a Poet, Critic and an Admin of a popular poetry group on Whatsapp. In this interview with Wole Adedoyin, he talks about his passion and love for writing
WA: WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START WRITING?
FT: It's my passion for art, I love creativity.
WA: HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WRITING?
FT: Up to six years now, I started not long (smiles) those poems weren't poems though, as per standard.
WA: WHEN DID YOU START WRITING?
FT: I figured out the talent while I was still in secondary school (laughs). I did help friends wrote love letters to their girlfriends. Hilarious! But that was how we started.
WA: HAVE YOU ALWAYS WANTED TO BE A WRITER?
FT: I would say YES to this in capital, it's been my aspiration right from mum's womb.
WA: WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE A NEW WRITER, SOMEONE JUST STARTING OUT?
FT: With good faith, accept criticism, be ready to learn whatever, wherever and from whomever and adapt the culture of reading, only readers, vivid readers would become writers, it's a gradual process.
WA: HOW DO YOU HANDLE WRITER’S BLOCK?
FT: It's kind of sacrificial, you don't force muse.
FT: As for me, I do take the vacation as long as it demands.
WA: HOW MANY BOOKS HAVE YOU WRITTEN?
FT: Still working on my first poetry collection, bet it will be worth reading. I should be done with it before this year elapses
WA: WHAT IS THE MOST SURPRISING THING YOU DISCOVERED WHILE WRITING YOUR BOOK(S)?
FT: How words fall in line, I'd written tons of poems and start wondering if I were the owner of the work, it surprises me; how I'd read my poems and still admire it, what a feeling !
WA: WHO IS YOUR FAVOURITE CHARACTER?
FT: Moremi: the heroine of Ile Ife.
WA: DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE CHARACTER THAT YOU HAVE WRITTEN? IF SO, WHO? AND WHAT MAKES THEM SO SPECIAL.
FT: Yes ! Moremi is the woman, "Moremi Ajasoro" After I've read series of epics written by Nigerian poets in honour of this great woman, I felt I owe her one too, she librated her people from the wild hands of the Ugbo, how she willed herself to the dreadful Ugbo troops, how she sacrificed her only son "Ela Oluorogbo" to the traditional river "Esuminrin"...I fell in love with her roles, I must confess and she worths the works that were written in honour of her.
WA: WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR INSPIRATION?
FT: Everywhere, Anywhere, I got inspired most when I'm in trauma state, the best of my poems were written while I was traumatic and that's the truth.
WA: WHERE CAN READERS PURCHASE YOUR BOOKS?
FT: None yet, I just started submitting my works to online literary journals & magazines, I have over 30 submissions awaiting acceptances and rejections.
WA: WHERE CAN READERS FIND OUT MORE ABOUT YOU AND YOUR BOOKS?
FT: They can always reach me through my social media handles( Tasleem Abu Haneefa)mostly available on Facebook.
WA: WHICH OF YOUR BOOKS WERE THE MOST ENJOYABLE TO WRITE?
FT: My first poetry collection, still on it but it's a whole kind of stress free
WA: TELL US ABOUT YOUR FIRST PUBLISHED BOOK?
FT: Said it earlier: still on it, and we're almost there.
WA: WHAT WAS THE JOURNEY LIKE?
FT: It's been not very easy, I don’t want to use hard.
WA: WHAT, IN YOUR OPINION, ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT ELEMENTS OF GOOD WRITING?
FT: Persistence, it's very dangerous to stop, you mustn't stop, as much as you keep doing a thing and you never stop, then you'll get there, Appreciation of criticism allow critics devour your works, let them make you. I am open to constructive criticism.
WA: WHO'S YOUR FAVORITE AUTHOR OF ALL TIME?
FT: Chimamanda Adichie, the woman is way far beyond good
WA: YOUR FAVORITE BOOK BY HIM?
FT: "Notes On Grief"
WA: ON YOUR LATEST POEM, CAN YOU SHARE WITH US SOMETHING ABOUT THE POEM.
FT: My latest poem: "I smell war" was written in remembrance of those that passed out at the Lekki tollgate massacre, during the SORO SOKE revolution. It's a dirge!
WA: ARE THERE ANY SECRETS FROM THE POEM, YOU CAN SHARE WITH YOUR READERS?
FT: No! There's no secret
WA: WHAT WAS THE INSPIRATION FOR THE STORY?
FT: The mass killing that happened at Lekki tollgate during the 'END SARS' campaign
WA: WHAT GENRES DO YOU LOVE?
FT: Poetry
WA: ARE THERE ANY GENRES YOU DISLIKE?
FT: Yes ! Prose
WA: WHAT AUTHOR (WHO IS STILL LIVING) WOULD YOU DEARLY LOVE TO MEET?
FT: Prof. Wole Soyinka.
WA: DO YOU LIKE TO DISPLAY YOUR BOOKS ON A BOOKSHELF OR KEEP THEM IN A VIRTUAL LIBRARY?
FT: Virtual library, I love hidden potentials, I love performing and people would be like "wow! You wrote this?!" "I ne'er knew you're this endowed" I've heard those words from my relatives and friends that don't know what I do.
WA: DO YOU PREFER FLASH FICTION, SHORT STORIES, NOVELLAS, OR NOVELS?
FT: Short stories
WA: WHAT BOOK CAN YOU RECOMMEND TO ME?
FT: "Notes on grief" by Chimamanda Adichie
WA: WHEN DID YOU LAST VISIT A LIBRARY?
FT: When I'm home, it's something I do almost every day, my Dad owns one.
WA: HAVE YOU EVER HAD A CRUSH ON A BOOK CHARACTER?
FT: Yes ! "Paulina" in the Wages of Sin
WA: HAS A BOOK EVER MADE YOU LAUGH OUT LOUD?
FT: Trials of brother Jero by proffesor Wole Soyinka.
It's nice having you around, thanks !

CALL FOR PARTICIPATION
2021 IBADAN CREATIVE WRITING WORKSHOP

Ibadan Creative writing workshop is an avenue to provide an opportunity for writers to develop and refine their writing skills.
The forthcoming workshop is strictly for up and coming writers new to writing who are unsure where to begin, Individuals who want a refresher on the key elements of writing (poetry, Prose and Drama), writers who want to learn more about character development, publishing, editing, scriptwriting, graphics design, illustration, electronic publishing, ghost writing etc.
Registration is free, to register send your name, phone number, gender, email and your favorite genre to Odunyemi Ayobami – 08164148985 and copy Akinyemi Jelili- 07064338572.
Benefits of participation include: Free certificate of participation, free Creative Writing E-books and automatic membership into the Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW).

2021 IBADAN CREATIVE WRITING WORKSHOP

MEET OUR GUEST SPEAKERS


BARTHOLOMEW AKPAH holds a PhD from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. He has taught English courses at the Department of Languages, English and Literary Studies at McPherson University, Ogun State, and Kola Daisi University, Ibadan, before moving to Liberia where he currently teaches at the Department of Language and Literature, William V.S. Tubman University.

JIDE OGUNLANA is a Novelist, Editor, Playwright and Professional Publisher, Two of Ogunlana’s plays, Verbal Violence and Clash of the Gods have been successfully staged in the Arts Theatre of the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, and they are being read at The Polytechnic, Ibadan and some higher institutions in the country. One of his short stories and extracts of his stories have also been published in some editions of ANA Review of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA).

Ogunlana’s storybook, Primrose and the Kidnappers won the 2018 ANA Prize for Children’s Literature. Many of his books have been approved for school use in the current lists of books of Oyo State Ministry of Education.

Other publications by Jide Ogunlana include: Two Plays of Verbal Attack, Esin Amope (Yoruba) The Adventure of Three Wild Boys (published under a pseudonym, Wale Adewale), Primrose and the Kidnappers, Three Strange Stories for Children, Awesu in a Strange House, A Girl Called Corona Sofia and From Marriage to Prison (A Collection of Short Stories).

As an editor, he worked with Evans Brothers (Nig. Publishers) Ltd for some years before establishing his own publishing company where he now works as a writer, a rewriter and an editor. His work with the Evans Brothers as a Senior Editor exposed him to various works of great writers both locally and internationally. As an independent editor, he has edited outstanding works of many popular Nigerian writers such as the prose works of Dr Wale Okediran, the Secretary General of Pan African Writers Association (PAWA) and a former Member of the House of Representatives, the biography of a former governor, the prose work of Diipo Fagunwa, the only surviving child of D.O. Fagunwa and the autobiography of Prof. Samuel Olusegun Ayodele, a renowned Nigerian professor of English.

MURTHADA O. LAWAL is a graduate of Fine Art from The Polytechnic Ibadan, Eruwa Campus and Yaba College of Technology where he obtained his HND in Painting (1992). Afterwards he got a Masters Degree at the University of Ibadan.

The artist has worked in different capacities as a cartoonist, illustrator and graphic designer for numerous magazine, newspaper, publishing companies and multinational organizations, which include IITA, Ibadan. He rose through managerial positions such as Production Manager at the Melrose Books. Also, Publishing and Operations Manager and later Acting Managing Director at UNILAG Press and Book Shop.

Presently he is back fulltime in the studio, working as a painter, illustrator, designer, 2D and 3D animator. His commissioned artworks adorn public and private spaces in Nigeria and abroad.

