₦airaland Forum

WHY WE FORMED SYNW –ADEDOYIN
February 8, 2020 Editorial III Arts & Books 0

Wole Adedoyin is currently the president of the Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW) and the immediate past National Publicity Secretary (South) of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA). In this interview with AWAAL GATA, he discusses his literary journeys and why SYNW was created.
HOW DID YOU BECOME A WRITER?
My becoming a writer wasn’t accidental. I started writing during my secondary school days. Back at Holy Trinity Grammar School, Old Ife road then, I was appointed as Library Prefect. My favourite subject then was Literature-in-English and I was the Captain of the subject from SS1 to SS3. I represented my school in many literary outfits and events. It was purposely because of my performance in Literature-in-English and my good reading habit that got me appointed as the Library Prefect. A former ANA President, Prof. Remi Raji, is also an alumnus of the school. My Literature-in-English teachers then in persons of Mr. Oduola and Mr. Raji were fantastic teachers. They developed my interest. When I was to choose between Geography and Literature-in-English in SS1, my father supported my choice of Literature-in-English. My late father, Prof. Albert Aderemi Adedoyin, despite being a Professor of Business Studies, decorated our house with literary books like David Copperfield, Oliver Twist, Complete Works of Shakespeare, She Stoops to Conquer, Violence, Things Fall Apart, Mission to Kala, The five Late D.O. Fagunwa’s Ireke Onibudo, Igbo Olodumare, Adiitu Olodumare, Irinkerindo Ninu Igbo Elegbeje, and Ogboju Ode Ninu Igbo Irumale, Alawiye to mention but few. In 2015 when Mrs. Sijuwola (Nee Fagunwa) the first daughter of Late D.O. Fagunwa asked me the first time I came in contact with her dad’s books. I told her that was when I was in Primary 6. My late father then mandated me to be reading Fagunwa’s Ireke Onibudo, a chapter a day. I continued doing this from JSS 1 to SS 3. He always accessed, read with me and tutored me pronunciations of difficult Yoruba words. There are big Yoruba grammars in all D.O Fagunwa’s books. This love of Fagunwa and his books which my father developed in me made me start SYNW’s annual Yoruba literary event which I tagged “Fagunwa Day”. During every Fagunwa day event, we celebrate Fagunwa’s life, works, Yoruba Literature, Culture and tradition. It was the programme which made me close to D.O. Fagunwa’s children, Chief (Mrs.) Sijuwola, Ms. Diwura Fagunwa and my great uncle, the current heir of D.O Fagunwa, Uncle Diipo Fagunwa. The three of them had attended the annual literary festival instituted in honour of their late father and also supported the initiative financially through D.O. Fagunwa Foundation which they founded to promote the literary legacy and works of their late father. Till date, D.O. Fagunwa’s five books are like bible to me.
Educare Trust also played a very vital role in my literary career. I joined the Centre in 2003 through my brother, Deacon Tolulope Adedoyin. To us, Educare Trust is not just a co-educational center but like a University of Knowledge. It was through the Centre I got to know great literary figures like Tony Marinho (one of the founders of Educare Trust, it was where I sharpened my ICT Skills and he also nominated me as the Coordinator of Olaudah Equiano Poetry and Prose Club), Dr. Wale Okediran (is the current Treasurer of the Centre, who also nominated me for Wole Soyinka Foundation’s Study Abroad in Lebanon –SAIL in 2017), Prof. Remi Raji (a former Chairman of ANA Oyo and former National President of ANA who later nominated me as National Secretary of the National Teen Authorship Scheme of ANA in 2012)Mallam Denja Abdullahi (who also nominated me as National Secretary of Young Writers Mentorship Scheme and who eventually supported my emergence as ANA National Publicity Secretary (South), Mr. Anthony Ebika (my mentor and master, whose during his tenure as ANA Oyo Chairman gave me sense of belonging. He taught me the art of poetry and literary organization. He also nominated me for the 2008 Oyo State Merit Award in Literary Arts powered by Oyo State Government during the political administration of His Excellency, Otunba Alao Akala and lastly, Dr. Remi Adedokun (former HOD of Theatre Arts at the University of Ibadan, who donated Amphiteatre (former House of Prof. Wole Soyinka while in U.I) free of charge for holding our workshops, readings and meetings).It was in Educare Trust I joined ANA in 2005 and from 2006-2010 I was elected Oyo ANA Auditor and PRO under the leadership of Mr. Akin Bello. In Educare Trust, I met all these great people. They all contributed meaningfully to my educational and literary career in one way or the other. And I do always pray for them and their children every day. God will also make good ways for them and their children.
WHAT HAVE YOU SO FAR ACHIEVED AS A WRITER AND WHAT DO YOU WANT TO ACHIEVE IN THE FUTURE?
