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 Literature › The Haste For Fame Hurried Many Writers To Publish Unworthy Pieces by synw(op): 6:53am On Jun 08, 2021 |
THE HASTE FOR FAME HURRIED MANY WRITERS TO PUBLISH UNWORTHY PIECES - KWAGHKULE, AONDONENGEN JACOB Kwaghkule, Aondonengen Jacob is popularly known by his pen name "Mr Kvip". He is a poet and a short story writer. His poems appeared or are forthcoming at, Praxis Magazine, The Best of Africa Magazine, Poemify Magazine, Sub-Saharan Magazine, Active Muse, My Woven Poetry, Nantygreens, Eboquills, Ninshart Art including many local and international anthologies and elsewhere. In this interview with Wole Adedoyin, he shares with him facts about his writing career. WA: TELL US ALL ABOUT YOUR WRITING BACKGROUND- WHAT YOU’VE WRITTEN, WHAT YOU’RE CURRENTLY WRITING KAJ: Apparently, I have to confess that I had escaped my mother's womb with writing in my name. Although, I didn't know I could write until as recently as two years back when I penned my first poem. Actually, I must have to applaud my coursemate KASIM, Shalom who doubles as the C.E.O, In-House P-Initiative for my exposure into the realm of Poetry. Since then, I couldn't dare to wash my hands with spittle while standing at the riverbank. Therefore, I fathomly delved into Poetry and today my pen can dance to virtually all rhythm of literary genres. WA: WHAT EXCITES YOU ABOUT A PIECE OF WRITING- KAJ: My ecstasy about a piece of writing gets filled when I achieve a particular desired effect which I have in mind before picking up my pen and paper to explore such a hidden reality. In fact, as a writer I make sure my audience are not misinformed. I write devoid of sentiment and dogmatism as well as burying all the mere mumbo-jumbos and stereotypical beliefs in the grave of universal truism. I am happy when my work gets concretized in the hearts of my audience. WA: WHO ARE YOUR FAVOURITE WRITERS AND WHY? KAJ: Seriously, it is not easy for me to fairly mention all my favorite writers here. Because every writer I read is substantially good in one way or the other. This notwithstanding, I cherished so much the works of Chinua Achebe, Niyi Osundare, David Diop, Ajio Aondo-aver, Uzer Moses, Biachi Ndidi Anointing, Terseer Sam Baki, just to mention many but a few. WA: WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A NEW WRITER STARTING OUT? KAJ: An adage says, when we gather at the village square during moonlight, it is not because of the moon, because everyone can see it from his compound, but because it for an upliftment of the spirit of our oneness and togetherness. An upcoming writer who is willing to go further in this tedious journey of writing should always read the works of accomplished writers and possibly join clubs and associations like PIN, ANA, SYNW and the likes which can help to get him or her improved in certain areas of difficulties. No man is an island of knowledge. It is however, a pity that successful budding writers sometimes think they need no tutor... WA: WHAT INSPIRES YOU TO WRITE? KAJ: I am inspired by the pains of my daily life struggles. The futile and fruitless forms of aborted dreams. The sorrow and sadness of my people. The vision of the promised better tomorrow which seems never to come, and to right the wrongs that have stylistically become legalized in our society. WA: DO YOU HAVE A WRITING ROUTINE? A PLACE THAT’S SPECIAL? KAJ: As of now, I don't have any special writing routine. I use Facebook platform to sell my works to the world. But surely, if one googles my name, one will definitely have one or two tales to tell about me. WA: HOW, WHEN AND WHY DID YOU FIRST START WRITING? KAJ: Like I have established earlier, I was borne to write. But I discovered the poet in me about two years ago. It became imperative for me to write because I felt as a citizen I have my quarter to contribute to Nation building. The society unconsciously evoked the consciousness in me and I was left with no option than to express the angered me in a way that authority won't come hunting for my neck. Of course, we have freedom of speech, but we have no freedom after speech. And Poetry served as my backup to this. Above all, a huge thanks to Covid-19, because the year 2020 really exposed my writings to the walls of the world's ears. WA: WHAT WAS THE FIRST PIECE YOU EVER HAD PUBLISHED? KAJ: I have had some other publications before now. But until my poem about Covid-19 titled "Sing Us a New Song" was published by Praxis Magazine, I had not called myself a poet. Truly, the publication of this poem confirmed my poetic status. WA: DO YOU ADDRESS PARTICULAR THEMES OR ISSUES IN YOUR WRITING? KAJ: Yes. I am a pure Pan-africanist Poet. Also, corruption is one of the prominent themes in my works. Though a man, I strive to create a balance between man and woman in a patriarchal African society, and by this many of my friends call me feminist. I uphold dreams, visions, aspirations, life, pains, sadness and sorrows through my writings. WA: HOW DID YOU FEEL WHEN YOU FIRST STARTED SENDING YOUR WRITING OUT INTO THE WORLD? KAJ: I felt very excited. In fact, the euphoria of recent publication still wears my soul like a soothed roasted yam. I was mad when I uploaded my poems on a public site called Internetpoems.com and they were accepted. To me, that was the beginning of a merciful journey into the world of poetry. To cap it all is this singular fact that my late father's name keeps going to places his own legs couldn't carry him while alive. WA: WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR IDEAS FROM? KAJ: A common adage has it that experience is the best teacher. And whatsoever that doesn't kill a man only makes him stronger. Therefore, I write from my flaws. I also write from heartbreaks and the experiences of friends and family. WA: HOW DID YOU GET YOUR PUBLISHER? KAJ: The world has gone globalized and everything now happens in a jiffy. We no longer carry our legs from here to there in search of Publishing Houses. Facebook is one of the platforms that has so far helped me a lot in my writing career. I come to know most of the 'call to submissions' via it. WA: TELL US WHAT KIND OF RESPONSES YOU GET FROM AUDIENCES\ READERS. KAJ: The responses are not too bad as of now. Many people who have read my works encouraged me to do more. In fact, some even shower unnecessary eulogies, but I promise myself not to be drowned in the pool of their excessive praises because the best in me is yet to be explored. WA: HOW CAN PEOPLE FIND OUT MORE ABOUT YOU? KAJ: I have an itching song on the tip of my tongue and when I sing the sweetness of such a rhythmic tone, the world shall chorus the lyrics of a young poet like me. WA: TIPS, TRICKS, THINGS TO PASS ON TO DEDICATED WRITERS? KAJ: Yes. Whatever that is worth doing is worth doing very well. And whatever good thing one does do today, does pay one tomorrow. It is obvious that not all dedicated writers are successful but all successful writers are dedicated writers. Play your role and leave the rest for God to handle. WA: ANY TYPICAL/COMMON MISTAKES THAT NEW WRITERS TEND TO MAKE? KAJ: All new writers (myself inclusive) are fond of using both American and British spelling interchangeably in a single write-up which is wrong. Aside that, the haste for fame hurried many writers to publish unworthy pieces. WA: WHICH OF YOUR BOOKS WERE THE MOST ENJOYABLE TO WRITE? KAJ: It is important that I state categorically clear that I have written up to three poetry collections. Although, none is published due to financial challenges. The latest among the collections is "The Caskets of Breathing Carcasses" which I personally enjoyed writing. WA: TELL US ABOUT YOUR FIRST PUBLISHED BOOK? WHAT WAS THE JOURNEY LIKE? KAJ: My first published book is an eBook published on Wattpad by Poetry Abilities as a reward for winning her Poems of Lights, 2020 Anthology Contest. My book is titled "Gentle Tides", a collection of Love poems. The journey was smooth like a maiden silk. WA: ON YOUR LATEST BOOK TITLED "THE CASKETS OF BREATHING CARCASSES" CAN YOU SHARE WITH US SOMETHING ABOUT THE BOOK KAJ: My latest Poetry book is "The Caskets of Breathing Carcasses", it is a collection that expresses the agony of a people who are dead long before they are born. The poems are so fascinating that everyone may like to read it. WA: WHAT IS THE KEY THEME AND/OR MESSAGE IN THE BOOK? KAJ: The Central idea in the book is inhumanity vs humanity; the cause of our curses and courses of our national retrogression. BIOGRAPHY: Kwaghkule, Aondonengen Jacob is popularly known by his pen name "Mr Kvip". He is a poet and a short story writer. His poems appeared or are forthcoming at, Praxis Magazine, The Best of Africa Magazine, Poemify Magazine, Sub-Saharan Magazine, Active Muse, My Woven Poetry, Nantygreens, Eboquills, Ninshart Art including many local and international anthologies and elsewhere... He is a Top-Ten Winner of The League of Poets' Covid-19 Relief Competition, 2020. Contributor, Brigitte Poirson Poetry Contest (BPPC) 2020 Anthology. Entrant, Society of Young Nigerian Writers' Achebe: A Man of the People 2020 Anthology. Joint-Winner, PIN 10-Day Poetry Challenge (Feb.2021). His Chapbook "To Our Lads & Lasses" made the longlist of Pengician Poetry Chapbook Series/Prize, 2021... "To Our Lads & Lasses" expresses the agony of war as masterminded by corrupt leaders. And while the innocent die in warfronts like chickens, the initiators of blamed war enjoy the coolness of their luxurious seats at home. It comprises tales one will not wish to have performed physically. But sadly, everyday we dance to the sounds played by fire-vomiting bamboo sticks. It is high time we changed the narrative. Let us sheath our swords and hug Peace, Unity, Love and Progress Currently, Kwaghkule Aondonengen Jacob is a penultimate student of English and Literary Studies at Federal University, Wukari, Taraba State, Nigeria. He is also the Secretary and acting Press Secretary of In-House P-Initiave, Director of Tiv Magazine and Regional Administrator (for Africa) at One World Writers Movement.
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| Literature › Osogbo Book Club Set To Host Oladejo Haneef And Afeez Olagunju For Her June Read by synw(op): 6:09am On Jun 08, 2021 |
OSOGBO BOOK CLUB SET TO HOST OLADEJO HANEEF AND AFEEZ OLAGUNJU FOR HER JUNE READING IN OSUN STATE Osogbo Book Club (OBC) has set aside 19th of June, 2021 to host two Osogbo based writers, Oladejo Haneef O. (aka) Harnyfman Asishana and Afeez Ayomide Olagunju, in Osogbo, the capital of Osun State. A statement by Godwin Grace, the Coordinator of the club, 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. Oladejo Haneef O, also known as Harnyfman Asishana is a graduate of English language and Education at Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti. He is a teacher, poet, writer, and motivator. He loves writing poems with every surrounding theme because his inspiration is driven by the happenings around him. He is friendly and straightforward; he is simple, and simplicity is beheld in most of his works that have found their ways to anthologies, magazines, and journals. He was one of the shortlisted Top 100 Student Poets in Nigeria by the PIN NSPP (Nigerian Students Poetry Prize) Award in 2017. Afeez Olagunju is the founder of Cereus Publications. He is a graduate of Computer science. He is also a songwriter, innovator and poet. He has featured on various anthologies and has edited and published a host of works. 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.
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| Literature › Call For Entries: African Human Rights Playwriting Prize by synw(op): 9:52am On Jun 06, 2021 |
CALL FOR ENTRIES: AFRICAN HUMAN RIGHTS PLAYWRITING PRIZE African Human Rights Playwriting Prize invites inspiring, original one-act plays in English with a maximum playing time of 10 minutes that focus on Human Rights issues in Africa. A ten-minute play is generally around 10 pages long. The plays can explore any of the following human rights themes: Freedom of Expression, Government Violations, Police Brutality, corruption, forced Eviction, terrorism, Gender Inequality, LGBT Rights, Child Labour, Child Marriage, Domestic Violence, violence and discrimination against women; child abuse; female genital mutilation, ethnic, regional, and religious discrimination, child trafficking etc. African Human Rights Playwriting Prize aims to elevate public consciousness and understanding of human rights values through plays in order to guarantee the safeguarding of people's rights in Africa. Also, there will be 10 shortlisted plays (to be published in the e-book), and five winners. PRIZE(S) 1. Only (Five) 5 selected outstanding plays will receive live, professional production of their works online during IHRAF’s Evening of Theatre at 2PM NYC time and 8PM in Africa in a later date that will be announced. 2. Issuance of Certificate of Merit signed by the Founder and Executive Producer of IHRAF, Tom Block OTHER BENEFITS • Award of Certificates of Participation to all Entrants. • Award of Certificates of Excellence to only the shortlisted entrants. • Only the shortlisted play(s) will be published in e-book format SUBMISSION GUIDELINES • Original one-act plays in English with a maximum playing time of 10 minutes long only • No monetary prize • The play must be a new and original piece of work. The play must not have been published in any form or awarded previously. • Entries are welcomed from anywhere in the world • Entrants must adhere strictly to standard playwriting format. • Plays that have had a workshop, reading, or non-professional production will be considered • Only one play per entrant • Plays must have Human Rights at heart. • Plays that have been previously produced or published are not eligible; • Entries will be judged based on set, cast, technical requirements, dialogue, story development, style and conformity to contest rules. Participants also have the flexibility to use any type of play, however, the scope of the submission must directly relate to this year’s topic or it will be disqualified. • Deadline for submissions is 31st of July, 2021 • Winners will be announced on the 31st of August 2021. • All entrants must give IHRAF permission to produce their plays. Please note that only 5 outstanding plays will receive live, professional production of their works online at 2PM NYC time and 8PM in Africa in a later date that will be announced. • The proposed productions are subject to the playwrights agreeing to the terms of IHRAF Production Team. • Any signs of plagiarism will disqualify the entrant. • Organizers’ decision is final • All entries must be submitted to: ihrafnigeria@gmail.com and also copy societyofyoungnigerianwriters@gmail.com. • Title of your mail should be addressed as “AFRICAN HUMAN RIGHTS PLAYWRITING PRIZE” • Entrants are advised to send the following information alongside their entries i. Name ii. Age iii. Gender iv. Country v. Address vi. Phone Number vii. Where you heard about the Call for entries viii. Short Profile about yourself. x. Name of school or university if any For more enquiries contact: Wole Adedoyin +2348072673852 (woleadedoyin@gmail.com)
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| Literature › Ihraf Releases New Anthology On Human Rights Abuse In Africa by synw(op): 9:02am On Jun 06, 2021 |
IHRAF RELEASES NEW ANTHOLOGY ON HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSE IN AFRICA As part of her contribution towards curbing the issues of human rights abuse and violation in Africa, the International Human Rights Art Festival (IHRAF) has thematically released a new classic and international essay anthology. Edited by Nigerian author and journalist, Izunna Okafor, the anthology, entitled "The Malady and the Remedy" is a collection of twenty (20) essays on human rights abuse and violation in Africa, written by essayists, authors and human rights activists from different countries in Africa; as well fifteen (15) inspiring human rights quotes by selected activists around the world. According to a statement, issued by the Coordinator of IHRAF in Africa, Mr. Wole Adedoyin, who announced the official release of the new anthology, the 20 essays published therein are the essays longlisted in the 2021 human rights essay competition recently organised by IHRAF (African Chapter), captioned "African Human Rights Essay Competition 2021", through which which 45 essays were received from different countries in Africa. He congratulated all the entrants who participated in the essay competition, and appreciated everyone who contributed in one way or the other to the success of the initiative and the publication of the anthology, particularly the IHRAF founder, Tom Block, who is also an American author and playwright; as well as the editor of the anthology, Izunna Okafor, who is also an award-winning author and journalist. In his Editor's Note, the editor of the new anthology, Izunna Okafor noted that the publication was a fulfilment of one of the promises made while calling for submissions of essays for the competition, during which only shortlisted entries and entrants were promised publication —a promise that was eventually extended to the longlisted essays and entrants, owing to the quality of their contents. He wrote, "Although only the shortlisted essays and essayists were promised publication during the 'call for submissions', it became really wise to adjust further to accommodate all the longlisted essays and essayists in this publication, beholding the perceived extraordinary quality, relevance and efficacy of their contents in actualising the overall goal of the initiative, which is to promote human rights values in Africa and positively influence the betterment of the human rights situation in the continent. "It is the conglomeration, editing and publication of these twenty longlisted essays that gave birth to this classic anthology, entitled "The Malady and the Remedy". "The essays published herein take both the form of stories/narratives, analyses, etc, to x-ray, bemoan, condemn and challenge the incessant abuse and violation of human rights in Africa, the unsafeness of Africa for human rights activists and freedom fighters, as well as recommend the elixirs to all these ills against humanity. "Aside its intriguing, thought-provoking, informative, educative and didactic qualities, another most outstanding feature of this anthology is that the essays published therein do not just condemn human rights violations and make recommendations; they are research-based and deep rooted. "In other words, these essays experientially and comparably look deep into the history of human rights and human rights abuse/violation in Africa, the causes, the types, what and what have been done so far to better the situation, why those things are not yielding the expected results, and finally propose/present better and more efficacious alternatives to addressing this age-long issue of human rights abuse, borrowing from the experience of yesterday, the situation of today, and the projection for tomorrow. "Indeed, this anthology is a must-read for everyone who loves human rights and freedom. Every human being deserves to be treated as a human, for his being. Freedom fighting and right activism should be for all and for everyone. Human rights are for every human; and Africans are humans. For every other thing regarding that, flip through the pages of this anthology, and come out a better activist." TO DOWNLOAD YOUR COPY, KINDLY LOG ON TO https://www.ihraf.org/african-secretariat https://ihrafessayanthology.files./2021/06/themaladyandtheremedyeditedbyizunnaokafor..-1.pdf
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| Literature › Call For Submissions – Voices From The Land Of Virtue by synw(op): 4:59am On Jun 03, 2021 |
CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS – VOICES FROM THE LAND OF VIRTUE Writers at all stages of their careers; new or established in Osun State, are invited to submit their works to Osogbo Book Club on poetry, essay and flash fiction in the maiden edition of its anthology. Osogbo Book Club aims to enhance the reading culture amongst people living in Osogbo and environs. Works in form of poetry, essay and flash fiction that encourage reading culture are required for this publication. An individual is entitled to submit at most 3 works of poetry or 2 essays or flash fictions. SUBMISSION GUIDELINES: Ensure your work is in any of the three categories listed above. i. e. Poetry, Essay or Flash fiction. -For poetry: Ensure each of your poems is not more than 25 lines. Send no more than 3 poems and separate each by title. -For essay: Your essay should not be more than 1500 words. -For Flash fiction: Your work of fiction submission should not be more than 1000 words. - Include a cover page highlighting your name, email address, phone number, current address, and bio in the third person. Your entrie(s) should be in MS Doc. - Entries should be sent to: societyofyoungnigerianwriters@gmail.com and the other two Editors - Deadline for the submission is the 14th of July, 2021. -Submit your work to any of the listed editors below to publish your work in the anthology. Kindly do not submit previously published poems. MEET THE EDITORS: AFEEZ OLAGUNJU Afeez Olagunju is the founder of Cereus Publications. He is a graduate of Computer science. He is also a songwriter, innovator and poet. He has featured on various anthologies and has edited and published a host of works. Email: olagunjuafeez@gmail.com WhatsApp: 07063215589 HARNYFMAN ASISHANA Harnyfman Asishana (Oladejo Haneef Olalekan) is an indigene of Osogbo. A graduate of English language Education from Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti. A Poet, a teacher and a motivator. His poems have featured in different anthologies. Email: oladejohaneef@gmail.com WhatsApp: 08137212926 Live in Art.