Awards won include: NOMA Award runner up, Kobe, Japan (1994), TIG 1st prize Award, Canada (2003), Macmillan literature Award, UK (2006) etc.

FOLARIN OLANIYI is a writer and media consultant with experience in the global book publishing industry spanning over 10 years. He has in the past years worked with several young writers to publish their works to high acclaim. Folarin presently directs the affairs of The School of Media and Innovation where he teaches printing, publishing and digital media.

SULAIMAN IDRIS BANKOLE hails from Osogbo in Osun State. He is a Scriptwriter, Playwright and an educator per excellence. He is also a scriptwriter as well as playwright. He believes in educating our youth’s right by having the common sense to tell them the truth about where our country and continent presently stands. Some of his works are: My Destiny, My Choice. Hidden Sparkle, When Tomorrow Comes and other academic books.

FOLARIN PHEBEAN holds a B.A English Language and Literature from the University of Ilorin. She is a young lady of essence and value with the mindset of reading and becoming great in life, a lover of God, and a cheerful giver.
During her undergraduate, she was a member of an Editorial group that does editing jobs as a freelancer. She is presently working as an English Editor in Extension Publications Company, starting her career as an Editor at her tender age. She has the vision of pursuing a Masters Degree in the nearest Future.

Registration is free, to register send your name, phone number, gender, email and your favorite genre to Odunyemi Ayobami – 08164148985 and copy Akinyemi Jelili- 07064338572.
Benefits of participation include: Free certificate of participation, free Creative Writing E-books and automatic membership into the Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW).

IBADAN BOOK CLUB, IHRAF TO ORGANIZE FREE CREATIVE WRITING WORKSHOP FOR WRITERS, EDITORS, PUBLISHERS AND BLOGGERS IN IBADAN

Ibadan Book Club in conjunction with IHRAF Book Club will host a creative writing Workshop for writers, editors, publishers and bloggers in Ibadan on Saturday, July 31, 2021.
The objectives of the workshop include: honing, enhancing and improving the skills/capacity of up and coming writers, editors, publishers and bloggers, among others. It hopes to help intending participants deepen their understanding of writing and develop distinctive writing voices, it will also enable intending participants to explore the types of writing in which they are particularly interested.
This was contained in a press statement issued by the Coordinator of the Club Ayobami Odunyemi in Ibadan on Monday.
According to the release, the workshop is part of the club’s strategies to enhance the capacity of writers, editors, publishers and bloggers.
Expected to deliver lectures are: Dr. Bartholomew Akpah, Mr. Jide Ogunlana, Mr. Murthada Lawal, Mr. Sulaiman Idris Bankole, Mr. Folarin Olaniyi and Miss Phebean Folarin.
The forthcoming workshop is strictly for up and coming writers new to writing who are unsure where to begin, Individuals who want a refresher on the key elements of writing (poetry, Prose and Drama), writers who want to learn more about character development, publishing, editing, scriptwriting, graphics design, illustration, electronic publishing, ghost writing etc.
Ibadan Creative writing workshop is an avenue to provide an opportunity for writers to develop and refine their writing skills.
Registration is free, to register send your name, phone number, gender, email and your favorite genre to Odunyemi Ayobami – 08164148985 and copy Akinyemi Jelili- 07064338572.
Benefits of participation include: Free certificate of participation, free Creative Writing E-books and automatic membership into the Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW).

ANA OSUN SETS JULY 24 FOR NEW ELECTION, SETS UP ELECTORAL COMMITTEE

By Wole Adedoyin (ANA PRO South)

The Osun State Chapter of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) will hold its state election on Saturday July 24.
The newly appointed Chairman of ANA Osun Electoral Committee, Dr. Olaolu Olugbenga disclosed this to newsmen in Osogbo on Wednesday.

Dr. Olaolu Olugbenga said the election has been scheduled to hold on July 24 at T. M. Aluko House, ANA Osun Secretariat, Osogbo, Osun State by 12:00Noon.

It would be recalled that ANA under the national leadership of Camillus Ukah on the 22nd of May appointed 5-Member Caretaker Committee headed by Bunyamin Zakariyah with Adeola Owolabi, Solomon Segun, Grace Godwin and Taliat Kola Oladipo as members.

The Caretaker Committee was recently constituted after the tenure of the outgone ANA Osun executive headed by Mr. Muriola Awosemo had expired since Nov. 3, 2019.

Following the dissolution of ANA Osun Caretaker Committee headed by Bunyamin Zakariya. ANA Osun Members on the 10th day of July, 2021 held an emergency meeting and set up an electoral committee that would conduct elections on the 24th day of July, 2021.

The five member committee has Dr. Olaolu Olugbenga as Chairman. Other members of the Committee include: Mrs. Florence Odebunmi (Secretary), Mr. Abdulwahab Gbadamosi (PRO), Mr. Adeyemi Adeleke (Member) and Mr. Success Alade (Member).

Responding on behalf of other members, the Chairman of ANA Osun Electoral Committee, Dr. Olaolu Olugbenga, thanked ANA Osun members for finding them worthy to serve in the committee and promised to work hard to justify the confidence reposed in them.

He also promised to work hard to give the Association a brand new EXCO within the stipulated time frame even as he assured of a level playing field for all wishing to participate in the elections.

He finally assured that all necessary measures will be taken to ensure a transparent electoral process that will meet the expectation of all ANA members in Osun State.

OKEDIRAN UNVEILS 'MADAGALI' ON JULY 29 2021

The much awaited new novel by Dr Wale Okediran, the Secretary General of the Pan African Writers Association, (PAWA) will finally be presented to the public at 10 am on Thursday July 29 2021 in Lagos, Nigeria.
The Book Launch which will be part of the activities for the 20th edition of Nigerian International Book Fair Festival will take place at Harbour Point Event Centre, Victoria Island venue of the Book Fair.
The Hybrid event ( Physical and Virtual) will be chaired by the Minister of State for Health, Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora. He will be supported by other eminent personalities drawn from all walks of life.
The book will be reviewed by a Professor of International Relations and former VC of the Federal University, Oye Ekiti, Professor Kayode Soremekun.
MADAGALI which was published by Evans Publishers PLC is set in North East, Nigeria and pays attention to the pathetic nature of Nigeria’s current war against insurgency.

THE ATUKWEI OKAI AFRICAN PRIZE FOR POETRY


ANNOUNCEMENT AND CALL FOR ENTRIES


The Pan African Writers Association (PAWA) hereby announces The Atukwei Okai African Prize for Poetry in honor of its pioneer Secretary General, Prof Atukwei Okai ( March 15 1941 to July 13 2018).

The Prize which will be for poetry collections published by individual authors between 2018 to 2021 will be in 5 categories of Arabic, English, French, Kiswahili and Portuguese.

Entries which are open to African Writers at home and in the diaspora must be in digital form and should be sent by email to pawahouse@gmail.com.

Entries will be judged by individual Judges in each category of Arabic, English, French, Kiswahili and Portuguese.

Prizes of $2,000 per category will be awarded on March 15 2022, the birthday of Prof Atukwei Okai.

Deadline for Submissions is October 31 2021.