Being alive is an achievement and I always thank God every day for it. I am hardly known as a writer but as a literary organiser. Though I’ve published two collections of poems and a drama book, all for children. I also have some of my works published in anthologies, literary journals and magazines, online platforms both within and outside Nigeria. I haven’t achieved anything but God has given me the grace to make impact in the lives of teen writers and few young writers. The success of those I groomed and mentored are my achievements. I have mentored over hundred secondary school students through our annual Fagunwa Day literary event under the platform of the Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW). And of course honing of young writers skills through our quarterly creative writing workshops and our electronic anthologies (almost 12 of them, they are on www.obooko.com) which I started in 2013.
My achievement will be to make more impacts, hone more young writers’ skills by organizing more educative and informative literary workshops and groom more teen writers. As for me, I’ve not achieved anything and I’m not competing with anybody in terms of achievements or success.
WHO ARE YOUR LITERARY ROLE MODELS?
My role models are the six people I had earlier mentioned above: Dr. Tony Marinho, Dr. Wale Okediran, Prof. Remi Raji, MallamD enjaAbdulahi, Ebika Anthony and Dr. Remi Adedokun. To me role models are those who make things happen, who devoted their selfless time, resources, energy and wherewithal to bridge a gap which some people are unable to fill. They are people who have contributed enormously to impact lives and ensure development. They are change agents in their different fields. Practically, I have passed through all of them, they have impacted my life in one way or another, they have shown me the direction of where I fear to trudge. Prof. Remi Raji @ 50 National Poetry Competition. It was the competition which gave SYNW a national image. Mallam Denja Abdulahi is a poet, playwright and literary administrator. During my two years apprenticeship as ANA National PRO (South) under his ANA Presidency, I learnt a lot about literary administration, in fact advanced literary administration. Ebika Anthony is a poet and puppeteer. He taught me how to write poems and the foundation of literary administration.
WHAT IS THE IDEA BEHIND YOUR FORMULATION OF SYWN?
SYNW is a dream from God. It is the only teen/young writers oriented literary association from Nigeria in the newly published Teen Lives Around the World, which is a global encyclopedia (Volume II) edited by Karen Welle published in November last year. SYNW was mentioned on page 332. A Philippines school is currently using two of our E-Poetry anthologies for studies. We have members across the 36 states of the federation and coordinators in over 30 states across the six geo political zones of the country. The current national Secretary is Izunna Okafor, an award winning author and journalist from Anambra. He is also the coordinator of SYNW Anambra chapter. We also have other national executive members as stipulated in the constitution. Like I pointed out earlier, the first literary event which threw SYNW into limelight was Prof. Remi Raji at 50 National Poetry Competition. Over 300 entries were received from within and outside the country; I could remember that newspapers like Tribune, Sun, Vanguard and other national dailies beaming their searchlight on it. Many young writers who now have their own different literary outfits participated in that competition. Prof. ObododimaOha and Ms. TiwatopeFakayode judged the submitted entries. Another of our project is the Paperless Book Project or Mobile Library Project. It was initiated in 2014. The idea is to encourage reading of books via phones, computers etc. We have books both literary and textbooks stocked in PDF, Kindle, TXT, DOC and other electronic formats. This project was formerly known as 2000 e-books per school project. Over 100 schools in Osun, Oyo and Lagos have benefited from the project.
Also, worthy of note is our Chinua Achebe Annual Literary Festival conceived and initiated by Mr. Izunna Okafor, SYNW National Secretary and the Anambra State Coordinator. Now in its fourth year. The idea behind the project is to promote Chinua Achebe’s life and works. Also to promote his literary ideology and legacy. The Chinua Achebe Annual Literary Festival is gradually becoming a national programme, this is because Mr. Izunna Okafor’s (initiator) zeal and dedication. Read Across Nigeria (RAN) is another of our initiative which was started in 2016 with Dr. Wale Okediran as our celebrant. Readings took place in 26 states of the federation. The event was also given a wider coverage. Dr. Wale Okediran’s financial assistance and personality assisted the project. 2016 was indeed a national reading day. In 2017, we featured another celebrant, a female writer from the North, in person of Hajiya Hafsat Abdulwaheed. In 2017 we started National Week of Remembrance for Departed Writers (NAWRED), an internet based literary project aimed at honouring, immortalizing and remembering dead writers. In 2017 we featured 100 outstanding departed writers. While a month ago we exhibited 130 departed Nigerian writers celebrating their lives, works and legacies. Our newly introduced project which will start by the grace of God in March is the National Book Awareness Week (NABAWK), also an internet based literary project aim at promoting Nigerian and African books (literary). NABAWK will be showcasing old Nigerian books which people have forgotten, refreshing and bringing back their memories of such books.
https://www.blueprint.ng/why-we-formed-synw-adedoyin/