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| Literature › Synw Fuoye Chapter Unveils Inter-versity Creative Writing Competition by synw(op): 4:43am On Jun 03, 2021 |
SYNW FUOYE CHAPTER UNVEILS INTER-VERSITY CREATIVE WRITING COMPETITION, CHALLENGES FOUR OTHER CHAPTERS IN A LITERARY CONTEST In order to foster good relations amongst Society of Young Nigerian Writers Chapters in different universities across the country and also to hone every member's literary prowess. SYNW (FUOYE CHAPTER) has unveiled SYNW Inter-Versity Creative Writing Competition and set down a competition between four schools that would last for two days. The Competition would kick off on the 11th and 12th of June, 2021. The following categories would have two competitors each: Prose Poetry Spoken-word Poetry Comprehending abilities There would be only one winner and one prize. The participating schools are: University of Nigeria, Nsukka University of Calabar, Calabar Achievers University, Owo, Ondo state Bayero University, Kano For more information, contact the Coordinator of SYNW FUOYE Chapter, Adebobola Victor Ademayowa on 08144013365.
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| Literature › Call For Entries: Creators Of Justice Literary Awards by synw(op): 4:22am On Jun 03, 2021 |
CALL FOR ENTRIES: CREATORS OF JUSTICE LITERARY AWARDS SUBMISSION WINDOW IS OPEN! IHRAF PUBLISHES ANNOUNCES CREATORS OF JUSTICE LITERARY AWARD THERE IS NO ENTRY FEE FOR PARTICIPATION Deadline: August 31, 2021 Submissions must include cover letter, bio and the category (Poetry, Short Story or Essay) in which you apply. Please send submissions to: hello@ihraf.org with the subject line: “Creators of Justice Literary Award” The International Human Rights Art Festival announces the creation of this new literary award, celebrating poetry, short stories and essays which use the written word to celebrate justice. This ideal may be imagined in any manner in which the writer sees fit, however, it must be based in our signature values of beauty, sincerity, vulnerability and engagement. We do not publish work or engage with artists whose work is based in anger, or stems from an “us v. them” mentality. We feel strongly that all human conflict is representative of human spiritual immaturity — and no group of people, ethnicity or religion are immune from human spiritual immaturity. There are three monetary prizes in each category: Poetry, Short Story and Essay. Each writer may make one submission in each category (total of 3 submission per writer). Awards are as follows: First Prize: $150 Second Prize: $100 Third Prize: $50 Honorable Mention: 5 writers will have their work published on IHRAF Publishes https://www.ihraf.org/creators-of-justice-literary-awards
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| Literature › Ihraf Releases New Anthology On Human Rights Abuse In Africa by synw(op): 3:46am On Jun 03, 2021 |
IHRAF RELEASES NEW ANTHOLOGY ON HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSE IN AFRICA As part of her contribution towards curbing the issues of human rights abuse and violation in Africa, the International Human Rights Arts Festival (IHRAF) has thematically released a new classic and international essay anthology. Edited by Nigerian author and journalist, Izunna Okafor, the anthology, entitled "The Malady and the Remedy" is a collection of twenty (20) essays on human rights abuse and violation in Africa, written by essayists, authors and human rights activists from different countries in Africa; as well fifteen (15) inspiring human rights quotes by selected activists around the world. According to a statement, issued by the Coordinator of IHRAF in Africa, Mr. Wole Adedoyin, who announced the official release of the new anthology, the 20 essays published therein are the essays longlisted in the 2021 human rights essay competition recently organised by IHRAF (African Chapter), captioned "African Human Rights Essay Competition 2021", through which which 45 essays were received from different countries in Africa. He congratulated all the entrants who participated in the essay competition, and appreciated everyone who contributed in one way or the other to the success of the initiative and the publication of the anthology, particularly the IHRAF founder, Tom Block, who is also an American author and playwright; as well as the editor of the anthology, Izunna Okafor, who is also an award-winning author and journalist. In his Editor's Note, the editor of the new anthology, Izunna Okafor noted that the publication was a fulfilment of one of the promises made while calling for submissions of essays for the competition, during which only shortlisted entries and entrants were promised publication —a promise that was eventually extended to the longlisted essays and entrants, owing to the quality of their contents. He wrote, "Although only the shortlisted essays and essayists were promised publication during the 'call for submissions', it became really wise to adjust further to accommodate all the longlisted essays and essayists in this publication, beholding the perceived extraordinary quality, relevance and efficacy of their contents in actualising the overall goal of the initiative, which is to promote human rights values in Africa and positively influence the betterment of the human rights situation in the continent. "It is the conglomeration, editing and publication of these twenty longlisted essays that gave birth to this classic anthology, entitled "The Malady and the Remedy". "The essays published herein take both the form of stories/narratives, analyses, etc, to x-ray, bemoan, condemn and challenge the incessant abuse and violation of human rights in Africa, the unsafeness of Africa for human rights activists and freedom fighters, as well as recommend the elixirs to all these ills against humanity. "Aside its intriguing, thought-provoking, informative, educative and didactic qualities, another most outstanding feature of this anthology is that the essays published therein do not just condemn human rights violations and make recommendations; they are research-based and deep rooted. "In other words, these essays experientially and comparably look deep into the history of human rights and human rights abuse/violation in Africa, the causes, the types, what and what have been done so far to better the situation, why those things are not yielding the expected results, and finally propose/present better and more efficacious alternatives to addressing this age-long issue of human rights abuse, borrowing from the experience of yesterday, the situation of today, and the projection for tomorrow. "Indeed, this anthology is a must-read for everyone who loves human rights and freedom. Every human being deserves to be treated as a human, for his being. Freedom fighting and right activism should be for all and for everyone. Human rights are for every human; and Africans are humans. For every other thing regarding that, flip through the pages of this anthology, and come out a better activist."
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| Literature › Ekiti Book Club Takes Reading Campaign To St. Augustine Comprehensive High Sch. by synw(op): 8:51pm On May 28, 2021 |
EKITI BOOK CLUB TAKES READING CAMPAIGN TO ST. AUGUSTINE COMPREHENSIVE HIGH SCHOOL, OYE-EKITI On the 20th day in the month of May, 2021, members of the Ekiti Book Club in persons of Olamilekan Okebiorun (Coordinator), Hannah Ojo, Oluwapelumi Jegede, Daniel Ayodeji Owolabi, Victor Ademayowa and a speaker from Nairobi, Kenya, in person of Mr. Tehilla, popularly called Mr. Wealth make their way into the premises of St. Augustine Comprehensive High School at 12:40 noon. Within the minutes of 12:40 pm — 1:00pm, some members of the school's management are met and they, in turn, make the students ready for the talks of the Ekiti Book Club. By 1:05pm, the coordinator of the Ekiti Book Club, Olamilekan Okebiorun asks every present member of the Book Club to say their names in the presence of the students. He further goes on to state the purpose and goals of the Book Club, carefully carrying the students along. After the words of the coordinator, the first speaker, Daniel Ayodeji Owolabi, takes the podium to inform the students about what Reading Skill is. He mentions the importance of having a list for books to be read each month. He reiterates the need to avoid distractions and he urges each student to know what works for them (He states how he can read in places with a noisy background and how someone else may not be able to). In all, he advises the students to take reading seriously. Mr. Wealth, the second speaker, talks about education in Africa at large. Having a wealth of experiences as a sojourner in quite a number of African countries, Mr. Wealth takes the students on a journey by citing examples of two pupils he met in two of his journeys. He further mocks the reading culture of most students by saying, "you only read when it is a day to exams, how do you expect quick assimilation?" He urges the students to read every time. He says reading is not necessarily about finishing a whole 250-paged book in a day, it is about choosing to consistently read per day. He cites himself as an example; he is someone who reads six books in a month. He encourages the students that they can do the same. At the end of the talks, students show their interest in the Book Club, pictures are taken (with the teachers first and then, the students) and contacts are exchanged.
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| Literature › Ekiti Launches Her Book Club In Grand Style by synw(op): 8:45pm On May 28, 2021 |
EKITI LAUNCHES HER BOOK CLUB IN GRAND STYLE Following the various broadcasts about the Ekiti Book Club inauguration, she finally achieved that feat on 21st of May, 2021 at the proposed venue, Faculty of Arts Building, New Pavilion hall in Phase 1 of the Federal University, Oye, Ekiti state. The programme kicked off at around 2pm with a sizeable number of invitees already bustling around. It was hosted by the current President of the department of English and Literary Studies, Mr David Amodu Abideen, who with his witticism and humor, carried the audience along in the order of things. Mr. Tehella Wealth, an Afriaa man from Kenya, who runs an NGO called "Run-Up Africa", gave the first speech emphasizing on "Longetivity" and the need for man to develop the right mindset towards achieving his purpose so as to live an impactful life. He urged readers to read uplifting books that adds value and he was quoted saying, "you have to change yourself before you can change the world". He added by saying Africans should be readers so that they would not be enslaved by the most vicious of all slavery, which is the mental slavery. Conclusively, he inserted that the worst thing that can happen to one is to be successful in the wrong things. After this powerful session, the Coordinator himself, Mr Olamilekan Okebiorun, and Wofai, a talented guitarist, performed a musico-poetry termed "When a boy tells you that he loves you" which enraptured the audience and earned an overwhelming applause. Abiodun Ekundayo Peter, a 200level student of English and Literary studies, also rendered a beautiful trado-poem, "Àbèké Òshìn" which spoke on a man's love for a beautiful maiden. The Guest of Honour, Dr. Sandra Nwagboso, after being welcomed with a standing ovation, spoke explicitly on "The Benefits of Reading". She started by delving into the history of language, communication, evolution of man, writing and then reading. She mentioned the various forms of writing and the essence of reading. Some of her key words are: - Readers are never ignorant. - Reading is a great way of exercising the brain as it helps one to focus and concerntrate. - Reading helps to generate experience about fellow human situation and evoke empathy. - Reading improves mental health and make one live longer. - Reading improves communication skills and is a form of premium entertainment. She ended by urging writers and readers alike to be vast in knowledge by reading books of different fields, keep a diary and keep reading and writing. She thus ended her speech by beseeching readers to read biographies on known readers and photo-copy their achievements. Next was the poem reading session which was set in motion by the Faculty of Arts President in the person of Miss Ayobami Asiat, and the ELS President, Amodu, as they read the two poems, Àbíkú by John Pepper Clark and Wole Soyinka. The poem was beautifully dissected and analysed by wonderful members of the association, voicing their thoughts, critic, and views on it. It was very active, interesting and insightful. The Coordinator for Society of Young Nigerian Writers, FUOYE Chapter, Mr. Adebobola Mayowa Victor also engaged the people in asking and contributing on salient issues of the general society. Lastly, the Coordinator, Mr. Olamilekan Okebiorun, gave his vote of thanks while light refreshments were being served, and blessed the audience with one of his wonderful spoken-word poems. Thus, the meeting ended with better plans for the subsequent ones. In all, those in attendance were 55, including Dr. Iroegbu Obinna, a seasoned lecturer of the department of English and Literary Studies, two members of the Union of Campus Journalist (UCJ, FUOYE) who covered the inauguration and interviewed some persons, and Mr. Owolabi Daniel, the head of the COLOURS Magazine.