Dr Wale Okediran
PAWA Secretary General

ANA CONGRATULATES NOBEL LAUREATE WOLE SOYINKA ON HIS 87TH BIRTHDAY

Camillus Ukah, President of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) has congratulated Prof. Wole Soyinka, a writer of global stature and the first African ever to receive the Nobel Prize in Literature as he attains the age of 87.
This was contained in a statement issued by the National PRO South, Wole Adedoyin in Ilesa on Tuesday.
According to the release “Nigeria is proud to have a talented and dedicated writer such as Wole Soyinka. He has contributed immensely to our country. He is an extremely special writer whom we hold high in ANA.
Soyinka has been a sturdy critic of successive Nigerian governments. He has criticized all forms of misuse of power in Nigeria by the incumbent government. We wish Prof. Wole Soyinka all the best and continued good health.
Wole Soyinka has been recognized worldwide and has won many international awards, including Anisfield-Wolf Book Award, Nobel Prize for Literature, Agip Prize for Literature, Benson Medal from Royal Society of Literature, International Humanist Award, Special Prize of the Europe Theatre Prize and many honorary degrees from distinguished universities across the globe. ANA under the leadership of Camillus Ukah congratulates the laureate on this special occasion.”
ANA finally wished Prof. Wole Soyinka a happy 87th birthday celebration and prayed that God almighty will grant him many more years of good health and strength to see the Nigeria of his dream.
Wole Soyinka was born on 13 July 1934 at Abeokuta, near Ibadan in western Nigeria. After preparatory university studies in 1954 at Government College in Ibadan, he continued at the University of Leeds, where, later, in 1973, he took his doctorate. During the six years spent in England, he was a dramaturgist at the Royal Court Theatre in London 1958-1959. In 1960, he was awarded a Rockefeller bursary and returned to Nigeria to study African drama. At the same time, he taught drama and literature at various universities in Ibadan, Lagos, and Ife, where, since 1975, he has been professor of comparative literature. In 1960, he founded the theatre group, “The 1960 Masks” and in 1964, the “Orisun Theatre Company”, in which he has produced his own plays and taken part as actor. He has periodically been visiting professor at the universities of Cambridge, Sheffield, and Yale.
During the civil war in Nigeria, Soyinka appealed in an article for cease-fire. For this he was arrested in 1967, accused of conspiring with the Biafra rebels, and was held as a political prisoner for 22 months until 1969. Soyinka has published about 20 works: drama, novels and poetry. He writes in English and his literary language is marked by great scope and richness of words.
As dramatist, Soyinka has been influenced by, among others, the Irish writer, J.M. Synge, but links up with the traditional popular African theatre with its combination of dance, music, and action. He bases his writing on the mythology of his own tribe-the Yoruba-with Ogun, the god of iron and war, at the centre. He wrote his first plays during his time in London, The Swamp Dwellers and The Lion and the Jewel (a light comedy), which were performed at Ibadan in 1958 and 1959 and were published in 1963. Later, satirical comedies are The Trial of Brother Jero (performed in 1960, publ. 1963) with its sequel, Jero’s Metamorphosis (performed 1974, publ. 1973), A Dance of the Forests (performed 1960, publ.1963), Kongi’s Harvest (performed 1965, publ. 1967) and Madmen and Specialists (performed 1970, publ. 1971). Among Soyinka’s serious philosophic plays are (apart from “The Swamp Dwellers“) The Strong Breed (performed 1966, publ. 1963), The Road ( 1965) and Death and the King’s Horseman (performed 1976, publ. 1975). In The Bacchae of Euripides (1973), he has rewritten the Bacchae for the African stage and in Opera Wonyosi (performed 1977, publ. 1981), bases himself on John Gay’s Beggar’s Opera and Brecht’s The Threepenny Opera. Soyinka’s latest dramatic works are A Play of Giants (1984) and Requiem for a Futurologist (1985).
Soyinka has written three novels, The Interpreters (1965), narratively, a complicated work which has been compared to Joyce’s and Faulkner’s, in which six Nigerian intellectuals discuss and interpret their African experiences. Season of Anomy (1973) which is based on the writer’s thoughts during his imprisonment and confronts the Orpheus and Euridice myth with the mythology of the Yoruba and Chronicles of the Happiest People on Earth (2020), a fictional meditation on power and greed—at once a literary hoot, a whodunit, and a scathing indictment of political and social corruption. Purely autobiographical are The Man Died: Prison Notes (1972) and the account of his childhood, Aké ( 1981), in which the parents’ warmth and interest in their son are prominent. Literary essays are collected in, among others, Myth, Literature and the African World (1975).
Soyinka’s poems, which show a close connection to his plays, are collected in Idanre, and Other Poems (1967), Poems from Prison (1969), A Shuttle in the Crypt (1972) the long poem Ogun Abibiman (1976) and Mandela’s Earth and Other Poems (1988).

AYOOLUWA, ADEKUNLE AND FADAIRO TO HEADLINE OSOGBO BOOK CLUB JULY READING
Osogbo Book Club (OBC) has set aside 24th day of July, 2021 to host three Osogbo based writers, Ayooluwa Olasupo (Imisi), Babatude Adekunle and Fadairo Tesleem, in Osogbo, the capital of Osun State.
A statement issued by both the Coordinator and Secretary of the club, Grace Godwin and Afeez Olagunju said the event would take place at the T.M. Aluko House (ANA Osun State Secretariat) Unique Success Academy Annex, Behind WAEC Office, 2 Uncle K Street, Akinlade, Alekuwodo, Osogbo by 12PM prompt.
Ayooluwa Olasupo (Imisi) is a Nigerian poet/writer and medical doctor who writes from Osogbo, Osun State. Her works have appeared in Christian Literary Hub's Anthology, Afritondo, The Shallow Tales Review Literary Magazine, Eboquills, Shuzia and elsewhere.
She's the Editor-in-chief of Scent and Sceptre Teen Magazine and also the curator/founder of Star and Nectar Literary Magazine; a content creator who has been a co-editor to a number of magazines and other publications, she was top 6 in the Pregnant Poems contest 2020 and was nominated on two consecutive occasions as a contributory writer to the Nigerian Medical Students Association. Her writing often conveys message of hope, courage and healing.
When she's not writing, reading or attending to her medical passion, she enjoys listening to and making music, speaking, cooking and telling children in the neighbourhood twilight tales.
The second writer, Babatunde Abdulhakim Adekunle is a student of university of Ibadan. He is studying Education and English. Abdulhakim is a content creator, Motivational writer and poet. He writes for different blogs among which is Cornelius blog and international Writers among others. He belongs to different writers' organizations and has received different certificates on creative writing within and outside Nigeria.
The third writer, Fadairo Tesleem, also known by his social media handles as Tasleem Abu Haneefa. He is a Poet, critic and an Admin of a popular poetry group on whatsapp. Tasleem Abu Haneefa has published in different online journals and literary magazines. He is currently a student of University of Ilorin where he organizes poetry readings every Wednesdays.
The forthcoming book reading event promises to be an avenue of book and poetry reading, Spoken words, book sales and signing, networking with fellow book readers and writers across the nooks and crannies of Osun State, the statement added.
Upcoming writers who have works in poetry, short stories and novels can also attend to read their works to fellow writers and readers. Membership forms and Certificate of Membership will be made available free of charge to the first timers.
Osogbo 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 Osun State. Osogbo Book Club consists of group of people who get together, periodically meet to discuss the book they have read, and to exchange such books. The members of the club encourage each other, and learn to read with a critical awareness, articulating their opinions on a particular book with the others. Certain types of books not available or read receive attention through the book club.
To join the reading, please call: 08027854496, 08139582323, 08137212926

EKITI BOOK CLUB UNVEILS JIDE BADMUS AS EPF GUEST POET

Ekiti Book Club, the organizer of Ekiti Poetry Festival has unveiled Jide Badmus as Guest Poet for the forthcoming Poetry Festival scheduled to take place on the 16th of July 2021 at the New Pavilion, Phase 1, FUOYE, Oye-Ekiti by 10am.
With the Festival Theme tagged: "Shadows on a Hill". The event is free and open to the public.
Jide Badmus is an engineer, a poet inspired by beauty and destruction; he believes that things in ruins were once beautiful.
Jide is the author of There is a Storm in my Head; Scripture; Paper Planes in the Rain (co-authored with Pamilerin Jacob) and Paradox of Little Fires.
Badmus has curated and edited several anthologies such as Vowels Under Duress; Coffee; Today, I Choose Joy; and How to Fall in Love.
He is the founder of INKspiredNG, a literary platform, Poetry Editor for Con-scio Magazine, and sits on the board of advisors for Libretto Magazine.
He writes from Lagos, Nigeria.
EKPOFEST will be chaired by Dr. Harry Olufunwa, a Senior Lecturer in the Department of English and literary Studies.

ANA CONGRATULATES ANAELE IHUOMA, CHUKWUDI EZE AND OBINNA UDENWE ON BEING SHORTLISTED FOR THE 2021 NIGERIA PRIZE FOR LITERATURE

By Wole Adedoyin (ANA PRO South)

Camillus Ukah, ANA President has congratulated the trio of Anaele Ihuoma from ANA Rivers Chukwudi Eze from ANA Abuja and Obinna Udenwe from ANA Ebonyi on being shortlisted for the 2021 Nigeria Prize for Literature and for making ANA proud.
Recently, 2021 Nigeria Prize for Literature longlist was presented by the Chairman, Panel of Judges for this year’s prize, Professor Toyin Jegede, who is also a professor of Literature in English at the University of Ibadan. Three names of ANA members in persons of Anaele Ihuoma Chukwudi Eze and Obinna Udenwe also found themselves on the list.
"Over the past few years there has been a concerted efforts by ANA under the leadership of Camillus Ukah to raise the profile of its members and we are confident that the success of the duo of Anaele Ihuoma from ANA Rivers, Chukwudi Eze from ANA Abuja and Obinna Udenwe from ANA Ebonyi will not only add to this, but might just be the inspiration someone needs to start writing today. We want to congratulate Anaele Ihuoma, Chukwudi Eze and Obinna Udenwe on their outstanding achievements, we are proud of them."
The trio of Anaele Ihuoma, Chukwudi Eze and Obinna Udenwa are also currently active in the activities of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) at both the national level and at their various chapters. Anaele Ihuoma is the immediate past National Auditor of ANA. Architect Chukwudi Eze is a strong member of ANA Abuja while Obinna Udenwe is a staunch member of ANA Ebonyi and a Committee member of ANA/AE-FUNAI International Conference and Creative Workshops. Udenwe served as the Resource Person/Coordinator of the Short Story Writing Workshop at the just concluded 2021 ANA/AE-FUNAI International Conference held at the Rasheed Abubakar Auditorium, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike Ikwo, Ebonyi State, between July 1 and 4, 2021 with the theme: RE-IMAGINING BELONGINESS IN 21ST CENTURY AFRICA.
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Camillus Ukah, ANA President finally described their selection as appropriate reward for their unrelenting efforts which will also serve as a source of encouragement for other ANA Members.

