₦airaland Forum

ADIITU’S LIFE STORY INSPIRED THE STORY OF INÚLAYÉWÀ’S SOJOURN IN ME – DIIPO FAGUNWA: IBC GUEST WRITER OF THE MONTH

On Saturday 27th of February, Ibadan Book Club in conjunction with the Race Course Amphitheatre will be hosting Diipo Fagunwa, the surviving Son of Late D.O Fagunwa inside the Adamasingba Stadium in Ibadan as Guest Writer for the month of February. In this interview with Wole Adedoyin, he unveils details about his writing career and his latest book titled “Inúlayéwà”.

WA: WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START WRITING?

DF: My parents. My father was a writer and my mother wanted me to continue in the same vein

WA: HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WRITING?

DF: About thirty five years

WA: WHEN DID YOU START WRITING?

DF: I started writing as an academic in 1982. My first publication was in 1985. It was reprinted in 1986

WA: HAVE YOU ALWAYS WANTED TO BE A WRITER?

DF: Yes. I have been encouraged to explore writing by people and the goodwill they have always shown towards my father who was a writer. My late mother was also very enthusiastic about me being a writer

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

DF: Give it a go. You never know the lump of charcoal you have, it may be diamond

WA: HOW DO YOU HANDLE WRITER’S BLOCK?

DF: I have found them useful for sharing experiences

WA: HOW MANY BOOKS HAVE YOU WRITTEN?

DF: Four, although only One has been published. I have two books of short stories completed and a compilation of my tributes and requiems posted on social media. I am also writing my second novel ‘Ẹ̀míọlá’.

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

DF: Experiences shape ideas and ideas churn out other ideas

WA: WHO IS YOUR FAVOURITE CHARACTER?

DF: I really do not have a favourite character. I have always wound my stories round the narrator and narratives

WA: DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE CHARACTER THAT YOU HAVE WRITTEN? IF SO, WHO? AND WHAT MAKES THEM SO SPECIAL.

DF: Inúlayéwà. His odyssey is what makes him special

WA: WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR INSPIRATION?

DF: Everywhere and anywhere; life is full of inspiration. My late mother was quite inspirational. She inspired me in a lot of ways. She was a great communicator with loads of intelligence and experience. I also get inspiration from my father’s stories and novels. For instance my novel ‘Ìfẹ́wùmí’ is a kind of continuation of Adiitu Olódùmarè (my father’s last published novel). Adiitu’s life story inspired the story of Inúlayéwà’s sojourn in me.

I always get a lot of inspiration from my friends and acquaintances. I have always kept friends with great sense of humour and warmth and what they say many times spontaneously inspire. One also gets inspired by the social groups one keeps as well as the streets etc. For instance what you hear from bus drivers, conductors, touts, traders, churches, mosques, meetings, gatherings and ordinary persons on the streets go a lot of ways to inspire creativity in a writer and sometimes create a background for storytelling. Above all I get a lot of inspiration from the Kegites, Palmwine Drinkard Club where I am an old Chief or former President and a Member of the Board of Trustees. Kegites’ language is fecund with inspiration, intelligence, wise cracks and sayings and their philosophies very rich and overwhelming.

WA: WHERE CAN READERS PURCHASE YOUR BOOKS?

DF: Bookshops and online with Amazon and some other outlets

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

DF: They can find out more about me from academic communities where I have kept many worthwhile friends. I can be traced on the internet especially with regards to some of my academic publications. I am a member of the D O Fágúnwà Foundation and very available with them. I have a bit of presence on the social media (Facebook) and some of my stories have been peddled around on WhatsApp. I went to some great schools especially Christ’s School, Adό Èkìtì where I have kept my network very active and it has been enriching. I also have many other friends and well-wishers who have access to me and of course my publisher (International Publishers) is helpful

WA: HAVE ANY OF YOUR BOOKS BEEN MADE INTO AUDIOBOOKS?

DF: No

WA: IF SO, WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES IN PRODUCING AN AUDIO BOOK?

DF: I have not made any attempt to turn my books to audio yet hence I cannot be sure of challenges that may be attached. However my experience with my Father’s novels shows that there is a problem with copyright infringements. There are some of his works on audio being advertised and sold without permission.

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

DF: The one I am currently writing – Ẹ̀míọlá

WA: TELL US ABOUT YOUR FIRST PUBLISHED BOOK?

DF: It is a surreal adventure that is a followup to Adiitu Olódùmarè which was my father’s last published novel

WA: WHAT WAS THE JOURNEY LIKE?

DF: It was interesting, fulfilling and uplifting. It gave me a sense of pride that I was able to continue the Fágúnwà legacy

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

DF: Style and creativity. A writer is always in a classroom where his students are not contiguous but dispersed. Thus a writer must write with passion, empathy, skills, presence and comprehension. The language of the writer must be very ordinary, simple and easy to discern.

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

DF: My Father; Chief D O Fagunwa

WA: YOUR FAVORITE BOOK BY HIM?

DF: Igbó Olódùmarè

WA: ON YOUR LATEST BOOK TITLED “IFEWUMI, THE TRAVAILS OF INULAYEWA” CAN YOU SHARE WITH US SOMETHING ABOUT THE BOOK.

DF: It is an adventure story of a man whose wife was abducted by his lunatic friend and he travelled round the world searching for his lost lady. He found his wife after twenty five years of sojourn that exposed him to varying life experiences and taught him about large heartedness, peace of mind and spirit of forgiveness.

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

DF: The novel is a dance round day to day experiences of life

WA: WHAT WAS THE INSPIRATION FOR THE STORY?

DF: I wanted to continue my father’s legacy.

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

DF: Lessons on the Spirit of Forgiveness

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

DF: Morals about large heartedness and eschewing themselves from bitterness and life of wickedness.

WA: WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE TITLE?

DF: Literally speaking ‘Ìfẹ́wùmí’ means ‘I like Love’. The storyline is about Love and the problems that can come with it

WA: HAS A BOOK EVER CHANGED YOUR LIFE?

DF: Yes. All my Father’s novels have influenced me. I love ‘Tales from the Arabian Nights’. They have very wonderful literary styles; they are surreal and are rich on lessons of life, morals and living a life of quality. I find Shakespeare’s works very inspirational too and full of wise sayings. I have also enjoyed Chinua Achebe’s works. His delivery is of the quality of the village story teller; indeed he was a cultural man with classic mastery of words and delivery.

WA: WHAT GENRES DO YOU LOVE?

DF: Surreal adventures

WA: ARE THERE ANY GENRES YOU DISLIKE?

DF: No

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

DF: None that I have not met at the moment

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

DF: I always display my books on shelf and virtual library

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

DF: I love short stories

WA: WHAT BOOK CAN YOU RECOMMEND TO ME?

DF: Many; especially the African Writers Series

WA: WHEN DID YOU LAST VISIT A LIBRARY?

DF: Last year in the UK. COVID 19 has not allowed current visits.

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

DF: No

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

DF: Yes; many. The social media is very rife now with interesting creative writings.

WOMAN SCREAM FESTIVAL’S PROJECTS ENCOURAGE WOMEN TO WRITE, CREATE, SHOWCASE THEIR TALENTS AND CHANGE THE WORLD USING ART – JAEL URIBE - WOMAN SCREAM FESTIVAL FOUNDER
Jael Uribe is a writer, storyteller, poet and painter. She is the creator of the female poetic foundation named Women Poets International. She is considered the initiator of the Woman Scream International Poetry and Arts Festival, a chain of events celebrated by poets, artists and cultural associations worldwide, to honor women and against women violence during the month of March. In this Interview with Wole Adedoyin, President, Nigerian Chapter of the International Human Rights Art Festival (IHRAF), she shared with him some facts surrounding her life, art activism and literary career.
WA: YOU ARE THE FOUNDER OF THE WOMEN POETS INTERNATIONAL MOVEMENT, WHAT ACTUALLY LED TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE MOVEMENT?

JU: It was my own personal quest to find talented women writers all over the world that were using words as a healing process. Being confined in bed, years ago, due to illness and using poetry as a means to exorcise pain, I developed curiosity and started to seek for those female writers that were dealing with similar processes and that were sharing their poetry online seeking for an audience, just like me.

First, I created a page on Facebook to share these talented women's work. Then, I started making poetry calls and contests, then we made our first anthology. What was meant to be just a page, became a movement due to the great support of women that joined in Europe and Latin America. Then we reached abroad when we created the Festival Grito de Mujer (Woman Scream Festival), a place where all these women that became part of the movement, could emerge as cultural leaders and coordinators of their own physical poetry events, serving as platform to showcase female talented poetess on their own cities, instead of just one page.


WA: HOW IS THE WOMEN POETS INTERNATIONAL MOVEMENT USING ART AND POETRY TO ADVANCE WOMEN DEVELOPMENT IN THE WORLD?

JU: In 2011, we created the Woman Scream Festival not only as an open door to women poets but also, as an event with a sense of cause and a social mission beyond our own personal interests to become the voice of abused and mistreated women and families destroyed due to domestic violence. We decided to educate and advocate through arts. Instead of just making a poetry reading, we chose to communicate and deliver a message to those in moments of need: Women with low self-esteem, women of talent who didn’t really realize their own inner value. We encouraged them to write, to create, to show themselves, to speak up, as well as helping on their international promotion through our collective projects. We have also incorporated through Woman Scream Festival all genders and all arts, as means to target a bigger audience. In time men and children were incorporated in the cause, making our work more inclusive, reaching all other communities.

We believe only by uniting, we can reach the violence’s free society we seek for, especially the one affecting women, girls and families all over the world. We welcome anyone with any special talent to support the cause in any way they can and to help us spread our message further.


WA: WHAT HAS BEEN THE BIGGEST HIGHLIGHT OF THE WOMEN POETS INTERNATIONAL MOVEMENT?

JU: The Woman Scream Festival (Grito de Mujer) is our pride and joy. Being recognized by the world, awarded internationally and having been able to share our vision with people in around 70 countries, celebrating over 1,000 events worldwide, uniting volunteers and institutions in solidarity with our cause, has been the most amazing achievement we have ever conquered so far. We are coming for more!

WA: TELL US ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND AND EXPERIENCE IN WOMEN ART AND POETRY?

JU: I’ve been writing since I was 10 years old. Motivated by long hours reading the books my father kept on his many bookshelves. I never knew what poetry was all about, until I encountered it at school, then decided to take it seriously before graduating from college. I began getting involved in cultural events a few years after I began creating my projects and ever since, poetry has been the only language I know. I have achieved some poetry awards and recognition for my involvement in human rights advocacy through the projects I’ve developed. There is very little time to create when you get involved so much to help others find their expression, however, poetry has always been my drawing board and so has art.

Having faced a very hard transition to adulthood, poetry saved my life “literally”, shaped the harsh, rebel and dark young girl I was and turned her into a Phoenix. That was exactly the type of experiences and expression I started looking for when I found my movement, getting to know women who were creating due to traumatic experiences and turning them into any form of art. I wasn’t in contact with female arts or poetry before that, I was facing my own personal process of understanding my own poetry and my own artistic expression as a designer, painter and artisan.

The work of women in poetry came later on, after I began to work with the Women Poets International Movement. I met women in arts two years later, after I started Grito de Mujer (Woman Scream Festival). Being a leader and creator of such a movement, gave me the impulse to improve and become a better poet and moreover, a better artist as I encouraged other women to do the same.


WA: WHERE IS ART AND POETRY TODAY IN TERMS OF WOMEN DEVELOPMENT?

JU: There’s so much we have achieved as women in arts and poetry compared to the past! but I certainly believe it's still not enough. The path of women in any stage of society has been literally paved by the blood of those who fought and gave their lives to make these changes happen and I feel women haven’t yet taken full advantage of the enormous space there is, men are still ahead and they are usually the most on any list. Until we reach at least half of the names highlighted not due to a quote but, as fruit of our talents, there will still be a lot we’ll need to do. I admit there is more openness of space for female expression nowadays, thanks to feminist movements such as mine but, the women names reaching an international level of recognition in art, poetry or any other, are still too little to consider. It’s time to change that!

WA: HAS THE SITUATION OF WOMEN CHANGED USING ART?

JU: If you mean by change, that women have achieved anything by expression themselves using art, I must say: YES! We haven’t changed as many laws as we should, we haven’t stopped women violence nor have changed the mind of abusive men but hey! How many sleeping consciences have we awakened? How many women have been saved? How many deaf hears have we unclogged ever since we all began screaming louder? We have made a difference in the world, and I mean all female movement around the globe making pressure to make this change occur. Yes, we have opened our eyes. Yes, we have regained self-esteem, respect and we have moved some important walls and yes, there is much more we can and will achieve if we remain united raising our voices.

WA: IN WHAT WAY IS THE WOMEN POETS INTERNATIONAL MOVEMENT CONTRIBUTING TO THE GROWTH OF WOMEN DEVELOPMENT IN AFRICA?

JU: The same way we have done for women in every country we take our mission: this is an opportunity! We open an international door through collective projects but it’s up to women to cross. Woman Scream is just a platform, it is just the base that seeks to make them strong enough to raise their voices. There are many other resources out there for women to further advance, what happens later and what they do with the support given, it’s up to them.


WA: AS A FOUNDER AND PROMOTER OF WOMAN ART ACTIVISM, WHAT KINDS OF OBSTACLES DO YOU FACE?

JU: A lot. You might think it is monetary, as this cause is only sustained by volunteer’s love but no. It is the tendency to sabotage and the lack of moral support that should not exist in such a beautiful art world. Sadly, many of these obstacles are imposed by women themselves, those we seek to reach. We do this to add a little more to the feminist fight around the world, to open a space in art for women of talent to grown, to be known however, we’ve encountered women sabotage each other sometimes, diminishing their own sisters, who only want to build their own path to shine. How can we grow, seek for equality and change, if we dig a hole for other women to fall as we walk the freedom path?

Sometimes, we find more support in men that are part of our cause and more resistance among our own womankind. It’s sad! That behavior only draws all female movements advances back.

WA: WHAT HAS BEEN THE HALLMARK OF YOUR TENURE AS THE FOUNDER OF THE WOMEN POETS INTERNATIONAL MOVEMENT?

JU: I believe the use of modern technology into the promotion and growth of our project that began in the Dominican Republic and spread all over the world thanks to nowadays tools.


WA: YOU ARE AN EFFECTIVE FEMALE LEADER. WHAT DRIVES YOU?


JU: I believe results speak for themselves. I believe if I had inspired any other woman with my dreams to achieve hers, that makes me an effective leader. There were only 400 women poets in our database when I began the Women Poets International Movement, now there are over 10,000 artists, women and men. We were only 200-300 followers in our Spanish fans page when we began, now there are over 20,000 plus, the thousands of followers in our festival’s pages. Our festival was only “Grito de Mujer” in Spanish in 201 now, it is translated into English, French, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch and others (Woman Scream, Cri de Femme, Grido di Donna, Grito de Mulher, Schrei Der Frau, etc.,).

Not everything is about how much you make but about how much difference you can make with what you do, how many others you can inspire. What are you doing to be the change you wish to see in the world?

WA: WHAT MESSAGE WOULD YOU GIVE TO YOUNGER WOMEN AND GIRLS?

JU: We have had many events throughout the years focusing on young women and girls. They always have been my favorites. As I have been called to share my poetry for girls on poor communities, my message to them has always been the same:

“Study and learn. Do not depend on a man to call you a princess nor to build a castle for you. Build your own castle, be your own queen. Don’t wait for no one to show you you’re valuable, you’re pretty and should know your own worth. We, as women have a harder job in this society, we need to be the example for those who will come after us, may our lives serve as an example of strength and courage, may others see you as the girl who conquers now, the woman she will become.”

WA: AS SOMEONE WHO HAS SUCCESSFULLY COMBINED FAMILY LIFE AND CAREER ADVANCEMENT, WHAT ARE THE KEY LESSONS YOU HAVE LEARNED?


JU: -I have learned that nothing is easy: Even to convince your family that what you’re doing benefits them too it's hard to achieve. I did and do my part to predicate my example of courage and fight in spite of rough times.

-Nothing comes for granted: I have fought hard to conquer everything I have set as a goal for me and still wonder what’s next for me.