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| Literature › Art Of Unity Creative Award by synw(op): 7:40am On May 25, 2021 |
ART OF UNITY CREATIVE AWARD https://www.ihraf.org/art-of-unity-creative-award The call for submissions for 2021 is now open. We accept literary (poetry; essays and short stories under 2500 words); video; music; dance; performance or visual work around the theme: "Never again: Remembering to heal and overcome." All pieces must be previously unpublished. The most important hallmark of Holocaust remembrance and education is the phrase ‘never again.’ Unfortunately, tribal divisions, ethnic cleansing and genocides continue in the 21st Century. We are looking for submissions in any creative media (which can be exhibited online), and which highlight aspects of human unity, and positive cross-pollination between groups, ethnicities, religions and/or nations. The work will be curated by a team from the IHRAF and Yahad-In Unum Mid-America. Send submissions to hello@ihraf.org with the subject line: “Art of Unity Creative Award”. There is no entry fee for participation. Deadline for submission is September 30, 2021. Each artist may make one submission. There are three monetary prizes: • First Prize: $150 • Second Prize: $100 • Third Prize: $50 • Honorable Mention: 6 artists will have their work presented as part of the winners. All winners and honorable mention recipients will be promoted via the International Human Rights Art Festival website, Facebook page, Instagram page, e-newsletter and through our media partnership with WNYC radio, the world's largest public radio station. Additionally, a selectio of the winners will be highlighted as part of the Art of Unity performance block at the IHRAF Festival, Wild Project Theater, East Village, NYC on Wednesday, December 8, 2021.
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| Literature › Ana Appoints 5-member Caretaker Committee For Osun by synw(op): 7:29am On May 25, 2021 |
ANA APPOINTS 5-MEMBER CARETAKER COMMITTEE FOR OSUN The National Secretariat of the Association of Nigerian Authors has appointed a five-member executive caretaker committee for the Osun state chapter of the Association. This was contained in a press release issued by ANA PRO South, Wole Adedoyin in Osogbo on Sunday. The committee was constituted following the expiration of the outgoing State Working Committee under the chairmanship of Muriola Awosemo. The committee is chaired by Bunyamin Zakariyah who would be deputized by Adeola Owolabi, while Soloman Segun serves as the Secretary. Other members of the committee are Grace Godwin and Taliat Kola Oladipo According to a letter dated May 23rd, 2021, signed by Maik Ortserga, the National Secretary and addressed to the newly constituted Caretaker Committee in Osogbo, the association announced that the committee would oversee the ANA’s affairs in the state pending the conduct of Election. The letter said that the appointment is for three month in line with the provision of the Association’s constitution. The letter read in part: “The National Leadership of ANA considered the expiration of tenure of the current State Working Committee led by Muriola Awosemo in Osun State in respect of the state of affairs of the Association and conscious of the urgent need to reposition it for effective service delivery has resolved to appoint a caretaker committee for Osun State. “By this appointment, they are expected to provide effective leadership for our Association by ensuring its growth and development in terms of membership drive, organizing literary activities and promotion of reading culture in Osun State in line with the constitution of the Association, the letter added. Bunyamin Zakariyah Sijuwade is a graduate of Obafemi Awolowo University. He is a motivational speaker and a Business Consultant. Currently, the Director of Studies of the Unique Success Academy, Osogbo, Osun State. He is also the Co-founder of LATIMA Cambridge Academy, Osogbo, Osun State. Bunyamin was appointed and inaugurated as the Chairman of the Osun State Teen Authorship Scheme of the Association of Nigerian Authors (Osun State Chapter) in 2018. He is a trusteeship member of an NGO known as Open Conscience and the Convener of Osun Youth Movement (OYM). Mr. Ben as fondly called by the populace of Osogbo is a veteran in the field of Education. Bunyamin and his educational institute has contributed immensely by touching many lives academically. His experience in the Osun State Education Sector and expertise has affected so many souls here and abroad. The caretaker committee is to start immediately and work towards conducting elections and returning the chapter to its glorious past. ANA finally wished the appointees all luck and success in the discharge of this historic burden.
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| Literature › Oyo State Local Government Election:new Lessons I Learnt From Ppa–wole Adedoyin by synw(op): 3:57pm On May 24, 2021 |
OYO STATE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTION: NEW LESSONS I LEARNT FROM PPA – WOLE ADEDOYIN The yet to be concluded local government elections in Oyo state is one of the historical elections I will never forget. Despite my vast experience in politics and political activism, yet I learnt one or two new lessons. The performance of the People Democratic Party (PDP) did not impress me at all but the boldness, courage, doggedness, perseverance and insistence of one of the relisted political parties, the Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA). Theirs is a story of hope, faith, commitment and endurance. From the onset I followed the party. When my brother called me that there was need for him and his members (being the former Chairman of the defunct African Peoples Alliance Party in Oyo State and the party’s governorship candidate in the 2019 governorship election in the state) to participate in the forthcoming Local Government elections in the state. I told him to give me two weeks to get him one of the registered political parties in the state but he quickly intervened that two weeks was much going through the timetable released by OYSIEC. He quickly interjected that I should get him one of the relisted political parties. His former party, African Peoples Alliance had fused into the All Progressive Congress same week the party was deregistered. They did not contest their illegal deregistration in the court of law. He said he gave me a minimum of a day and maximum of two days to get him one of the relisted parties. Immediately I heard this, I took the judgment which ordered INEC to relist the concerned parties and glanced through the names of the relisted political parties. I said to myself that I virtually knew all the national Chairmen of the 22 parties but I am closer to some than others. Out of the 22 relisted political parties I chose High Chief Peter Ameh’s Political party, Progressive People Alliance (PPA). High Chief Peter Ameh is one of my political mentors, like I also have it in the persons of Deacon Samson Segun Olalere and Alhaji Yinka Olona. High Chief Peter Ameh is currently the national Chairman of the Progressive Peoples Alliance and the Secretary General of the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP). Also a former National Secretary and later President of the Interparty Advisory Council (IPAC). Immediately, I contacted my brother that the Progressive People Alliance would be a better platform to use. As a former Secretary of the Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP) and the foundation Secretary of the Interparty Advisory Council (IPAC) in Oyo State I still know little about some parties in the state (though I am now politicizing in Osun State). After gotten some information I needed about the party in Oyo State, I went ahead to discuss the issue of PPA participating in the forthcoming local government elections in Oyo State with the National Chairman of the party, High Chief Peter Ameh. Being a true democrat and lover of democracy himself, High Chief Peter Ameh gave my brother a go ahead but also showed his sadness about the sitting governors not being transparent about the conduct of the council elections in their respective states. After we got his permission, I communicated the development to my brother who was happy and showed a sign of gratefulness to High Chief Peter Ameh. In a jiffy, my brother took into action, converted APA political structure into PPA political structure, called his members and had two intensive meetings. At the end they found their ways to the office of the Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC). During PPA meeting with the Chairman of OYSIEC, Aare Isiaka Abiola Olagunju SAN, Aare Isiaka Abiola Olagunju SAN insisted that PPA was not among the registered political parties submitted to them by INEC. He stood his ground that PPA would not participate in the Council election. My brother also stood his ground that his party is a registered political party and would participate in the forthcoming council election in the state. My brother went away that day and went back to consult and rework. The result of his consultation led to the press release accusing OYSIEC Chairman, Aare Isiaka Abiola Olagunju SAN of disenfranchising his registered political party from participating and voting in the forthcoming local government election despite furnishing the Commission the court judgment relisting his party as a registered political party. The release went viral, got the attention of Aare Isiaka Abiola Olagunju SAN and invited the executives of PPA to an emergency meeting. This is the beginning of the story of how PPA got her name and logo printed in the yet to be concluded council election in the state. While this was going on, High Chief Peter Ameh wrote a very brilliant short piece about his lack of interest in the council elections being conducted by the sitting governors of different states in Nigeria. In the piece he described their actions as undemocratic, unconstitutional and fruitless efforts aimed at depriving the masses their democratic rights. To me it seems High Chief Peter Ameh has spoken his mind and logically would not like his party to venture into such election. I forwarded to my brother the brilliant piece; he read it and was like Wole maybe I should hold a little. My brother was on this compulsory political leave when OYSIEC Chairman; Aare Isiaka Abiola Olagunju SAN gave him a call to see him in his office. Left to the OYSIEC Chairman, he does not want any qualified political party to be disenfranchised from participating in the Council Poll. Immediately, my brother also passed a call to some of his members and to me, he asked us if he should go and meet OYSIEC Chairman. We told him to go which he did. When he got to the OYSIEC office, he met headfuls of IPAC members discussing about his party and his party chance of participating in the forthcoming council poll. Those Oyo IPAC members did not know he is the current Chairman of PPA in Oyo State. They thought he represented other political party. They started poisoning the mind of the electoral commissioner, saying bad things about the PPA former Chairman and the inability of the former chairman to field a single candidate for elective positions between 2015 and 2019 general elections. They described the former Chairman as “Onijekuje” and “Ole”. The body language of those party chairmen showed that PPA shouldn’t be included in the forthcoming election because they’ve been deregistered. This development aroused the curiosity of my brother and he vowed to utilize his wherewithal for PPA to participate in the council election. To my brother PPA is a progressive party with good and masses oriented Manifesto. The uncultured behavior of the past chairman shouldn’t be used to judge the party. PPA has the most democratic manifesto out of the political parties that we have in Nigeria today. The party in 2003 and 2007 won gubernatorial elections in Abia State. It also won the 2007 governorship election in Imo State. In the 2007 Nigerian National Assembly election, the party won three of the 360 seats in the House of Representatives and one of the 109 seats in the Senate. Same scenario happens with the constitution of Nigeria. It’s not that the Nigeria constitution is bad. It is in fact one of the best constitutions in the world but those implementing and executing them are not using it the right way. Nigeria as a country is good but her problem is bad leaders. In a bid to disgrace those spelling PPA backward, my brother made some research about the party and started spreading her gospel of good governance. Under the inspection of OYSIEC, the party conducted her party primary in one of the secondary schools around Mokola in Ibadan. He went ahead to submit the party’s candidate list and the rest became history. PPA and my brother really made history in Oyo state being the only relisted party that participated in Oyo council poll few months after Justice M.B. Dongban-Mensem and four others delivered judgment in favour of the 22 deregistered party. I was in Osun State when I was told that the name and Logo of PPA engrossed the face of Oyo Council election ballot papers. And I was also happy when I heard the returning officers announcing the name and scores gotten by PPA after the conduct of the council election. To my brother, it’s not about winning the election that matters but about shaming those who are spreading false and fake news about PPA. About shaming INEC who failed to heed the order of Justice M.B. Dongban-Mensem and four others. This single action of my brother has inspired other Chairmen in Southwest whom Justice M.B. Dongban-Mensem and four others ordered that their political parties should be relisted by INEC. Once again congratulations to my brother, Pastor Tolulope Adedoyin, current Chairman of PPA in Oyo State and to his Secretary, Mr. Kolade Stephen. You all did a good job. Wole Adedoyin is the Chairman of the Association of Progressive Political Parties in Osun State and the 2018 Governorship Candidate of Hope Democratic Party (HDP).
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| Literature › Osogbo Book Club May Reading Holds Tomorrow by synw(op): 4:15pm On May 21, 2021 |
OSOGBO BOOK CLUB MAY READING HOLDS TOMORROW Osogbo Book Club (OBC) has set aside tomorrow, Saturday May 22, 2021 to host two Osogbo based writers, Olalere Fagbola and Haleemah Alli Bankole, in Osogbo, the capital of Osun State. A statement by Godwin Grace, the Coordinator of the club, said the event would take place at the Unique Success Academy Annex, Behind WAEC Office, 2 Uncle K Street, Akinlade, Alekuwodo, Osogbo by 12PM prompt. Olalere Fagbola is a seasoned and veteran journalist, with untiring passion for engaging in various forms of writing as he treats writing with serious devotion. As an accomplished author, biographer, poet, songwriter, writing prophetologist and publisher, Fagbola has authored and published no fewer than twenty books of his own authorship while he has edited great works of academics, educationists and biographies of more than thirty clerics at home and abroad. For his professional experience, he has worked with reputable media in Nigeria and served as media consultant to local, state, federal, private and international institutions while his poems and music have been broadcast in both the radio and television stations in Nigeria and Oversea. Haleemah Alli Bankole holds a diploma in creative writing from Writers' Bureau Manchester. She is a graduate of Quantity Surveying and has a PGDE in view. She has authored Children Literatures, a biography and a creative non-fiction on Caesarean births. She organizes short story contests and had published 3 compilations of winning stories. She is also a publisher, educationist & youth mentor. Some of her published books include: Knives & Nappies, A Fruitful tree, Fola- a little girl's story, the Wise king & other stories etc. She believes that the mind just like the body should eat right to stay health because what we read is food to the mind. 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. For enquiry call: 08027854496
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| Literature › Up-and-coming Writers Should Let Diligence And Criticism Be Their Bedfellows by synw(op): 3:59pm On May 21, 2021 |
UP-AND-COMING WRITERS SHOULD LET DILIGENCE AND CRITICISM BE THEIR BEDFELLOWS - LERE FAGBOLA Olalere Fagbola, a former South-West Bureau Chief of the Punch newspaper is a seasoned and veteran journalist, with untiring passion for engaging in various forms of writing as he treats writing with serious devotion. As an accomplished author, biographer, poet, songwriter, writing prophetologist and publisher, Fagbola has authored and published no fewer than twenty books of his own authorship while he has edited great works of academics, educationists and biographies of more than thirty clerics at home and abroad. In this brief interview with Wole Adedoyin, he talks about his writing career. WA: WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START WRITING? FAGBOLA: Solitude WA: HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WRITING? FAGBOLA: Forty six years. WA: WHEN DID YOU START WRITING? FAGBOLA: 1975 WA: HAVE YOU ALWAYS WANTED TO BE A WRITER? FAGBOLA: I can't remember. WA: WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE A NEW WRITER, SOMEONE JUST STARTING OUT? FAGBOLA: Let diligence and criticism be your bedfellows. WA: HOW DO YOU HANDLE WRITER’S BLOCK? FAGBOLA: Carry it to the balcony WA: HOW MANY BOOKS HAVE YOU WRITTEN? FAGBOLA: No fewer than thirty WA: WHAT IS THE MOST SURPRISING THING YOU DISCOVERED WHILE WRITING YOUR BOOK(S)? FAGBOLA: The muse spreading writing table before me in the presence of vice chancellors WA: WHO IS YOUR FAVOURITE CHARACTER? FAGBOLA: “When Mr Nobody Is Around” WA: DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE CHARACTER THAT YOU HAVE WRITTEN? IF SO, WHO? AND WHAT MAKES THEM SO SPECIAL. FAGBOLA: So special because they don't have reputation WA: WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR INSPIRATION? FAGBOLA: On a mountain higher than I WA: WHERE CAN READERS PURCHASE YOUR BOOKS? FAGBOLA: On the rack and at the archives while making efforts to get them online WA: WHERE CAN READERS FIND OUT MORE ABOUT YOU AND YOUR BOOKS? FAGBOLA: @worduniversity.net WA: HAVE ANY OF YOUR BOOKS BEEN MADE INTO AUDIOBOOKS? FAGBOLA: NONE WA: IF SO, WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES IN PRODUCING AN AUDIO BOOK? FAGBOLA: Unchallenged WA: WHICH OF YOUR BOOKS WERE THE MOST ENJOYABLE TO WRITE? FAGBOLA: Heroism Songs and Troubles WA: TELL US ABOUT YOUR FIRST PUBLISHED BOOK? FAGBOLA: It began at the University Gate of the then University of Ife now Obafemi Awolowo University where the Vice Chancellor and JAMB slugged out over my provisional admission to read English WA: WHAT WAS THE JOURNEY LIKE? FAGBOLA: The journey was eventfully wonderful WA: WHAT, IN YOUR OPINION, ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT ELEMENTS OF GOOD WRITING? FAGBOLA: Witnessing to it before setting pen on paper to avoid being superficial. WA: WHO'S YOUR FAVORITE AUTHOR OF ALL TIME? FAGBOLA: King David the Psalmist WA: YOUR FAVORITE BOOK BY HIM? FAGBOLA: Psalms WA: ON YOUR LATEST BOOK, CAN YOU SHARE WITH US THE TITLE OF THE BOOK. FAGBOLA : "Rauf Aregbesola Sworn Enemy of Convention" WA: ARE THERE ANY SECRETS FROM THE BOOK, YOU CAN SHARE WITH YOUR READERS? FAGBOLA: Comparatively having written biographies of no fewer than ten in which three were biographies of Governors, this latest is the one in which I have been deliberately so unreasonable to write because I was thoroughly myself in the course of writing it. WA: WHAT WAS THE INSPIRATION FOR THE STORY? FAGBOLA: Cosmological WA: WHAT IS THE KEY THEME AND/OR MESSAGE IN THE BOOK? FAGBOLA: Judgment belongs only to god WA: WHAT DO YOU HOPE YOUR READERS TAKE AWAY FROM THIS BOOK? FAGBOLA: Separate facts from fallacies truth from opinion and news from noise WA: WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE TITLE? FAGBOLA: Breaking the rules and still excel. WA: HAS A BOOK EVER CHANGED YOUR LIFE? FAGBOLA: Two books did, the poetry of King David and my latest book both changing my life spiritually WA: WHAT GENRES DO YOU LOVE? FAGBOLA: Poetry WA: ARE THERE ANY GENRES YOU DISLIKE? FAGBOLA: None WA: WHAT AUTHOR (WHO IS STILL LIVING) WOULD YOU DEARLY LOVE TO MEET? FAGBOLA: Author whose book is read by his mother WA: DO YOU LIKE TO DISPLAY YOUR BOOKS ON A BOOKSHELF OR KEEP THEM IN A VIRTUAL LIBRARY? FAGBOLA: Keep them on the racks of archives WA: DO YOU PREFER FLASH FICTION, SHORT STORIES, NOVELLAS, OR NOVELS? FAGBOLA: Non fiction WA: WHAT BOOK CAN YOU RECOMMEND TO ME? FAGBOLA: On Becoming A Writer by Vera Brittan WA: WHEN DID YOU LAST VISIT A LIBRARY? FAGBOLA: I live inside it. WA: HAVE YOU EVER HAD A CRUSH ON A BOOK CHARACTER? FAGBOLA: No WA: HAS A BOOK EVER MADE YOU LAUGH OUT LOUD? FAGBOLA: Yes.