ABOUT ANAELE IHUOMA
Anaele Ihuoma has worked as a journalist, banker and teacher. His published poetry books include: Tongues of Triumph (2003), Song of the Threshing Floor (2006) and Song of the Swallow (2007). A fourth, Whispers of Angels, is currently published online while his play One Day with the Hounds came out early 2018. His short story collection The Sea Route to Señorita’s Heart is yet to be published. His poems and short stories have appeared in several publications including Fireflies, The Guardian, Thisday, Ebedi Review, Ana Review, Rivers of Treasure, The Mariner as well as Onomonresua, a tribute to mothers and motherhood.
Ihuoma has been a guest on “Bound Copies”, a literary programme of Garden City Radio, Port Harcourt, Nigeria, and “Our Guest” on Radio Verité, Boston, Ma., USA, amongst others. His literary credits include: The Sparrow Poetry Prize in Nigeria, 2009; ANA Bayelsa Centenary Poetry Prize, 2014 and Goethe Institut Literary Prize, 2014.
Ihuoma has a Post-Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) and M.A (Literature in English) both from the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. He currently teaches at the National Teachers Institute, Port Harcourt.
ABOUT CHUKWUDI EZE
Architect Chukwudi Eze graduated with triple-honours and a Phi-Beta-Kappa from Vassar College received the William Kinne Award during his master’s degree from Columbia University, New York and studied Creative Writing at the University of Toronto. He designed Obasanjo Presidential Library and was a design team member of the Enyimba City, Abia State. He is a member of Association of Nigerian Authors, the Canadian Authors Association and sits on the Advisory Board of Abuja Library Society. He has written five books; the most recent of which, The Return of Half-Something, was shortlisted for the 2018 ANA Literature Prize.

ABOUT OBINNA UDENWE
Obinna Udenwe is the award winning author of the conspiracy thriller, Satans & Shaitans, and the controversial church-erotica, Holy Sex.
Obinna has received trainings from the British Council, Nigeria and the US National Endowment for Democracy, after which he founded and managed a youth development initiative, Ugreen Foundation from 2007 to 2014, training young people on leadership, governance and democracy, and won the Nigerian National Top12 Awards in 2009, the African International Achievers Awards 2012, the State Literary Icon Award 2014 from the Ebonyi State Government and the ANA Prize for Prose Fiction 2015. In 2012 and 2013, Obinna Udenwe organized and facilitated the Youth Creativity Class program that trained over 50 young people on creative writing, leadership and public speaking, after which he collated and edited the anthology Voices From My Clan. He has also initiated, financed and facilitated numerous leadership development programs for young people of his state of Ebonyi.
In 2016 he won the inaugural edition of the South African award; The Short Story is Dead Prize. For three years he has edited the Ebedi Review – an in-house magazine of the Ebedi International Writers Residency, Nigeria. He is the Founding Editor for Essays/Reviews.
SHORT REVIEW OF IMMINENT RIVER
By Oladayo Jonathan , September 9, 2019
Imminent River by Anaele Ihuoma; Prima – Narrative Landscape Press, Lagos, Nigeria; 2018; 347pp
There is the compelling need for me to go back to the publishing of Alex Haley’s Roots in 1976 to find a book that bears comparison to Anaele Ihuoma’s debut novel Imminent River. Just as after hearing grandma’s tales, Haley traces his roots back to the adolescent Kunta Kinte who was kidnapped into slavery to America from West Africa in the 18th century, Anaele Ihuoma regales us with the intriguing story that goes way back to early 19th century West Africa. The soul of the tale is the old matriarch Daa-Mbiiway, the bearer of the formula to prolong life.
Ihuoma stresses from the beginning that Imminent River takes its roots from fact as he writes in the author’s note: “This story may be fiction, but it is built on, rather than merely imitating, real life. The grand matriarch of the epic, Daa-Mbiiway, is unashamedly a great maternal aunt of mine, by the same name although spelt (if it ever was), Daa Mbiwe. One of my most exhilarating exhibitions as a little boy growing up in Eziudo community, my maternal home, was when I was asked to go to Itu, now HQ of Ezinihitte LGA, Imo State, Nigeria, by my maternal grandmother, Daa Nnennia Iwe, nee Abii, to go visit Daa Mbiwe.”
It is a mark of Anaele’s mastery that Daa-Mbiiway who uncannily disappears at the beginning of the novel curiously ends up holding the entire tale together through the spell of the much-coveted longevity recipe.
The span of the novel, divided into three parts, can be appreciated thus – Part One: The Progenitors (West Africa. Early 19th Century); Part Two: Prodigious Leap of Limbs (West Africa. 19th Century to Early 20th Century); Part Three: Blindfolds and Iron Fists – The Rocky Road to the Imminent River (Southern Nigeria: 20th Century). There is a mini-section in Part One bearing one chapter (14) entitled “Mid-19th Century. Trans-Atlantic to New England).
The book ends with “Epilogue: Ajaelu Tastes the Hiatus Music” where we read: “Urem Okakuko sat, pensive, in front of the Centenary Hall, Ake, Abeokuta, bathed in her own tears. Inside the Hall, Duke Ellington and Louis Armstrong were performing Satchmo’s ‘Back O Town’ and Armstrong himself, the lead vocalist, was rhapsodising.” Further down the epilogue, Ihuoma writes: “It was 13 July 1934. Duke Ellington had released his hit track ‘Symphony in Black” in New York. That same day, not far from the Centenary Hall, a baby was born to the family of Pa Ayodele Soyinka in nearby Isara, Abeokuta.”
Let’s call that baby Wole Soyinka, the future Nobel Laureate in Literature who was Ihuoma’s Head of Department at the then University of Ife from 1978 to 1982.
Ihuoma’s blend of fiction, fact and fantasy in Imminent River intervolves the longevity progenitor Daa Mbiiway and her husband Okpuzu, the feuding plutocrats Jesse an Opuddah, the matriarch’s hostile sons Chimenam and Dioti-Ojioho, the suitable boy Ezemba and the village belle Agbonma whom Ezemba loves madly, Edidion whom Daa-Mbiiway almost adopted as a granddaughter, the treacherous and cultic High Chief Nnanyereugo Chris Ojionu, Urem Okakuko the storyteller, Wopara etc.
The quest for certitude is not deterred by a letter that informs: “I have just realised that there is no such thing as the Longevity Formula. Or rather that the documents we have, with figures purporting to point us to Eldorado, is nothing but an attempt to send us on a wild goose chase.” Cracking the Nsibidi code of the Longevity Formula remains a life-affirming mission.
Disunity in the land makes the people susceptible to conquest and slavery. Conspiracy rules the roost. The comeuppance of evil comes translated in the news headline: “Strange River swallows HCO’s Ojionu Cottage.” It is a brave new world in which “Youths Demand jail for Eagloma cultists”, by listing “the alleged crimes of the fraternity to include, murder, unhealthy sexual practices, the so-called ‘Eagloma double’, political blackmail, archaic cultural practices such as bride battering and perversion of justice.”
Ihuoma’s Imminent River strikes a chord with Ayi Kwei Armah’s 1978 novel The Healers in which the protagonist Densu envisions African unity, just as the hero Ezemba gets the ultimate introduction from David thusly: “Sir, my name is David. I’m the son of Jesse, the healer from the Healing Home. We were rescued from the sea of malevolence. We are here to help the just retool.”
Ihuoma’s reputation as a poet is well-established. He has equally done commendable work as a playwright. His novel Imminent River is ample evidence of his roundedness in all the genres. His power of description can be enchanting, as note: “Even though he liked to reassure himself that it was Agbonma’s character, rather than her looks, that held his attention, he would be hard-pressed convincing God in heaven that her physical beauty had no part in it.
She had such lush supply of eyelashes and brows. Her deep, brown eyes themselves appeared to be set deeper from the rest of her face. This tended to project her face outwards, giving her something of a permanent smile and an inviting visage. You would think Leonardo Da Vinci had wanted to capture her in that immortal brushwork but could not and had to settle for the Mona Lisa instead.”
However, there is an error in the blurb of Imminent River which the publishers will need to correct in the next edition where “will take advantage off” is printed instead of “will take advantage of.”
Anaele Ihuoma is unafraid to tackle the big themes. With Imminent River, he is poised to crack the canon.
https://www.premiumtimesng.com/entertainment/artsbooks/351371-book-review-imminent-river-a-transcontinental-saga.html
THE RETURN OF HALF-SOMETHING
by Chukwudi Eze
A New Yorker of mixed heritage believes his destiny lies in his African ancestral homeland in this dramatic novel.
In 1993, 17-year-old Emmanuel’s father, Uchechi, tells him that his destiny awaits him in the African kingdom of Umuati. Uchechi believes his American son will somehow need to help Umuati battle injustice and oppression and that failure to do so will curse Emmanuel. A decade later, Emmanuel resides in Manhattan with a Ph.D. from Columbia Law School but still hasn’t visited Umuati. He falls for Rebecca Levitt, who’s vice president at her father Reuben’s brokerage firm, Peak Management Group. Emmanuel even takes a job at the firm to get close to Rebecca. But Reuben disapproves of their inevitable romance, primarily because Emmanuel, who’s biracial, isn’t Jewish like the Levitts. Emmanuel fights for the chance to marry Rebecca and, soon after, finds a way he can assist Umuati. An oil-field explosion there has resulted in fatalities and a devastating oil spill. Emmanuel calls Umuati’s regent and offers, pro bono, to file a lawsuit against the company responsible, Sooli Oil. This entails finally traveling to Umuati, where Emmanuel surprisingly faces some resistance. After the evidence he has gathered inexplicably vanishes, Emmanuel and others learn there may be a spy working for Sooli, which ultimately leads to murder and a kidnapping. But it’s the opportunity to move to Umuati that presents Emmanuel with his greatest challenge, as Rebecca’s refusal to leave her U.S. home may threaten their prospective future together. Emmanuel’s convincing motivations propel Eze’s (Leadership Stories of Mother Hen, 2012, etc.) engrossing, character-driven story. For example, destiny plays a large role in the protagonist’s decisions, be it pursuing Rebecca or coming to the aid of Umuati. This stems from Uchechi’s forecasting his son’s fate and possible curse; just days later, Emmanuel tragically lost both parents in a storm-related boating accident. Similarly, he has thrived academically in spite of the discrimination he faced from school bullies calling him half-breed or “merboy” (half fish, half boy). Emmanuel later overcomes adversaries in Umuati who see him as an outcast. He has an Umuati name, Nkemefuna, and knows the language but is unfamiliar with the culture. The first third of the novel centers on Emmanuel’s growing relationship with Rebecca. It’s a rewarding subplot, though some of his behavior is more obsessive than romantic. For instance, when she seems reluctant to further the relationship, Emmanuel asks his cousin Anna to befriend Rebecca. He’s certain that the friendship will help him win Rebecca. Regardless, his sweet words to her are often charming: “If I ever live this life again, let it always be with you, my love.” The plot shift to the lawsuit adds tension and suspense. Individuals opposing the suit put Emmanuel in unmistakable peril, but the courtroom scenes are intense as well, as the protagonist fights a multibillion-dollar company. Female characters are strong, particularly Anna, who, in a flashback, doesn’t hesitate to warn a sexist, racist biker against calling her a “bitch.”
A protagonist of conviction braves discrimination and a potentially dangerous corporation.
https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/chukwudi-eze/the-return-of-half-something/
SHORT REVIEW OF COLOURS OF HATRED
Genre Fiction.
Blurb “On her deathbed, Leona seeks forgiveness by confessional. Dastardly as the sin is, it is an act of love, loyalty, disobedience, and perceived fairness. How did she get here, where she, an internationally renowned model, is forced to kill her father-in-law to avenge her mother’s death? Set against a background of real events, Colours of Hatred is a complex web of plots detailing a woman’s journey from childhood through the fire and anvil of love, loss, betrayal, lust, and duty.”
Dialogue Written in English with smatterings of Igbo.
Themes Love, Revenge, War and Betrayal.
Editing Some errors.
Plot Leona is the only child of a Nigerian man, James and a Sudanese woman, Mary living in Sudan. Her idyllic childhood is shattered by the actions of rebels which forces her family to flee to Nigeria to escape death. In Nigeria, her parents gradually become strangers living together and James goes on to marry two other wives who bear him four sons. Following the death of Mary, Leona is convinced by James to revenge Mary’s death but things go awry afterwards.
Today’s review is a day later than scheduled and is a solo review by Lady B.
What worked? The Colours of Hatred is a fictional story set against a background of real events in Sudan and Nigeria. It’s narrated in the first person by the protagonist, Leona. The story unfolds from her perspective as a child growing up in Sudan and later, Nigeria where her family flees to to escape death.
It explores the political history of both countries and so, you learn about the civil war in Sudan, the culture and socio-economic issues in the country as well as the similarities between Sudan and Nigeria. As someone who didn’t know that much about Sudan, I enjoyed reading about their way of life and I liked the fact that though there was ongoing civil unrest/war in Sudan, the book focused on how it affected the day-to-day lives of the people and not the fighting itself.
I also liked the twist at the end though it would have read better had it been followed to a logical conclusion.
What didn’t work? Sadly, this book didn’t work for me. I found the dialogue stilted and the narration was confusing as it went back and forth between the past and the present in a disjointed manner.
I found it difficult to connect with any of the characters. They didn’t feel real to me. The motivations of their actions were weird and not relatable.
The story didn’t ring true and there were gaps in the story for example, I wanted to know how Leona’s family escaped the rebels in Sudan. I also wanted to know how Agnes was able to get to Leona.
Finally, I thought the end was unsatisfactory. Obinna tried to offer an explanation for the storyline leading to the end but it just ended up introducing things which I couldn’t reconcile with the body of the story.
Number of pages 335.
Publisher Parresia Publishers Ltd.
Damage $9.35 on Amazon Kindle.
Rating 5.5/10.
Colours of Hatred is available on Amazon.
Have you read Colours of Hatred? Please share your thoughts in the comments section.
https://literaryeverything.com/2020/07/07/colours-of-hatred-by-obinna-udenwe/