-Never stop and never remove your eyes from your goal: No matter how cloudy the sky might seem, stars are there, no matter if you can’t see them.

-Love yourself: Never stop believing.



WA: WHAT DOES THE WORD FEMINIST MEAN TO YOU?

JU: It is just a word. I’m a womanist, I believe in the fight for our rights as women and I believe no word should define who we are but women. Some words are vandalized by the minds of those who seek to put us down, those who think we haven’t earned our place so far. I am a woman, I guess I’m more drawn to that word.


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

JU: Knowing that I’ve achieved most everything I wanted in life and conquered old fears. Being proud of being me!


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

JU: I would have stopped worrying for unimportant things, paying less attention to those who tried to stop me and at that, at some point threatened to stop me from advancing in my goals.

If I have to sacrifice myself to build what I’ve built, like I’ve done all these years, I would have done it again!,



WA: WHO ARE YOUR FAVORITE CULTURAL HEROINES? WHAT APPEALS TO YOU ABOUT THEM?

JU: Any feminine figure that throughout history has conquered a better place for us women, is my favorite heroine. I believe the role in society of all of them has been key to reach the spot in which we are now. It is hard to pick a side!
https://www.womanscreamfestival.com/2021/02/synw-from-nigera-interviews-woman.html

GIBRAN REPRESENTS THE BEAUTIFUL FACE OF LEBANON TO THE WHOLE WORLD WHOM WE TAKE PRIDE IN - JOSEPH FENIANOS, PRESIDENT, GIBRAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE

Joseph Fenianos is the President of the Gibran National Committee for the current mandate 2018-2022. Also the Founder and member of the Board of Administration of the Lebanese Red Cross in Becharri. In this Interview with Wole Adedoyin, he shared with him comprehensive facts about his life, contributions, challenges and achievements as the President of the Gibran National Committee.

WA: PLEASE KINDLY INTRODUCE YOURSELF

JF: My name is Joseph Fenianos. I am married to Nahla Fakhry and have 3 children. I earned a Teaching Diploma in Physics from the Faculty of Sciences in the Lebanese University in 1982. I was Instructor of Physics in several schools, President of the Gibran National Committee for the current mandate 2018-2022, Member of the Committee of the Cedar Forest Friends since 1988 and chaired it for two terms, Founder and member of the Board of Administration of the Lebanese Red Cross in Becharri, Vice-President of the Gibran National Committee from 2010 to 2018.

WA: TELL US ALL ABOUT THE GIBRAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE- HOW IT BEGAN, WHO'S INVOLVED, ETHOS, AIMS AND WHAT YOU DO

JF: The Gibran National Committee, established in 1933, is a private organization from which all the townspeople of Becharri benefit. Headquartered in Becharri, the Committee has another office in Beirut.
The organization aims to:
- Enforce the will of Gibran Khalil Gibran regarding the proceeds of the copyright and investment of his books and his various literary and artistic effects belonging to the town of Becharri, the Committee on Funds and Properties resulting from such copyright, and the use of the achieved resources for the good and benefit of Becharri and its residents.
- Give special attention to Gibran’s Art Museum and maintain his artistic and literary legacy, and also to Gibran’s Music Institute, Private Library, and the house in which he was born.
- Publish on a regular basis Gibran's books and help spread his paintings, concepts and thoughts, as well as introduce him to the new youth generation and the world by organizing local and international lectures, exhibitions, literary events and anniversary ceremonies.
- Contribute to raising the urban, cultural and social levels in Becharri.
WA: HOW DO YOU RUN THE ORGANIZATION?

JF: We hold periodic meetings every two or three weeks, starting with the incoming papers and the due expenses. Then we start discussing the points indicated on the agenda, studying the projects to be implemented, and take the appropriate decisions.
Funds are disbursed according to disbursement decisions, while purchases are made under quotations. Decisions are made as for accepting donations.
WA: HOW IS GNC PROMOTING THE WORKS OF KHALIL GIBRAN?

JF: The Committee that bears the name of Gibran is always striving to consolidate Gibran’s presence in the Arab and international community.
Among its activities aim at promoting the works and legacy of Gibran are:

• Holding exhibitions of Gibran’s original paintings or copies thereof in Lebanon and abroad;
• Organizing specialized conferences on Gibran's philosophy in Lebanon and abroad;
• Organizing seminars, lectures, exhibitions and competitions in Gibran’s Museum as well as in schools and universities;
• Contributing to theatrical, cinematic and artistic activities which address Gibran;
• Producing publications for the Gibran National Committee and printing Gibran’s books;
• Organizing the Annual Art Festival in Becharri Square in front of Gibran’s house under the name "In the Footsteps of Gibran", showcasing works of painters, sculptors, photographers, musicians, dramatists, and writers.
WA: WHAT MAJOR SUCCESSES HAVE YOU HAD SINCE BECOMING THE PRESIDENT OF GIBRAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE

JF: The major accomplishments made by the current Committee are:

• Holding an exhibition of Gibran's paintings at the Victoria Museum in Melbourne, Australia.
• Reprinting of Gibran's book “The Music”, in cooperation with the Antonine University, with an explanatory introduction by Father Rami Choullami and Prof.Nidaa Abu Murad.
• Organizing the art festival entitled “In the Footsteps of Gibran” in 2018 and 2019;
• Cooperating with the Alfredo Harp Helu Foundation, ADABI, to restore some of the paintings in the warehouse and some books in the Saint Anthony's Library, Qozhaya, and a plan of action for the future was developed between the Committee and the Foundation;
• Reopening of the Gibran Khalil Gibran Library to visitors;
• Activating Gibran’s Music Institute which now includes more than two hundred students;
• Organizing concerts for the students of the Music Institute;
• Holding singing soirees at Gibran’s Museum;
• Distributing prizes and certificates of appreciation to students who excelled in the official exams;
• Cooperating with senior directors and actors in Lebanon in order to revive the plays of Gibran, for instance: “Khalil the Heretic” and “The Madman”.
• Printing the two one-act plays “Lazarus and his Beloved” and “The Blind”, with an introduction by poet Henri Zgheib.

WA: WHAT IS YOUR MODUS OPERANDI (MODE OF OPERATIONS) AT THE GIBRAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE?

JF: The Committee is composed of 15 elected members from Becharri for a period of four years.
We work as one team. When we were elected, we created smaller teams who work in sub-committees because I believe in teamwork.For instance:
• The management sub-committee includes lawyers as well as management and business professionals.
• The cultural sub-committee includes members who work in the cultural field.
• A sub-committee entrusted with the tasks of developing Gibran’s Museum, Music Institute and Library.
• The Public Relations sub-committee that works on Gibran’s presence on social media.
Each sub-committee has a specific budget that is approved at the beginning of each year after the Committee provides a statement of account and prepares for the specialized programs.
Our Committee believes in the necessity of building on creative ideas that are brought to us by thinkers and innovators from all over Lebanon and the world in order to better serve Gibran's legacy and thought.
WA: WHAT MAKES YOU EFFECTIVE AS THE PRESIDENT OF GIBRAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE?

JF: I believe that the role of the President is to better serve the Committee and deploy all the efforts necessary for its development and further outreach.
I strive to cooperate with every single member of the Committee and invest in their potentials, particularly because I have been working as an instructor of physics for more than 38 years, meaning that I apply the pyramid concept, i.e., everyone has his/her own role in the success of the action plan that we set when we were elected. And because I previously chaired the Committee of the Cedar Forest Friends,whose main purpose is to preserve the Cedars Forest and to plant cedar trees in the surroundings of the forest, I also believe in the importance of cooperation with all associations concerned with Gibran’s philosophy.
WA: WHAT SUPPORT DO YOU FEEL WOULD BE NECESSARY FOR GIBRAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE TO BE SUCCESSFUL?

JF: Gibran National Committee has been particularly relying on tourism to finance its fund that enables it to pay the dues of its employees and workers, noting that the financial returns from selling Gibran’s books by the Knopf publishing group stopped at the end of 2018; no doubt that the situation has worsened following the outbreak of the Corona pandemic and the suspension of all touristic activities. Therefore, we decided to reflect on new ways to support the Committee:

- Developing a program that aims to create a page for the museum on the social media platforms, i.e. integrating it on a digital system or otherwise establishing a twinning relationship between Gibran’s Museum and other international museums.
- Cooperating with international associations concerned with Gibran’s writings and paintings to host conferences and exhibitions abroad.
WA: IN WHICH AREAS WOULD YOU LIKE TO FURTHER DEVELOP GIBRAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE?

JF: Since our election, we have sought to achieve several improvements within the Committee in order to turn it into a well-developed entity at the administrative and professional level.We have updated the bylaws as well as the internal regulations of the Gibran National Committee so that it becomes more compatible with the needs and aspirations of the new generation.
As we were elected by the community of Becharri, it is hence our duty to further shed light on the noble and pioneering values that Gibran believes in to promote social justice and liberate the society from fake restrictions, customs and laws.
WA: TELL US MORE ABOUT THE WORKS OF KHALIL GIBRAN

JF: Gibran represents the beautiful face of Lebanon to the whole world whom we take pride in.He is the writer, the philosopher, the thinker, the painter, and much more. Our bond with Gibran has become more strengthened when we started, through his writings, to dive into the memories of our own childhood as they are the stages on which stand the protagonists of his stories; the orchards, the vineyards, the rivers, the mountains and the valleys which he depicts in his writings are all real places. Moreover, when we meet the characters of his stories, we find out that they resemble in fact many of the dignitaries, clergymen, wealthy and poor townspeople whom we encounter and live with. We can feel hence the flesh and blood of these characters because, despite the change of names, they represent true personalities who had their own history.
It is worth mentioning at this point that the religious memory, the spatio-temporal memory and the social memory of Gibran’s writings have all been represented in “Becharri in the Memory of Gibran”.
WA: WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE WORK BY GIBRAN? WHY

JF: It is true that all the works of Gibran reflect the tales of his heart, that heart which loved, outraged, revolted, and yearned to an idealistic universe; it is also true that throughout his writings he exposes himself with enthusiasm, boldness, and transparency. And it is not a mere coincidence that “The Music” was the first book among Gibran’s literary works, since music represents the spiritual and artistic world of Gibran. It is the key treasure and the password of his literature. His thoughts, emotions, sorrows, and metaphors all flow like fine-tuned melodies and then become concretized in words. Music and its connotations have thus added to his narrative style a poetic dimension, conveying those silent distances and that being that remains silent and tranquil in the inner self of the poet.
WA: WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO MAKE HIS WORKS KNOWN ESPECIALLY TO READERS IN AFRICA?

JF: The Committee is carrying out the activities I mentioned earlier so as to encourage the new generation to explore the philosophy of Gibran and become influenced by his innovative and revolutionary thoughts; hence, this generation would be a tool for peace and love, not for war and injustice, a tool that efficiently serves to reach a better world.
At this point, I would like to thank your association, the Khalil Gibran Society in Nigeria and Africa, and its Chairman, Mr. Wole Adedoyin, for the artistic and literary works that you are working on. We look forward to preparing joint intellectual and cultural activities and holding exhibitions of Gibran’s paintings.
WA: AS THE CURRENT PRESIDENT OF GIBRAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE, WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO IMPROVE THE ORGANIZATION?

As I mentioned earlier, our activities mainly consist in implementing Gibran's will as stated in Article 2 of our bylaws, shedding light on the legacy, philosophy, and art of Gibran in Lebanon and the world, and providing continuous financial support to fund the activities organized by the Committee.
WA: HOW DO YOU KEEP YOUR TEAM FOCUSED?

JF: As previously indicated, I collaborate with each sub-committee separately and follow up on their work, in addition to preparing an implementation plan in cooperation with the specialized staff.
WA: WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE GOALS FOR GIBRAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE?

JF: Developing and modernizing the Gibran Museum as well as providing a digital platform for it, in cooperation with ADABI Foundation;
- Developing and supporting Gibran’s Music Institute;
- Modernizing the Gibran’s Library and establishing links with other libraries in Lebanon and abroad;
- Holding exhibitions of Gibran’s paintings in foreign countries, so that the world can learn more about Gibran's art.
WA: WHAT’S THE MOST INTERESTING THING ABOUT KHALIL GIBRAN THAT PEOPLE DON’T KNOW?

JF: I believe that Gibran’s literature has managed to reach the whole world through The Prophet, his masterpiece which has been translated into more than 140 languages. Since it was first published in 1923, it has never been out of print. Most of the translations can be found in the Museum.
However, Gibran as a painter is not as well-known as a writer and philosopher. Although he undoubtedly represents a legend worldwide when it comes to narration and storytelling, his reputation has not made it that far with his visual arts. Although he painted more than 700 watercolors and drawings, his paintings were somehow overlooked in the West and most of them were shipped back to Lebanon after his death.
Gibran was a talented artist who painted alongside some of the most acclaimed artists of his days, notably the French sculptor Auguste Rodin. That is why we should deploy more efforts to highlight this aspect of Gibran’s legacy.

WA: CAN YOU TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT WHAT YOU KNOW ABOUT KHALIL GIBRAN SOCIETY IN NIGERIA AND AFRICA?

JF: I knew about your society through your Facebook page, and it will be my honor to meet you in person and have the chance to closely delve into all the interesting values you represent. I am confident that this cooperation will be fruitful and lead to successful outcomes in the future, whether by disseminating Gibran’s thought or holding exhibitions of his paintings.
WA: WHAT HAS BEEN THE BIGGEST HIGHLIGHT OF THE GIBRAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE

JF: Gibran National Committee is the custodian of Gibran's artistic and literary heritage. It was founded 88 years ago and it is entrusted with executing his will. Not to forget that it is the only committee in the world elected by the society as a whole. It has the exclusive right to his literary production.
WA: WHAT MESSAGE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THE READERS AND LOVERS OF KHALIL GIBRAN?

JF: Gibran wrote his books more than one hundred years ago, and till the present day, when we read his writings, we always feel that his topics remain topical, going beyond the limits of time and place, as if he is still alive amidst us and writing to us.
It is not a mere coincidence that his writings have been translated to all main languages of the world in all continents, especially The Prophet because this book has proved to transcend all religions, cultures, customs and races in order to reach the human being, the spirit of divinity on Earth. Gibran conveyed his revolutionary thoughts with enthusiasm, boldness, authenticity, warmth and clarity at the beginning of the last century, and they are still influentially and prominently present in our contemporary word, whether in the East or the West, particularly because Gibran echoes the values of pluralism, diversity, tolerance, freedom, justice and witness to truth.
WA: IS THERE ANYTHING ABOUT YOURSELF YOU WOULD LIKE ME TO KNOW?

JF: It is a pleasant incident that this conference gathering well-known speakers from all over the world to address the thought and art of Gibran, coincides with the commemoration of the 90th anniversary of Gibran’s death.
I find in your conference a valuable addition to Gibran’s heritage and the human heritage in general.
Isn’t he the one who said: “You are my brother, and both of us are sons of a single, universal, and sacred spirit. You are my likeness, for we are prisoners of the same body, fashioned from the same clay... You are a human being and I have loved you, my brother.”
I would like to thank your association for all the efforts deployed to shed light on the literature, art and heritage of Gibran from a holistic and innovative approach.And we cannot but rejoice, take pride and offer support.
The Gibran National Committee heartfully welcomes any initiative that can be added to its calendar of cultural and artistic activities.
Thank you.

OUR GOAL AT IHRAF PUBLISHES IS TO GIVE A VOICE TO THE VOICELESS - MISSY HAUG, IHRAF PUBLISHES EDITOR

Missy Haug is a copywriter, poet, and book editor based in Helsinki, Finland. In this Interview with Wole Adedoyin, President, Nigerian Chapter of the International Human Rights Art Festival (IHRAF), she shared with him few facts about her task as IHRAF Publishes Editor.

WA: PLEASE KINDLY INTRODUCE YOURSELF

MH: Until 5 years ago, I’ve always considered Youngstown, Ohio, my home. Now, I live and work in Helsinki, Finland as a writer and editor. I moved to Finland in 2016 in pursuit of a master’s degree in English Philology. I left behind my small, comfortable town and teaching job to immerse myself in a new place and culture. Among all the places I’ve lived and traveled, I have witnessed the stitching of lives together with stories. To read and write is no small thing, and I consider myself lucky to be one small part of an organization like IHRAF. To support writers whose voices are stifled, to continue the great tradition of storytelling—this is meaningful, moving work.