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| Literature › Caesarean Birthing Is Not A Curse, It Shouldn't Be Abused - Haleemah Bankole by synw(op): 3:51pm On May 21, 2021 |
CAESAREAN BIRTHING IS NOT A CURSE, IT SHOULDN'T BE ABUSED - HALEEMAH ALLI BANKOLE Haleemah Alli Bankole holds a Diploma in Creative Writing from Writers' Bureau Manchester. She is a graduate of Quantity Surveying and has a PGDE in view. She has authored Children Literatures, a biography and a creative non-fiction on Caesarean births. In this interview with Wole Adedoyin, she shares with him fact about her writing and publications. WA: WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START WRITING? BANKOLE: A need to express myself WA: HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WRITING? BANKOLE: Since I was an undergraduate WA: WHEN DID YOU START WRITING? BANKOLE: In the late 90's WA: HAVE YOU ALWAYS WANTED TO BE A WRITER? BANKOLE: No WA: WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE A NEW WRITER, SOMEONE JUST STARTING OUT? BANKOLE: Write without thinking of profits WA: HOW DO YOU HANDLE WRITER’S BLOCK? BANKOLE: I take a break. Get back in a relaxed mood without distractions WA: HOW MANY BOOKS HAVE YOU WRITTEN? BANKOLE: Nine Books WA: WHAT IS THE MOST SURPRISING THING YOU DISCOVERED WHILE WRITING YOUR BOOK(S)? BANKOLE: Intent research for nonfiction. WA: WHO IS YOUR FAVOURITE CHARACTER? BANKOLE: Kike WA: DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE CHARACTER THAT YOU HAVE WRITTEN? IF SO, WHO? AND WHAT MAKES THEM SO SPECIAL. BANKOLE: Kike is special because I'm highly particular about teenagers and living a moral life WA: WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR INSPIRATION? BANKOLE: Life on campus WA: WHERE CAN READERS PURCHASE YOUR BOOKS? BANKOLE: Please visit: https://pen-publishers.whats.bz WA: WHERE CAN READERS FIND OUT MORE ABOUT YOU AND YOUR BOOKS? BANKOLE: Penpublishers..com WA: HAVE ANY OF YOUR BOOKS BEEN MADE INTO AUDIOBOOKS? BANKOLE: No WA: IF SO, WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES IN PRODUCING AN AUDIO BOOK? BANKOLE: I haven't ventured into that WA: WHICH OF YOUR BOOKS WERE THE MOST ENJOYABLE TO WRITE? BANKOLE: The Wise king & other stories WA: TELL US ABOUT YOUR FIRST PUBLISHED BOOK? BANKOLE: 'Let's talk love' is a book of few texts that encourages a life of Abstinence before marriage. WA: WHAT WAS THE JOURNEY LIKE? BANKOLE: I only had to write then. I wasn't involved in the publishing process, so it was exciting. WA: WHAT, IN YOUR OPINION, ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT ELEMENTS OF GOOD WRITING? BANKOLE: Writing from the heart and having the required skill. WA: WHO'S YOUR FAVORITE AUTHOR OF ALL TIME? BANKOLE: Umm Zakiyah WA: YOUR FAVORITE BOOK BY HIM? BANKOLE: Her, - If I should Speak WA: ON YOUR LATEST BOOK TITLED, CAN YOU SHARE WITH US SOMETHING ABOUT THE BOOK. BANKOLE: Knives & Nappies documents factual information on caesarean births from what to expect to doctors and patients experience. WA: ARE THERE ANY SECRETS FROM THE BOOK, YOU CAN SHARE WITH YOUR READERS? BANKOLE: No secrets really. Caesarean section information is readily available it's only the stigma and fear attached to it which the book aims to quell. WA: WHAT WAS THE INSPIRATION FOR THE STORY? BANKOLE: Personal first experience which was shocking. WA: WHAT IS THE KEY THEME AND/OR MESSAGE IN THE BOOK? BANKOLE: Information is power. Caesarean birthing is not a curse, yet it shouldn't be abused WA: WHAT DO YOU HOPE YOUR READERS TAKE AWAY FROM THIS BOOK? BANKOLE: Better decision on making associated with Caesarean births WA: WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE TITLE? BANKOLE: Knives for the surgical knives and Nappies for babies surgically delivered. WA: HAS A BOOK EVER CHANGED YOUR LIFE? BANKOLE: Yes. Let us be Muslims by Sayyid Mawduddi WA: WHAT GENRES DO YOU LOVE? BANKOLE: Islamic fiction WA: ARE THERE ANY GENRES YOU DISLIKE? BANKOLE: Amorous genre WA: WHAT AUTHOR (WHO IS STILL LIVING) WOULD YOU DEARLY LOVE TO MEET? BANKOLE: Raheemah Odus WA: DO YOU LIKE TO DISPLAY YOUR BOOKS ON A BOOKSHELF OR KEEP THEM IN A VIRTUAL LIBRARY? BANKOLE: Both WA: DO YOU PREFER FLASH FICTION, SHORT STORIES, NOVELLAS, OR NOVELS? BANKOLE: Short stories WA: WHAT BOOK CAN YOU RECOMMEND TO ME? BANKOLE: A Fruitful Tree WA: WHEN DID YOU LAST VISIT A LIBRARY? BANKOLE: 2 years back WA: HAVE YOU EVER HAD A CRUSH ON A BOOK CHARACTER? BANKOLE: No WA: HAS A BOOK EVER MADE YOU LAUGH OUT LOUD? BANKOLE: Yes
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| Literature › Ekiti Book Club Starts Reading Outreach Programme by synw(op): 4:46pm On May 20, 2021 |
EKITI BOOK CLUB STARTS READING OUTREACH PROGRAMME, TAKES READING CAMPAIGN TO OYE-EGBO HIGH SCHOOL The appointment between the Ekiti Book Club and Oye-Egbo High school successfully went as planned. The school organised the senior secondary school students who are in various departments to participate actively in the art-lecture talk. The Coordinator, Olamilekan Okebiorun, opened the floor by introducing the purpose, goals and objectives of the Book Club, underlying it with good educative songs. This garnered the attention of the students and things went forth very smoothly. Owolabi Daniel Ayodeji, alias Emperor D'Writer, one of the members of EBC spoke on Reading Culture and ways to cultivate a healthy appetite for reading and how to improve in the skill of reading. Being a publisher, he volunteered to groom and publish the works of the students who writes into magazines. Miss Omosua, another Speaker, taught the students on Literature and Writing; genres of literature and how they effect global change in the world. She also erased the misconception that writing is only for those inclined to arts and its ways. She affirms that any discipline of study can and must read and write. The third speaker, Oluwapelumi Jegede known as Anike beloved, analysed the riddles of poetry, citing herself as an example to how the students can write spontaneously on things that intrigue them. This led to the performance of the panegyrics of different States in Nigeria by the School's Head boy which earned him money-gifts by members of the EBC. The Head girl was also awarded money due to her fluency in answering art-related questions. This shows the quality diligence of the school in training up her young. Afterwards, a call for students who are interested in writing is made and an outstanding number of students came out for this, penning down their names. All in all, the art talk went positively and even more than expectations. One of the teachers of the school, Mr James Idiowo, commended the EBC for the initiative programme said to be the first the school has ever received. He applauded the brain behind this and emphasized on the writing seed planted in the hearts of the students which would germinate with adequate follow-ups, especially with the creation of the School's Book/Press Club. He promised to make the school more hospitable for further meetings. Notable thirteen members of the association showed up for this, out of whom are: Sofiat Ramon, Atere Olamipeju, Gideon Sagbo, Deborah Timilehin, Adeoye Florence, Henry W. Young, Happiness Olomu, Falade Benedicta, Ojo Hannah and the speakers.
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| Literature › Ekiti Book Club Holds Inaugural Reading Tomorrow by synw(op): 3:42pm On May 20, 2021 |
EKITI BOOK CLUB HOLDS INAUGURAL READING TOMORROW The much anticipated inauguration of the Ekiti Book Club is tomorrow, 21st of May, 2021 at the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti's Phase 1, Faculty of Arts Building, New Pavilion by 2pm. A statement issued by the Coordinator, Olamilekan Okebiorun said that the event will take place at Phase 1, New Pavilion Lecture Hall, Federal University of Oye (FUOYE) Ekiti, Ekiti State by 2:00PM. Sandra N. Nwagboso holds a doctorate degree from the University of Port Harcourt. She teaches African Literature, European Literature, Contemporary Nigerian Literature and Women's Writings. Her research interests include: Literary Theory and Criticism, Women's Writings, Gender Studies, African Literature, European Literature, Creative Psychoanalysis, Jungian Analytical Psychology. She has published articles on Women's Writings, Feminism and Jungian Literary Analysis in peer-reviewed journals. Her poems can be found in World on the Brinks: An Anthology of Covid-19 Pandemic and Journal of Jungian Scholarly Studies. She is particularly interested in the voice of the woman. Ekiti Book Club’s course of discussion would be Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart and Àbíkú by J.P Clark and Wole Soyinka. 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 Ekiti 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. Ekiti 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 Ekiti State. Ekiti 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.
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| Literature › Oyo State Library Board Set To Host Ibadan Book Club May Reading by synw(op): 6:46pm On May 18, 2021 |
OYO STATE LIBRARY BOARD SET TO HOST IBADAN BOOK CLUB MAY READING Oyo State Library Board under the headship of Mrs. A.I Akinlolu will on Saturday, 29th of May 2021 host the Ibadan Book Club’s monthly Guest Writer/Reader Session. This May edition is expected to feature Murthada O. Lawal, former Acting Managing Director of the University of Lagos Press and Bookshop who is also the current Oyo State Chairman of the Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA). This was contained in a statement jointly issued by the Coordinator and Publicity Secretary of the Club, Ayobami Odunayo and Emeka Emmanuel in Ibadan on Monday. The May edition of IBC Reading also coincides with the Club’s annual Agbolade Busari Memorial Lecture. At the event, Murthada O. Lawal is expected to deliver a lecture titled “Extending Creative Legacy”. He will also talk about the Fundamentals of Children Literature and the Aesthetics of Book Illustration. 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 Melrose Books and Publishing. Operations Manager and later Acting Managing Director of the University of Lagos 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 Murthada O. Lawal has won many awards. Some of the awards are: NOMA Award runner up, Kobe, Japan (1994), TIG 1st prize Award, Canada (2003), Macmillan Literature Award, UK (2006) etc. 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 Certificates 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. 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 to  i) 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.
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| Literature › Ibadan Book Club Set To Host Murthada O. Lawal As Guest Reader by synw(op): 6:40pm On May 18, 2021 |
IBADAN BOOK CLUB SET TO HOST MURTHADA O. LAWAL AS GUEST READER/WRITER FOR HER MAY BOOK READING Ibadan Book Club (IBC) has set aside May 29, 2021 to host Murthada O. Lawal as her Guest Writer/Reader for the month of May. A statement jointly signed by the Coordinator and Publicity Secretary of the Club, Ayobami Odunayo and Emeka Emmanuel said that the event will take place at the Main Hall of the Oyo State Library Board, Opposite Cocoa House, Dugbe, Ibadan by 12p.m. 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 Melrose Books and Publishing. Operations Manager and later Acting Managing Director of the University of Lagos 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 Murthada O. Lawal has won many awards. Some of the awards are: NOMA Award runner up, Kobe, Japan (1994), TIG 1st prize Award, Canada (2003), Macmillan Literature Award, UK (2006) etc. 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.