LIFE IS DIVERSE AND ONE GENRE OF LITERATURE CAN'T CAPTURE IT ENOUGH - INTERVIEW WITH OKEKE AKUDO NKEMJIKA CHRISTIEN – A.K.A - KEMJY XTIEN

#YOUNG WRITERS’ INTERVIEW SERIES# - SYNW 001

Nkemjika is an English Language graduate from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. She has attended the Fidelity Bank Creative Writing Workshop, the Garden City Literary Festival Workshop and the Ebedi Writers Residency. She is the author of Amazon bestseller, Beyond Dialogismos. Her poem, Addiction's Affliction, translated into a movie flick was nominated for an award at the Eko International Film Festival. She has been nominated for poetry writer of the year by the Nigerian Writers Award crew. She organizes creative writing workshops for young people in secondary schools and is the anchor of the Words, Twists and Influence word competition which holds every Saturday on Facebook.

SYNW - Why do you write?

KEMJY - Two reasons: to make my world better through words AND to be a better person by unleashing and refilling myself.

SYNW - Which novelists do you admire?

KEMJY - China Achebe

SYNW - Describe the route to your first novel being published…

KEMJY - I had a manuscript which went through the editing process and then the planning and projecting, for the interest of the readers, after which it went to the publishers who did the finishing part and became a book

SYNW - How has having a publisher helped you?

KEMJY - It has helped me build a better bond with books and also has aided me to channel my ideas about books in a better direction

SYNW - In what ways do you ‘service’ your books?

KEMJY - Sales and investments in people through gifting them

SYNW - What advice would you give to an aspiring novelist?

KEMJY - Have an imagination, believe in it, trust your abilities to achieve it no matter how tough the journey is and rest on God for He alone can bring it to pass by giving you life and finance

SYNW - Why do you write?

KEMJY - Because I love to play with words. I guess because words love to visit me.

SYNW - Which novelists do you admire?

KEMJY - Chinua Achebe, Dr. Wale Okediran, Kukogho Samson, Abubakar Adam Ibrahim.

SYNW - What are you reading right now? Are there any authors (living or dead) that you would name as influences?

KEMJY - I am currently reading The Farmer's Daughter (poetry) by Funke Awodiya. Influences: Pablo Neruda, Chuma Nwokolo, Rose Adaure Njoku and Chinua Achebe

SYNW - What was the book that most influenced your life and why?

KEMJY - Two books: the Bible- it’s my life manual Long walk to freedom by Nelson Mandela- built me up to see people beyond their flaws and still do my best for them.

SYNW - What are your 10 favorite books and why?

KEMJY - Long walk to freedom, Things Fall Apart, Beyond Dialogismos, The Ghost of Sani Abacha, Who shall I make my wife?, Bring our casket home, The triumph of the water lily, The Mayor of Casterbridge, What can words do?, Oil on water

SYNW – WHY?

KEMJY - They inspire me to think on how to put my world on a clearer path to excellence.

SYNW - Favorite films?

KEMJY - James Bond series, Colombiana, Roots.

SYNW - Favorite music?

KEMJY - Don Williams, All Gospel songs in line with the scriptures.

SYNW - If you had a book club, what would it be reading and why?

KEMJY - Would read all forms of literature because life is diverse and one part of literature can't capture it enough.

SYNW - What are your favorite books to give and get as gifts?

KEMJY - Detective novels and poetry books

SYNW - Give us three "Good to Know" facts about you. Be creative. Tell us about the inspiration for your writing.