WA: WHAT WAS THE MOST CHALLENGING ASPECT OF EDITING IHRAF PUBLISHES?

MH: The most challenging aspect of being an editor is also one of the biggest perks of the job: I read so many beautiful pieces of art every single day. However, that means I also have to reject some works. Luckily at IHRAF we have a clear mission to publish work that aligns with our values and philosophy, which makes the process clear and manageable.

WA: WHAT GENRES DO YOU PUBLISH ON IHRAF PUBLISHES?

MH: We publish both fiction and non-fiction ranging including short stories, poems, and essays. What matters most is that the form of writing flows from the heart and aligns with IHRAF’s values.

WA: HOW DO YOU RUN IHRAF PUBLISHES?

MH: In a nutshell, our goal at IHRAF Publishes is to give a voice to the voiceless. That means we are committed to carefully considering each submission and the mission of the artist. We review, edit, and publish submissions to ensure they align with our values of beauty, sincerity, vulnerability, engagement, and celebrating diversity. We search for innovative ways to reach our global audience, which requires consistent collaboration and communication between IHRAF team members. I work with the Editorial Team to review pieces and brainstorm our way forward.

WA: HOW IS IHRAF PUBLISHES PROMOTING THE WORKS OF UPCOMING WRITERS?

MH: We publish our writers on the IHRAF website, Facebook, and Instagram pages and founded the Creators of Justice Literary Awards. We also aim to anthologize selected works.

WA: WHAT MAKES YOU EFFECTIVE AS THE EDITOR OF IHRAF PUBLISHES?

MH: My background as an educator, editor, and student have each given me valuable lessons that apply to my work at IHRAF. I understand that every word that falls upon my desk has been written by a person and thus deserves respect and reflection.

WA: IN WHICH AREAS WOULD YOU LIKE TO FURTHER DEVELOP IHRAF PUBLISHES

MH: We are considering various paths to expand our reach. There are opportunities to grow our newsletter, engage in digital publishing, and establish ourselves as a niche publishing house in the future. I’m very excited by the possibilities available for IHRAF Publishes.

WA: WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE GOALS FOR IHRAF PUBLISHES?

MH: We would love for IHRAF Publishes to be an end-to-end publishing house in the future.

WA: WHAT MESSAGE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THE READERS AND LOVERS OF IHRAF PUBLISHES? IS THERE ANYTHING ABOUT YOURSELF YOU WOULD LIKE IHRAF PUBLISHES READERS AND LOVERS TO KNOW?

MH: First, thank you to the readers of IHRAF Publishes—without your support our work would not be possible. Watching IHRAF Publishes grow at such a fast pace is truly encouraging. Together we have made a community of writers and storytellers with a goal to heal, to help, to motivate, to inspire.

Keep reading and writing—I will be right there with you. Your words matter and I am grateful and proud to be a part of IHRAF’s mission.

WOMAN SCREAM FESTIVAL’S PROJECTS ENCOURAGE WOMEN TO WRITE, TO CREATE, TO SHOWCASE THEIR TALENTS AND CHANGE THE WORLD USING ART – JAEL URIBE - WOMAN SCREAM FESTIVAL FOUNDER
Jael Uribe is a writer, storyteller, poet and painter. She is the creator of the female poetic foundation named Women Poets International. She is considered the initiator of the Woman Scream International Poetry and Arts Festival, a chain of events celebrated by poets, artists and cultural associations worldwide, to honor women and against women violence during the month of March. In this Interview with Wole Adedoyin, President, Nigerian Chapter of the International Human Rights Art Festival (IHRAF), she shared with him some facts surrounding her life, art activism and literary career.
WA: YOU ARE THE FOUNDER OF THE WOMEN POETS INTERNATIONAL MOVEMENT, WHAT ACTUALLY LED TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE MOVEMENT?

JU: It was my own personal quest to find talented women writers all over the world that were using words as a healing process. Being confined in bed, years ago, due to illness and using poetry as a means to exorcise pain, I developed curiosity and started to seek for those female writers that were dealing with similar processes and that were sharing their poetry online seeking for an audience, just like me.

First, I created a page on Facebook to share these talented women's work. Then, I started making poetry calls and contests, then we made our first anthology. What was meant to be just a page, became a movement due to the great support of women that joined in Europe and Latin America. Then we reached abroad when we created the Festival Grito de Mujer (Woman Scream Festival), a place where all these women that became part of the movement, could emerge as cultural leaders and coordinators of their own physical poetry events, serving as platform to showcase female talented poetess on their own cities, instead of just one page.


WA: HOW IS THE WOMEN POETS INTERNATIONAL MOVEMENT USING ART AND POETRY TO ADVANCE WOMEN DEVELOPMENT IN THE WORLD?

JU: In 2011, we created the Woman Scream Festival not only as an open door to women poets but also, as an event with a sense of cause and a social mission beyond our own personal interests to become the voice of abused and mistreated women and families destroyed due to domestic violence. We decided to educate and advocate through arts. Instead of just making a poetry reading, we chose to communicate and deliver a message to those in moments of need: Women with low self-esteem, women of talent who didn’t really realize their own inner value. We encouraged them to write, to create, to show themselves, to speak up, as well as helping on their international promotion through our collective projects. We have also incorporated through Woman Scream Festival all genders and all arts, as means to target a bigger audience. In time men and children were incorporated in the cause, making our work more inclusive, reaching all other communities.

We believe only by uniting, we can reach the violence’s free society we seek for, especially the one affecting women, girls and families all over the world. We welcome anyone with any special talent to support the cause in any way they can and to help us spread our message further.


WA: WHAT HAS BEEN THE BIGGEST HIGHLIGHT OF THE WOMEN POETS INTERNATIONAL MOVEMENT?

JU: The Woman Scream Festival (Grito de Mujer) is our pride and joy. Being recognized by the world, awarded internationally and having been able to share our vision with people in around 70 countries, celebrating over 1,000 events worldwide, uniting volunteers and institutions in solidarity with our cause, has been the most amazing achievement we have ever conquered so far. We are coming for more!

WA: TELL US ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND AND EXPERIENCE IN WOMEN ART AND POETRY?

JU: I’ve been writing since I was 10 years old. Motivated by long hours reading the books my father kept on his many bookshelves. I never knew what poetry was all about, until I encountered it at school, then decided to take it seriously before graduating from college. I began getting involved in cultural events a few years after I began creating my projects and ever since, poetry has been the only language I know. I have achieved some poetry awards and recognition for my involvement in human rights advocacy through the projects I’ve developed. There is very little time to create when you get involved so much to help others find their expression, however, poetry has always been my drawing board and so has art.

Having faced a very hard transition to adulthood, poetry saved my life “literally”, shaped the harsh, rebel and dark young girl I was and turned her into a Phoenix. That was exactly the type of experiences and expression I started looking for when I found my movement, getting to know women who were creating due to traumatic experiences and turning them into any form of art. I wasn’t in contact with female arts or poetry before that, I was facing my own personal process of understanding my own poetry and my own artistic expression as a designer, painter and artisan.

The work of women in poetry came later on, after I began to work with the Women Poets International Movement. I met women in arts two years later, after I started Grito de Mujer (Woman Scream Festival). Being a leader and creator of such a movement, gave me the impulse to improve and become a better poet and moreover, a better artist as I encouraged other women to do the same.


WA: WHERE IS ART AND POETRY TODAY IN TERMS OF WOMEN DEVELOPMENT?

JU: There’s so much we have achieved as women in arts and poetry compared to the past! but I certainly believe it's still not enough. The path of women in any stage of society has been literally paved by the blood of those who fought and gave their lives to make these changes happen and I feel women haven’t yet taken full advantage of the enormous space there is, men are still ahead and they are usually the most on any list. Until we reach at least half of the names highlighted not due to a quote but, as fruit of our talents, there will still be a lot we’ll need to do. I admit there is more openness of space for female expression nowadays, thanks to feminist movements such as mine but, the women names reaching an international level of recognition in art, poetry or any other, are still too little to consider. It’s time to change that!

WA: HAS THE SITUATION OF WOMEN CHANGED USING ART?

JU: If you mean by change, that women have achieved anything by expression themselves using art, I must say: YES! We haven’t changed as many laws as we should, we haven’t stopped women violence nor have changed the mind of abusive men but hey! How many sleeping consciences have we awakened? How many women have been saved? How many deaf hears have we unclogged ever since we all began screaming louder? We have made a difference in the world, and I mean all female movement around the globe making pressure to make this change occur. Yes, we have opened our eyes. Yes, we have regained self-esteem, respect and we have moved some important walls and yes, there is much more we can and will achieve if we remain united raising our voices.

WA: IN WHAT WAY IS THE WOMEN POETS INTERNATIONAL MOVEMENT CONTRIBUTING TO THE GROWTH OF WOMEN DEVELOPMENT IN AFRICA?

JU: The same way we have done for women in every country we take our mission: this is an opportunity! We open an international door through collective projects but it’s up to women to cross. Woman Scream is just a platform, it is just the base that seeks to make them strong enough to raise their voices. There are many other resources out there for women to further advance, what happens later and what they do with the support given, it’s up to them.


WA: AS A FOUNDER AND PROMOTER OF WOMAN ART ACTIVISM, WHAT KINDS OF OBSTACLES DO YOU FACE?

JU: A lot. You might think it is monetary, as this cause is only sustained by volunteer’s love but no. It is the tendency to sabotage and the lack of moral support that should not exist in such a beautiful art world. Sadly, many of these obstacles are imposed by women themselves, those we seek to reach. We do this to add a little more to the feminist fight around the world, to open a space in art for women of talent to grown, to be known however, we’ve encountered women sabotage each other sometimes, diminishing their own sisters, who only want to build their own path to shine. How can we grow, seek for equality and change, if we dig a hole for other women to fall as we walk the freedom path?

Sometimes, we find more support in men that are part of our cause and more resistance among our own womankind. It’s sad! That behavior only draws all female movements advances back.

WA: WHAT HAS BEEN THE HALLMARK OF YOUR TENURE AS THE FOUNDER OF THE WOMEN POETS INTERNATIONAL MOVEMENT?

JU: I believe the use of modern technology into the promotion and growth of our project that began in the Dominican Republic and spread all over the world thanks to nowadays tools.


WA: YOU ARE AN EFFECTIVE FEMALE LEADER. WHAT DRIVES YOU?


JU: I believe results speak for themselves. I believe if I had inspired any other woman with my dreams to achieve hers, that makes me an effective leader. There were only 400 women poets in our database when I began the Women Poets International Movement, now there are over 10,000 artists, women and men. We were only 200-300 followers in our Spanish fans page when we began, now there are over 20,000 plus, the thousands of followers in our festival’s pages. Our festival was only “Grito de Mujer” in Spanish in 201 now, it is translated into English, French, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch and others (Woman Scream, Cri de Femme, Grido di Donna, Grito de Mulher, Schrei Der Frau, etc.,).

Not everything is about how much you make but about how much difference you can make with what you do, how many others you can inspire. What are you doing to be the change you wish to see in the world?

WA: WHAT MESSAGE WOULD YOU GIVE TO YOUNGER WOMEN AND GIRLS?

JU: We have had many events throughout the years focusing on young women and girls. They always have been my favorites. As I have been called to share my poetry for girls on poor communities, my message to them has always been the same:

“Study and learn. Do not depend on a man to call you a princess nor to build a castle for you. Build your own castle, be your own queen. Don’t wait for no one to show you you’re valuable, you’re pretty and should know your own worth. We, as women have a harder job in this society, we need to be the example for those who will come after us, may our lives serve as an example of strength and courage, may others see you as the girl who conquers now, the woman she will become.”

WA: AS SOMEONE WHO HAS SUCCESSFULLY COMBINED FAMILY LIFE AND CAREER ADVANCEMENT, WHAT ARE THE KEY LESSONS YOU HAVE LEARNED?


JU: -I have learned that nothing is easy: Even to convince your family that what you’re doing benefits them too it's hard to achieve. I did and do my part to predicate my example of courage and fight in spite of rough times.

-Nothing comes for granted: I have fought hard to conquer everything I have set as a goal for me and still wonder what’s next for me.

-Never stop and never remove your eyes from your goal: No matter how cloudy the sky might seem, stars are there, no matter if you can’t see them.

-Love yourself: Never stop believing.



WA: WHAT DOES THE WORD FEMINIST MEAN TO YOU?

JU: It is just a word. I’m a womanist, I believe in the fight for our rights as women and I believe no word should define who we are but women. Some words are vandalized by the minds of those who seek to put us down, those who think we haven’t earned our place so far. I am a woman, I guess I’m more drawn to that word.


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

JU: Knowing that I’ve achieved most everything I wanted in life and conquered old fears. Being proud of being me!


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

JU: I would have stopped worrying for unimportant things, paying less attention to those who tried to stop me and at that, at some point threatened to stop me from advancing in my goals.

If I have to sacrifice myself to build what I’ve built, like I’ve done all these years, I would have done it again!,



WA: WHO ARE YOUR FAVORITE CULTURAL HEROINES? WHAT APPEALS TO YOU ABOUT THEM?

JU: Any feminine figure that throughout history has conquered a better place for us women, is my favorite heroine. I believe the role in society of all of them has been key to reach the spot in which we are now. It is hard to pick a side!

POLITICIANS ARE NOT KNOWN TO BE OFTEN SWAYED BY ART AND WOMEN HAVE A UNIQUE ROLE AND POWER IN THE ARTS AND HUMAN RIGHTS WORLD – TOM BLOCK, IHRAF FOUNDER

Tom Block is an artist, writer and activist best known for the development and implementation an activist art theory, “Prophetic Activist Art.” His activist work includes the Human Rights Painting Project (www.humanrightspaintingproject.com), Shalom/Salaam Project (www.tomblock.com/11shalom/index.php), Response to Machiavelli Project and Cousins Public Art Project (www. tomblock.com/10cousins/index.php), as well as his Heretical Paintings. He also developed and produced the first ever Amnesty International Human Rights Art Festival (www.humanrightsartfestival.com), an international event that took place April 2010 in Silver Spring, MD. In this Interview with Wole Adedoyin, President, Nigerian Chapter of the International Human Rights Art Festival (IHRAF), he shared with him few facts about his path as an activist artist, and founder of the International Human Rights Art Festival.


WA: YOU ARE THE FOUNDER OF IHRAF, WHAT ACTUALLY LED TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF IHRAF?

TB: We live in a world of strife, and the artist-activist often chooses a path of offering more strife — with oppositionality, righteous anger, creative expressions of disgust and other artistic
means which, while morally just and often factually accurate, do little — in my opinion — to actually change behavior and legislation. I desired to create a forum where the gentle but
powerful forces of beauty and engagement might make inroads into the halls of power. As Lao Tzu said: "There is nothing more soft and yielding than water, but for dissolving the inflexible,
there is nothing more powerful.” We base our work on connecting creative change-makers to decision makers, and expand the circle of “us” who is fighting to make the world a better place.

WA: HOW IS HIRAF USING ART TO ADVANCE HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE WORLD?

TB: The IHRAF uses a variety of strategies to advance the cause of human rights around the world. They are:
• Providing transparency and safety to artists and activists on the front lines of the struggle for human rights. Often, artists-at-risk have said that one thing that can help secure their safety in more repressive situations is a wide audience, and one that helps protect them from government thugs and security forces who might otherwise act with nefarious purpose, if they thought they could act without witness.
• Providing an international forum to artists and activists who might otherwise be overlooked.
• Partnering with government officials, politicians, non-art activists and other NGO’s to create a spirit force, and infiltrate it into the highest echelons of power.
• Support youth voices through a growing series of initiatives to empower these rising leaders as they prepare to become tomorrow’s leaders.
WA: WHAT HAS BEEN THE BIGGEST HIGHLIGHT OF IHRAF?