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| Literature › Ibadan Book Club Holds Busari Agbolade Memorial Lecture by synw(op): 6:32pm On May 18, 2021 |
IBADAN BOOK CLUB HOLDS BUSARI AGBOLADE MEMORIAL LECTURE Ibadan Book Club in conjunction with AZA Artists and Writers Movement will hold its annual Busari Agbolade Memorial Lecture in honour of one of its Patrons and the former Chairman of AZA Writers and Artists Movement, Busari Olaniyi Agbolade who died around April of last year. The lecture will be held on Saturday, May 29, 2021. This was contained in a statement jointly issued by Ayobami Odunayo and Gboye Abidoye, representatives of the Ibadan Book Club and AZA Artists and Writers Movement in Ibadan on Monday. The lecture which will hold at the Main Hall of the Oyo State Library Board by 12:00PM Prompt. The Memorial lecture will be delivered by Murthada O. Lawal on the topic: “Extending Creative Legacy”. Busari Olaniyi Agbolade, a professional painter, steel fabricator was born on 13th July, 1948. He attended A.U.D Primary School, Ila Orangun from 1955-1960, L.A Secondary School, Ila Orangun from 1961-1963. He later enrolled as an apprentice under Adegoke Metal Construction Company from 1965 to 1967. He worked with Niger West Construction Company, Niger Dam Authority and Uren Construction Engineering Company between 1969 and 1975. In 1976, He studied Aluminium and Copper Artistic Panel Beating under the tutelage of Yekini Agboola, an apprentice to Chief Ashiru Olatunde of Osogbo School. He joined the Abayomi Barber School of Thought of the University of Lagos to study painting in 1980. He worked with the University of Lagos from 1980 and resigned his appointment in 1993 to become a full time artist. He has participated in several exhibitions such as Barber School Exhibition sponsored by N.C.A.C in 1984, Benue State Art Exhibition – 1985, Lagos State Art Council – 1986, “ Man in Focus” exhibition by Federal Department of Culture – 1086, Exhibition of Paintings and Batiks by three Nigerian Artists in Dakar – Senegal 1987. Exhibition of Paintings, Batiks, Carvings and Ceramics by Six Nigerian Artists with 843 Studio Gallery, East New York, U.S.A from October-December 1988 Lagos State Chapter of S.N.A. Annual exhibition from 1991-2009. Some of his commissioned works are:- Portraits of HRH Aholu Menu Toyi, Akran of Badagry, Orangun of Ila, Oba William Adetona Ayeni and other prominent Nigerians both home and abroad. Painting of “Mother and Child” commissioned by 843 Studio Gallery, New York, U.S.A. Some of his works (paintings) can be viewed at https://artsfocus./2014/08/14/electronic-exhibition-of-mr-busari-olaniyi-agbolades-painting-works/. Before his death, Elder Busari Olaniyi Agbolade was the Chairman of AZA Artists and Writers Movement.
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| Literature › Ekiti Book Club Set To Host Sandra Nwagboso For May Reading In Ekiti State by synw(op): 5:17pm On May 18, 2021 |
EKITI BOOK CLUB SET TO HOST SANDRA NWAGBOSO FOR MAY READING IN EKITI STATE Ekiti Book Club (EBC) has set aside Friday, 21st of May 2021 to host Sandra N. Nwagboso as her Guest Writer/Reader for the month of May. A statement issued by the Coordinator, Olamilekan Okebiorun said that the event will take place at Phase 1, New Pavilion Lecture Hall, Federal University of Oye (FUOYE) Ekiti, Ekiti State by 2:00PM. Sandra N. Nwagboso holds a doctorate degree from the University of Port Harcourt. She teaches African Literature, European Literature, Contemporary Nigerian Literature and Women's Writings. Her research interests include: Literary Theory and Criticism, Women's Writings, Gender Studies, African Literature, European Literature, Creative Psychoanalysis, Jungian Analytical Psychology. She has published articles on Women's Writings, Feminism and Jungian Literary Analysis in peer-reviewed journals. Her poems can be found in World on the Brinks: An Anthology of Covid-19 Pandemic and Journal of Jungian Scholarly Studies. She is particularly interested in the voice of the woman. 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 Ekiti 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. Ekiti 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 Ekiti State. Ekiti 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.
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| Literature › Ekiti Book Club Pays Courtesy Visit To Dg Ekiti State Council For Arts by synw(op): 5:07pm On May 18, 2021 |
EKITI BOOK CLUB PAYS COURTESY VISIT TO DG EKITI STATE COUNCIL FOR ARTS AND CULTURE, DISCUSSES WAYS TO MOVE READING CULTURE, ARTS AND TOURISM FORWARD IN EKITI STATE. Ekiti Book Club under the leadership of Olamilekan Okebiorun on Monday, 17th of May, 2021 met with the Director-General, Ekiti State Council for Arts and Culture and Special Adviser to the Governor on Arts and Tourism, Ambassador Wale Ojo Lanre, in Ado Ekiti, the capital of the state to introduce the agenda and activities of the Club and to seek for aid in the smooth running of the club. After being warmly received, the Book Club Coordinator, Olamilekan Okebiorun alongside Hannah Ojo, Jegede Oluwapelumi and Olalekan Shuaib elucidate on the purpose of the visit which embodies the initiative, aims and objectives of the Club to the Commissioner and his officials including top Journalists and creative writers in the state. Ambassador Wale Ojo Lanre expresses his pleasure and interest in the creation of the club and promises to assist in every way he can to ensure the successful landing of all project especially the Ekiti Poetry and Colours festival that will host tourists from all walks of life and aficionados of arts. He also announced it to be a long-term run and made efforts in pulling the ropes of prominent writers of the state. Ambassador Wale Ojo Lanre further lectured members of the book club on the tourist centers in Ekiti and effortless disabused every misconception that puts Ekiti on the map of Artlessness. A broad discussion followed highlighting the plans of the Club and how Literature can be infused with arts, culture, festival and tourism, reaching Ekiti nooks and crannies. The meeting ended on a wonderful and positive note with plans of further meetings. Ekiti 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 Ekiti State. Ekiti 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.
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| Literature › Writers Must Learn To Market Their Books -– Brenda Mohammed by synw(op): 4:28am On May 10, 2021 |
WRITERS MUST LEARN TO MARKET THEIR BOOKS -– BRENDA MOHAMMED Brenda Mohammed is the author of the popular, multi-award-winning, bestselling book titled “How to Write for Success”, She has won several literary awards in the USA, Peru, Kazakhstan, Seychelles, Nigeria, India, Argentina, and the UK, and made headlines in several newspapers around the world. In this interview with Wole Adedoyin, she talks about her life and writing career. WA: TELL US ALL ABOUT YOUR WRITING BACKGROUND- WHAT YOU’VE WRITTEN, WHAT YOU’RE CURRENTLY WRITING. BM: I started writing in the year 2013. I was a former bank manager and a Financial Advisor. Cancer struck and I survived miraculously. I wrote a memoir to relate my experiences and to advise readers that cancer is not a death sentence. It became a best seller. That encouraged me to keep writing and to date I have published 36 books. My last book, a psychological thriller, was published on March 10th 2021, so I have not yet decided what will be my next topic for my 37th book. I love to dabble in every genre and have written memoirs, romances, science fiction, mysteries, thrillers, children’s literature, self-help, and poetry. I have also compiled poetry anthologies and started a quarterly magazine for the “How to Write for Success Literary Network” of which I am the Founder. WA: WHAT EXCITES YOU ABOUT A PIECE OF WRITING? BM: Writing which is well expressed and filled with emotion excite any reader. I am excited about such writings. WA: WHO ARE YOUR FAVOURITE WRITERS AND WHY? BM: One popular writer whose books I enjoy, is Stephen King. His writing style is easy to read and his books are thrilling. I have also read many books by not so famous writers, whose writings are compelling to read. I would like to mention that one of the first books I read that inspired me for life was, The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale. WA: WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A NEW WRITER STARTING OUT? BM: They should be patient and hardworking. I wrote a book especially for new writers, and it is also for seasoned writers. The name of the book is How to Write for Success. It is the book that inspired me to establish a Literary forum with three sub-forums and growing membership in excess of 11,000 members. This bestselling book received a five-star review from Readers Favorite one month after it was published in December 2017. In August 2019 it topped all the books in the Non-Fiction category of Connections E-magazine Readers’ Choice awards and won the gold medal in the category of non-fiction. It also placed second in all categories and won the silver medal. It is remarkable that my romance novel, STORIES PEOPLE LOVE placed first in all categories, and also won the gold medal in the romance category. It was a quadruple win. The merits of the book HOW TO WRITE FOR SUCCESS were featured in a review in the Ethiopian Herald Sunday Edition on February 16th, 2020.Alem Hailu of the Ethiopian Herald surprised me with this detailed review which he published. https://www.press.et/english/?p=19103 WA: WHAT INSPIRES YOU TO WRITE? BM: I receive my inspiration to write from everyday life experiences. I observe a lot about what is taking place in the world and around me. WA: DO YOU HAVE A WRITING ROUTINE? A PLACE THAT’S SPECIAL? BM: I have a comfortable library with a computer and all writing accessories. I spend most of the day there when I am not shopping or in the kitchen. My husband is very supportive of my writing and he cooks lunch on many days and serves me in the library. That way, I can spend many hours writing with no time limits. WA: HOW, WHEN AND WHY DID YOU FIRST START WRITING? BM: I always loved writing from school days and topped my class in essay competitions. I graduated with a distinction in English language. When I worked at the bank, my superiors were always impressed with my writing and financial acumen. I was promoted to the Credit Department to prepare financial proposals for business customers, and many of my proposals were approved by Head office officials without question. I was later promoted to Managerial status and assisted in the business growth of the bank’s branches and towns to which I was assigned. I still did not think of writing as a career until my bout with cancer as I mentioned above. WA: WHAT WAS THE FIRST PIECE YOU EVER HAD PUBLISHED? BM: The first book I published was I am Cancer Free and it became a bestseller. WA: DO YOU ADDRESS PARTICULAR THEMES OR ISSUES IN YOUR WRITING? BM: Yes. I do. In many of my books you will see that I have addressed issues such as love, heartbreak, suicide, domestic abuse, revenge, kidnapping, life’s purpose, retirement, and others. WA: HOW DID YOU FEEL WHEN YOU FIRST STARTED SENDING YOUR WRITING OUT INTO THE WORLD? BM: To be honest, I was very scared. I was scared that readers would not like my writings. I was so wrong. I received many five-star reviews, awards, and accolades. Many books achieved Amazon bestselling ranking No 1. WA: WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR IDEAS FROM? BM: For the fiction books, I used my imagination. For the memoirs, they were all my personal experiences. WA: HOW DID YOU GET YOUR PUBLISHER? BM: I self-published all of my books on Amazon. WA: TELL US WHAT KIND OF RESPONSES YOU GET FROM AUDIENCES. BM: I won several literary awards in the USA, Peru, Kazakhstan, Seychelles, Nigeria, India, Argentina, and UK, and made headlines in several newspapers around the world. I was inducted into the Indie Author's Wall of Fame in the USA in January 2020. In 2018, I received two awards from Readers Favorite International in Miami for two of my books- Zeeka Chronicles and I am Cancer Free. Three of my books won gold awards in Connection EMagazine Readers’ Choice Awards - Zeeka Chronicles (2018], Stories People Love (2019), and How to Write for Success (2019). Several of my books received five-star reviews from Readers Favourite International, topped the charts of Amazon and attained Amazon bestselling rank No 1. I was recognised in newspaper reports in Trinidad and Tobago Newsday on 7th November 2018, 16th October 2020, and Trinidad Guardian and Worldnews.net on 20th September 2020. News of my success reached as far as Ethiopia where a journalist by the name of Alem Hailu interviewed me online on 17th November 2019 for the Ethiopian Sunday Herald. He also published a glowing and detailed review of my book How to Write for Success. WA: HOW CAN PEOPLE FIND OUT MORE ABOUT YOU? BM: I am on Amazon, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. WA: TIPS, TRICKS, THINGS TO PASS ON TO DEDICATED WRITE? BM: I will suggest that new and aspiring writers read my book, How to Write for Success, and join my How to Write for Success Literary Network on Facebook, to learn tips, tricks, and what it takes to become a bestselling author. WA: ANY TYPICAL/COMMON MISTAKES THAT NEW WRITERS TEND TO MAKE? BM: Many writers believe that after publishing their books they can sit back and relax and readers will rush to buy their books. If readers do not know about their books how can they buy them? Writers must learn to market their books to forums and places that are frequented by readers who are looking for good books to read. They must also be prepared to spend money on book promotions. Another mistake that writers make is to only publish the paperback version. While it is a known fact that paperback sales exceed those of kindle, kindle sales can cause your book to top the ranks on Amazon, become a bestseller, and pave the way for your paperback sales. It is always advisable to do both paperback and Kindle versions. The third mistake writers make is in determining categories. Some writers are using categories that do not match the content of their books. For instance, a poetry book described in the blurb as romantic poetry, or, an Anthology of adult poems should not be categorized as Children's Literature. There could be repercussions if a parent looks at the category only, and buy such books as presents for their children, only to realize they are for adults. Amazon has a section below each book to report such issues. Read all about this in the award-winning and best-selling book HOW TO WRITE FOR SUCCESS available on Amazon. WA: WHICH OF YOUR BOOKS WERE THE MOST ENJOYABLE TO WRITE? BM: I enjoyed writing all 36 of my books, but the one that has a special place in my heart is Zeeka Chronicles. Here is the book description: If you have not yet read Zeeka Chronicles, a futuristic thriller and award-winning novel inspired by the scare of the zika virus, you will be unaware of what can take place in the minds of mad scientists who try to use a virus to control lives. Dr. Stephen Sharpe, kidnapped as a child and raised by an evil man nicknamed Zeeka, who tried to use science for revenge, attempts to restore sanity to the island of Gosh, even if it means throwing his fiancé into the arms of his brother, who never knew him. It is a complicated tale where zombies and robots take center stage. ZEEKA CHRONICLES: REVENGE OF ZEEKA. written by multi-award winning and bestselling Author Brenda Mohammed, comprises five thrilling episodes set on a beautiful fictitious island named Gosh in the year 2036. This futuristic thriller was an award winner in the Category Young Adult Thriller in Readers Favorite International Awards 2018, winner in Science Fiction in SIBA Awards 2017, winner of the gold award in the category science fiction in Connections Emagazine Readers' Choice Awards 2018, and winner in the top ten finalists for science-fiction in the Author Academy Global Awards 2018. Readers Favorite International gave it a five-star review. Take a futuristic journey into the year 2036 with this mind-blowing, bold, and original 'other world' book, that will capture your imagination and keep you spellbound. WA: TELL US ABOUT YOUR FIRST PUBLISHED BOOK? WHAT WAS THE JOURNEY LIKE? BM: As I said before, my first published book was I am Cancer Free. It was an emotional journey writing that book, as I had to recall the whole traumatic experience including the financial expenses involved. WA: WHAT IS THE KEY THEME AND/OR MESSAGE IN THE BOOK? BM: The key theme of the book is ,Cancer does not have to be a death sentence. WA: WHERE CAN WE FIND YOU ONLINE? BM: My Facebook page is https://www.facebook.com/brenchri/, My website is http://allauthor.com/author/brenchris, I am on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/bcmohammed, I am on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/mohammedbrenda. My Twitter handle is mirroe. ABOUT BRENDA MOHAMMED Author of the popular, multi-award-winning, bestselling book HOW TO WRITE FOR SUCCESS, Brenda C. Mohammed, a former Bank Manager from Trinidad is a renowned multi-genre, bestselling, and multi-award-winning author. She holds a Diploma in Banking from the Institute of Bankers in London, and a Diploma in Life Underwriting from the American College, USA She qualified for the Million Dollar Round Table, the Premier Association for Financial Professionals, six times in a row. To date, she has published thirty-six books. Her genres include memoirs, science fiction, romance, self-help, mystery, children’s books, psychological thrillers, poetry, and poetry anthologies. Her self-help book, ‘How to Write for Success,’ became an important guide for new and aspiring authors. She won several literary awards in the USA, Peru, Kazakhstan, Seychelles, Nigeria, India, Argentina, and the UK, and made headlines in several newspapers around the world. Brenda was inducted into the Indie Author's Wall of Fame in the USA. in January 2020. In 2018, she received two awards from Readers Favorite International in Miami for two of her books- Zeeka Chronicles and I am Cancer Free. Three of her books won gold awards in Connection EMagazine Readers’ Choice Awards - Zeeka Chronicles (2018], Stories People Love (2019), How to Write for Success (2019). Several of her books also received five-star reviews from Readers Favourite International and topped the charts of Amazon and attained Amazon No 1 bestselling rank. She was recognised in newspaper reports in Trinidad and Tobago Newsday on 7th November 2018, 16th October 2020, and Trinidad Guardian and Worldnews.net on 20th September 2020. News of her success reached as far as Ethiopia where a journalist by the name of Alem Hailu interviewed her online on 17th November 2019 for the Ethiopian Sunday Herald. Brenda is also a poet and among her publications are seven poetry books, with one in bi-lingual – English and Spanish. Some of her poetry appeared in prestigious journals and anthologies in India, USA, Kazakhstan. Seychelles, USA, and other parts of the world. She is the Founder of the HOW TO WRITE FOR SUCCESS LITERARY NETWORK with Forums How to Write for Success, Poems for Suicide Prevention, Library of How to Write for Success, and Poems against Domestic Violence with 11000 plus members. Brenda is an advocate against Domestic Violence and Suicide, and together with several bestselling authors have published three anthologies for these causes. Her YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbOiViRMRlzpTqyaO2VTBnA received over 119,000 views since inception. The Channel is for her Video Book Trailers, songs, and travel memories.