KEMJY - I am positively crazy because I could write anywhere and on anything once a word ticks; I LOVE books, all the way; nature is the mother of my words so when I watch her, it all flows.

SYNW - What else do you want your readers to know? Consider here your likes and dislikes, your interests and hobbies, your favorite ways to unwind whatever comes to mind.

KEMJY - I am a go-getter, I am your fairy godmother if what you seek is within my reach, if you hate improvement then hate me in advance.

https://synwyoungwritersinterview..com/2020/01/life-is-diverse-and-one-genre-of.html

FOR POETS EVERYTHING IS INSPIRATION - INTERVIEW WITH RAHAMAN ABIOLA TOHEEB

#YOUNG WRITERS’ INTERVIEW SERIES# - SYNW 002

INTERVIEW WITH RAHAMAN ABIOLA TOHEEB

Rahaman Abiola Toheeb is a poet, literary critic, a trained language analyst, editor, freelancer, socio-political commentator and blogger from Iseyin, Oyo State. Rahaman is a graduate of Obafemi Awolowo University.

SYNW - Why are you a poet?

RAT - The question why I’m a poet is what I sometimes find difficult to answer. Perhaps poetry chooses me, perhaps I choose to write poetry, sincerely I don’t know. However, one certain thing is that there is a surging wave of recurring feelings and stubborn emotions borne out of what I come across on daily basis from home to street, from street to international scene on TV. And the channel to bring those feelings to life is through only poetry. The heart of a poet is ocean of thoughts, while poetry itself is life, poetry is god. So, I can say poetry gives me life.

SYNW - What poets do you admire?

RAT - Being a poet is a great burden of consistent intellectual conviction. I know what it takes to write poems, that is why I respect and read every poet whose work comes my way. Besides that I’ll learn from him, I have exposure to new feeling -perhaps same as mine, or another entirely. But I must say that I love reading African poets, from Negritude to Euro-modernist, from Revolutionary generation (the angry poets) to the contemporary ones like Dami Ajayi, Gimba, Kakanda, David Isaya Osu, Wale Owoade, Jumoke Verissimo, Tosin Gbogi, Tade Ipadeola. I read Rasaq Malik a lot. His poetry is ubiquitous in terms of thematic direction. Facebook also introduces me to teeming legion of poets on daily basis. Recently I enjoy reading Warsan Sire, Tarfia Faizullah, Saed Jones, Sharon Olds, Laura, Kamiskin, Deborah Ranee, etc.

SYNW - What inspires you?

RAT - For poets everything is inspiration. What I see and hear is what I feel should not vanish into wind like that. My home, my mother, my society, the world and everything within are what keep me moving as a poet.

SYNW - Tell us about a normal working day…

RAT - I’m a freelancer. I write poetry. If I don’t do that I work as editor. I am a consistent facebooker and active online user. If I’m not online facebooking, downloading books, or searching for what to read, that means I am busy at my Primary Place of Assignment, Kano Municipal Secretariat.

SYNW - How do you write?

RAT - I write any time muse comes. It may be in a solitary room or on the street through my phone, my mobile writing device. But what defines how I write most is the kind of writing I’m engaged in. If I am working on essay or a political view I find it easy to write. If it’s poetry, some lines demand midnight silence, while some I’ll need to walk out alone pondering and come back home. Some need rough sketch on a sheet.

SYNW - What’s your thought process behind a poem?

RAT - Poetry, a specialized form of expression, starts the moment an idea strikes my heart. The next process is getting perfect words that convey my train of thought; words that speak out images in my heart most. These words are sometimes expensive and difficult to find. I think this is what makes poetry stand out of all genres of literature. Editing is the next process, as this gives poetry its befitting shape i.e. laconicism, artistic ingenuity, perfect rhythmicality and figurativeness.

SYNW - Describe your route to being published…

RAT - I am not yet published. I believe being published is a gradual process. As a poet the first thing is building your audience- people who your works appeal to. Make your craft convincing and fit for consumption by literary community of readers. Internet has been of help. These days one can easily send his poems to online literary magazine like Saraba, Kalahari Review, SentinelNg, Brave Art Africa, Expound and Praxis Magazine. National Dailies also publish both budding and established poets. Then one can go for full length publishing.

SYNW - What’s your advice to an aspiring poet?

RAT - The question any aspiring poet should ask himself is: do I really want to write? If he can answer that then consistency follows, for that makes him better and stronger. Writing may be frustrating at times, one just needs to move on and read. Similarly, monetary gain should not be number one priority. Any aspiring poet should ensure he establishes himself before any other thing.