TB: Working directly with great activists — those who raise their belief in the highest human ideals above their concern for their own safety. The IHRAF has partnered with Omoyele Sowore (Nigeria), Wei Jingsheng (China), Mbizo Chirasha (Zimbabwe), Razack Buwaso Ibrahim (Uganda) and even an American, Reality Winner. As I have noted, words such as human rights, justice, freedom and democracy are sounds that can just as easily be uttered by a Donald Trump, Yoweri Kaguta Tibuhaburwa Museveni (Uganda) and Xi Jinping as Martin Luther King, Jr., Mahatma Gandhi or Nelson Mandela. These words only become real, when one of these great activists is willing to risk their safety to bring them to life.

WA: TELL US ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND AND EXPERIENCE IN HUMAN RIGHTS ART?

TB: I have nearly three decades as an activist artist. I began my work by exploring spiritual thinkers from the three great Abrahamic paths through painting, back in the 1990s. Then, I explored how these ideals might if applied to the real world — that is to say, what happens to people who operate in the social and political worlds with the passion, faith and determination of great mystics. This led me to paint a series of portraits of human rights defenders around the world, working in conjunction with Amnesty International. This body of work became the Human Rights Painting Project. This allowed me to see the power of art to infiltrate and affect the social and political worlds — as I worked with major organizations such as Amnesty International and the AFL-CIO national labor union. I also met many activist artists who had passion, talent and creativity, but not a lot of audience. So I got the idea of founding the International Human Rights Art Festival, to concentrate all of this positive energy working for the common good.

WA: HAS THE SITUATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS CHANGED USING ART?

TB: An article in the New York Times (Why Authoritarians Attack the Arts) noted: “Artists play a distinctive role in challenging authoritarianism. Art creates pathways for subversion, for political understanding and solidarity among coalition builders. Art teaches us that lives other than our own have value...Authoritarian leaders throughout history have intuited this fact and have acted accordingly.” That is to say, a human right might be most visible when it is taken away. As the founding director of the International Human Rights Art Festival, I have worked with numerous people who have had their creativity truncated and their lives threatened due to their art. Zimbabwean poet-in-exile Mbizo Chirasha has moved clandestinely around southern Africa, sometimes actively pursued by the Zimbabwean security apparatus due to his writings. Ugandan poet-in-exile Razack Buwaso Ibrahim watched his editor beaten and arrested, and then fled Uganda to Kenya where he was jailed (his relationship with us helped get him released) and then he moved to Tanzania. Chinese democracy activist Wei Jingsheng spent 18 years in jail due to his creation of the “Democracy Wall” writings, and since his release due to international pressure, has said he will always work with artists, due to the fact that in his darkest hour, they were the only ones standing by him. And we worked on many occasions with Nigerian writer and activist Sowore Omoyele, who was tortured as a college student and has since spent his time fighting for human rights in his home country. Artists lionizing him and his activist work, he assured, helped him rebuild his sense of self after being tortured in Nigeria and watching some of his best friends killed.

I think art moves beyond being a “human right,” to being a central aspect of the human character, the one human act which points to the spirit of every human soul, and not just a believer in this or that political or religious system.

WA: IN WHAT WAY IS IHRAF CONTRIBUTING TO THE GROWTH OF HUMAN RIGHTS IN AFRICA?

TB: We are fortunate to have an expanding footprint in Africa. Not only have we initiated the IHRAF Nigerian Secretariat, but we have supported poets-in-exile Mbizo Chirasha (Zimbabwe) and Razack Buwaso Ibrahim (Uganda). Additionally, we participated in the SOTAMBE International Film and Arts Festival (Kitwe, Zambia, 2019) and have partnered with other groups in Burundi, Tanzania, South Africa and around the continent. We hope to bring the IHRAF to Africa when we are past this Covid pandemic!

WA: AS A FOUNDER AND PROMOTER OF ART IN HUMAN RIGHTS, WHAT KINDS OF OBSTACLES DO YOU FACE?

TB: a large, international human rights/art organization is a tall order. We face the usual structural concerns of person-power, funding and the like. We are fortunate in that — so far — we have met with little or no political or social resistance.

WA: HOW DO YOU DEVELOP RELATIONSHIPS WITH HUMAN RIGHTS GROUPS IN OTHER COUNTRIES?

TB: We have been fortunate in that as our profile grows, we have many groups approach us, from the Lawyers for Human Rights group in Paris to UNESCO-RILA in Glasgow, Scotland. Additionally, as we meet more and more like-minded activist creators, they often introduce us to new potential partners.

WA: WHAT ROLE DO WOMEN PLAY IN IHRAF?

TB: Women have a unique role and power in the arts and human rights world. We have sponsored several “Celebration of Women” live performance events; most of our Board, Staff and Volunteers are women and we highlight the power of women through our IHRAF Publishes literary magazine and other platforms on a regular basis.

WA: IN YOUR OPINION, WHAT ARE THE GREATEST NEEDS OF HUMAN RIGHTS ART?

TB: I think there are two great needs: one is exposure and audience, and the other is access to those in power. Politicians are not known to be often swayed by art, but I think there is a strong possibility to change that, and to use art — through a growing constituency — to change legislation, support marginalized people and create a stronger platform for real social justice.

WA: HOW WOULD YOU BOLSTER HUMAN RIGHTS ART LITERACY?

TB: Through classes, workshops and hands-on engagement. The best way to learn is by doing, and involving school children in activist-art projects would open a new and important world to them, and affect them throughout their lives.

WA: HOW DO YOU PRIORITIZE MULTIPLE PROJECTS WHEN THEY ALL SEEM EQUALLY IMPORTANT?

TB: The IHRAF is very fortunate in that — as the Hasidic Rabbi MIkhail said — I have found that I never needed something until I already had it. For instance, our IHRAF Publishes Literary Magazine is getting very important, and too large for me to handle, so just at this point, we had a wonderful Editor appear, who is taking over and growing that as its own initiative. In the same way, you came to me and suggested beginning the IHRAF Nigerian Secretariat, which is amazing, as Nigeria is the country with our single largest number of Facebook followers! So, as we grow, we are finding that projects attract passionate people at just the right time — and so, we don't have to “prioritize”. We do them all at the same time!

ANCAPS INTERVIEW SERIES

YOUR BOOK COULD BE THE ANSWER TO SOMEONE’S PRAYER – GABRIEL O. UDENSI

Gabriel O. Udensi is the current Abia State Chairman of the Association of Nigerian Christian Authors and Publishers (ANCAPS), He is a published author of several books on Amazon, Okadabooks, Bambooks and Lulu platforms. In this comprehensive interview with Wole Adedoyin, he shared with him some facts surrounding his Christian writing career.


WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START CHRISTIAN WRITING?

I realized that there were so much satanic evangelism, via the channels of literature and the media, corrupting the minds of the people especially youths with ungodly concepts, and the so called New age movement, leading them astray. Therefore, I consideredit a personal call and ministry, to counter such diabolic movement, with the sound doctrines of Christ Jesus, through Christian books, to pull down every strongholds, imaginations, ideologies and knowledge, bringing them to the obedience of Christ Jesus.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WRITING?

Since my secondary school days, however, as a published author, l would rather say three years.

WHEN DID YOU START WRITING?

I embraced writing as a noble profession in the year 2014.

HAVE YOU ALWAYS WANTED TO BE A CHRISTIAN WRITER?

No, but the agony and suffering in the world as a result of perversions of the godly principles, compelled me to answer my call of destiny as a Christian writer, to serve the world with the bread of life and the living water of the Word, to satisfy their hunger, and quench their taste for sound knowledge.

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

When you hear the voice of the Holy Spirit of God, prompting you to write for a specific target audience, harden not your heart; because your book could be the answer to someone’s prayer. Imagine this situation; if Apostle Paul had not obeyed to answer the call of writing, (I always use the word the call, because writing is an office and also a specific ministry), we will be so ignorant of the new creation realties. Therefore, obey, answer the call, and preach the gospel of Christ through the tributaries of literature.

HOW DO YOU HANDLE WRITER’S BLOCK?

I will play some deep spiritual songs, to relax my entire being. And also to access the portal of infinite wisdom, through the only legal door, which is Christ Jesus. In so doing, my thinking faculty will be revitalized, for spontaneous overflow of creative ideas.

HOW MANY CHRISTIAN BOOKS HAVE YOU WRITTEN? WHICH IS YOUR FAVOURITE CHRISTIAN BOOK?

I will say four. It’s very difficult to choose the favourite because each one is unique, and was written for different target audience, however, I will go for “Consider Jesus”, because it is a book that incorporated diverse concepts, which includes: science, mathematics,philosophy, commerce, and literature, in expounding the gospel of Christ, with thought provoking illustrations. The book is very unique, in it’s narrative style and it took me ten years, to draft and thoroughly revise it’s manuscript.

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

I always feel a presence, as if someone is standing by my side, whispering some messages, and deep hidden things, especially on my left ear.

DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE CHRISTIAN CHARACTER THAT YOU HAVE WRITTEN? IF SO, WHO? AND WHAT MAKES THEM SO SPECIAL.

Yeah, her name is Erinma, an orphan, though am yet to publish the manuscript by may/June this year 2021. Her tenacity, and passion to liberate her colleagues at the their work place, is extremely superb. She was initiated into voodoo cult as a teenager, but later in her life,she encountered Christ Jesus through the prayers of herfiancée’s pastor, who conducted a tedious deliverance for her salvation.

WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR INSPIRATION?

From the Spirit of Truth, the omniscient Holy Spirit of Christ. Also from the book of Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and the Epistles of Apostle Paul.

WHERE CAN READERS PURCHASE YOUR CHRISTIAN BOOKS?

Through my Amazon author page:
amazon.com/author/gabrieludensi

At Okadabooks:
https://okadabooks.com/user/gabrieludensi
At Collins bookstore:https://collinsbookstore.com/product/consider-jesus/

Paystack:
https://paystack.shop/bookworld

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

Okadabooks:
https://okadabooks.com/user/gabrieludensi
Amazon author page:
amazon.com/author/gabrieludensi

Paystack link:
https://paystack.shop/bookworld

Collins bookstore:
https://collinsbookstore.com/product/consider-jesus/

HAVE ANY OF YOUR CHRISTIAN BOOKS BEEN MADE INTO CHRISTIAN AUDIOBOOKS? IF SO, WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES IN PRODUCING AN AUDIO BOOK?
None have been made into audiobook, still strategizing to do so soonest.

WHICH OF YOUR CHRISTIAN BOOKS WERE THE MOST ENJOYABLE TO WRITE?

All of them. Writing their manuscripts gave me great joy, and a sense of fulfillment.

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

Awesome! The title of the book is “ConsiderJesus”. It was indeed an adventure of ten years, of gathering, clustering, prewriting, drafting, organizing, editing, and revising the manuscript prior to publishing it. It was anchored by forty days of fasting, and midnight prayers.

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

The clarity of the message, value, and its simplicity in expounding mysteries, to heighten understanding with respect to the target audience.

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

Oh! Extremely difficult to choose, however, I will endorse E.W. Kenyon. Andmy favorite of his book is: “The Hidden Man.” Moreover, the works of Derek Prince, are excellent read.

ON YOUR LATEST CHRISTIAN BOOK, CAN YOU SHARE WITH US SOMETHING ABOUT THE BOOK?

Still a project at work. It’s about a young teenage girl, who was initiated into a witchcraft coven, by the goddess of a River but was delivered from the shackles of darkness into the light of Christ, after her fiancée’s Pastor, conducted a deliverance that nearly took his(Pastor’s) life.

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

Yes, it very paramount that a Christian should always be on guard, by putting on the whole armour of God, in order to be able to ward off the fiery darts of the enemy. The midnight hours are extremely dangerous, and a lot of spiritual transactions takes place in the midnight. Therefore, as a believer, it’s expedient to be spiritually alert, and sensitive to the promptings of the Holy Spirit, to escape from the onslaught and hidden snares of the enemy, during the night hours.

WHAT WAS THE INSPIRATION FOR THE STORY/BOOK?

The quest for deliverance, liberty, and freedom of lawful captives from the hands of the mighty , and wicked captors. Suffice it to say that, the book of Isaiah 49:24-26, inspired the plot and conflict of the book.

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

The love, mercy, andgrace of Christ, is all encompassing, and doesn’t discriminate. It’s available to all, irrespective of our past failures, sins, and ignorance. Whenever anyone embraces the gospel of Christ, he/she will be justified and made righteous, just as if he/she hadn’t sin at all. Moreover, as a believer, it’s pertinent to be vigilant, watchful and prayerful, especially in this last days of trials and tribulations.

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

They will learn spiritual warfare strategies.And understand the nature of the tricks, and evil schemes of the crafty serpent, to be able to discern, and resist them, whenever they comes.

WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE TITLE?

“Erinma, the tragedy and triumph of a super woman”; speaks for itself because it narrates the process of transformation of a formal witch, a voodoo princess from the darkness of sin, to the great light of righteousness, through the liberty granted by Christ Jesus.


HAS A CHRISTIAN BOOK EVER CHANGED YOUR LIFE?

Yeah, “TheHiddenMan”, by E.W. Kenyon, impacted me so much, with the imprints of the New Creation Realities.

WHAT GENRES OF CHRISTIAN BOOK DO YOU LOVE?

All genres, provided the gospel of Christ, is being preached with simplicity, and self explanatory illustrations.

ARE THERE ANY GENRES OF CHRISTIAN BOOK YOU DISLIKE?

No.

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

Andrew Wommack

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

I love both.

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

All genres.

WHAT CHRISTIAN BOOK CAN YOU RECOMMEND TO ME?

The Hidden Man by E.W. Kenyon.

WHEN DID YOU LAST VISIT A LIBRARY?

In the year 2019, because the only library we have in Aba is undergoing some renovation and remedial construction works.

HAVE YOU EVER HAD A CRUSH ON A CHRISTIAN BOOK CHARACTER?

Not yet.

HAS A CHRISTIAN BOOK EVER MADE YOU LAUGH OUT LOUD?

Yeah, my unpublished work, about Erinma. It’s tragi-comedy master piece.

ABOUT GABRIEL O. UDENSI

The author hails from Abia State, from the Bende LGA. He is an apostle of JESUS CHRIST; also an associate Member of the Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB).

He is member of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Abia State Chapter ( currently serving as the Assistant General Secretary), also a member of Aba Book Club, and Aba Poetry Club.

He is an internationally published author of several books, printed by Ukiyoto publishing company, Toronto Canada.

His books such as Consider Jesus, Flashes of Insight and Bible for the Scientists, Mathematicians, Philosophers, Atheists, Gnostics and Christians; are globally distributed on Amazon site and other bookstores. His author page can be accessed via this link:
Amazon.com/author/gabrieludensi

MISSION STATEMENT:

To preach, teach and advance the gospel of JESUS CHRIST to the uttermost parts of the world through the channels of literature, arts, and the media.
© Association of Nigerian Christian Authors and Publishers

ANCAPS INTERVIEW SERIES

YOUR BOOK COULD BE THE ANSWER TO SOMEONE’S PRAYER – GABRIEL O. UDENSI

Gabriel O. Udensi is the current Abia State Chairman of the Association of Nigerian Christian Authors and Publishers (ANCAPS), He is a published author of several books on Amazon, Okadabooks, Bambooks and Lulu platforms. In this comprehensive interview with Wole Adedoyin, he shared with him some facts surrounding his Christian writing career.


WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START CHRISTIAN WRITING?

I realized that there were so much satanic evangelism, via the channels of literature and the media, corrupting the minds of the people especially youths with ungodly concepts, and the so called New age movement, leading them astray. Therefore, I consideredit a personal call and ministry, to counter such diabolic movement, with the sound doctrines of Christ Jesus, through Christian books, to pull down every strongholds, imaginations, ideologies and knowledge, bringing them to the obedience of Christ Jesus.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WRITING?

Since my secondary school days, however, as a published author, l would rather say three years.

WHEN DID YOU START WRITING?

I embraced writing as a noble profession in the year 2014.

HAVE YOU ALWAYS WANTED TO BE A CHRISTIAN WRITER?

No, but the agony and suffering in the world as a result of perversions of the godly principles, compelled me to answer my call of destiny as a Christian writer, to serve the world with the bread of life and the living water of the Word, to satisfy their hunger, and quench their taste for sound knowledge.