OKEDIRAN, ALABI, ADEBIYI, LADOJA AND OTHERS TO GRACE AKINYEMI JELILI’S BOOK LAUNCH

By: Ibadan Book Club

The Secretary General of Pan African Writers Association (PAWA), Dr. Wale Okediran, a Senior Traditional Chief, Ekefa Olubadan of Ibadanland; Oloye Olalekan Alabi, Rector of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Prof. Kazeem Adebiyi and the President of Reading Awareness Society For Development in Africa(RASDA) who is also the wife of a former governor of Oyo State, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, Chief (Mrs) Bukola Ladoja, are among the dignitaries expected at the public presentation of a book, titled, ‘The Cave of a Thousand Demons’ written by Akinyemi Jelili Oyelere.
Mrs. Kate I. Isah, FASI President is expected to Chair the book launch slated for August 7th, 2021 at the Assembly Hall of The Polytechnic, Ibadan by 11am prompt
The book launch which is strictly by invitation and would be conducted under stern compliance of the COVID-19 protocols and guidelines.
According to a copy of the invitation recently given to the Coordinator of Ibadan Book Club, Mrs. Ayobami Odunyemi, Mr. Olukayode Ojo will be the Chief Launcher, while Dr. Solomon Iguanre of Babcock University will be the Book Reviewer.
The historic event promises to be a convergence of key players in the book and literary industry and will provide a veritable platform for stakeholders to discuss the way forward, especially at such a crucial time in the nation’s existence.
Akinyemi Jelili Oyelere hails from Imia town, in Kajola Local Government, Oke-Ogun area, Oyo State, South West Nigeria. He attended Community Primary School, Imia for his Primary Education and proceeded to Isemi-Ile Grammar school for his Secondary Education. He later gained admission into the Polytechnic, Ibadan in 2015 into the Department of Local Government and Development Studies.
During his National Diploma in The Polytechnic, Ibadan. He was Vice President of National Association of Kajola Students (NAKS), Assistant Political Editor to NALGADSS PRESS, Assistant Production Manager to Press Council; The Polytechnic, Ibadan.
Currently, Akinyemi Jelili Oyelere is an HND2 Student of the same Institution and he is the General Secretary of Sustainable Development Club (SDC), PRO, Press Council, Vice President of International African Writers' Association (IAWA), Nigerian Branch.
Also, he is the Coordinator of Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW), The Polytechnic, Ibadan Chapter and Financial Secretary of Ibadan Book Club (IBC).
Akinyemi Jelili Oyelere is a writer, Poet, Author of two books, "Awakening Dreams and The Cave Of A Thousand Demons". His work has been published within and outside his country such as Indian, Philippine, Australia, US, UK, Nigeria, Kenya etc.
He is the Founder of Awakening Dreams Foundation (ADF) a non-governmental, nonprofit, nonpolitical and non-religious organisation that caters for the needs of Youth and teenagers. He is a passionate Volunteer, luminary administrator, teacher and preacher of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

EKITI BOOK CLUB TAKES READING CAMPAIGN TO THE GEM SCHOOL

In a bid to continue the good works left unattended for a brief spell, EBC visited a prominent primary and secondary private school in Oye Ekiti on the 25th of June, 2021.

The junior secondary school students who were the major attendees were lectured by Miss Pelumi Jegede on the values of reading early in life and the various benefits of reading good books no matter the field one might be in.

Miss Olapeju Atere, the second speaker spoke on reading culture and how readers become writers and leaders. She also elaborated on the importance of quality education and how one can make a great change in the world affairs through writing.

The speech was rounded up by Miss Hannah Ojo and a call for avid readers and writers were made in which a very large percentage of the students indicated interest.

It is very encouraging to know that most of these students have read far and wide on several books as they mentioned popular books and names of their authors. This shows a good teaching ethics set by the school authority in grooming their students.

The lecture lasted for an hour and pictures were taken with the students and their teachers.