SYNW - Final question (promise!): do you have any advice for the yet-to-be-published writers reading this?

RAT - They should continue reading, they should never relent. The country, though does not give total commitment and support to writing, ours is stars, with passion and patience.

SYNW - Talk to us about your writing routine; what’s a typical writing day for you?

RAT - My best time for writing is evening. This allows me talk aloud and to concentrate more, though the routine of my writing is usually defined by the work I have at hand, and the ideas that do not want me rest.
SYNW - Where do you write from?

RAT - I write from my home, sometimes from workplace.

SYNW - On this topic, what are you doing to build a platform and gain readership?

RAT - Internet. In this digital age the fast way to make a bride-gap between a writer and community of readers is internet and social platforms like facebook and twitter. When I write, I ensure I post it on facebook. I easily share the links of where my works appear with my online readers. Coupled with this is my blog. It has been of help, it gives me voice and online presence.

SYNW - Website(s)?

RAT - I don’t have a website yet, but I have a blog where some of my works- poem, stories, review, political views appear. It can be located through the url: http://rahamanabiola..com

SYNW - Favorite movie?

RAT - I love Bollywood movies, especially 3 Idiots and My Name is Khan.

SYNW - Best piece(s) of writing advice we haven’t discussed?

RAT - Poets should enter for available competition. This will make them know their strength and their weak points.

SYNW - Something personal about you people may be surprised to know?

RAT - I’m casually into nature and landscape photography. As a poet I hold the belief that there’s a dialectical affinity between poetry and photography- of messages in pictures that can only be interpreted by poetry alone.

SYNW - What’s next?

RAT - I have a project at hand. My first collection of poetry is also a priority.

https://synwyoungwritersinterview..com/2020/01/for-poets-everything-is-inspiration.html
For poets everything is inspiration - Interview with Rahaman Abiola Toheeb

YOUNG FEMALE WRITER OF THE MONTH (JANUARY 2020)

OLALEYE DOYIN SUNSHINE

OLALEYE DOYIN SUNSHINE is an award-winning Poet, Writer, Microbiologist, Family Health Consultant, Peace Advocate, Environment enthusiast and a lover of Art.
She was appointed the chief representative of World Nation Writers' Union in Nigeria 2017.
She was also appointed the Squire of the World Union of Poets by the Italian Knight and the World President of World Union of Poets, Silvano Bortolazzi, 2017. She was awarded the
certificate of honour by Immagine & Poesia in Italy 2016, she was also awarded World Literary Prize for her excellence in literature by World Nations Writers' Union 2019.

Olaleye Doyin Sunshine was published in Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) 2016 Review, Abuja, Published in World Anthology of poetry 2016 in Taiwan, Appointed Nigerian Ambassador for A New Home For Africa 2016 by Nibstears Poetry Cave, Appointed the Poets In Nigeria Lead Representative in Ibadan, Oyo state 2016, Appointed City of Peace Ambassador, Ibadan 2017.
She is also a member of groups and organizations like World Institute for Peace (WIP), PENTASI B World Friendship Poetry, Cities of Peace International, Hafrikan Prince Art World in Ghana, Words, Rhymes and Rhythm, Enigmatic creativity (EGC), Nibstears, Poets In Nigeria (PIN), Society of Young Nigerian Writers, Muse For Peace Foundation etc.

As a writer, Sunshine has participated, won and certified in many national and international
contests - received certificate of participation at the Poetography contest on the theme of healing
the planet through sublime art 2016 in India. Certificate of Excellence from Muse For Peace
Foundation 2016. Her works have been featured in international anthologies, journals, and magazines both in print and online such as Muse for World Peace Anthology - edition 2, Immagine & Poesia Volume 3, to mention but few.

As a Peace advocate; Sunshine is the General Secretary of Muse for Peace Foundation a nonprofit organization established towards building peaceful relationship among people of all
ages, culture and races; starting from individual to the global communities through Arts,
Education, and humanitarian services. She is the model of an online movement; Nibstears Poetry Cave Yoruba Poetry.

Sunshine published a collection of poems alongside three African Poets "The Muse", and recently published her debut Anthology with Amazon "Where?"