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

When you hear the voice of the Holy Spirit of God, prompting you to write for a specific target audience, harden not your heart; because your book could be the answer to someone’s prayer. Imagine this situation; if Apostle Paul had not obeyed to answer the call of writing, (I always use the word the call, because writing is an office and also a specific ministry), we will be so ignorant of the new creation realties. Therefore, obey, answer the call, and preach the gospel of Christ through the tributaries of literature.

HOW DO YOU HANDLE WRITER’S BLOCK?

I will play some deep spiritual songs, to relax my entire being. And also to access the portal of infinite wisdom, through the only legal door, which is Christ Jesus. In so doing, my thinking faculty will be revitalized, for spontaneous overflow of creative ideas.

HOW MANY CHRISTIAN BOOKS HAVE YOU WRITTEN? WHICH IS YOUR FAVOURITE CHRISTIAN BOOK?

I will say four. It’s very difficult to choose the favourite because each one is unique, and was written for different target audience, however, I will go for “Consider Jesus”, because it is a book that incorporated diverse concepts, which includes: science, mathematics,philosophy, commerce, and literature, in expounding the gospel of Christ, with thought provoking illustrations. The book is very unique, in it’s narrative style and it took me ten years, to draft and thoroughly revise it’s manuscript.

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

I always feel a presence, as if someone is standing by my side, whispering some messages, and deep hidden things, especially on my left ear.

DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE CHRISTIAN CHARACTER THAT YOU HAVE WRITTEN? IF SO, WHO? AND WHAT MAKES THEM SO SPECIAL.

Yeah, her name is Erinma, an orphan, though am yet to publish the manuscript by may/June this year 2021. Her tenacity, and passion to liberate her colleagues at the their work place, is extremely superb. She was initiated into voodoo cult as a teenager, but later in her life,she encountered Christ Jesus through the prayers of herfiancée’s pastor, who conducted a tedious deliverance for her salvation.

WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR INSPIRATION?

From the Spirit of Truth, the omniscient Holy Spirit of Christ. Also from the book of Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and the Epistles of Apostle Paul.

WHERE CAN READERS PURCHASE YOUR CHRISTIAN BOOKS?

Through my Amazon author page:
amazon.com/author/gabrieludensi

At Okadabooks:
https://okadabooks.com/user/gabrieludensi
At Collins bookstore:https://collinsbookstore.com/product/consider-jesus/

Paystack:
https://paystack.shop/bookworld

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

Okadabooks:
https://okadabooks.com/user/gabrieludensi
Amazon author page:
amazon.com/author/gabrieludensi

Paystack link:
https://paystack.shop/bookworld

Collins bookstore:
https://collinsbookstore.com/product/consider-jesus/

HAVE ANY OF YOUR CHRISTIAN BOOKS BEEN MADE INTO CHRISTIAN AUDIOBOOKS? IF SO, WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES IN PRODUCING AN AUDIO BOOK?
None have been made into audiobook, still strategizing to do so soonest.

WHICH OF YOUR CHRISTIAN BOOKS WERE THE MOST ENJOYABLE TO WRITE?

All of them. Writing their manuscripts gave me great joy, and a sense of fulfillment.

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

Awesome! The title of the book is “ConsiderJesus”. It was indeed an adventure of ten years, of gathering, clustering, prewriting, drafting, organizing, editing, and revising the manuscript prior to publishing it. It was anchored by forty days of fasting, and midnight prayers.

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

The clarity of the message, value, and its simplicity in expounding mysteries, to heighten understanding with respect to the target audience.

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

Oh! Extremely difficult to choose, however, I will endorse E.W. Kenyon. Andmy favorite of his book is: “The Hidden Man.” Moreover, the works of Derek Prince, are excellent read.

ON YOUR LATEST CHRISTIAN BOOK, CAN YOU SHARE WITH US SOMETHING ABOUT THE BOOK?

Still a project at work. It’s about a young teenage girl, who was initiated into a witchcraft coven, by the goddess of a River but was delivered from the shackles of darkness into the light of Christ, after her fiancée’s Pastor, conducted a deliverance that nearly took his(Pastor’s) life.

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

Yes, it very paramount that a Christian should always be on guard, by putting on the whole armour of God, in order to be able to ward off the fiery darts of the enemy. The midnight hours are extremely dangerous, and a lot of spiritual transactions takes place in the midnight. Therefore, as a believer, it’s expedient to be spiritually alert, and sensitive to the promptings of the Holy Spirit, to escape from the onslaught and hidden snares of the enemy, during the night hours.

WHAT WAS THE INSPIRATION FOR THE STORY/BOOK?

The quest for deliverance, liberty, and freedom of lawful captives from the hands of the mighty , and wicked captors. Suffice it to say that, the book of Isaiah 49:24-26, inspired the plot and conflict of the book.

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

The love, mercy, andgrace of Christ, is all encompassing, and doesn’t discriminate. It’s available to all, irrespective of our past failures, sins, and ignorance. Whenever anyone embraces the gospel of Christ, he/she will be justified and made righteous, just as if he/she hadn’t sin at all. Moreover, as a believer, it’s pertinent to be vigilant, watchful and prayerful, especially in this last days of trials and tribulations.

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

They will learn spiritual warfare strategies.And understand the nature of the tricks, and evil schemes of the crafty serpent, to be able to discern, and resist them, whenever they comes.

WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE TITLE?

“Erinma, the tragedy and triumph of a super woman”; speaks for itself because it narrates the process of transformation of a formal witch, a voodoo princess from the darkness of sin, to the great light of righteousness, through the liberty granted by Christ Jesus.


HAS A CHRISTIAN BOOK EVER CHANGED YOUR LIFE?

Yeah, “TheHiddenMan”, by E.W. Kenyon, impacted me so much, with the imprints of the New Creation Realities.

WHAT GENRES OF CHRISTIAN BOOK DO YOU LOVE?

All genres, provided the gospel of Christ, is being preached with simplicity, and self explanatory illustrations.

ARE THERE ANY GENRES OF CHRISTIAN BOOK YOU DISLIKE?

No.

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

Andrew Wommack

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

I love both.

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

All genres.

WHAT CHRISTIAN BOOK CAN YOU RECOMMEND TO ME?

The Hidden Man by E.W. Kenyon.

WHEN DID YOU LAST VISIT A LIBRARY?

In the year 2019, because the only library we have in Aba is undergoing some renovation and remedial construction works.

HAVE YOU EVER HAD A CRUSH ON A CHRISTIAN BOOK CHARACTER?

Not yet.

HAS A CHRISTIAN BOOK EVER MADE YOU LAUGH OUT LOUD?

Yeah, my unpublished work, about Erinma. It’s tragi-comedy master piece.

ABOUT GABRIEL O. UDENSI

The author hails from Abia State, from the Bende LGA. He is an apostle of JESUS CHRIST; also an associate Member of the Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB).

He is member of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Abia State Chapter ( currently serving as the Assistant General Secretary), also a member of Aba Book Club, and Aba Poetry Club.

He is an internationally published author of several books, printed by Ukiyoto publishing company, Toronto Canada.

His books such as Consider Jesus, Flashes of Insight and Bible for the Scientists, Mathematicians, Philosophers, Atheists, Gnostics and Christians; are globally distributed on Amazon site and other bookstores. His author page can be accessed via this link:
Amazon.com/author/gabrieludensi

MISSION STATEMENT:

To preach, teach and advance the gospel of JESUS CHRIST to the uttermost parts of the world through the channels of literature, arts, and the media.
© Association of Nigerian Christian Authors and Publishers

ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIAN CHRISTIAN AUTHORS AND PUBLISHERS (ANCAPS)
CHRISTIAN AUTHOR OF THE MONTH SERIES – FOR THE MONTH OF JANUARY 2021

CHRISTIAN AUTHOR IN FOCUS - DAVID OYEDEPO

DAVID OYEDEPO

David O. Oyedepo (born September 27, 1954) is a Nigerian preacher, Christian author, businessman, architect and the founder and presiding Bishop of the megachurch Faith Tabernacle in Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria, and Living Faith Church Worldwide, also known as Winners' Chapel International.

The Winners' Chapel International network of churches is located in over 300 cities, in all states of Nigeria, and in several cities in 45 African nations, Dubai, the United Kingdom and the United States. Oyedepo has been seen as one of the pioneers of the Christian charismatic movement in Africa and has been referred to as one of the most powerful preachers in Nigeria. He is the Chancellor of Covenant University and Landmark University. He was named in 2011 by Forbes magazine as being the richest pastor in Nigeria.

Early life

On September 27, 1954, David Olaniyi Oyedepo was born in Osogbo, Nigeria, but is a native of Omu-Aran, Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State. He was raised in a mixed religious family. His father, Ibrahim, was a Muslim healer. His mother, Dorcas, was a member of the Holy Order of the Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church (C&S), a branch of the Aladura movement in Nigeria. He was raised by his grandmother in Osogbo, who introduced him to the virtues of Christian life via early morning prayers which she attended with him. She also taught him the importance of tithing.

Education

Oyedepo studied architecture at the Kwara State Polytechnic Ilorin. He also received a PhD in Human Development from Honolulu University, Hawaii, US.

Career

Oyedepo worked briefly with the Federal Ministry of Housing in Ilorin before resigning to concentrate on missionary work.

Ministry

Oyedepo was "born again" in 1969, through the influence of his teacher, Betty Lasher, who took an interest in him during his high school days.. According to him, he received a mandate from God through an 18-hour vision in May 1981, to liberate the world from all oppression of the devil through the preaching of the word of faith. This is the inaugural vision that led to the founding of the Living Faith Church World Wide (LFCWW), first called Liberation Faith Hour Ministries, in 1981.Two years later, on September 17, 1983, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, ordained David and his wife, Florence Abiola Akano (known as Faith Abiola Oyedepo) to become pastors and officially commissioned the new church. Five years later, Oyedepo was ordained as Bishop.
Living Faith Church (AKA Winners Chapel International) started in Kaduna but moved to Lagos, the former capital of Nigeria in July 1989, to start a new branch of the church after Oyedepo claimed to have received instructions from God to reach out to the people of Lagos.

Oyedepo is the wealthiest preacher in Nigeria with a net worth of over US$150 million. The church owns four private jets and several buildings, including in London and the US. Oyedepo is an author and publisher who has written over 70 titles apart from periodicals. He is the chairman/publisher of Dominion Publishing House (DPH), a publishing arm of the ministry.

DPH has over 4 million prints in circulation to date. Through Oyedepo; Covenant University, Faith Academy and Kingdom Heritage Model Schools have been established to equip the youth for global impact. The construction of a third university named Crown University is already underway, located in Calabar, Cross River, Nigeria.

In 1998, Oyedepo claimed he was instructed by God to build a new base for the Commission to accommodate the increasing number of worshippers. This resulted in Oyedepo's church's acquisition of the initial 530-acre (2.1 km2) facility, known as Canaanland, which serves as the headquarters. It is the home of the 50,000-seat capacity auditorium, the 'Faith Tabernacle', which is reputed to be the largest church auditorium in the world. This was a feat also recorded by the Guinness Book of Records.

Faith Tabernacle was reported as the Worlds' Largest Church Auditorium in December 2005
Construction was completed within 12 months. Reports also claimed that this building was built debt free. This 50,000-seat edifice was dedicated on September 18, 1999, under the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Canaanland is in Ota, Ogun state and is the 5,000-acre (20 km2) estate and campus, that houses The 50,000 seat auditorium, the church secretariat, the church's youth chapel, a primary school called Kingdom heritage model school, a full boarding mission secondary school called Faith Academy, with over 1,500 students and the Covenant University facilities which accommodates over 7,000 students, fully resident in ultra-modern hostel facilities - with fully equipped faculty buildings and numerous staff housing facilities. Canaanland campus also has for-profit establishments operated by the church such as a bakery, a bottled water processing plant, a petrol station, various restaurants and shopping stores, several residential houses that provide for the over 2,000 church employees and guesthouses. Four banks are also present on this Estate, three of which are branches of external commercial banks and one which is a community and micro-finance Bank and operated by the Church. The whole of Canaanland which includes a proposed 15,000 housing estate known as Canaan City had increased to 17,000 acres as at 2012.

The Ministry's biggest annual meeting Shiloh, holds every December in the same Faith Tabernacle and often welcomes thousands of congregants across the world.

Christian ministry

The teachings of Oyedepo have put him in the category of what is commonly called the Word of Faith Movement. He has referred to principal exponents of the Faith Movement such as Kenneth Copeland, Gloria Copeland, the late Kenneth Hagin, E. W. Kenyon, T. L. Osborn, Smith Wigglesworth as well as renowned Nigerian preachers; Enoch Adeboye and the late Benson Idahosa as mentors. As with many of his influences, Oyedepo has been described as a preacher of the prosperity gospel.

Winners Chapel International operates a Bible training programme known as the Word of Faith Bible Institute for members and non-members alike to develop knowledge of Christian principles as well as to develop leaders and future pastors. The institute is run in major branches of the Church.

Oyedepo is the president of David Oyedepo Ministries International (DOMI). DOMI is the umbrella organisation comprising Living Faith Church World Wide (a global network of churches), World Mission Agency (WMA); the global missionary arm of the church's operations, Dominion Publishing House; the publishing arm of the church, Covenant University, and the Social Development Missions projects - made up of hospitals, maternity homes, schools, etc.
Oyedepo has criticised corruption in Africa as a whole and poor leadership in government.

Book publishing

Oyedepo's church also operates its own publishing house, called Dominion Publishing House (DPH), commissioned on December 5, 1992, which has published over 70 Christian, inspirational and motivational books, mini books, magazines and other resources. Some of his authored books include:

• Not By Power Nor By Might
• The Turnaround Power Of The Word
• Understanding The Power Of Faith
• The Breakthrough Power Of Vision
• On Eagle’s Wings
• The Unlimited Power Of Faith
• In Pursuit Of Vision
• Pillars Of Destiny
• Signs & Wonders Today
• Exploits In Ministry
• Winning The War Against Poverty
• Walking In Dominion
• Possessing Your Possession
• The Wisdom That Works
• Exploits Of Faith
• Anointing For Exploits
• Understanding The Power Of Praise
• Walking In Newness Of Life
• Maximise Destiny
• Commanding The Supernatural
• Winning Invisible Battles
• Success Systems
• Understanding Financial Prosperity
• Success Strategies
• Understanding Your Covenant Right
• Miracle Meal
• Exploring the Riches of Redemption
• Anointing For Breakthrough
• Excellency Of Wisdom
• Breaking Financial Hardship
• The Release Of Power
• Walking In The Miraculous
• Satan Get Lost!
• The Winning Wisdom
• Walking In Wisdom
• The Healing Balm
• Manifestations Of The Spirit
• Breaking The Curses Of Life
• Overcoming Forces Of Wickedness
• You Shall Not Be Barren!
• Exploring The Secrets Of Success
• Winning Prayer
• Understanding The Anointing
• Fulfilling Your Days
• Towards Mental Exploits
• Understanding Vision
• Understanding Divine Direction
• The Force Of Freedom
• Born To Win
• The Shower Of Blessing
• Riding On Prophetic Wings
• All You Need To Have All Your needs Met
• Operating In The Supernatural
• Ruling Your World
• The Blood Triumph
• Keys To Divine Health
• Winning Faith
• Conquering Controlling Powers
• Put Your Angels To Work
• Covenant Wealth
• Keys To Answered Prayer
• Miracle Seed
• The Hidden Covenant Of Blessing


Family

In 1982 he married Florence Abiola Akano (now known as Faith). They have four children together (David Jr, Isaac, Love and Joyce). David Oyedepo Jr and Isaac Oyedepo were ordained as Pastors in May 2007 by Kenneth Copeland. David Oyedepo Jr formerly pastored the London Branch of the Church with his wife, Kemi but is now the resident pastor of the Ministry's headquarters church (Faith Tabernacle) while Isaac Oyedepo pastors Winners' Chapel International, Maryland, in the United States of America with his wife Ayomitide. His first daughter Love is married to Stephen Ogah, who also pastors in Winners' Chapel. Joys Priscilla is the last child and second daughter. She got married to Abimbola Abodunrin in 2020.