Olamilekan Okebiorun
EBC Coordinator
+234 812 992 5044

TENANTS OF THE HOUSE RESUMES SHOWING IN CINEMAS NATIONWIDE

By Wole Adedoyin

Promero Productions, the Producer of Tenants of the House has added another week to the show time of the movie.
The movie is set to be unveiled at some selected cinemas nationwide from today, 9th day of July to the 15th day of July 2021.
The movie which was written by Dr. Wale Okediran will now be showing in states like Oyo (Ibadan), Ogun (Abeokuta & Ijebu), Edo (Benin), Rivers (Portharcourt), Lagos (Ikeja), Akwa Ibom (Uyo) and Kano.
Directed by Kunle Afolayan, the movie stars Joselyn Dumas alongside Yakub Muhammad, Dele Odule, Isa Bello, Chris Iheuwa, Rashida Lobo, Funky Malam amongst others.
“Tenants of The House” is a political movie that focused on the need for a peaceful resolution of the herders/farmers crisis in the country is coming to cinemas nationwide on 25th June. The movie is directed by Kunle Afolayan. The story is by Dr. Wale Okediran who also serves as producer, and the screenplay is by Tunde Babalola. Okediran, a former member of the House of Representatives and author, described the flick as a fictional adaptation of his stay in the lower chamber of the National Assembly.
The movie is inspired by his 2009 award-winning novel with the same title and adapted into screenplay to bring out the scenes of suspense, intrigues and thriller which scenes of a recent trailer for the movie depict.
In Nigeria, the Fulani-farmer conflict has been an unending nightmare, ravaging states in the South and North and leading to bloodletting and economic losses. The thrust of the film, which exposed the nagging issue of herders/farmers conflict and did not fail to address corruption in high places and political class, makes it germane at this material time. Right from the time ‘Tenants of The House’ premiered to privileged members of the lower chamber in Abuja in 2019, movie enthusiasts have shifted their attention to knowing what Okediran has in the offing.
Apart from emerging as one movie that many people looked forward to seeing at the cinemas, the brains behind the project and its producer, Okediran, was another factor that drew a large audience to the venue of its premiere then at the Sheraton Hotel, Abuja. Giving news sources an insight into the journey that birthed the movie from his novel, Okediran a member of the House of Representatives from 2003 to 2007, would explain the idea behind the cinema project.
Watch the captivating and exciting movie showing in cinemas nationwide as from the 9th day of July to the 15th day of July 2021.
You can download the Movie trailer here: https://
www.youtube.com/watch?v=41OUSLSld4c
See the attached poster for details

TENANTS OF THE HOUSE RESUMES SHOWING IN CINEMAS NATIONWIDE

By Wole Adedoyin

Promero Productions, the Producer of Tenants of the House has added another week to the show time of the movie.
The movie is set to be unveiled at some selected cinemas nationwide from today, 9th day of July to the 15th day of July 2021.
The movie which was written by Dr. Wale Okediran will now be showing in states like Oyo (Ibadan), Ogun (Abeokuta & Ijebu), Edo (Benin), Rivers (Portharcourt), Lagos (Ikeja), Akwa Ibom (Uyo) and Kano.
Directed by Kunle Afolayan, the movie stars Joselyn Dumas alongside Yakub Muhammad, Dele Odule, Isa Bello, Chris Iheuwa, Rashida Lobo, Funky Malam amongst others.
“Tenants of The House” is a political movie that focused on the need for a peaceful resolution of the herders/farmers crisis in the country is coming to cinemas nationwide on 25th June. The movie is directed by Kunle Afolayan. The story is by Dr. Wale Okediran who also serves as producer, and the screenplay is by Tunde Babalola. Okediran, a former member of the House of Representatives and author, described the flick as a fictional adaptation of his stay in the lower chamber of the National Assembly.
The movie is inspired by his 2009 award-winning novel with the same title and adapted into screenplay to bring out the scenes of suspense, intrigues and thriller which scenes of a recent trailer for the movie depict.
In Nigeria, the Fulani-farmer conflict has been an unending nightmare, ravaging states in the South and North and leading to bloodletting and economic losses. The thrust of the film, which exposed the nagging issue of herders/farmers conflict and did not fail to address corruption in high places and political class, makes it germane at this material time. Right from the time ‘Tenants of The House’ premiered to privileged members of the lower chamber in Abuja in 2019, movie enthusiasts have shifted their attention to knowing what Okediran has in the offing.
Apart from emerging as one movie that many people looked forward to seeing at the cinemas, the brains behind the project and its producer, Okediran, was another factor that drew a large audience to the venue of its premiere then at the Sheraton Hotel, Abuja. Giving news sources an insight into the journey that birthed the movie from his novel, Okediran a member of the House of Representatives from 2003 to 2007, would explain the idea behind the cinema project.
Watch the captivating and exciting movie showing in cinemas nationwide as from the 2nd of July to the 8th of July 2021.
You can download the Movie trailer here: https://
www.youtube.com/watch?v=41OUSLSld4c
See the attached poster for details

UNFAILING: EXPERIENTIAL JOURNEY OF THE EFFICACY OF GOD’S WORDS FOR LAUNCH TODAY, SATURDAY 3RD JULY, 2021

By Ibadan Book Club

A book titled “Unfailing: Experiential Journey of the Efficacy of God’s Words” written by Oyebola Omolola, a Research Scientist, business owner and a student life Coach as well as the Founder of the initiative called “Blessed to Build Initiative” will be unveiled today 3rd of July, 2021 at the American Corner, Along Booksellers, Magazine Road, Jericho Ibadan, Oyo State by 12 Noon.

Important dignitaries expected at the book launching include: Honourable Seyi Adisa, Member, Oyo State House of Assembly, Afijio Local Government (Chief Launcher); Mrs. Funsho Adegbola, Director, The Vale College, Ibadan (Guest of Honour); Mrs. Tolu Adisa, Author, The Good, the Bad, The Ugly….Then Love (Reviewer); Mrs. Temiloluwa Moronkeji, Social Worker, Relationship and Sex Coach, Co-author, Hugging Embers (Reviewer) and lastly Mr. Yinka Babalola, SS Engr. Nigeria (Reviewer).

Published by Purplebloom Publishers, the launching promises to be an avenue for book reading, lecture and networking. Attendance is strictly by invitation. Synopsis and other vital information about the new book will be unveiled during the setting out of the book.

The author, Oyebola Omolola is an Encourager and Equipper who loves to help, inspire and put smiles on people’s faces. She is passionate about the need to help younger women find and express their life’s purpose, solve their personal challenges, as well as sharing resources to aid their personal development.

She is a Research Scientist, business owner and a student life Coach as well as the Founder of the initiative called “Blessed to Build Initiative” amongst which is the “Blessed to Build” wives platform whose sole aim is to raise an army of vibrant wives who are blessed to build the world around them.

She is a member of the Society for Medicinal Plants and Economic Development (SOMPED). She is an Alumni of the University of Ibadan where she was awarded a Bachelors degree in Botany and Master of Science degree in Pharmacognosy. She has published her research findings in reputable peer reviewed journals. Also, she is a certified customer service and telemarketing professional.

She is a Wife, Mother, Speaker and loves using her gifts to improve the lives of people around her.

She is called to use her gifts, knowledge and experiences to help and inspire the women folks generally.

TENANTS OF THE HOUSE STORMS CINEMAS NATIONWIDE

By Wole Adedoyin (ANA PRO South)

Promero Productions has unveiled the official poster detailing the show time of its latest movie, the Tenants of the House across all cinemas nationwide. The much awaited, suspenseful and emotional movie will be watched in states like Oyo, Ogun, Lagos, Ondo, Edo, Rivers, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Akwa Ibom, Kano to mention but few.
In a statement released by the Producer of the Movie, Dr. Wale Okediran, the movie will be premiered in cinemas like Cartege, Habitat, brand, Mcrystal Ijebu, Mcrystal Ibadan, FH Surulere, FH Landmark, FH Dugbe, FH Akure, Canal Olympia, Ebony Life, Sky Cinemas, TIMSED, CINE 21, Pepperoni, Filworld, Vicolad, Heritage, KADA Benin, KADA PHC, Bluepictures Cinemas, Diamond, OOPL, Nostalgea, Citadel, Mega One, Platinum Cinema, SB Ikeja, SB Jabi, SB SEC, SB Galleria, SB Uyo and FH Kano.
The movie is set to debut at all cinemas nationwide from the 2nd of July to the 8th of July 2021.
Executively produced by Dr. Wale Okediran and Directed by Kunle Afolayan. The movie stars Joselyn Dumas alongside Yakub Muhammad, Dele Odule, Isa Bello, Chris Iheuwa, Rashida Lobo, Funky Malam amongst others.
“Tenants of The House” is a political movie that focused on the need for a peaceful resolution of the herders/farmers crisis in the country is coming to cinemas nationwide on 25th June. The movie is directed by Kunle Afolayan. The story is by Dr. Wale Okediran who also serves as producer, and the screenplay is by Tunde Babalola. Okediran, a former member of the House of Representatives and author, described the flick as a fictional adaptation of his stay in the lower chamber of the National Assembly.
The movie is inspired by his 2009 award-winning novel with the same title and adapted into screenplay to bring out the scenes of suspense, intrigues and thriller which scenes of a recent trailer for the movie depict.
In Nigeria, the Fulani-farmer conflict has been an unending nightmare, ravaging states in the South and North and leading to bloodletting and economic losses. The thrust of the film, which exposed the nagging issue of herders/farmers conflict and did not fail to address corruption in high places and political class, makes it germane at this material time. Right from the time ‘Tenants of The House’ premiered to privileged members of the lower chamber in Abuja in 2019, movie enthusiasts have shifted their attention to knowing what Okediran has in the offing.
Apart from emerging as one movie that many people looked forward to seeing at the cinemas, the brains behind the project and its producer, Okediran, was another factor that drew a large audience to the venue of its premiere then at the Sheraton Hotel, Abuja. Giving news sources an insight into the journey that birthed the movie from his novel, Okediran a member of the House of Representatives from 2003 to 2007, would explain the idea behind the cinema project.
Watch the captivating and exciting movie showing in cinemas nationwide as from the 2nd of July to the 8th of July 2021.
You can download the Movie trailer here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=41OUSLSld4c
See the attached poster for details