She resides in Lagos, Nigeria.
#SYNWyoungwritersofthemonthproject
https://synwyoungwritersofthemonth..com/2020/01/olaleye-doyin-sunshine-synw-young.html?fbclid=IwAR1qZ4lB-w3YuaFcria6pk5Gq8mE1kHmRmLWXXSSXi3VxUaGb9Jd5NyOHL8

YOUNG MALE WRITER OF THE MONTH (JANUARY 2020)

INUFIN AYOMIDE

INUFIN AYOMIDE better known as Ayomide D'great is an African writer, poet, presenter, public speaker and entrepreneur.

He was born on the 5th day of November in the 90s, he hails from Ijumu, Ayegunle, Kogi State Nigeria but born, bred and lives in Ibadan.

He attended Goshen Boys & Girls Nursery and Primary school New Bodija, Ibadan and He furthered his secondary education at Loyola College Ibadan. He had his tertiary education at the premier University of Nigeria, the University of Ibadan where he holds a Bachelor's degree in Library and information science.

His writings edify modern-day happenings and real-life events and trends, he has written 12 poetry collections, 2 published Poetry Chapbooks, over 2 thousand poems, several articles, short stories and journals.

He has won PCG's poet of the year, most creative writer of the year, writerolic of the year 2017 and 2018 respectively.

Also, his ChapBook titled "Walking Through Memory Lane" won Poetry Series of the year 2018 at the MidasMinds Online Poetry Awards including his poem "Ayo Has A Boyfriend" that won Poem Of The Year at the same awards and PCG Dynamite awards respectively. In 2019, he won MidasMinds Creative Writer Of The Year, Consistent Writer Of The Year as well as Poem Of The Year with the poem titled 'Nursing Murder'.

His love poem titled "To A Priceless Princess 2" came 2nd at the Prose Poetry Hood Valentine Competition which won him both an award and cash gifts.

His mission is to make his writing seen, read and heard throughout the globe and his vision is to be among iconic and influential writers who have added values to the society.

Inufin Ayomide is a member of the Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW) Oyo State Chapter.

You can find Ayomide on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter (@ayomide_dgreat)

#SYNWyoungwritersofthemonthproject
https://synwyoungwritersofthemonth..com/2020/01/inufin-ayomide-synw-young-male-writer.html?fbclid=IwAR0gfnJZz6iH5F4T4uQn0XVy64ELqAsghkSyJY-or7HeJAVM7rlsXmfCs5E

NATIONAL WEEK OF REMEMBRANCE FOR DEPARTED WRITERS 2020

NATIONAL WEEK OF REMEMBRANCE FOR DEPARTED WRITERS 2020

NATIONAL WEEK OF REMEMBRANCE FOR DEPARTED WRITERS 2020

NATIONAL WEEK OF REMEMBRANCE FOR DEPARTED WRITERS 2020

NATIONAL WEEK OF REMEMBRANCE FOR DEPARTED WRITERS - 2020

Prosperity textbooks have replaced evangelism manuals in Nigerian churches –ANCAPS
The Association of Nigerian Christian Authors and Publishers (ANCAPS) has berated Nigerian churches, especially the Pentecostal sect on the replacement of evangelism manuals with prosperity textbooks authored by their Pastors and leaders.

According to ANCAPS, “the aim of evangelism manual is to preach that message of salvation and see people come to Christ. It builds layers of an outward, gospel focus that makes it normal and inevitable for people to come to Christ in your church while Prosperity textbooks put riches first before Christ. “

In a statement made available to newsmen on Tueday in Ibadan, Wole Adedoyin, ANCAPS President said replacement of evangelism manual with prosperity manual is weakening the spiritual structures of the body of Christ that is why crimes, corruptions, delinquencies, dishonesty, rituals, kidnapping and stealing are now rampant in Nigerian churches of today, all because they wanted to be rich.

The Statement further reads “A holistic, biblical approach to evangelism as inscribed in the evangelism manual employs all practices in ways that inform and enhance one another so that we share the gospel and move closer to God through Jesus Christ. Many churches struggle with evangelism. For some, evangelism is an important objective, but the methods of pursuing it are vague or ineffective. For others, the term itself is uncomfortable, bringing to mind manipulative ways of leading people to faith.”
“Replacing evangelism manual with prosperity manual written by the church pastor or the church leader is like nailing Christ to Cross the second time and leading non-believers to Satan. The Salvation of the unbelievers should be first met using the evangelism manual before any other books introduced. “
Wole Adedoyin who is also the National Coordinator of the Christian Democratic Movement of Nigeria (CDMN) also decried the scarcity and low prints of quality and Christo-centric evangelism manuals. Also admonished Christian authors in the country to write more evangelism manual under the control of the Holy Spirit aim at winning souls for Christ and promoting the kingdom of God.
ANCAPS finally urged Nigerian Pastors and church leaders to be well grounded in the basic biblical principles of missions, evangelism, and discipleship so that the church can accomplish its God-given task of bringing lost people to Christ and building them up in Christ.