To become a member of ANCAPS, kindly contact Wole Adedoyin on 08072673852 or woleadedoyin@gmail.com

https://nigerianchristianauthorsofthemonth..com/2021/02/dr-david-oyedepo-christian-author-of.html

YOUNG NIGERIAN WRITERS SET TO PARTNER WITH WOMAN SCREAM INTERNATIONAL POETRY AND ARTS FESTIVAL ON BOOK AND POETRY READINGS

The Society of Young Nigerian Writers has officially partnered with the Woman Scream International Poetry and Arts Festival (Grito de Mujer®).

This was contained in a statement issued by the national President of SYNW, Wole Adedoyin in Ilesha on Wednesday.

The Woman Scream International Poetry and Arts Festival (Grito de Mujer®) from Dominican Republic is a worldwide chain of events celebrated in March, where institutions, poets and artists of different countries volunteer to honor women, sending messages of self-esteem, respect and rising voices against women violence. It includes events for the public such as: Conferences, art exhibits, poetry recitals, concerts, fairs, theater presentations, films, etc.

Woman Scream is celebrated throughout the month of March (from 1st to 31st only). This festival has been celebrated in over 50 countries since 2011, with over 600 successful events coordinated.

In an invitation letter dated January 26, 2021, addressed to the President of the Society of Young Nigerian Writers and signed by Jael Uribe, President MPI and WS hinted that SYNW has been invited to become part of the festival’s volunteers team for next March 2021, and will be coordinating events as part of Woman Scream’s worldwide chain, during the course of the month.

This will be the Second time SYNW will be partnering and participating in this international programme. Year 2016 was the last time the literary body partnered and participated in the project which got some works of its members published on their online Poetry Journal at http://antologiagritodemujer..com/2016/04/poems-woman-scream-2016-nigeria.html and in which book and poetry readings took place in eight ( states of the federation in collaborations with the reading arms of SYNW like the Ibadan Book Club, Osogbo Book Club, Eko Book Club, Abeokuta Book Club and Akure Book Club respectively.

Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW), is an umbrella organisation that was founded to promote creative writing and literary arts among writers based in Nigeria between the ages of 10 and 40. It was founded in 2010 at the former house of the Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka at the University of Ibadan. It was formerly known as the World of Poets and Literary Society.
Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW) is a member of the International Authors Forum (IAF). It has also collaborated with different international organizations like Alliance Francaise (Nigeria), 100 Thousand Poets for Change (USA), Woman Scream International Poetry and Arts Festival (Dominican Republic), Girl Child Creativity (Zimbabwe) and the International Human Rights Art Festival (USA).
In 2019, Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW) was duly acknowledged and mentioned in a book titled “TEEN LIVES AROUND THE WORLD: A GLOBAL ENCYCLOPEDIA (2 VOLUMES)” edited by Karen Wells. The Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW) was described as the only teen writers’ body in Nigeria.
SYNW provides a platform for young writers to meet and collaborate, enhance and hone their writing skills. SYNW also publish, promote and market the works of its members.

IBADAN BOOK CLUB PARTNERS RACE COURSE AMPHITHEATRE TO REVIVE AND PROMOTE READING CULTURE IN OYO STATE
Ibadan Book Club, one of the reading arms of the Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW) has partnered with Race Course, a newly established leisure centre recently cited inside the Lekan Salami Stadium Adamasingba to promote and revive moribund reading culture in Ibadan and Oyo State in general.
This was contained in a statement signed by Wole Adedoyin in Ibadan on Thursday.
The newly established leisure centre was built to accommodate literary podium where writers, artists and book lovers can meet to read, discuss, hone and share educative and informative books. The idea behind this is to make the Centre a book and literary oriented apart from other services rendered at the centre.
Every last Saturdays of every week and month, book lovers, writers, artists will be converging at Race Course to discuss old and latest books, read to an interesting audience, meet the guest writer and reader and also get their works published in the newsletter of the club.
Ibadan 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 Oyo State. Ibadan 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.
Few of the publications published by Ibadan Book Club are: Olubadan Centenary Anthology: A Collection of Essays, Articles, Poems and Artworks on Oba (Dr.) Samuel Odulana, Odugade 1, Voices from Oja Oba Market and lastly Senator Abiola Ajimobi: Memories, Dreams, Reflections of A Mind Always in Motion.
For more information on how to join the book club, kindly visit www.ibadanbookclub. or www.ibadanbookclub..com.

SYNW RELEASES A NEW PUBLICATION IN HONOUR OF LATE PROF JERRY AGADA, FORMER EDUCATION MINISTER
The Society of Young Nigerian Writers, SYNW, is pleased to announce the publication of the most authoritative and most compelling collection of poems, articles, essays and interviews in honor of the legendary Late Prof. Jerry Anthony Agada (May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace).
For a mighty iroko and a household name like Prof. Jerry Agada who lived the most part of his life ensuring a better human society through the propagation and promotion of the Gospel of Literature and the scribal arts, one of the most deserving things any individual, group or organization could do in his fond memory is to seek to immortalize him on printed pages.
This, the SYNW has done in the grandest of styles. One may not find anything else on Agada (posthumously) as compelling as what the SYNW avails one in this definitive and encompassing collection!
With this pioneer publication, the SYNW wishes to reiterate an already known fact, that Prof. Agada poured out his soul on the pages of paper for the human race, and that the human soul is immortal, just as writers.
If writers do not decorate the pages in grand celebration of one of theirs, who then will?
Rhythms in Honour of Prof. Jerry Agada: To download your electronic copy, kindly click on the link below: https://rhythmsinhonourofjerryagada./2021/02/04/rhythms-in-honour-of-prof-jerry-agada/

KHALIL GIBRAN @ 90 POETRY AND ART ANTHOLOGY
CALL FOR ENTRIES: ANTHOLOGY OF POEMS AND ART WORKS IN COMMEMORATION OF 90 YEARS OF KHALIL GIBRAN’S DEATH”.
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES:
THEME(S): LOVE, DEATH AND LIFE – (ARTICLES AND ESSAYS ON KHALIL GIBRAN ARE ALSO WELCOME
1. Only one entry is allowed per entrant (Poem (poet) and Art Work (Artist)).
2. Poets are only allowed to write on any of these three themes, Love, Death and life and submitted artworks also must focus on the mentioned themes
3. Entrants can write on personal experience
4. Entry must be written in English Language
5. Entry should be brief: a maximum of 40 lines for poetry
6. Author’s information -Name, age, gender, location, phone number, school, permission to publish your work in one or two sentences, and a short bio of no more than 40 words should be included in the submission.
7. Entry must be type-written and sent in the body of the mail; NOT AS AN ATTACHMENT. Entries sent as attachment will be automatically disqualified.
8. Entry must be the original work of the entrant. Any indication of plagiarism leads to disqualification and must not be published in any other anthology(ies)
9. All entries should be sent on or before February 28, 2021. Late entries will be disregarded.
10. Entries should be submitted to: khalilgibransocietyng@gmail.com and also copy societyofyoungnigerianwriters@gmail.com
11. The subject of the email should be ‘POETRY AND ART ANTHOLOGY IN HONOUR OF KHALIL GIBRAN @ 90
12. Please note that only works that comply with the submission guidelines will be selected and published.
13. Entries are welcome from all over the world
14. Only well edited entries will be published

BENEFITS:

1. All successful and shortlisted entries will be published in the proposed khalil Gibran @ 90
Poetry and Art Anthology (Electronic) Anthology.
2. Published works will also be uploaded on both the Gibran National Committee’s Website and that of the Society of Young Nigerian Writers.
3. Certificate of participation will be awarded to all entrants.
4. Certificates of excellence will be awarded to only the shortlisted/published entrants.
5. Automatic/free membership and admission into the Khalil Gibran Society for the published entrants.
6. Only published entries will be read at the Khalil Gibran @ 90 National Reading/Art Exhibition Day

For more information, please contact Wole Adedoyin (Khalil Gibran Society) woleadedoyin@gmail.com, Hoda (Gibran National Committee, Lebanon) - hoda@gibrankhalilgibran.org

https://khalilgibransociety..com/2021/01/call-for-entries-khalil-gibran-90.html

KHALIL GIBRAN @ 90:
23 QUESTIONS ABOUT KHALIL GIBRAN YOU WANTED ANSWERED

By Wole Adedoyin

For those hearing or reading about Khalil Gibran for the first time. We were fascinated by the range of questions about Khalil Gibran, we urge you to learn more about Khalil Gibran, his life, times and works. So take a look through the 25 fascinating questions we compiled with answers and see if any of your questions got answered!

1. WHY IS KAHLIL GIBRAN IMPORTANT?

Kahlil Gibran was the key figure in a Romantic movement that transformed Arabic literature in the first half of the twentieth century.

2. WAS THE PROPHET WRITTEN IN ENGLISH OR ARABIC?

The Prophet is a book of 26 prose poetry fables written in English by the Lebanese-American poet and writer Kahlil Gibran. It was originally published in 1923 by Alfred A. Knopf. It is Gibran's best known work.

3. WHAT IS THE MESSAGE OF THE PROPHET BY KAHLIL GIBRAN?

The Prophet provides timeless spiritual wisdom on a range of subjects, including giving, eating and drinking, clothes, buying and selling, crime and punishment, laws, teaching, time, pleasure, religion, death, beauty and friendship. Corresponding to each chapter are evocative drawings by Gibran himself.

4. WHAT NATIONALITY IS KHALIL GIBRAN?

Lebanese

5. WHEN DID KHALIL GIBRAN DIE?

10 April 1931

6. WAS KAHLIL GIBRAN A MYSTIC?

Gibran's undying fame, however, rests as a great poet, thinker and mystic writer. He believed in the essential divinity of human being and the continuity of life. Most of his writings were done originally in Arabic and later translated into English either by himself or by others.

7. WHO INFLUENCED KAHLIL GIBRAN?

William Blake. Symbolists such as Rodin and the English poet and artist William Blake, who was a big influence on Gibran, favoured romance over realism and it was a movement that was already passe in the 1920s as modernists such as TS Eliot and Ezra Pound were gaining popularity.

8. WHAT GENRE IS THE PROPHET BY KAHLIL GIBRAN?

Prose poetry

9. HOW MANY CHAPTERS DOES THE PROPHET HAVE?

Gibran's musings are divided into twenty-eight chapters covering such sprawling topics as love, marriage, children, giving, eating and drinking, work, joy and sorrow, housing, clothes, buying and selling, crime and punishment, laws, freedom, reason and passion, pain, self-knowledge, teaching, friendship, talking, time, ...

10. HOW MANY PAGES IS THE PROPHET?

107

11. WHY IS KHALIL GIBRAN FAMOUS?

Lebanon-born writer and artist Kahlil Gibran became famous for his mystical Arabic and English works, earning fame following the 1923 publication of 'The Prophet. '

12. WHEN WAS THE PROPHET WRITTEN?
1923. Since it was published in 1923, The Prophet has never been out of print. The perennial classic has been translated into more than 50 languages and is a staple on international best-seller lists.

13. WHEN WAS THE PROPHET WIDELY READ IN AMERICA?
1923. Popularity. The Prophet has been translated into more than 100 languages, making it one of the most translated books in history. By 2012, it had sold more than nine million copies in its American edition alone since its original publication in 1923.

14. IS THE PROPHET A RELIGIOUS BOOK?

It is not a religious book, but it is spiritual, and Gibran was clearly a man who embraced the best of Christianity, Judaism and Moslem teachings. His poetic prose is exquisite.

15. WHEN WAS KHALIL GIBRAN BORN?

6 January 1883

16. WHERE WAS GIBRAN BORN?

Bsharri, Lebanon

17. WHERE IS KAHLIL GIBRAN BURIED?

Gibran Museum, Lebanon

18. WHAT DOES KAHLIL GIBRAN SAY ABOUT MARRIAGE?

By way of advice on the secret to a loving and lasting marriage, Gibran offers: Let there be spaces in your togetherness, And let the winds of the heavens dance between you.

19. DOES MUSTAFA DIE IN THE PROPHET?

Mustafa refuses to try to escape, giving his final animated poem, this time on death. His final wish is that his friends to return to the house and rescue all his paintings and writings before the army can destroy them.

20. WHO IS ALMITRA IN THE PROPHET?

Almitra. Almitra is a seeress in the temple of Orphalese. She has been a supporter of Almustafa throughout the twelve years he has spent in her city. It is Almitra who encourages Almustafa to answer the townspeople's questions before he departs and heads back home.

21. IS ORPHALESE A REAL PLACE?

The Prophet comes down from the hill and heads towards the city named Orphalese. Though the city has no real existence, the construction of its name is very significant.

22. WHAT DOES KHALIL GIBRAN SAY ABOUT LOVE?

When love beckons to you, follow him, Though his ways are hard and steep. And when his wings enfold you yield to him, Though the sword hidden among his pinions may wound you.

23. WHERE ACCORDING TO THE PROPHET DOES THE ARCHER SEE THE MARK?

“The Archer sees the mark upon the path of the infinite, and he bends you with his might that his arrows may go swift and far” Here archer refers to

https://khalilgibransociety..com/2021/01/khalil-gibran-90-23-questions-about.html

SYNW AND IHRAF’S ENDSARS NATIONAL POETRY ANTHOLOGY, ‘ENDSARS RHYTHMS’ HAS FINALLY BEEN RELEASED
The Society of Young Nigerian Writers, (SYNW) and the International Human Rights Art Festival (IHRAF) has finally released the highly anticipated poetry anthology tagged ENDSARS RHYTHMS.
ENDSARS RHYTHMS is a product of SYNW and IHRAF’s keenly contested EndSARS National Poetry Competition that took place in the year 2020. SYNW and IHRAF has taken the bold step to publish some of the most outstanding entries received in the collation, selection, recognition and award of very remarkable pieces from deserving participants in the contest.
Literature and arts owe society the duty not just to entertain and educate but also to document the history of the people as well as mirror and x-ray the society. The collaborative efforts of the Society of Young Nigerian Writers, SYNW, and the International Human Rights Arts Festival, IHRAF, to harness the thoughts, feelings and responses of Nigerian artists as well as creative writers and the international writing community on the theme Police Brutality, Assault And Battery by organizing a national poetry contest tagged ‘EndSARS’ National Poetry Competition, 2020 is indeed timely and commendable.
Globally, police are notorious for their corrupt tendencies of bribery, extortion, high handedness, brutality and human rights abuses, sometimes leading to extra judicial killings. The Nigeria Police has not been an exception to this global anomaly. In 2017, a Twitter campaign using the hashtag ‘#ENDSARS’ by Nigerians to demand the disbanding of the Special Anti Robbery Squad, SARS unit of the Nigeria police by the Nigerian government started. In October, 2020, there were renewed calls for the disbandment of SARS generally. This time, the online and social media campaign championed by young Nigerians was followed by widespread protests, marches, demonstrations, online activism and civil disobedience in some cases.
Selecting few entries for award out of more than a hundred beautiful entries from very creative and talented poets across international borders is by no means an easy task. The pain of having to eliminate some fine entries to arrive, even at a Longlist of twenty, let alone a Shortlist, is by far one of the most excruciating and unsung aspects of the job of a judge and editor; especially, a contest whose central theme touches on a global and sensitive aspect of our shared humanity. It is therefore, a huge source of consolation to SYNW and IHRAF for the opportunity to publish additional pieces out of the vast pool of amazing entries received during the call for entries to the EndSARS National Poetry Competition in 2020.
SYNW and IHRAF are happy therefore, for this unique opportunity to make available for your reading pleasure, a significant number of pieces out of the more than a hundred entries we received. It is also hoped that this modest gesture will placate and further console additional number of writers who sent in entries for the competition. We also hope that this compilation provides a rich reading resource and reference material to a variety of readers.
To download your copy, kindly log on to https://ihraf.org/endsars-poetry-competition or https://endsarspoetryanthology./2021/01/20/end-sars-rhythms-poetry-anthology-on-police-brutality-assaults-and-battery-finally-out/