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| Literature › A Good Editor Is A Writer’s Best Friend - Heike Phelan by synw(op): 4:19am On May 10, 2021 |
A GOOD EDITOR IS A WRITER’S BEST FRIEND - HEIKE PHELAN Heike Phelan has spent her working life in tourism, traveling throughout Europe with groups from all over the world. She has a BSc in transport and logistics management from Huddersfield University and is a qualified transport manager for both freight and passenger. In this special interview with Wole Adedoyin, the author of “Child Convict” shares full details about her life and writing vocation. WA: TELL US ALL ABOUT YOUR WRITING BACKGROUND- WHAT YOU’VE WRITTEN, WHAT YOU’RE CURRENTLY WRITING HP: When I embarked on writing a book, I doubted I had the patience or the literary skill to write anything worthy of reading. It was my husband’s life in a Texas maximum security prison which inspired me to write about that. My first book Child Convict was published in May 2018. It took me two years to write whilst travelling around Europe, working 70+ hours a week. That was the first in my ‘Convict series’. The second one, Career Convict was published in March 2020. The third one, Convict Code was written during COVID lockdown and released in December 2020. Eventually there will be five books in the series. I will also be releasing a book of associated short stories shortly. I am currently writing about women in an ICE detention centre, and the way undocumented immigrants are treated in America. It will be released towards the end of 2021. WA: WHAT EXCITES YOU ABOUT A PIECE OF WRITING? HP: I like a certain amount of escapism, the opposite extreme to what I write about because the prison system is an emotionally draining subject. There are certain authors I re-read periodically because I am inspired by their literary style. I like uncomplicated with a wide array of descriptive terms. Elizabeth Peters in her Amelia Peabody series is an example of that. WA: WHO ARE YOUR FAVOURITE WRITERS AND WHY? HP: My favourite author is Agatha Christie. Her knowledge and use of psychology in her books, written at a time when psychology was viewed with great skepticism is inspiring. I love the action and flawed characters in the books of Andy McNab and Chris Ryan, clearly written from their experiences in the SAS. Elizabeth Peters writings about Amelia Peabody are entertaining, the audible versions are superb. John Grisham, Lee Child and Mick Herron. I am part of a group called Promoting Yorkshire Authors. We have many fantastic authors and I am working my way through them. WA: WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A NEW WRITER STARTING OUT? HP: Just sit down and write. Don’t worry about spelling or grammar initially or writing in correct order. You will edit and rearrange later. Just write. WA: WHAT INSPIRES YOU TO WRITE? HP: My husband is my inspiration. He provides all the stories and gruesome detail of what happens in prison. It was my desire to let the outside world know the reality of life behind bars that keeps me writing. There is still much to tell. WA: DO YOU HAVE A WRITING ROUTINE? A PLACE THAT’S SPECIAL? HP: Before COVID, I would have to write whilst working my day job, in tourism. Any time I had a couple of hours I would write. It was not ideal. It was difficult to focus sufficiently, and as soon as I became absorbed and the writing flowed, I would have to stop. During COVID, unable to work, I could focus on writing. I made that my daily routine. I had read an interview at some point with Lee Child and his writing methods. He said he writes 1500 words a day. That seemed to be a manageable goal, so that is what I do. If I write more it’s a bonus. If I write less, I’m annoyed with myself. WA: HOW, WHEN AND WHY DID YOU FIRST START WRITING? HP: It was my husband who encouraged me and even pushed me to start writing. I hadn’t thought of it before he mentioned it. It was 2016 when I began writing Child Convict. I had spent months hounding the prison administration to give my husband life-saving medical treatment which they had denied him for years. It was my outrage at the negligence of the prison system administration towards the inmates and in particular my husband that inspired the decision to write the books. WA: WHAT WAS THE FIRST PIECE YOU EVER HAD PUBLISHED? HP: Child Convict in May 2018. It was nerve-wracking. Working on that book was a huge learning curve in how a book is written. Maybe not my best work, but I am proud of it regardless. WA: DO YOU ADDRESS PARTICULAR THEMES OR ISSUES IN YOUR WRITING? HP: I focus on writing about the Texas prison system from the perspective of the inmate and the families. The negligent and sub-standard care of the inmates and the exploitation and profiteering from the inmates and their families are particular issues of concern for me. WA: HOW DID YOU FEEL WHEN YOU FIRST STARTED SENDING YOUR WRITING OUT INTO THE WORLD? HP: Each book that I publish there is a huge sense of achievement. I learned the hard way that in promoting my books, I had to put myself out there. I have always been very private, but there is always huge interest in ‘my story’, that story being how I met my husband, given that he is an American in a Texas prison and I am from Ireland/UK. The media love the story, and I have to be very careful how I present myself in interviews as the media like to portray certain stereotypes, of which I don’t subscribe to. WA: WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR IDEAS FROM? HP: The ideas for my books are all stories and experiences from my husband’s life behind bars. Also from my own experiences having a husband in prison and dealing with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice in all its forms. WA: HOW DID YOU GET YOUR PUBLISHER? HP: Child Convict was picked up by an Independent Publisher in America, Koehler Books. I had submitted the manuscript to several publishers in both the UK and America. Career Convict and Convict Code, I self-published with Ingram-spark which allows the books to be sold in book stores world-wide. My current work I am considering submitting to a publisher, but I’m not sure yet. WA: TELL US WHAT KIND OF RESPONSES YOU GET FROM AUDIENCES\S. HP: There is huge fascination over ‘my story’. On the whole I receive mostly positive responses and receive quite a lot of supportive messages. As is to be expected with the subject of prison, there are always those who feel the need to be rude, ignorant and nasty. I generally ignore those attitudes; life is too short and too interesting to get caught up in keyboard warrior negativity. People are always surprised that I would write about a subject like Texas prisons, particularly as I am European. People are always surprised I don’t fit the media’s stereotype of a ‘prison wife’. WA: HOW CAN PEOPLE FIND OUT MORE ABOUT YOU? HP: There are numerous articles, interviews and appearances by me in mainstream media, although the content isn’t always entirely accurate. I have a Facebook page and a website. I will be attending literary festivals once COVID lock-downs are over and they are allowed to take place. There is also a plan in motion to visit different prisons and do talks with the prisoners. WA: TIPS, TRICKS, THINGS TO PASS ON TO DEDICATED WRITER? HP: Keep at it. Set small goals and keep writing. Read plenty to help with language usage. WA: ANY TYPICAL/COMMON MISTAKES THAT NEW WRITERS TEND TO MAKE? HP: Over-thinking. Worrying about the end result. A good editor is your best friend! WA: WHICH OF YOUR BOOKS WERE THE MOST ENJOYABLE TO WRITE? HP: The book of short stories I am working on. The subject of prison life, particularly as it is about someone I love living that life is emotionally draining. It can become all consuming since dealing with the prison system and advocating for my husband is a large part of my everyday life too. I can write them in and amongst working on a longer book. It helps bring perspective back to change focus occasionally. WA: TELL US ABOUT YOUR FIRST PUBLISHED BOOK? WHAT WAS THE JOURNEY LIKE? HP: I didn’t have much confidence in my writing. I had no idea how many words an average length novel was. I didn’t know about formatting and I was far too reliant on the publisher’s advice, particularly when it came to the differences in words that the British and Americans use and say differently. I was clueless about the publishing process. It was a huge learning curve in a very short space of time. WA: WHAT IS THE KEY THEME AND/OR MESSAGE IN THE BOOK? HP: Prison life. Institutional violence, abuse, corruption, neglect and exploitation. WA: WHERE CAN WE FIND YOU ONLINE? HP: www.heikephelan-author.com, https://www.facebook.com/heikephelanbooks
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| Literature › My Essay Seeks To Manifest How Inalienable Human Rights Are Disrespected by synw(op): 3:35am On May 10, 2021 |
MY ESSAY SEEKS TO MANIFEST HOW INALIENABLE HUMAN RIGHTS ARE DISRESPECTED IN AFRICA - TUNDE OSHO Tunde Osho’s works have featured in various magazines and anthologies such as Praxis, Conscio, Erogospel, The Quills etc. His essay titled “Human Rights Abuse and Violations in Africa: Gross Domestic Violence Against Women” came third in the just concluded African Human Rights Essay Competition. African Human Rights Essay Competition is an initiative of the International Human Rights Art Festival (IHRAF), USA aimed at promoting human rights values in Africa and to positively influence the betterment of the human rights situation in the continent. In this inclusive interview with Wole Adedoyin, he shares with him some facts surrounding his writing career and his winning essay. WA: WHAT HAS YOUR EARLY WRITING CAREER JOURNEY BEEN LIKE? OT: My early writing career journey has been quite taxing and interesting at the same time. The growth process demands so much of me, while it gives me the joy embedded in it. WA: HOW DID YOU HEAR ABOUT THE AFRICAN HUMAN RIGHTS ESSAY COMPETITION? OT: I heard about the competition through a Facebook post made by Mr. Wole Adedoyin on his wall. WA: WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO TAKE PART IN THE CONTEST? OT: The topic of the contest motivated me. I love to talk about our rights as humans, the flagrant violations and how we have been betrayed in this corner of the world by the systems that should protect and keep us from tyrannies. WA: CAN YOU PROVIDE A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF YOUR WINNING ESSAY? OT: My Essay seeks to manifest how inalienable human rights are disrespected here. How the women in Africa are daily subjected to beatings, rape, coerced marriage, and dehumanized in the name of traditions. There's no effect without cause; the colonial history, insignificant traditional principles, weak judiciary and justice system, timid press and other factors have to be discussed to hit a potent direction. It is unfair how people do not talk about that here. The violations have led so many to unripe grave, some have died even while they breathe. The damage is beyond repair. As you read, the news of rape and murder is soaking our national dailies in Nigeria. My work contends that all the viable structures already on ground to safeguard and promote human/women's rights should be more effective and faithful to their callings. This is the time NGOs, civil societies, human rights activists and other gadflies should be most functional. WA: WHAT DID YOU LEARN ABOUT THE SUBMISSION PROCESS FOR THE COMPETITION THAT MIGHT HELP OTHERS TO SUBMIT? OT: The submission process taught me patience. First, I tried to meditate on the subject. I studied the contest prompts like a course. I was careful with words and reference materials deployed. I allowed the work at every stage to sit before continuation. I did much re- readings and re- writings. I was an early bird, so I took my time. More importantly, I had only my android phone with few internet subscriptions and consequently gained limited access to materials. But I didn't allow that stop me. I realized after submitting, that I was the only one that could stop me. Here I am. WA: WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO WRITE THIS ESSAY? OT: I have always sought a platform through which I can raise my own voice against the incessant human rights abuse and violations bedeviling my place. I was glad on seeing the title. I always want to talk about how I always sleep and rise into a space where a poor girl is raped and abandoned, denied education and forced into marriage, where a widow is treated like some criminal, where a wife is kissed with a plethora of fists by the man who swore to love and cherish her in front of the world. Many of these women die in silence. I carry these scars about as if they were mine. I want to talk them away. WA: HOW DOES IT FEEL TO BE THE THIRD PRIZE WINNER? OT: It feels so great. Though I didn't expect I would win. It reminds me that consistent diligence has its reward. I feel so happy that my voice would be heard, that someone will feel the pain I feel and scream with me. WA: HOW DID WRITING THE WINNING PIECE GO? OT: Like I said earlier, I tried to have a good understanding of the theme. I read related materials online and offline even though I encountered much limitation. I walked down memory lanes; i chose inviting words and allowed my imaginations flow orderly. The whole process went slow, tiring and steady. WA: TO WIN AN ESSAY CONTEST, WHAT DO YOU THINK WRITERS SHOULD PAY ATTENTION TO? OT: Writers should focus on the theme. The prompts given by the organisers are a key to the door. Open and walk in. No unnecessary deviations. Read the instructions and digest them. Let them lead you to light. WA: APART FROM ESSAY WRITING, WHAT OTHER THINGS DO YOU WRITE? OT: Aside Essay writing, I write poems. I use poetry to bear witness for the happenings within my body. WA: WHAT FOR YOU MAKES AN ESSAY CONTEST ENTRY OR SUBMISSION STANDS OUT? OT: For me, an Essay stands out by the great understanding of the topic it shows, which informs in depth analysis, awesome organisation of thoughts, creative use of words and solutions oriented outing. WA: WHAT SPARKED YOUR INTEREST IN HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN AND WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO WRITE THIS ESSAY? OT: My interest was sparked when a thirteen year old girl somewhere in Nigeria was raped by three overripe men. When the news told me a woman was beaten to death in Ghana. When I watched a little girl who should be in school hawk on the streets so that her parents could fund her brother's education. When I discovered most of the culprits do not go to jail nor pay damages. All these pains pushed me to write the Essay-- They yearned to be dragged into other people's body. WA: HOW MANY UNPUBLISHED AND HALF- FINISHED BOOKS DO YOU HAVE? OT: None yet. WA: WHAT DOES LITERARY SUCCESS LOOK LIKE TO YOU? OT: To write and see the impact. This is possible when it informs and educates, when it pricks and caresses and makes a shift. WA: DO YOU GOOGLE YOURSELF? OT: Yes I do. WA: WHAT ONE THING WOULD YOU GIVE UP TO BECOME A BETTER WRITER? OT: Pride WA: WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE LITERARY JOURNALS? OT: Rattle, Praxis, Conscio, Palette and Agbowo. WA: WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CHILDHOOD BOOK? OT: Creative Use of Time by Lekan Fashina. How it made my life! WA: WHAT AUTHOR(S) DID YOU DISLIKE AT FIRST BUT GREW INTO? OT: Prof. Wole Soyinka. I used to dislike poetry. WA: WHAT OTHER AUTHORS ARE YOU FRIENDS WITH, AND HOW DO THEY HELP YOU TO BE A BETTER WRITER? OT: Ololade Olatunji of 'The Nation's reality bites' , for his bold truths and intellect. Jonah Obajeun for his essays that read like poetry. Gilbert Alasa for his creative use of words. DM Aderibigbe writes about the themes of my interest. He once told me during our chats on Facebook messenger that " We all have beauty in us expressed differently". Thank you!