SYNW CONGRATULATES AKEEM LASISI ON HIS APPOINTMENT AS TECH-U PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER




The society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW) has congratulated Akeem Lasisi, a Poet and Spoken Word Artist on his appointment as TECH-U’s Public Relations Officer.

According to a statement released by SYNW President, Wole Adedoyin in Ibadan yesterday commended and described the appointment of Akeem Lasisi as a well-deserved and befitting one and a round peg in a round hole.

While expressing optimism that the former Art Editor of the Punch newspaper will do the University and indeed the state proud. SYNW also assured that Lasisi’s creative writing experience would accord him all the needed support to succeed bringing to bear his diverse and rich professional exposure and competencies in managing the University’s corporate image.

SYNW finally expressed confidence in Akeem Lasisi’s ability to carry out the assignment well and also lauded the Governing Council of TECH-U for making a good choice.

Akeem Lasisi is known for his experimentations with oral Yoruba and English poetry. A graduate of the Obafemi Awolowo University, he won the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) and Cadbury Poetry Prize for the year 2000 with Iremoje. A well-known performance poet and journalist with The Comet Newspaper, Lasisi is also the author of Wonderland and Post Mortem.

https://societyofyoungnigerianwritersblog..com/2020/01/synw-congratulates-akeem-lasisi-on-his.html?fbclid=IwAR28Blach_zPmeMA9y5nPZ9GgagkLMMSYFeuHFuDub7awaK-tZt60ltgkHc

PROF. CKUKWUEMEKA IKE: SYNW MOURNS LATE AUTHOR
The Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW) on Friday joined other Nigerians to mourn the death of Prof. Vincent Chukwuemeka Ike, the author of Toads for Supper (1965), The Naked Gods (1970), Potter’s Wheel (1973) and Expo 77 (1980).
Reacting to the news of the death from the national headquarters of the Society in Ibadan, Wole Adedoyin, SYNW President said that he was yet to believe and come to terms with the reality of Prof. Vincent Chukwuemeka Ike’s death as it was hard to contemplate the void his passage has created. Adedoyin lamented that the renowned author passed away at a trying period in the life of the nation when his knowledge and experience are mostly needed.
The statement further described Prof. Vincent Chukwuemeka Ike as a principled, dogged and unrelenting author, fully committed to the development of book industry in Nigeria.
It will be recalled that Prof. Vincent Chukwuemeka Ike passed away on Wednesday’s night after some health challenges since December where he was admitted at the teaching hospital, Nnewi.
SYNW believes that the Late Prof. Vincent Chuckwuemeka Ike who also had a successful career as an accomplished author will be remembered for his meekness, attentiveness, commitment to excellence and the profound understanding of human affairs exhibited in his writings.
The umbrella body for young writers in the country further urged members of Prof. Chukwuemeka Ike’s family, his fellow authors and all who mourn him to take solace in the knowledge that the much admired writer’s beliefs, views and insights will live forever through the body of works he has left behind for present and future generations.
SYNW finally urged Gov. Willie Obiano to immortalize Prof. Ike’s name and prayed that Almighty God will receive Prof. Vincent Chukwuemeka Ike’s soul and grant him eternal rest.
Vincent Chukwuemeka Ike (28 April 1931 – 8 January 2020) was a Nigerian writer known for a mixture of lampoon, humor and satire. He owed a little bit of his style to his Igbo cultural upbringing. He studied history, English and Religious Studies at the University of Ibadan and earned a master's degree at Stanford university. Among many of the younger generation, he was popular as the author of Expo '77, a critical look at academic examination abuses in West Africa. Ike was a former registrar of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC).