SYNW SENDS BIRTHDAY GREETINGS TO OYINKANSOLA AT 19
The first Young writers’ body in Nigeria, Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW) has congratulated Oyinkansola Adesewa, Eko Book Club Coordinator on her 19th birthday.
SYNW, in a statement by her President, Wole Adedoyin on Tuesday in Ilesa, lauded the Coordinator of Eko Book Club for her service to the Young Writers body.
According to the release, “On the occasion of your birthday, we wish you many more fulfilling years of peaceful service in good health, happiness, and all-round wellness. Happy birthday! We wish you God’s continued guidance, blessing, long life, and prosperity. We pray that the days ahead bring you more of God’s strength as well as glory, honor, and peace! We are glad to celebrate your special day with you.
SYNW in her statement enjoined Oyinkansola’s family, friends, literary associates, and well-wishers to celebrate this new age of her in good health and sound mind.
SYNW finally prayed that the Almighty God will grant Adesewa Oyinkansola longer life, good health and more strength to celebrate more fruitful years.
OYEYIOLA-OURIAS Oyinkansola Adesewa is a graduate of Mass Communication in Les Cours Sonou Universitaire, Benin Republic. Oyinkansola is the 2nd child and last born in her family. She grew with a single mother and her elder brother who has Celebral Palsy. She is a girl child activist and advocate. She is the Founder of “Girls Day Out with Oyinkan” (GDOWO) a yearly advocacy workshop that celebrates the United Nations International Day for the Girl Child. She is also the Founder of Haywire Street Art Painting, a collective of talented girls using arts to advance the cause of women empowerment. Oyinkansola is a multi-talented performance poet, visual artist, writer, actor and designer (design clothes and batiks), dancer, model and motivational speaker, event planner, caterer and make up artist. She's as well a radio presenter for kiddies program (Ajapa World) and she is an MC (anchored the ''End violence against cildren in Nigeria'' in 2016, which was organised by the Lagos state government in collaboration with USAID, UNICEF,CDC and so on). She has participated in some group art exhibitions (Africa4Her at TerraKulture, National Gallery of Art and Culture, National Theatre (Association for the advancement of women in culture-AA.WC-2016) and Tender Arts at SilverBird Galleria). She has also performed poetry at MAKE MUSIC (World music day) in 2017, Black Heritage Festival, Lagos Book and Art Festival (LABAF), was one of those who represented Nigeria and Africa in Brave New Voices poetry festival 2020 and other platforms. She started writing at the age of 6. Her first book titled “Thoughts of a Child” was published when she was 8 years old through a writing contest that she won. Oyinkansola has won a lot of awards and competitions like the Best Art Work at the National Gallery of Arts Competition, Creative Young Artist of the year by the Global Foundation Award and Young Author of the Year by Child Rights Initiative including other numerous awards. Oyinkansola is a budding technology enthusiast and she strongly believes that technological skills should be used to empower the girl child in Africa. She is very passionate about social justice and community development.

ANAMBRA STATE ENDOWS CHINUA ACHEBE PRIZE FOR NIGERIAN WRITING

To mark the 40th anniversary of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) which Africa's greatest raconteur and novelist founded at the University of Nigeria at Nsukka, the Anambra State Government has endowed a one-million naira (N1 million) worth Chinua Achebe Prize for Nigerian Writing.
The Prize is to be administered by ANA founded in 1981.
The state Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, C. Don Adinuba, made the endowment known in Awka, the Anambra State capital, while speaking to journalists today.
Mr Adinuba reported Governor Willie Obiano as stressing that Achebe deserves celebration not only in his native Anambra State but also all over Nigeria, Africa and the world as the globally acclaimed “father of African literature”.
The Chinua Achebe Prize for Nigerian Writing will be awarded to the best novel published by a Nigerian writer in each calendar year.
The prize will be distinctive from the usually awarded ANA Fiction Prize, ANA Poetry Prize, ANA Drama Prize etc in that it will draw entries from distinguished publishers in Nigeria, Africa and the world.
The Nigerian Diaspora that rates quite high on the literary front will through the Chinua Achebe Prize for Nigerian Writing identify strongly with the home front.
Chinua Achebe blazed a trail in world literature when he published the classic Things Fall Apart on June 17, 1958 at barely 27 years of age. The novel has since been translated to well over 60 languages and ignited a boom in African writing. The other novels of Achebe are No Longer At Ease, Arrow of God, A Man of the People, and Anthills of the Savannah.
By instituting the Chinua Achebe Prize for Nigerian Writing, the Anambra State Government has written its name in history as the first state government in Nigeria to honour a writer.
Camilus Ukah, ANA president, has praised Governor Obiano for the honour to Achebe.
"In an era of crass philistinism in Nigeria", he declared in a telephone conversation with Commissioner Adinuba this morning, "it is reassuring that there are top government officials like Chief Obiano who appreciate ideas, letters and culture".
Camilus Ukah said that the governor's gesture has galvanised ANA to consider holding a meeting in Awka to mark the association's 40th anniversary as it has already done in some Nigerian cities.
Signed: C. Don Adinuba
Anambra State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment.

OSOGBO BOOK CLUB PARTNERS ANA OSUN ON READING PROMOTION IN OSUN STATE
Osogbo Book Club and the Osun State Chapter of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) under the leadership of Godwin Grace and Bunyamin Zakariyah have concluded plans to partner in the areas of reading promotion and young writers’ mentorship in the state.
This was made known during the June edition of OBC Monthly book reading which featured two Osogbo based Writers, Oladejo Haneef O. (aka) Harnyfman Asishana and Afeez Ayomide Olagunju.
According to Solomon Segun, Osun ANA Caretaker Secretary who represented ANA Osun Caretaker Chairman at the reading assured the executives of Osogbo Book Club of ANA Osun support and partnership in promoting and reviving the moribund reading culture in Osun State.
Osogbo 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 Osun State. In 2014, 2016 and 2017, Osogbo Book Club in conjunction with the Osun State branch of the National Library of Nigeria under the headship of Mr. Bashir Akanni Salawu and Mrs Felicia Abosede Oyeleke held series of book reading programmes which were sponsored by the Board aimed at reviving and enhancing book reading culture in the state. The programmes also featured arts exhibitions and reading of creative books.
Every last Saturdays of every month, Osun state book lovers, voracious readers, writers, artists will now be converging to discuss old and latest books, read to an interesting audience, meet the guest writer and reader and also get their works published in the newsletter of the club.
Osogbo 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 Osun State. Osogbo Book Club consists of group of people who get together, periodically meet to discuss the book they have read, and to exchange such books. The members of the club encourage each other, and learn to read with a critical awareness, articulating their opinions on a particular book with the others. Certain types of books not available or read receive attention through the book club.

ABEOKUTA BOOK CLUB INAUGURATED IN OGUN STATE

The Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW) on Wednesday 16th of June 2021 inaugurated Abeokuta Book Club at the Rock Liberty School Abeokuta.

The Literary body also appointed Darasimi Adeoye as the interim Coordinator of the club.

This was contained in a press release issued by SYNW President, Wole Adedoyin in Ibadan on Monday.

The launching which was an avenue for book reading, book discussion and networking witnessed the presence of the pupils of Rock Liberty School.

According to the founder of the Club, Wole Adedoyin, said the need to promote effective reading habits among the general populace of Abeokuta Township necessitated into the Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW) establishing the Club.

The reading activities of Abeokuta Book Club will cut across Ogun state.

Also in a bid to guide Abeokuta Book Club’s strategic direction and coordinate its activities, the Club also appointed a new executive committee headed by Darasimi Adeoye following approval from the members of the Club.

Every last Saturdays of every month, Ogun community book lovers, voracious readers, writers, artists will now be converging to discuss old and latest books, read to an interesting audience, meet the guest writer and reader and also get their works published in the newsletter of the club.

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

SYNW TAKES READING ADVOCACY TO ONDO STATE, SET TO LAUNCH AKURE BOOK CLUB ON SATURDAY, JUNE 26
The Society of Young Nigerian Writers has expressed readiness to inaugurate Akure Book Club on Saturday, 26th of June, 2021 at Moot Court, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba by 3:00 PM.
This was contained in a press release issued by SYNW President Wole Adedoyin in Ilesa on Wednesday.
According to the release, the need to promote effective reading habits among the general populace of Nigeria has resulted in the Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW) establishing reading clubs in some notable towns and cities across the country.
Apart from the book clubs, the Read Across Nigeria (RAN), Paperless Book Club (strictly for reading electronic books), National Book Awareness Week, National Book Hub, African Book Week, Children’s Book Week are part of the strategies to ginger up the reading culture in Nigeria.
In SYNW, we believe reading is a worldwide phenomenon that has the capacity to promote development as well as instill discipline on the individual. In spite of the importance of reading as a culture, it has become obvious that Nigerian children and youth no longer read. They only read when they have examination to write, outside that, reading has no meaning to them.
Akure Book Club hopes to sensitize, revive and promote moribund/dwindling reading culture in Ondo State.
SYNW finally enjoined intending participants, readers and writers in Ondo State to partake in this historical development.

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS: RHYTHMS FROM THE PACESETTER STATE


Ibadan Book Club, an initiative of the Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW) invites writers to submit poems, short stories and essays on any topic/issue relating to Ibadan and its environs.