SYNW ESTABLISHES CAMPUS WRITERS BODY, APPOINTS NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
In its effort to promote creative writing and book reading among Nigerian students in tertiary institutions (Universities, Polytechnics and Colleges of Education), the Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW) has established a new platform tagged “Nigerian Society of Campus Writers (NSCW)”. The membership of this newly founded initiative is strictly for students of tertiary institutions. “Nigerian Society of Campus Writers (NSCW)” is similar to the National Association of Campus Journalists (NACJ) but NSCW is strictly for creative writers.
This was contained in a statement made available to newsmen by the President of SYNW, Wole Adedoyin in Ilesha on Sunday.
Currently, SYNW is managing over 30 campus writers’ branches in different Universities, Polytechnics, Monotechnics and Colleges of Education across the country. The Objectives of the newly established initiative are: To create an avenue where campus creative writers can brainstorm, meet and network, to promote creative writing and book reading culture in tertiary institutions, to hone and enhance the creative writing skills of aspiring campus writers, to award, reward and recognize outstanding campus writers, to organize seminars, symposia, fora and conferences at educating and informing aspiring campus writers, to publish and market the works of aspiring campus writers and lastly to hold monthly book reading and meeting
In line with the Constitution of the Nigerian Society of Campus Writers (NSCW), an initiative of the Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW). A Seven man National EXCO Committee has been appointed for the outfit. The appointed committee members are: President - Innocent David Chinaecherem (Federal University of Technology Owerri - FUTO), Vice President - Alabi Matthew Damilare (University of Lagos - UNILAG) , General Secretary - Angelica Chinecherem Uwaezuoke (University of Nigeria, Nsukka - UNN) Assistant Secretary - Sakinat Yusuf (Bayero University - BUK), Finance Secretary - Cynthia Chukwunenye Maduekwe (University of Calabar), Information Secretary - Abdulrazak Denja Balema (Federal University Lokoja FUL), Social/Welfare Secretary - Yusuff Opeere (Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, Moor Plantation), Education Secretary - Chinwendu Chinonyerem Emmanuel (Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education).
The newly appointed executives are to serve for a period of four (4 months) after which an election will be conducted to duly elect new national officers among the Coordinators.
The above EXCOS were appointed due to their past performances and records in their different schools.
The newly appointed national EXCO are charged to create more SYNW Chapters in Nigerian Universities, Polytechnics, Monotechnics and Colleges of Education and to also coordinate their activities and report back to the National Headquarters of the Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW).
https://societyofyoungnigerianwritersblog..com/2021/01/synw-establishes-campus-writers-body.html

WOLE ADEDOYIN GETS INTERNATIONAL APPOINTMENT FROM IHRAF
Wole Adedoyin, President of the Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW) and the current National Publicity Secretary (South) of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) has been appointed as member of the International Human Rights Art Festival “Advisory Council,” For African Literary Projects and Nigerian Outreach Coordinator.

This is coming after three years Adedoyin was appointed by the Gibran National Committee in Beirut, Lebanon as the Coordinator of Gibran Khalil Gibran Society in Nigeria and Africa.

According to a statement made available to newsmen, Adedoyin was appointed by Tom Block, Founder and Executive Director of the International Human Rights Art Festival.

On his part, Adedoyin thanked IHRAF’s Founder/Executive Director, Tom Block for the appointment, pledging to work in accordance with the rules and guidelines of IHRAF and to ensure that the objectives in Africa are achieved.

For more information about Adedoyin’s appointment, kindly visit: https://ihraf.org/staff

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.

Wole Adedoyin is an alumnus of the Study Abroad in Lebanon (SAIL) programme, an initiative of the Wole Soyinka Foundation, Notre Dame University, Louaize and Cedars Institute, Lebanon. He is currently the President of the Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW) and the National Publicity Secretary (South) of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA). Before becoming the National Spokesperson of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Adedoyin had served in different committees set up by various Presidents of the Association. Three of the committees are: National Teen Authorship Scheme (served as National Secretary of the Committee – 2011-2015), Young Writers Mentorship Scheme (also served as National Secretary of the Committee 2016-2019) and lastly Intellectual Property Protection and Advancement Committee (also served as its National Secretary – 2018-2019).
Adedoyin founded the Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW) in 2011. SYNW is an umbrella organization that was founded to promote creative writing and literary arts among writers based in Nigeria between the ages of 10 and 40. It was founded in 2010 at the former house of the Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka at the University of Ibadan. It was formerly known as the World of Poets and Literary Society.

Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW) is a member of the International Authors Forum (IAF). It has also collaborated with different international organizations like Alliance Francaise (Nigeria), 100 Thousand Poets for Change (USA), Woman Scream International Poetry and Arts Festival (Italy) and lately International Human Rights Art Festival (USA).

Adedoyin is the brain behind annual literary events like Fagunwa Day, Read Across Nigeria (RAN), National Week of Remembrance for Departed Writers (NAWRED) and the National Book Awareness Week (NABAWK). In 2011, Adedoyin organized Prof. Remi Raji @ 50 National Poetry Competition. Before serving as ANA National PRO (South), Adedoyin had served as ANA Oyo Auditor (2006-2008) and ANA Oyo PRO (2008-2010). He has published works in various literary reviews, journals and anthologies.
In 2005, Wole Adedoyin was awarded Oyo State Merit Award in Literary Arts by HE Chief Alao Akala (the the Executive Governor of Oyo State. Also in 2006, he was a recipient of Olaudah Equiano Poetry and Prose Prize, Adedoyin won the 2008 edition of ANA/Asiedu Sarpong Prize for Children Poetry and Co-Winner of the Vincent Iguanre Drama Prize.
As a content creator, Wole Adedoyin has written over 1000 articles for both Opera News and Scooper News. In March 2020, Wole Adedoyin won Opera News Hub’s Original Articles of the Week twice and also won Opera News Hub’s Original Long Read Articles of the Month (March).
On the 5th October, 2017, the Gibran National Committee in Beirut, Lebanon appointed Wole Adedoyin as the Coordinator of Gibran Khalil Gibran Society in Nigeria and Africa. Adedoyin is also the brain behind the formation of the Association of Nigerian Christian Authors and Publishers (ANCAPS) known for its annual National Christian Literature Awards.

PAWA CALLS FOR CONTRIBUTIONS TO IT'S BILINGUAL BOOK OF TRIBUTES IN HONOR OF J. J. RAWLINGS
In commemoration of the passing of one of Pan African Writers Associations’ fervent supporters, the former Ghanaian President, J. J. Rawlings, PAWA hereby calls for contributions to it's bilingual Book of Tributes in his honor.
Contributions in form of testimonies, stories, poems, dramatic sketches, and critical essays that will help portray the departed statesman in every shade and color should be written in either French or English and sent to the Editor, Prof Bill Ndi ( a Cameroonian Writer and Teacher at the Tuskegee University, Alabama, USA) via email: wndi@tuskegee.edu and copy, pawahouse@gmail.com.
Deadline for submissions (Maximum of 1000 words) is February 28 2021.

Dr Wale Okediran
PAWA Secretary General

IBADAN BOOK CLUB SET TO LAUNCH POETRY AND ESSAY ANTHOLOGY ON SENATOR ABIOLA AJIMOBI
Ibadan Book Club, the first book reading club in the pace setter state is set to launch its latest book of 151 pages in honour of the immediate past governor of Oyo State, Senator Isiaq Abiola Ajimobi who died early this year.
The book titled “Senator Abiola Ajimobi, Memories, Dreams, Reflections of A Mind Always in Motion” was edited by the duo of Wole Adedoyin and Marcus Ovie Ugboduma both the staunch followers and disciples of the Late Senator Isiaq Abiola Ajimobi.
The publication featured poetic works of over 30 poets including essays, interviews, tributes and articles written by various writers and politicians on the life and works of Senator Abiola Ajimobi. Majority of the write-ups in the book were written by those who came in physical contact with Senator Abiola Ajimobi or those who had read about his good works and fantastic political achievements when he was alive especially while serving as the governor of the Pace-Setter State.
The eight years political administration of Senator Abiola Ajimobi was historically phenomenon as he remains till date the first and only governor to be elected twice in the history of the state.
This anthology therefore, gives a detailed account about his life and times as experienced and written by different authors who submitted their works for the anthology.
According to Adedoyin, a copy of the book has been given to the family of the Late Governor through his Personal Assistant, Hon. Tunji Bolaji.
The book will soon be made available on online bookstores platforms like Amazon, Okadabooks, Obooko etc. immediately the book club received a green light from the family of the Late Governor.
Ibadan Book Club is an initiative of the Society of Young Nigerian Writers. It was established by the literary body in 2012 to contribute its own quota towards the growth and development of Reading Culture in Nigeria. Ibadan 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.

XMAS CELEBRATION: SYNW GREETS CHRISTIANS
Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW) has enjoined Christians to use the occasion of Christmas to renew love and affection to one another.
SYNW in its Christmas message said that love is the essence of the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, whose life epitomizes peace, sacrifice, tolerance and mercy.
SYNW in a Christmas message signed by its President, Wole Adedoyin said “it is hoped that the gift of love and great joy which are the hallmark of Christmas, will envelope our hearts this season and in years to come.
The message further read “As we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ today, there is no conceivable alternative for our Christian brothers and sisters, other than renew their minds towards living the life Jesus Christ lived, while on earth. In the midst of the merriment, we should reflect on the ideals He preached and practiced, which are love, peace and tolerance.
Just as his birth was heralded with joy, we should continually be joyful, despite our challenges, hopeful for a more prosperous nation.”

SYNW finally wished the Christian faithful a merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

OYDA FELICITATES WITH CHRISTIANS, LAUDED MAKINDE OVER ACHIEVEMENTS
Oyo Democratic Alliance (OYDA) has congratulated the Christian community in Oyo State on the celebration of Christmas.
In a statement signed by the Chairman of the group, Wole Adedoyin, said the birth of Jesus Christ signified the love of God for mankind, triumph of good over evil and the victory of light over darkness.
According to the statement, “As the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ also symbolises love and fulfilment of God’s promises, it has become more than ever necessary that, not minding what anyone must have done to us, we must not stop being kind and dedicated to God.
OYDA want to use the occasion of this Christmas to urge all Nigerians irrespective of their denomination and religion to rededicate themselves afresh to the service of the Almighty God.
In the same vein, Oyo Democratic Alliance (OYDA) also commended Governor Seyi Makinde over his achievements in office in less than two years, saying that the Governor is positively projecting the image of the ruling People Democratic Party (PDP) with sterling performance.
OYDA finally urged Christians to use the opportunity of the season to reflect on the reasons for the birth of Christ and keep hope alive.

SYNW TO COMPILE AND PUBLISH POEMS ON PROF. JERRY AGADA
The Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW) has called on young Nigerian poets to submit their poems in the on-going compilation/collation of poems in honour of the recently departed former Education Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and a former President of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Prof. Jerry Agada.
In a press statement issued and signed by SYNW President, Wole Adedoyin described the deceased as a “Mentor and Father to many young writers across the country and energetic, dogged and a committed writer and book promoter who used his political positions to fight for the rights of Nigerian writers.

The collation of the tribute poems will be part of efforts initiated by SYNW to immortalize Prof. Jerry Agada.
Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW), is an umbrella organisation that was founded to promote creative writing and literary arts among writers based in Nigeria between the ages of 10 and 40. It was founded in 2010 at the former house of the Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka at the University of Ibadan. It was formerly known as the World of Poets and Literary Society.
Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW) is a member of the International Authors Forum (IAF). It has also collaborated with different international organizations like Alliance Francaise (Nigeria), 100 Thousand Poets for Change (USA), Woman Scream International Poetry and Arts Festival (Italy) and lately International Human Rights Art Festival (USA).
In 2019, Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW) was duly acknowledged and mentioned in a book titled “TEEN LIVES AROUND THE WORLD: A GLOBAL ENCYCLOPEDIA (2 VOLUMES)” edited by Karen Wells. The Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW) was described as the only teen writers’ body in Nigeria.
SYNW provides a platform for young writers to meet and collaborate, enhance and hone their writing skills. SYNW also publish, promote and market the works of its members.
https://societyofyoungnigerianwritersblog..com/2020/12/synw-to-compile-and-publish-poems-on.html

CALL FOR SUBMISSION: ANTHOLOGY OF POEMS IN HONOUR OF PROF. JERRY AGADA
The society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW) in her bid to immortalize Prof. Jerry Agada invites writers from all over the world to submit poems revolving around his personality and works.
Professor Jerry Agada (born Jerry Anthony Agada on 11 November 1952 was a Nigerian educationist, scholar, author, former Chairman Benue State Civil Service Commission, former President of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), former Vice-Chairman of Fidei Polytechnic, Gboko and former Minister of State for Education of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Prof. Jerry Agada was known for writings with the publication of his first book, The Magic year – poetry in prose and rhymes in 1996 and has since followed that book up with another one in 1998, The Secret Deal, which is a collection of stories, Rage and Tears, Orokam: A Roadmap for Socio-Economic & Political Advancement, Holy Land: Encounters and Symbolism and Web of Convictions and other books.
Prof. Jerry Agada died at the age of 68 at the Federal Medical Centre, FMC Makurdi.
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES:
1. Only one entry is allowed per entrant (Poem).
2. Only works revolving around Prof. Jerry Agada will be accepted.
3. Entry must be written in English Language
4. Entry should be brief: a maximum of 40 lines for poetry
5. Author’s information -Name, age, gender, location, phone number, school, permission to publish your work in one or two sentences, and a short bio of no more than 40 words should be included in the submission.
6. Entry must be type-written and sent in the body of the mail; NOT AS AN ATTACHMENT. Entries sent as attachment will be automatically disqualified.
7. Entry must be the original work of the entrant. Any indication of plagiarism leads to disqualification and must not be published in any other anthology(ies)
8. All entries should be sent on or before January 15, 2021. Late entries will be disregarded.
9. Entries should be submitted to: societyofyoungnigerianwriters@gmail.com and also copy woleadedoyin@gmail.com
10. The subject of the email should be ‘POETRY ANTHOLOGY IN HONOUR OF PROF. JERRY AGADA
Please note that only works that comply with the submission guidelines will be selected and published.
BENEFITS:
1. All successful and shortlisted entries will be published in the proposed Prof. Jerry Agada Poetry (Electronic) Anthology.
2. Certificate of participation will be awarded to all entrants.
3. Certificates of excellence will be awarded to only the shortlisted/published entrants.
4. Automatic/free membership and admission into the Society of Young Nigerian Writers for the published entrants.
https://societyofyoungnigerianwritersblog..com/2020/12/call-for-submission-anthology-of-poems.html

SYNW MOURNS PROF. JERRY AGADA’S DEATH

The President of the Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW), Wole Adedoyin has expressed shock over the death of Prof. Jerry Agada, a renowned educationist and former President of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA).

Adedoyin said in a statement issued by the publicity directorate of the Society that “Nigeria has lost one of its finest citizens who distinguished himself as an accomplished author, educationist and administrator par excellence.”

SYNW described the deceased as a “Mentor and Father to many young writers across the country”.

Prof. Jerry Agada was an energetic, dogged and a committed writer and book promoter who used his political positions to fight for the rights of Nigerian writers. I am particularly pained that we lost an elder statesman and an accomplished author who can be described as the heartbeat of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Adedoyin said.

He added that Benue State had lost one of its most illustrious sons, who served not only the state, but Nigeria meritoriously in various capacities, including as Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

He condoled with Governor Samuel Ortom, the immediate family of the deceased, and his friends and associates.

While urging his family members, colleagues and the entire members of the pen profession to take solace in the fact that Prof. Jerry Agada lived an eventful and impactful lifetime, Adedoyin prayed the Almighty God to forgive his shortcomings and grant him Paradise, as well as give the family the courage and fortitude to bear the great loss.

Adedoyin finally called on Gov. Samuel Ortom of Benue state to immortalize the great author to ensure that he did not die in vain.