SYNW appoints David Innocent Chinaecherem as SYNW Coordinator in FUTO
In order to achieve SYNW’s aim of promoting creative writing and book reading among Nigerian students between the ages of 10 and 35 in our various universities, the Society of Young Nigerian Writers has appointed Innocent David Chinaecherem as Coordinator of the writers’ body in the Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO).
In a statement made available to pressmen today, Wole Adedoyin, the National President of the Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW) said, Innocent David Chinaecherem will be responsible for connecting students with SYNW’s resources, organizing monthly readings, workshops, competitions with support from individuals, corporate bodies and the National body, while also supporting them in ways that help promote reading culture in FUTO and enhance their literary career.
We look forward to seeing the initiatives that Innocent David Chinaecherem introduces and continues at the campus,” Adedoyin said.

Innocent David Chinaecherem is an Undergraduate of Department of Public Health in Federal University of Technology Owerri, Born In April 14th in the 90s, He Obtained His Secondary School Certificate at Logos International secondary school, Awomama in Oru East LGA Imostate as well as His Basic Primary School Education at Bethel Franco Anglo InterContinental Primary School Owerri. A passionate writer, communication consultant, an Advocate of good leadership& Bravery in academics and a Research Oriented Entity. Innocent David is from Okporo Orlu LGA, Imostate. He Currently Owns the Centicinis Research Team which is Seen to be running in over 14 Universities in Nigeria which is aimed at Helping young talents who seems to be passionate in research to grow. As his nick implies, the Centicinis team has its core base at the famous Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) and this Team as well as others in other institutions is one which Cuts across to so many disciplines to help young ones ascertain their potential in research and aid them link up NGOs Related to their fields. Innocent David was Elected the 7th Democratic President of Association of Public Health students federal University of technology Owerri FUTO on the 12th of September 2018. Since then, he has gone on to clinch a lot of leadership trophies to his Name including the prestigious OAU seminar excellence to her students in Ile-ife. leadership Recognitions from NAPHS Osun state university, Department of Public Health Stays in his Illustrious Basic career as well as his leadership recognition from University of Calabar as well as 6 other leadership trophies from other institutions where he impacted their students in academic assistance & leadership. Innocent David on September 13th 2019 was recognized as the Most active Departmental student leader by the SUG Hall Governance In federal University Owerri by the Remarkable Governance. Innocent David was appointed the South Eastern representative, National Association of Public Health students, by the Country’s & Student’s National Representative to improve Students activity towards Academic Reunion and also the quest towards the National Body Establishment. Innocent David was selected at the WHO team which strayed towards the retroactive case search for Acute flaccid Paralysis(AFP) and is an Epidemiological Local Surveyor with WHO in the Documentation & Team Certification of AFP Cases Check at Rural Health Facilities aimed at certifying Nigeria Polio Free. Innocent David was a key Presenter at the UHC Coverage Day Town hall meeting with Imo State health Insurance agency and WHO Imo state. Innocent David by Gods grace is a member of the Watchman catholic Charismatic Renewal Movement and Leads the Local parish youth forum at the ushering department and also an the youths Academic President. He has a lot of teams established to his name to motivate the young ones as well as his self to Change the National Reputation of the country.
SYNW finally urges other students who are interested in starting SYNW Chapters in their various universities to send their Letter of expression of interest to woleadedoyin@gmail.com or Whatsapp @ 08072673852

SYNW LAUNCHES TWO LITERARY BLOGS
Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW), an umbrella body of Young Nigerian Writers in Nigeria founded to promote creative writing and literary arts in Nigeria among writers between the ages of 10 and 40 today announced the launch of two literary blogs “Inside Nigerian Literature” @ www.insidenigerianliterature..com and “Literary Opportunities for Writers” @ www. https://literaryopportunitiesforwriters..com dedicated to sharing latest news on literary events in Nigeria and literary opportunities around the world.
This was made known by Wole Adedoyin, SYNW President in Ibadan today.
The blogs will serve as platforms for sharing and discussing latest news and information about literary events in Nigeria and literary opportunities around the world. The blogs will be publishing news on latest workshops, residencies, prizes, arts and book festivals, competitions, literary grants, writers conventions, call for submissions and entries to mention but few.
The two blogs will focus primarily on the topic of literature and literary opportunities in Nigeria and beyond. Latest news on works like fiction, nonfiction, poetry, book review, literary criticism, diary and interviews will be considered.
To send news of your literary events, book review, arts and books festivals, notice of readings, call for entries or submissions, residencies, interviews, literary criticism, kindly send them to woleadedoyin@gmail.com or via whatsapp number @ 08072673852