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| Education › Gay People Are Not Allowed To Exist In Nigeria; I Wrote To Change That by synw(op): 3:26am On May 10, 2021 |
GAY PEOPLE ARE NOT ALLOWED TO EXIST IN NIGERIA; I WROTE TO CHANGE THAT - UGOCHUKWU ANADI Ugochukwu Anadị is a student of the University of Nigeria Nsukka. Anadi is a 20 year old essayist who discovered his love for writing during the COVID-19 lockdown. He has gone ahead to write short stories, poems and essays and has been published in Nantygreens Magazine. He also came fourth place in the Hon. Dozie Nwankwo Essay Writing Competition, 2020. Anadi won the just concluded African Human Rights Essay Competition with his essay titled “Human Rights Abuse and Violations in Africa: It’s a Crime to be happy in My Country”. African Human Rights Essay Competition is an initiative of the International Human Rights Art Festival (IHRAF), USA aimed at promoting human rights values in Africa and to positively influence the betterment of the human rights situation in the continent. In this comprehensive interview with Wole Adedoyin, he shared with him some facts surrounding his writing career and his winning essay. WA: WHAT HAS YOUR EARLY WRITING CAREER JOURNEY BEEN LIKE? UA: I do not think that I have gotten what can be rightly referred to as a writing career; I'm still at that early stage. I started writing during the COVID-19 lockdown as schools were closed and students were home. It was something I did to keep myself busy, then I fell in love with it. I have always been a reader though, and I think that was the major thing that made me consider writing. I went on to take a paid Beginner's Poetry course at Pendullum Poetry Academy. That course exposed me to poetry, and from poetry, I started writing both short stories and essays. I was just writing and posting on my Facebook wall before I joined some groups for writers, still on Facebook. It was in those groups that I heared about publishing in Literary Magazines for the first time, and since then, my email inbox has been a deposit of rejection letters. You know, because I want to be published, and because I have people telling me that I write so well on Facebook, I will just write and send to Magazines. And trust editors, they never failed to reject those trashes, most times in sweet languages, but in few instances, in a mean and brutally honest way. One instance I can never forget: I submitted some poems which I believe were Haikus. The editor not only rejected it but told me point and clear that what I wrote cannot be qualified as Haiku. The editor went ahead to send me a beginner's guide to Haiku in a PDF format. I was pained, but looking at those poems today, I sincerely do not think they even qualify to be called poems. It was just some random scribblings and truly, I was disappointed in myself for writing that in the first place. I mean, this was someone who was the valedictorian in his Beginner's Poetry Class and he's writing what cannot be qualified to be called poem, not to talk more of Haiku. But on the other side, it can be said to be good. I have published a story titled Nneka with Nantygreens Magazine and just yesterday, my essay, ON THE LIBERALISATION OF SEX was published by Literary Yard Magazine. I was the third runner-up in the Hon. Dozie Nwankwo Essay Writing Competition, which was a competition organized by the same person the competition is named after annually, in 2020. And now, I'm the winner of the African Human Rights Essay Writing Competition. This is my first major win and I'm so happy about it. My inbox since the results were announced has been flooded with congratulatory messages and I never knew that they were people who thought I sell soaps. The congratulatory messages often come with requests that are exactly in this way, or with a little variant: 'cut soap for me o'. (Laughs). The journey has made me a more serious reader though. You cannot write without reading. There's no magic to that, and that has helped me grow my library. But above all, it has taught me, and continues to teach me: patience. I now know that I can send a piece of writing to a literary magazine, wait for 8 months before I will get a reply, and the reply will come out to be negative. And you know what, at that moment, the earth doesn't stop spinning; the universe doesn't even notice you. It's as if nothing happened, absolutely nothing, while your heart is on fire. WA: HOW DID YOU HEAR ABOUT THE AFRICAN HUMAN RIGHTS ESSAY COMPETITION? UA: The first place I saw the call for submissions was in the Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW) Official Facebook group. I mentally took note of it, but I later forgot about it. Two days to the deadline, a reminder was sent in the Society of Young Nigerian Writers, Anambra Chapter's WhatsApp group. I remembered that I promised myself I would enter for this contest but due to procrastination, I didn't up till then. It was then a do or die affair for me. Since I didn't have a laptop and typing with my phone has always been very tiresome and slow for me, I almost gave up. Thanks a lot to my very good friend, Nnam Onyebuchi Darlington, who availed me his laptop for the writing. I was able to finish everything about the essay: writing, editing and submitting in a night. WA: WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO TAKE PART IN THE CONTEST? UA: Human Rights issue has always been something I do care about: deeply. Seeing pictures of old women murdered, or paraded in the most inhuman way on the basis of accused witchcraftry; seeing videos of men stripped naked and beaten, sometimes to death, for being homosexuals; seeing young people like me lying in their own blood because a uniformed man with a gun was annoyed, or because they went out to protest for their rights and life; remembering that Mubarak Bala is still under unlawful detention, and just like him, many others who have been accused of blasphemy, a crime I sincerely do not think exists, a crime I believe to be an insult on the human minds and intelligence, these and many other things pushed me into being interested in human rights issue. So when I saw the call for submissions and saw that it was coming from a well recognized Human Rights organisation, I knew that I had to take part in the contest. That was my little way of fighting human rights abuse and violations in my continent. WA: CAN YOU PROVIDE A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF YOUR WINNING ESSAY? UA: The winning essay which I titled Human Rights Abuse And Violation in Africa: It's a Crime to be Happy in My Country, was centered on the happenings in my own country, Nigeria. I made a word play on the topic. Being gay can be defined as being happy and then, it's a criminal offence to be gay in Nigeria. So I simply read being happy as being gay. So it was centered primarily on how the criminalization of homosexuality in Nigeria was and continues to remain one of the worst move by any government in Nigeria; how it has been a tool through which state-sponsored homophobia has been carved into a giant momentum; and how it has enabled the citizens to display the monstrous part of them -- that part of them angry with the society and how it functions -- on the innocent members of the LGBTQ+ community, as if somehow, the gay boy is their problem. The essay went on to establish how this anti-gay law of 2014 has continued to put many of our citizens in the gas chamber; how it has sucked out happiness, forever, in the lives of many Nigerians and the need to repeal it. The essay maintains that the law is an abuse and violation of human rights, is counterproductive and is generally useless. I also lamented, I think, on how when we talk of human rights activism, we do not consider gay rights as part of human rights, you know, the selective activism of a thing. That's why you have somebody like Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, a former president of Nigeria, who's acknowledged globally for his respect for human rights, being the one that signed the Anti-gay bill into law, and we still see him as a human rights icon, because gay rights isn't human rights. WA: WHAT DID YOU LEARN ABOUT THE SUBMISSION PROCESS FOR THE COMPETITION THAT MIGHT HELP OTHERS TO SUBMIT? UA: The submission process is an easy one. You have a limited word count you should work with, and then two email addresses you should forward the essay to. You have a font, font size and format you should work with and it is that easy. WA: WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO WRITE THIS ESSAY? UA: I think I have answered that under what motivated me to take part in the contest. But what made me choose this particular topic, as against writing about witchcraft persecution or the continued detention of the president of Humanist's Nigeria, Mubarak Bala, or any other human rights issue in the country, is the feeling that many do not consider gay rights abuse as part of human rights abuse. That's to say, we have lesser and lesser people speaking about this, even those people who're convinced that homophobia is wrong. And the reason is not far-fetched, in a country like Nigeria, supporting Children's Rights makes you a child in the same way that fighting against homophobia makes you gay. And no one would like to be identified as gay in a space as homophobic as Nigeria; not even a gay person would want that for himself. So, already, you know people are going to write about gender inequality and how society has continued to abuse women; about Children's Rights; about Police Brutality and many of them, and these are all valid cases of abuse and violations. But the gay boy and the lesbian girl needs a voice. The transman and the transwoman needs a voice. The gender non-conforming person, they/them, and all queer people needs a voice. I simply decided to be that voice. Gay people are not allowed to exist in Nigeria; I wrote to change that. WA: HOW DOES IT FEEL TO BE THE FIRST-PRIZE WINNER? UA: It feels very good. In fact, it was an euphoric experience for me, especially seeing those moments my classmates kept on saying that they're proud of me. And while I'm not a person who seeks audience's validation, getting it doesn't actually hurt me. What this prize actually does for me is that it tells me to continue writing. It tells me that my works are worth reading. It simply tells me that yes, you're a writer. And another thing it does for me is to show me that they are actually people who are open-minded. At a point after submitting the essay, I considered withdrawing it and writing another. Reason? I felt that since this is an 'African' thing, that the essay might be disqualified, not on the basis of not being good, but on the basis of being against the 'African culture', an argument which some self made custodians of African culture always use to support their homophobia, but I decided against it, and now this. (Smiles) WA: HOW DID WRITING THE WINNING PIECE GO? UA: Like I said, I wrote it in a night. I was awoke the whole night. I had to leave my place to go to Darlington's place to use his laptop to write. The essay flows easily; I never forced it. The only difficult part was editing it, when I had to cut out some parts of the essay because I exceeded the maximum word count required. It was like a mother being forced to mark out, by herself, one of her four children for sacrifice to the gods. Removing some sentences and changing the structure was like committing murder to me, but I did it (maybe I'm now a murderer, who knows). (Laughs) But apart from that, it was an enjoyable process. WA: TO WIN AN ESSAY CONTEST, WHAT DO YOU THINK WRITERS SHOULD PAY ATTENTION TO? UA: Number one is theme if it's a themed contest. You cannot be asked to write on human rights violation and expect to win the contest with a piece on the dangers of alcohol. No matter how wonderful your piece on the dangers of alcohol is, it cannot win the contest. Secondly, guidelines. You know those little things like font and font size and spacing. They really matter, and then keeping to the deadline. Thirdly, write what you know; what you're passionate about. If you're taking part in a contest, let it be a theme you're in love with. What that means is that you do not end up copying others. You simply write from within and with that, originality is retained. That doesn't mean you're not to consult other writings on the same issue. No. Definitely not. Like I said earlier, if you do not read, you cannot write. What I'm trying to say here is that you do not copy in a non-creative way. Know what works for you, improve on it and work with it WA: APART FROM ESSAY WRITING, WHAT OTHER THINGS DO YOU WRITE? UA: I also write poems and short stories. I run a Facebook page by name Ugochukwu Anadị: The Pen's Blood where I write on issues I consider worthy of my time and energy. Leaving the Literary World, I'm an engineering student and I do write Arduino Codes for Embedded Systems and Control Systems. I'm also a drone enthusiast and I hope to build my own drone one day. MQ-9 Reaper remains my favourite drone. WA: WHAT, FOR YOU, MAKES AN ESSAY CONTEST ENTRY OR SUBMISSION STAND OUT? UA: I think it's originality. Someone who's judging any writing competition is always one who has swam through a very vast ocean of Literature. Such a person can identify a copied work even without knowing where the work was copied from. That's how serious and easy it can be. Then, stylistics. How do you present your points? Your grammar and punctuation? Those things really matter. WA: WHAT SPARKED YOUR INTEREST IN HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN, AND WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO WRITE THIS ESSAY BASED ON THIS INTEREST? UA: I think I have answered this question when you asked why I entered for the contest and what motivated the essay writing. It's the realization that things are not the way they're supposed to be, and that they can actually be better. The realization that the most effective way to erode hate is to implant love; to change the mindset of people. And Literature has been the best way to enlighten people. WA: HOW MANY UNPUBLISHED AND HALF-FINISHED BOOKS DO YOU HAVE? UA: None. I have only considered writing a book but have not started writing any. I just write short stories, poems and essays, submit to literary magazines and read my rejection letters while taking soaked garrị. WA: WHAT DOES LITERARY SUCCESS LOOK LIKE TO YOU? UA: It's a fulfilling experience. You know, the feeling that you're capable of wining something at a continental level. It comes with euphoria. It paints a picture of a general returning from a very dreadful war victorious, without losing anyone in his army. WA: DO YOU GOOGLE YOURSELF? UA: Are there people who don't? Hmm, I've always thought it's a general thing. Yes. I do Google myself and see my published story, NNEKA pop up. Now that you asked, I think I'll Google myself right after this interview so that I'll know whether my recently published essay will pop up too. (smiles) WA: WHAT ONE THING WOULD YOU GIVE UP TO BECOME A BETTER WRITER? UA: Procrastination. I procrastinate a lot. Then social media, but the problem now is that I get to know of most writing opportunities through the same social media, so giving it up is not that easy, you see (smiles). WA: WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE LITERARY JOURNALS? UA: I do not read stories based on journals. I belong to so many writing groups and when people post links to their works, I read them and if they're okay to me, I'll check out the whole journal for it means that they publish things I love reading. But recently, I'm drawn to Nantygreens Magazine definitely because they were the first to give my writing a home, then Kalahari Review, Literary Yard, Nnọkọ, Brittle Paper and Commonwealth shortlisted and prize winning stories. I also discovered The Shallow Tales Review recently. WA: WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CHILDHOOD BOOK? UA: I read a lot as a child, but I sincerely cannot remember which was my favourite then. I can remember reading Eze Goes to School, Chike and the River and A Dance with the Princess though. WA: WHAT AUTHORS DID YOU DISLIKE AT FIRST BUT GREW INTO? UA: Wole Soyinka. Mehn, I disliked his writings when I started consciously reading then. I read one of his poems, slept over it, and didn't understand anything. Then I heard people say that he doesn't write in a way he could be easily understood. That he's a grammarian and all that. So I boycotted his books. All that changed after most of my writer friends on Facebook started talking about how Prof is their best writer. Consistent amongst these people is Ayegba Samuel who runs the Facebook page, Alcove of Letters. Dude dedicated many of his poems, essays and random musings to Soyinka, and being someone I adore his writings greatly, I felt I was missing something. So, one day, I entered a bookshop and bought many of his books. After reading The Lion and The Jewel, and his prison notes, The Man Died, my impression about Prof changed. I went on to read his poems anthologized in the West African Verse and in the Poems of Black Africa. Even his play The Madmen and the Specialist and his novel The Interpreters. I do not understand anything that happened in The Interpreters though (smiles). Today, he is one of my favourite authors with the likes of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Chinelo Okparanta. WA: What other authors are you friends with, and how do they help you become a better writer? I do not have author friends, in the real sense of the world 'friend'. But I have many writers who Facebook has allowed me to follow their writings: Ọla W. Halim, Samuel Ayegba, Chibueze Darlington, Prof. Mark Nwagwu, Vincent Anioke, Stanley Umezulike, Femi Philip Morgan, Jude Dibịa and many others. I consider any writer whose works I love as a friend, even if it's only virtually. So I become friends with writers through their works, and one specific way these people have influenced my writing is the fact that theirs makes me to always want to improve mine. I also consider them courageous writers. They write what they want to write, not minding who might want to rant.