Born on 11 November 1952 at Orokam in Ogbadibo Local Government Area of Benue State, Jerry Agada started his educational journey at Joseph's Primary School, Orokam, Benue State from 1959 to 1965 and to St. Francis Secondary School, Otukpo Benue State between 1966 and 1970. He proceeded to Kaduna Polytechnic, C.A.B.S Kaduna State in 1971 and after graduating from there in 1973 he attended the National Technical Teachers College, Yaba, Lagos State between 1973 and 1974 for the Technical Teacher's Certificate in Commerce. He was also at the University of Exeter (MARJONS), Plymouth, United Kingdom between 1979 and 1981 where he obtained a Bachelor of Education (English). He also grabbed a Master of Commerce in Marketing from the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, Scotland in 1984 and a Doctor of Philosophy in Public Sector Management from the Post Graduate School, Staton University, Tampa, Florida, United States in 2003. He was also at the University of Birmingham, School of Public Policy in October 2003 for the Certificate in Management Contracting & Partnership for Service Delivery.
He started his career in 1974 as classroom teacher in charge of Business Education subjects in Government College, Keffi. He was there until 1977 when he relocated to Government College, Makurdi in 1977 following the creation of Benue State[citation needed]. He served as Commissionaire with the Nigerian High Commission, London between 1982 and 1983. Upon his return to Nigeria, he was posted to Army Day Secondary School, Abakpa, Enugu for the National Youth Service Corps. He returned to Government College, Makurdi in 1985 as Head, Business Studies. By 1987, he had become Vice Principal (Administration) of the college. He also acted as the Principal of the College between 1987 and 1988 when he was formally appointed Principal of the College. He was in that position until 1992 when he was elevated to the position of Guidance Counselor and Principal Special Grade at the Headquarters of the Benue State Teaching Service Board. He was transferred to Government College, Utonkon in 1993 as Principal Special Grade. He held that position until 1996 when he was appointed the Executive Secretary, Benue State Examinations Board.

By 1999, Jerry Anthony Agada was again elevated to the position of Permanent Secretary, Benue State Ministry of Information, Youth, Sports and Culture. He also served in the same capacity in the Ministry of Education, Benue State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and the Benue State Bureau of Political Affairs. Upon his retirement from the Civil Service of Benue State, he joined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and sought election to the office of the Governor of Benue State. He lost the bid however, he later emerged as the Minister of State for Education, Federal Republic of Nigeria in July 2007. He left the Ministerial position in October 2008 but by March 2009, he was appointed as the chairman, Governing Board of the National Commission for Colleges of Education, (NCCE) Abuja.

In 2013, the European American University, Commonwealth of Dominica now an affiliate of the Western Orthodox University, appointed him as a Visiting Professor in Education. He has also been the chairman, Advisory Board, Presidential Schools Debate, Nigeria since 2013, Vice-Chairman, Advisory Board of the Nigeria Prize for Literature of the Nigeria LNG NLNG since 2009 and chairman, Governing Council, Eastern Polytechnic, Port Harcourt since August 2015. In 2016 he was appointed Member Governing Council, Fidei Polytechnic Gboko, Benue State. In November 2016, he was appointed Chairman of the Benue State Civil Service Commission.

Jerry Anthony Agada was a Fellow, British Society of Commerce, Member, Institute of Marketing and Member, Nigeria Association of Business Educators, Member, Nigeria Association of Educational Administration and Planning. He is also a Fellow, Association of Nigerian Authors, Member, Nigeria Institute of Management and Member, Institute of Industrialist and Corporate Administration. In February 2012, he was selected as one of fifty men of integrity in Nigeria by the editorial board of the Guardian Newspaper of Nigeria. On 17 August 2017, he was honoured with the title of Africa's Patriotic Personality of the Year by the African Students Union Parliament, (ASUP).

Jerry Anthony Agada has held several other positions in government and associations. He was the Chairman of the Benue State Petroleum Monitoring Committee between 1999 and 2000 and Member of the Benue State Reform Team between 2001 and 2006. He was also the Secretary General, National Orokam-Aroji Summit from 1992 to 1999 and chairman of the boardof Zion Micro-Finance Bank, Makurdi between 2006 and 2008. He is a past National President of the Association of Nigerian Authors, (ANA) and patron of its branch in Benue State. In November 2015, his Orokam Community in Ogbadibo LGA, honoured him with the Chieftaincy title of the Oyalobu 1 of Orokam – meaning "The Pacesetter'’ within the Community. He was also conferred with the title of "Omachi Onu Egume of Egume by the Igala Area Traditional council in 2008.

Selected books
• The Secret Deal and Other Stories (1998)
• Rage and Tears (2002)
• The Soothsayer (2003)
• The Secret Deal (2003)
• The Honourable Chairman (2003)
• The Magic Year: (a Poetry in Prose and Rhymes)
• The Successors (2007)
https://societyofyoungnigerianwritersblog..com/2020/12/synw-mourns-prof-jerry-agadas-death.html

PROFILE OF WOLE ADEDOYIN

Wole Adedoyin is a literary activist with a wealth of experience in the field of creative writing and literary arts. He is an alumnus of the Study Abroad in Lebanon (SAIL) program, a collaborative initiative between the Wole Soyinka Foundation, Notre Dame University, Louaize, and Cedars Institute, Lebanon.

Currently, Adedoyin serves as the President of the Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW), an umbrella organization that promotes literary creativity among writers in Nigeria between the ages of 10 and 40. Established in 2010 at the former house of Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka at the University of Ibadan, the organization was formerly known as the World of Poets and Literary Society. SYNW is a member of the International Authors Forum (IAF) and has collaborated with various international organizations such as Alliance Francaise (Nigeria), 100 Thousand Poets for Change (USA), Woman Scream International Poetry and Arts Festival (Italy), and the International Human Rights Art Festival (USA).

Before becoming the National Publicity Secretary (South) of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Adedoyin had served in various committees established by different Presidents of the Association. He served as the National Secretary of the National Teen Authorship Scheme committee from 2011 to 2015, the Young Writers Mentorship Scheme committee from 2016 to 2019, and the Intellectual Property Protection and Advancement Committee from 2018 to 2019.

Adedoyin is renowned for his literary events, including Fagunwa Day, Read Across Nigeria (RAN), National Week of Remembrance for Departed Writers (NAWRED), and the National Book Awareness Week (NABAWK). He organized the Prof. Remi Raji @ 50 National Poetry Competition in 2011 and has published works in various literary reviews, journals, and anthologies.

Adedoyin is also a content creator with over 1000 articles published on Opera News and Scooper News. He won the Opera News Hub’s Original Articles of the Week twice in March 2020 and the Original Long Read Articles of the Month award in the same month. In 2005, Adedoyin received the Oyo State Merit Award in Literary Arts from HE Chief Alao Akala, the then Executive Governor of Oyo State. He also won the Olaudah Equiano Poetry and Prose Prize in 2006, the ANA/Asiedu Sarpong Prize for Children Poetry in 2008, and the Vincent Iguanre Drama Prize.

Adedoyin is the Coordinator of the Gibran Khalil Gibran Society in Nigeria and Africa, appointed by the Gibran National Committee in Beirut, Lebanon, on October 5th, 2017. He is also the founder of the Association of Nigerian Christian Authors and Publishers (ANCAPS), known for its annual National Christian Literature Awards. Adedoyin is a member of ANA Osun.

Wole Adedoyin has had a varied political career, starting in 2004 as National Coordinator of the Good Governance Club and later the Conference of Young Nigerian Democrats. In 2009, he was appointed Ibadan North Chairman of the Progressive Action Congress (PAC) and later became State Publicity Secretary of the same party. In 2010, Adedoyin switched to the African Renaissance Party (ARP) as State Secretary before moving on to the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) and becoming State Secretary/Publicity Secretary. He was involved in the Coalition for a New Nigeria (CNN) in 2011, serving as the pioneer Secretary in Oyo State. He then became Oyo State Secretary of the Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) after the phase-out of the CNN. In the same year, he was appointed Chairman of the Peoples Mandate Party (PMP) in Oyo State.

After the PMP was deregistered, Adedoyin was appointed Organizing Secretary of an award ceremony organized by the Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) in honor of former Governor of Oyo State, HE Senator Isiaq Abiola Ajimobi. In 2013, he moved to the United Progressive Party (UPP) and became the foundation State Secretary of the party in Oyo State. Later that year, he joined the African Peoples Alliance party (APA) and emerged as the pioneer Oyo State Secretary of the Interparty Advisory Council (Oyo-IPAC) in 2014.

In 2015, Adedoyin represented APA at the National Interparty Youth Dialogues and served as Osun State Chairman of the Hope Democratic Party (HDP). He was also a member of the Alliance of Collaborating Political Parties (ACPP) and served as Chairman of the Osun State Coalition of Progressive Political Parties (Osun COP3) and the Association of Progressive Political Parties, Osun State Chapter (Osun APPPS). In 2019, he was contracted by the former National President of the Interparty Advisory Council (IPAC), Chief Peter Ameh, to edit and publish the newly conceived electronic IPAC Monthly newsletter, "IPAC News."

Adedoyin also created the "IPAC Watchdog" platform to connect all the National Chairmen of the 91 registered political parties with their States Chairmen. This platform allowed them to share the latest news related to INEC, IPAC, Elections, Security, National Affairs, and more. He also added powerful people ranging from Commissioners of Police, Director of Civil Defense, INEC RECS, and others. He later created another similar platform, "National Focus," which focused only on national issues affecting the country.

Adedoyin, a prominent figure in Nigerian politics, made a bid for the Governorship candidacy of the Hope Democratic Party (HDP) in 2018. This placed him in the company of other popular candidates, including Senator Iyiola Omisore, Gov. Gboyega Oyetola, and former Osun State SSG, Hon. Moshood Adeoti. Adedoyin was quoted as saying that he believed the HDP was a unique political party.

Adedoyin has also been an attendee of the Emerging Political and Economic Leaders Summit in Abuja. This one-day event was organized in 2017 by the Emerging Political and Economic Leaders Summit, in conjunction with the Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership and the office of the Special Adviser to the President on Political Affairs. Adedoyin returned to the summit in 2018 for its second edition, which was organized by the same group in conjunction with the Harvard University Institute of Politics and the office of the Special Adviser to the President on Political Affairs.

In 2007, Wole Adedoyin established the Society for Microsoft Practitioners (SFMP) with the goal of providing free computer operations training to over 5000 primary school students and teachers under the ICT for Community Development project. The project was carried out in partnership with SUBEB and Education Secretaries in Ibadan North Local Government, Ibadan North West Local Government, and Ibadan North East Local Government. More information about the project can be found at https://ictenlightenmentseries./2014/08/14/ict-for-community-development-project-society-for-microsoft-practitioners-working-documents/. Numerous schools, including United Brothers (Inalende), UNA Mission School (Inalende), The Apostolic Primary School (Agala), St. Michael Primary School (School 1-6), St. Stephen’s Primary School, Chief Agbaje Primary School 1-5, Salvation Army School (Yemetu), St. Paul Primary School (Yemetu), New Eden C&S, St. John Primary School, and Baptist Primary School 1-5, benefited from the project. The project was subsequently nominated for the 2017 World Summit Information Society (WSIS) Prizes, which were established by the United Nations to evaluate projects and initiatives that leverage information and communication technologies (ICTs) to promote sustainable development. Further details can be found at https://www.itu.int/net4/wsis/stocktaking/Prizes/2019/Nominated?jts=32V3Z4&page=2#start.

In 2016, the ICT for Community Development project was also nominated for the GEM-TECH Awards, which recognize individuals and organizations that promote women's participation and involvement in the technology sector. Adedoyin, who is the founder of the project, is also an official organizer of Girls in ICT Day in Nigeria. Girls in ICT Day is an international initiative that encourages girls and young women to consider careers in ICTs. Adedoyin organized the event for secondary school girls in Nigeria in 2016, 2017 and 2019. 2016 - https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-D/Digital-Inclusion/Women-and-Girls/Girls-in-ICT-Portal/Pages/events/2016/Africa/Nigeria-2016-5.aspx, 2017 - https://www.itu.int/net4/ITU-D/GICT/2017-2019/display.asp?ID=191, and 2019 - https://www.itu.int/net4/ITU-D/GICT/2017-2019/display.asp?ID=1145. These events provided a platform for young girls to learn about ICT and interact with successful women in the tech industry.

In 2019, Adedoyin expanded his efforts by bringing CBT (computer-based testing) to over 30 public secondary schools in Oyo and Lagos States. The project was also nominated for the 2020 Equals Awards, which recognize organizations and individuals who promote gender equality in the technology industry. Adedoyin played a key role in establishing the Nigerian Content Consultative Forum ICT (NCCF-ICT) and the Association for Information and Communication Technology on Local Content (ICT LOCA), and he is a member of ICTLOCA with the membership registration of 0098/2017. Finally, Adedoyin is the President of the Computer Guild of Nigeria and the National Coordinator of the Information Technology Writers Association of Nigeria (ITWAN).

ANAMBRA YOUNG WRITERS CONDEMN PLANNED COUNTER NATIONAL CONVENTION OF ANA AS OPPROBRIOUS AND INSULTING TO ACHEBE'S PERSONALITY


We the Society of Young Nigerian Writers (Anambra State Chapter), organizers of Chinua Achebe Literary Festival and Memorial Lecture wish to condemn in its entirety the planned hosting of a counter national convention in Awka, Anambra State, this week by a splinter group what broke away from the main body of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) which held its 39th International Convention in Ilorin, Kwara State last weekend.

As curators of the Chinua Achebe Literary Festival and Memorial Lecture and Publishers of Chinua Achebe Poetry/Essay Anthology since the last five years, we are fully aware of the central role Achebe played in the formation of the Association of Nigerian Authors. We are also intensely aware that until his demise seven years ago, Achebe regarded ANA as one his most enduring legacies.

It is therefore embarrassing to us that one week after the duly recognized ANA had held its 39th Convention in Ilorin, a dubious and spurious splinter group led by a northern power-thirsty writer whose entire writing career has been sustained by relentless vitriol and vicious attacks on Chinua Achebe is leading a large team of literary herdsmen to Awka this week to mock the great Achebe in his own grave in the guise of a Convention. Tufiakwa! This is one disgrace that will make Nna anyi Achebe turn in his grave.

While we recognize the right of Maiwada and his herdsmen to a peaceful gathering, we urge well meaning Nigerians to advise them to seek for another location for their ill-conceived convention because their plan is a slap on the humanist values and moral ethos that Chinua Achebe espoused profusely in his books.

We also call on the Government of Anambra State to take note of the planned invasion and illegal gathering and take precautionary steps to forestall unforeseen developments.

Chinua Achebe deserves our collective respect, if not anywhere, then at least in his home state.

Signed

Izunna Okafor

Coordinator, Society of Young Nigerian Writers, Anambra State Chapter.

END SARS NATIONAL POETRY COMPETITION SHORTLIST ANNOUNCED
The Organizers of the END SARS National Poetry Competition have announced the shortlist of top and outstanding entries for the just concluded national poetry competition aimed at combating and campaigning against Police Brutality, Assault and Battery.
The shortlist was selected from the 20 longlisted entries.

The winner of the END SARS National Poetry Competition will be announced on the 29th of November, 2020. He will get the prize of $100, second prize amounts $75, and third $50.

The final judging/selection of winners will be done by Tom Block, the founding producer of the International Human Rights Art Festival.
Tom is a playwright, author of five books and 20+ year visual artist. His plays have been developed and produced at such venues as the Ensemble Studio Theater, HERE, Dixon Place, Theater for the New City, IRT Theater, Theater at the 14th Street Y, Theater Row, A.R.T.-NY and many others. He was the founding producer of the International Human Rights Art Festival (2017), the Amnesty International Human Rights Art Festival (2010) and a Research Fellow at DePaul University (2010). He has exhibited his artwork and spoken about his ideas throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, Turkey and the Middle East. www.tomblock.com
Find below the complete shortlist:
Nwokeabia, Ifeanyi John – HOW OUR LIGHTS WERE PUT OFF
Olude Peter Sunday – ENDSARS, LAW MAKERS OR LAW BREAKERS
Etumnu Ugochukwu Bright – OUR MOTHERLAND WEPT!
Chukwu Sunday Abel – SPLIT GREEN FLAG
Godstime Nwaeze – BERMUDA TRIANGLE
Frank Kaliati – STATE ARMED ROBBERS SQUAD (SARS)
Sunday Afolayan – PLAGUED BY THE ANGER OF HUNGER
Mark Dave – CHEEPING EAGLE
Agada Patience Anthony – JOURNEY TO HOPE
Obiwuru Chidera Rex – THE TOLL GATE OF DEATH
END SARS National Poetry Competition is a joint effort between the Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW) and the International Human Rights Art Festival (IHRAF), USA aimed at combating and campaigning against Police Brutality, Assault and Battery.