GUIDELINES

1. Submission is free and open to writers from any part of the world.
2. Entrants are free to write on any topic relating to Ibadan and Oyo State
3. Entrant can give their work any interesting title of their choice.
4. Only works that 'comply' to the submission guidelines will be selected and published.
5. Entrants can submit minimum of 3 works and maximum of 5 works
6. Entry MUST be written in English Language
7. Entry should be brief and concise —a maximum of 500 words for short stories, 450 words for essays, and a 40 lines for poetry.
8. Author’s information —location, contact details, and a short bio of no more than 40 words should be included in the submission.
9. Entry MUST be type-written and sent in the body of the mail; NOT AS AN ATTACHMENT. Entries sent as attachment will be automatically disqualified.
10. Entry MUST be original work of the entrant.
11. All entries should be sent on or before 31st of July, 2021. Late entry will not be accepted.
12. Entries should be sent via mail to ibadanbookclub@gmail.com and copy societyofyoungnigerianwriters@gmail.com
13. The subject of mail should be “RHYTHMS FROM THE PACESETTER STATE”.

BENEFITS:

1. All successful and shortlisted entries will be published in IBC Proposed Anthology.
2. Online promotion of the successful/published entries and entrants.
3. All successful/published entrants are entitled to e-copy of the published anthology.
4. Automatic/free membership and admission into the Ibadan Book Club will be given to successful/published young Nigerian entrants.
For further inquiries, support or partnership, contact: Ayobami Odunyemi – Coordinator of Ibadan Book Club and Akinyemi Jelili Oyelere - Jelili – Project Manager - 07064338572

IBADAN BOOK CLUB SET TO HOST OYO STATE LIBRARIAN AS GUEST READER/SPEAKER FOR HER JUNE BOOK READING

Ibadan Book Club (IBC) has set aside June 26, 2021 to host Mrs. A.I Akinlolu, the current Oyo State Librarian as her Guest Writer/Reader for the month of June.

A statement issued by the Coordinator of the Club, Ayobami Odunayo said that the event will take place at the Conference Hall of the Oyo State Library Board, Opposite Cocoa House, Dugbe, Ibadan by 12p.m.

Mrs. Akinlolu will be talking on matters bordering on Oyo State Library Board, its past, present and future activities aimed at promoting and enhancing reading culture across Oyo State. She will also tour the intending participants around the state library as well as read from any of her favourite book(s).

Mrs. A.I Akinlolu, currently Oyo State Librarian. Before attaining the position of State Librarian. Mrs. Akinlolu passed through the following positions: Librarian II 1987-1990, Senior Librarian 1990-1994, Prin. Librarian 1994- 1997, Chief Librarian 1997-2000, Assistant Director 2000- 2003, Dep. Director 2003- 2007, Director 2008 – 2014.

ABOUT OYO STATE LIBRARY BOARD
The Oyo State Library Board under the current headship of Mrs. A.I Akinlolu (State Librarian) came into existence historically in 1955, to support the free primary education of Western State Government led by Late Sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo. It was then known as Western Regional Library, was established by the Western State Government toi) compliment the efforts of government toward improving the educational standard (ii) provide qualitative library services to the people of the region and to the school environment (iii) to encourage reading culture among the school children.

In 1976, when Oyo State was carved out of the Western state, the library nomenclature changed to Oyo State Library under the Ministry of Education while the Head of Library was renamed the Chief Librarian.

The development of Library services actually took place in 1988 when the Military Administration of Col. Sasaenia Oresanya decided to enact a law for the establishment of Oyo State Library Board which is regarded as an autonomous government parastatal with the enactment of Edict No 18 of August 1988. This development thereby gave way for the
composition of Board led by Prof. Adebimpe Aboyade and supported by four (4) other professional librarians including Prof. D.F. Elaturoti (then Dr. Elaturoti) and Mrs. Oderinde (then of Kenneth Dike Library, University of Ibadan). The composition of the Board brought the
introduction of active library services in the state while the mandate given to the Board became more pronounced and includes provision of qualitative and quantitative library services throughout the state. These includes: (a) library services to the rural populace, (b) services to school libraries,(c) training of library personnel working in schools, local governments, ministries and other government parastatals (d) to serve as legal depository of all works published in the state.

In 1999, the State government approved the nomenclature of the Head of Library to change from the Director to the State Librarian; and now has 4 directorates namely (a) Public Library Services Department (b) Schools Library Services Department and (c) Administration and
Supply (d) Finance and Accounts. The Board has two (2) functional Branch Libraries in Ibadan at Elekuro and Bodija. Three Zonal Libraries were built outside the State capital at Oyo, Ogbomoso, and Saki respectively. The first two Zonal libraries are functional, while the other
one is almost complete.

Presently, the Headquarters’ complex comprises of about 8 sections including an ICT unit which provides Information Technology services free of charge to the registered library users.

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 state of Oyo, 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 the State of Oyo.

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

ANY NEW WRITER SHOULD TRY TO READ AT LEAST 100 BOOKS BEFORE STARTING TO WRITE

Dominic Oigo Maina is currently a final year student of the Kenyatta University. He is currently pursuing Bachelor of Education in Kiswahili Language and Religious Studies. In this interview with Wole Adedoyin, he talks about his writing


WA: TELL US ABOUT YOUR WRITING BACKGROUND- WHAT YOU HAVE WRITTEN, WHAT YOU ARE CURRENTLY WRITING

DOM: I am Dominic Oigo Maina, Kenyan citizen aged 24 years. I am finalist in one of the top Universities in Kenya- Kenyatta University in the school of Education where I am pursuing Bachelor of Education in Kiswahili Language and Religious Studies. I started writing at the age of 13 where I used to write short essays and poems. Although I was not published from age 13, it was when I joined college that I was first published. My two books, written in Kiswahili language were published when I was a first-year student. Since then, I have continued to write a number, published 8 books in Kiswahili language and the first English story I wrote is on Science Fiction which is soon being published by a publisher in New Zealand.

WA: WHAT EXCITES YOU ABOUT A PIECE OF WRITING?

DOM: What excites me in a piece of writing is the suspense I create when writing, vividly knowing what I intend to write but keeping it a secret from my readers.

WA: WHO ARE YOUR FAVORITE WRITERS AND WHY?

DOM: My favorite writers are many but just to mention, I like writers who try to write about African experiences. With this regard, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie from Nigeria comes first then said Ahmed Mohammed of Zanzibar comes second among many others like Ngugi wa Thiong’o of Kenya.

WA: WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A NEW WRITER STARTING OUT?

DOM: My advice to every young writer is to have a purpose and never to compare themselves with another writer. They have to be themselves and make the best out of them

WA: WHAT INSPIRES YOU TO WRITE?

DOM: I found that I live in a society surrounded with issues. I find it better to write about these issues and in one way, someone somewhere may end up changing or getting hope from what I write.

WA: DO YOU HAVE A WRITING ROUTINE? A PLACE THAT’S SPECIAL?

DOM: Yes. I have a routine. Try to write at least 500 words of any fiction work daily. I spend most of my time in the library.

WA: HOW, WHEN AND WHY DID YOU FIRST START WRITING?

DOM: I started writing after reading a book by Meja Mwangi called Kill Me Quick. I was 13 years old.

WA: WHAT WAS THE FIRST PIECE YOU HAD PUBLISHED?

DOM: A Kiswahili novel “SIRI YA TISA NA SITA” “The Secret of Tisa and Sita.”

WA: DO YOU ADDRESS ANY PARTICULAR THEMES OR ISSUES IN YOUR WRITING?

DOM: Not really. I am a general writer.

WA: HOW DID YOU FEEL WHEN YOU FIRST STARTED SENDING YOUR WRITING OUT TO THE WORLD?

DOM: The feeling was nice. I remember when I was first published. I did not take supper that night. I was too happy to learn that every lucky individual will read my work and critique it.

WA: WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR IDEAS FROM?

DOM: I get my ideas first from primary sources that is the society and then secondary sources that is books.

WA: HOW DID YOU GET YOUR PUBLISHER?

DOM: I got my publisher through my mentor.

WA: TELL US WHAT KIND OF RESPONSE YOU GET FROM AUDIENCES / READERS

DOM: A positive and encouraging response. Every one inspires me to keep on writing until I reach to the peak.

WA: HOW CAN PEOPLE FIND MORE ABOUT YOU?

DOM: Social media platforms. Facebook; maina dominic dommy; twitter; @Dominic Maina 77

WA: TIPS, TRICKS, THINGS THAT YOU PASS ON TO DEDICATED WRITERS

DOM: Always work hard and they should ensure they become their own in terms of creativity.

WA: ANY TYPICAL MISTAKES THAT NEW WRITERS TEND TO MAKE?

DOM: Rush. Many new writers rush into writing. Other start writing without reading other works. For me, any new writer should try to read at least 100 books before starting to write.

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

DOM: A Kiswahili novella; Hatima ya Musa. “Musa’s Destiny”

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

DOM: I really cannot recall everything but I remember I wrote the book using a smartphone which had a cracked screen, and I made it.

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

DOM: My latest book is a Kiswahili decodable children story where I used literature to teach phonics and sound.

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

DOM: Importance of conserving the environment.