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| Literature › My Essay Tries To Expose The Evil Perpetrated Against The Girl Child by synw(op): 3:16am On May 10, 2021 |
MY ESSAY TRIES TO EXPOSE THE EVIL PERPETRATED AGAINST THE GIRL CHILD IN A TYPICAL AFRICAN SOCIETY - CHARLES IORNUMBE Charles Iornumbe is a broadcast journalist, researcher, creative writer, cultural enthusiast and academic. He has worked with Radio Benue Corporation, Makurdi for over a decade and risen through the ranks. He also had a stint with Radio Nigeria, Globe FM, Bauchi, Bauchi state. His essay “Teenage Sexual Molestation: Rethinking the Havoc on Girl Child” came second in the just concluded African Human Rights Essay Competition. African Human Rights Essay Competition is an initiative of the International Human Rights Art Festival (IHRAF), USA aimed at promoting human rights values in Africa and to positively influence the betterment of the human rights situation in the continent. In this interview with Wole Adedoyin, he shares with him some facts surrounding his winning entry and writing career. WA: WHAT HAS YOUR EARLY WRITING CAREER JOURNEY BEEN LIKE? CI: I had, right from my secondary school days, been a consistent reader of Literature books. The more I read, the more the desire in me to be a writer grew stronger. From reading, I began to develop vocabulary which I had compiled in a jotter. It’ll interest you to know that even at this stage; I still go through the jotter to peruse what I did at an elementary stage. I also developed skill for writing articles, short stories and poems most of which had been published in anthologies, journals and local tabloids. I use this opportunity to give credit to some of my Literature Teachers: Madagu LC, Dennis Ernyi and Augustine Isho who at different times ignited the writing spirit in me. WA: HOW DID YOU HEAR ABOUT THE AFRICAN HUMAN RIGHTS ESSAY COMPETITION? CI: As a current National Ex-Officio executive of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), and immediate past Chairman of the Association in Benue State, I am privileged to belong to some of the Literary body's main social media platforms eg, WhatsApp, Facebook and Telegram where most of IHRAF's activities are publicised. So, to answer your question directly, I saw a publication about three months ago calling for entries which I entered and by God's grace, today, I've been adjudged to be one of the winners of the International Human Rights Essay Competition for which, I remain eternally grateful. WA: WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO TAKE PART IN THE CONTEST? CI: The coinage of the topic and my personal interest in issues of human rights especially as they relate to Girl Child molestation and abuse motivated me to take part in the competition. Ultimately, I had a ready script which I wrote to commemorate the 2019 International Day For The Girl Child entitled: Teenage Sexual Molestation: Rethinking the Havoc on The Girl Child. There is also a short story crafted with scenes, characters and roles assigned to them. WA: CAN YOU PROVIDE A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF YOUR WINNING ESSAY? CI: The essay 'Teenage Sexual Molestation: Rethinking the Havoc on the Girl Child' tries to expose the evil perpetrated against the girl child in a typical African Society. In this clime, teenage rape and molestation are on the high scale because, they’re a daily occurrence. The people who rape teenage girls live in our midst; some are our friends, colleagues and acquaintances who, for various reasons, commit the crime with impunity. It's sad because they commit these atrocities without them being arrested. It's funny but painful in the sense that, that little girl who is raped and deflowered carries a social stigma on her name and reputation so long as she lives. The family of the rape survivor is first and foremost not ready to make a case with the rapist for fear of the unknown. The police man would like you who had rushed to their station to report a rape case to prove whether or not, the family of the rape survivor is willing to go to court. The NAPTI official would knock you out for bringing the rape survivor late to their office for examination. The journalists are helpless to conclude their investigations on a rape case because all the aforementioned parties have made the situation cumbersome. In the end, the matter lies low and dies a natural death. So, my essay ex-rays this scenario and plays up the challenge one encounters in trying to expose the criminality. WA: WHAT DID YOU LEARN ABOUT THE SUBMISSION PROCESS FOR THE COMPETITION THAT MIGHT HELP OTHERS TO SUBMIT? CI: The process was smooth. It took time to mature. I believe it was also transparent. I first received a mail acknowledging receipt of my entry and that was followed shortly by a certificate of participation. Few weeks after, twenty names were shortlisted followed by thirteen names and eventual release of winners of the competition. Initially, I was wondering how and why I didn't emerge overall winner but got convinced after viewing the profile of Master Anadi who came first. Master Anadi had sent me a friend request on Facebook. I viewed his profile to be sure before confirming. I noticed he is an extremely good writer who has a long way to go if he keeps writing. Honestly, I was impressed after reading him. I would like to meet him some day. I wish to submit that one's age and status do not have a special place in writing. Though, Anadi a younger person than me floored me in the Essay competition, I am still proud to hold onto my position as second winner. After all, this is my first attempt at literary competition in my life. WA: HOW DOES IT FEEL TO BE THE SECOND-PRIZE WINNER? CI: I feel extremely happy about the outcome of the competition. WA: HOW DID WRITING THE WINNING PIECE GO? CI: I wrote the essay two years before the competition. It's a coincidence that the topic became relevant in an International competition of this magnitude. While writing, I established myself in the situation; that as a father of two daughters, God forbid though, how would it feel to hear that someone rapes either of them? The essay tells my personal experience as a Journalist who got entangled carrying out an investigation of an alleged rape case in my community. I felt passionate about the ugly trend believing that someday, Africa would overcome it. WA: TO WIN AN ESSAY CONTEST, WHAT DO YOU THINK WRITERS SHOULD PAY ATTENTION TO? CI: One should pay attention to developing one's subject matter in the manner it's understood by the reader. There should be unity of thought, clarity and coherence of ideas. The script should demonstrate mastery of the issue/issues being projected by the writer. WA: APART FROM ESSAY WRITING, WHAT OTHER THINGS DO YOU WRITE? CI: I write poetry, radio commentaries, short stories, reviews and biographies. WA: WHAT, FOR YOU, MAKES AN ESSAY CONTEST ENTRY OR SUBMISSION STAND OUT? CI: Honestly, this is my first time of participating in a literary competition so I might not give you exactly what you’re asking of me. I can only deduce that what is looked out for, in an essay competition, might not be far from the opinion expressed in your question 8 above. WA: HOW MANY UNPUBLISHED AND HALF-FINISHED BOOKS DO YOU HAVE? CI: I have about 8 unpublished works which I usually don't like disclosing because they are in the hands of the Editors undergoing editorial work. But to satisfy your curiosity, I’ll mention just three: 'The Power of Reporting and Disaster Management', 'Of Grace and Fortune' and a poetry collection ' Grim Reaper and Other Poems'. WA: WHAT DOES LITERARY SUCCESS LOOK LIKE TO YOU? CI: It's fulfilling my brother. It makes one feel on top of one's World. That's exactly how I am feeling now after being listed second winner of IHRAF International Essay Competition. WA: DO YOU GOOGLE YOURSELF? CI: Yes, I do. You can't be a good writer without knowing how to Google. WA: WHAT ONE THING WOULD YOU GIVE UP TO BECOME A BETTER WRITER? CI: I would like to sacrifice my comfort. This comfort means the outings, the sleeping and any other thing that could discourage a writing enterprise. WA: WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE LITERARY JOURNALS? CI: Yeah, the ones that readily come to mind are: Auroras & Blossoms Poetry Journal, The Alaska Quarterly review, The Antioch review and of course, our revered ANA review. WA: WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CHILDHOOD BOOK? CI: It was Charles Dicken's 'Oliver Twist' WA: WHAT AUTHORS DID YOU DISLIKE AT FIRST BUT GREW INTO? CI: I don't want to use the word 'dislike' as you put it. I rather prefer to say I was not interested in someone like reading Ngugi 'thiongo a Kenyan writer and Thomas Hardy in England. WA: WHAT OTHER AUTHORS ARE YOU FRIENDS WITH, AND HOW DO THEY HELP YOU BECOME A BETTER WRITER? CI: I can't call someone like the Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka as a friend. He is a father, mentor and a teacher. Prof Soyinka is the man who has influenced and inspired my life in many ways. We are lucky to have him living and kicking on with life. I pray God to grant him long life and continually keep him safe. I also see Ayikwei Amah from Ghana as another writer that has given me a direction in life. Lastly Professor Chinua Achebe is one Nigerian I would have loved to meet if he were alive. Of the three, The Nobel Laureate's use of language is unique.
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| Education › Ibadan Book Club Pays Courtesy Visit To Oyo State Library Board by synw(op): 12:09pm On May 08, 2021 |
IBADAN BOOK CLUB PAYS COURTESY VISIT TO OYO STATE LIBRARY BOARD, DISCUSSES WAYS TO MOVE READING CULTURE FORWARD IN OYO STATE. As part of its strategies in reviving and promoting reading culture in Oyo State, the Executive members of Ibadan Book Club paid a courtesy visit to the Management of the Oyo State Library Board on the 30th of April, 2021. Led by Ibadan Book Club Coordinator, Mrs. Ayobami Odunyemi, the visit was part of the Club’s outreach efforts aimed at boosting its relationship with the State Library Board. Other members of Ibadan Book Club team that made the Visit to the Oyo State Library Board were: Jude Asogwa - Assistant Coordinator, Ndukwo Mary – Secretary, Emeka Emmanuel - Information Secretary, Oyewole Oyebode Daniel - Social/Welfare Secretary and Akinyemi Jelili - Financial Secretary. Mrs. Ayobami Odunyemi disclosed that the visit had opened up a new episode in the relationship between Ibadan Book Club and the Oyo State Library Board, who should leverage on each other’s strengths to deliver better in the area of enhancing the reading culture of the state. In the course of the visit, discussion was held on areas of assistance by the Oyo State Library Board. In her remarks, the State Librarian Mrs. A.I Akinlolu commended Ibadan Book Club for her efforts in promoting reading culture in Oyo State. She also highlighted the contributions and efforts of His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde, the Executive Governor of Oyo State in transforming Oyo State Library Board to an enviable position. According to the State Librarian, the proposed synergy would also go a long way in realizing one of Engr. Seyi Makinde’s key concerns, which is to improve the teaching and learning environment with the provision of quality and quantity of infrastructure and to ensure that students adequately fit into the mainstream of the dynamic global system. Also at the meeting were Pastor Akintunde, Director, [Public Library Service] and Mrs. Sekinat Akanbi, Director, [School Library Services] who corroborated the remarks of the State Librarian. 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 to i) 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.
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| Culture › Synw Takes Reading Advocacy To Ekiti State, Set To Launch Ekiti Book Club by synw(op): 6:55am On May 08, 2021 |
SYNW TAKES READING ADVOCACY TO EKITI STATE, SET TO LAUNCH EKITI BOOK CLUB ON FRIDAY, MAY 21 The Society of Young Nigerian Writers has expressed readiness to inaugurate Ekiti Book Club on Friday, 21st of May 2021 at Phase 1, New Pavilion Lecture Hall, Federal University of Oye (FUOYE) Ekiti, Ekiti State. by 2:00PM. This was contained in a press release issued by SYNW President, Wole Adedoyin in Ibadan on Friday. According to the release, the need to promote effective reading habits among the general populace of Nigeria has resulted into 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 - https://nabawknigeria..com, African Book Week - https://africanbookweek..com , Children’s Book Week - https://cbwnigeria..com , National Week of Remembrance for Departed Writers (NAWRED) - https://nawredonline..com, National Book Hub - https://nationalbookhub..com are part of the strategies SYNW initiated 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. Ekiti Book Club hopes to sensitize, revive and promote moribund/dwindling reading culture in Ekiti state and its environs. SYNW finally enjoined intending participants, readers and writers in Ekiti state and its environs to partake in this historical development.
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| Literature › Meet The Winners Of Our African Human Rights Essay Competition by synw(op): 7:48pm On May 04, 2021 |
MEET THE WINNERS OF OUR AFRICAN HUMAN RIGHTS ESSAY COMPETITION UGOCHUKWU ANADI: NELSON MANDELA PRIZE-$100 Ugochukwu Anadị is a student of the University of Nigeria Nsukka, is a 20 year old who discovered his love for writing during the COVID-19 lockdown. He has gone ahead to write short stories, poems and essays and has been published in Nantygreens Magazine. He also came fourth place in the Hon. Dozie Nwankwo Essay Writing Competition, 2020. He has interests in stories that depict life and is a great lover of literary fiction. Through his writings, he tries to address homophobia and document students’ life. But he believes in reading Literature firstly as Literature, before any other thing. CHARLES IORNUMBE: THOMAS SANKARA PRIZE-$75 Charles Iornumbe is a broadcast journalist, researcher, creative writer, cultural enthusiast and academic. He has worked with Radio Benue Corporation, Makurdi for over a decade and risen through the ranks. He also had a stint with Radio Nigeria Globe FM, Bauchi, Bauchi state. He has served as the chairman, Association of Nigerian Authors ANA, Benue state chapter between 2026 - 2019. Due to his outstanding contribution to the growth of literary creativity in Benue, the National Executive Council of ANA voted him as the National Ex-Officio One. Some of his essays, commentaries, literary works and academic articles had been published in well established journals, local and National Dailies as well as Anthologies. Iornumbe holds a doctorate degree in Linguistics with special interest in stylistics, communication and semiotics. OF GRACE AND FORTUNE is one of Iornumbe's yet - to - be released books. He hails from Mbaakpur, Shangev-Tiev in Konshisha local government area of Benue state, Nigeria. OSHO TUNDE: OMOYELE SOWORE PRIZE-$50 Osho Tunde is an undergraduate of Accounting in yaba college of Technology, yaba, Lagos. He is a Nigerian writer who who bears witness for the events within his body. He recently won a 1st runner up prize, Eriata Orhibabor Poetry prize, 2020. His haiku was on Babishai Niwe haiku 2020 longlist. His works have featured in various magazines and anthologies such as Praxis, Conscio, erogospel, The Quills, 'The veil beyond wall' by Poets in Nigeria(PIN) initiative and elsewhere. He loves to write, sing and study. African Human Rights Essay Competition is an initiative of the International Human Rights Art Festival (IHRAF), USA aimed at promoting human rights values in Africa and to positively influence the betterment of the human rights situation in the continent. The International Human Rights Arts Festival began in 2010 under the auspices of Amnesty International. It has now grown to an annual week-long event, offering hundreds of visual and performing artists the stage to showcase their work, share their stories and inspire social influencers, policy makers, cultural leaders and the general public to support their causes. International Human Rights Art Festival (IHRAF) gives voice to the voiceless; protects freedom of expression, and uses creativity to highlight human rights and social justice causes around the world. The organization brings together all members of society through her programmes, from artists-in-exile and at risk; to activists on the front lines of the struggle for rights and justice in their own country; to artists working in all media, to national and international politicians, government agencies, social leaders and celebrities. IHRAF believes that creative engagement with all members of the society is the surest path toward social justice and positive change.
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