₦airaland Forum

NCDMB UNVEILS MINISTERIAL INDUSTRY AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS IN OIL AND GAS INDUSTRY



By Wole Adedoyin



As part of the government initiatives to support and sustain excellence in the Nigerian oil and gas industry, the management of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has instituted an award known as “the Ministerial Industry Award for Outstanding Achievements in Oil and Gas sector”.



This was contained in a memo dated 2nd of February, 2018, signed by Mrs. Asekoma Zuwairat, the Coordinating Secretary of Nigerian Content Consultative Forum (NCCF) and made available to Mr. Jerry Atabong and Mrs. Olatunji Abibat of NCCF-ICT.

Ministerial Industry Award for outstanding achievements in oil and gas sector recognize those who have rendered outstanding service and made distinguished contributions to the oil and gas industry.



According to the memo, the award was instituted to recognize the outstanding achievements made within the upstream, midstream and downstream sectors of the oil and gas industry.

The award which promises to be an avenue of displaying outstanding achievements and projects will take place on 19th of February 2019 in Abuja.



The award which has also been divided into the following categories: technology and innovation; efficiency and cost improvement; social contribution/CSR; Nigerian content contribution; HSSE; media partner; largest oil and gas investor; largest oil and gas syndicated loan/deal of the year’ largest top oil producer, hopes to highlight those companies who have been responsible for pioneering new frontiers, pushing boundaries, inspiring others and achieving growth in a challenging market.



Wole Adedoyin is the President of the Computer Guild of Nigeria and National Coordinator of Information Technology Writers Association of Nigeria (ITWAN). He is also a member on NCCF-ICT and ICTLOCA.

DR. ABIODUN SAKA LAYONU COMMENDS THE APPOINTMENT OF SEN. BOLA AHMED TINUBU AS HEAD OF APC RECONCILIATION COMMITTEE
Dr. Abiodun Ismail Saka Layonu, a gubernatorial aspirant under APC and the founder of a group known as Agbajoowo on Tuesday commended the appointment of the national leader of his party (All Progressive Congress), Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu by President Muhammadu Buhari.
This was contained in a statement signed by his spokesperson, Mr. Bolaji Okunade explained that Dr. Abiodun Ismail Saka Layonu urged the states involved to maintain peace and cooperate with the reconciliation committee headed by Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“The recent appointment was a direct recognition and confirmation of Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu as national leader of APC. This is a significant landmark which confirmed the president’s belief and confidence in his ability and leadership skill”
“We are confident that Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu will bring his leadership knowledge and experience to bear while serving as head of APC reconciliation committee”. Mr. Bolaji concluded.

‘Upcoming writers should not rush their works’
By Murjanatu AlKassim Sadiq - January 25, 2018

Khalil Gibran Society is a society first started in Lebanon to honour late Lebanese writer and artist, Kahlil Gibran, and to promote literature through his works. The society has recently been brought into the fold of literary societies in Nigeria. In this interview, the society’s Co-founder/Project Manager, Wole Adedoyin, tells us the aims and aspirations of Khalil Gibran Society.
Daily Focus: Give us a brief insight on Khalil Gibran Society
Wole Adedoyin: Khalil Gibran Society (KGS) is a literary organization established to promote Gibran’s Works and literary ideology. Khalil Gibran Society (KGS) is affiliated with Gibran National Committee, Cedars Institute and Pen Lebanon. Our objectives are: to promote the literary legacy and ideology of Khalid Gibran, to organize an annual festival in his honor, to promote his creative works, to recognize, reward and award outstanding individuals who have made impact in the Society among other objectives. Khalil Gibran Society is a think tank and artistic talent discovery avenue mainly established for writers and artists. Khalil Gibran was a great writer and an eminent artist of great personality. Gibran’s reputation in the English-speaking world, on the other hand, has been mixed. His works have been hugely popular, making him the best-selling American poet of the twentieth century, but that enthusiasm has not been shared by critics. His paintings and drawings of sinuous idealized nudes belong to symbolism and art nouveau and are, thus, a survival of a tradition rejected both by American realists and European abstractionists. His English books—most notably, The Prophet (1923), with its earnest didactic romanticism—found no favor with critics whose models were the cool intellectualism of James Joyce and T. S. Eliot or the gritty realism of Ernest Hemingway. As a result, Gibran has been dismissed as a popular sentimentalist by American critics and historians of art and of literature. There are signs that this situation is changing, at least on the literary side, as critics become more sensitive to the characteristics of immigrant writing.
Daily Focus: What is the main purpose for bringing the society into Nigeria?
Wole Adedoyn: I remember there was a platform like this between 2012-2016 known as The Alliance of Independent Writers and Artists of Nigeria (TAIWAN), which was founded by myself and three other persons. We brought Khalil Gibran Society to Nigeria so that upcoming and intending artists and writers can master his style of writing and improve on their writing. Same thing on his art works. A forum for artists and writers. I’ve called together my former team members and we are ready to swing into action. Khalil Gibran is a good role model for upcoming and intending writers to emulate. We have the support of Gibran National Committee, the supreme body for all Gibran initiatives. And the support of Cedars Institute and PEN Lebanon. Khalil Gibran Society is a similar template to TAIWAN.
Daily Focus: Do you plan to hold literary events?
Wole Adedoyin: Yes. We shall be holding bimonthly readings, arts exhibition, artists and writers workshops. We have also designed some annual events mainly aimed at enhancing, honing and promoting works of both upcoming writers and artists. We’ve been talking to other stakeholders too for collaboration and execution of educative and informative projects.
Daily Focus: Is membership of the Society open to all, or to only published writers?
Wole Adedoyin: Yes. Khalil Gibran Society is not meant for only writers alone, artists are also inclusive. Unpublished writers, amateur artists, established writers and professional artists are all welcome. We also provide membership for primary and secondary school students. Our category of membership includes: Bronze Membership (Ages between 9-17), Silver Membership (Ages between 18-35), Gold Membership (Ages between 36 and Above), Honorary Membership and Corporate Membership. The most important thing to note is that any intending member of KGS must be a writer (published or unpublished), lover of books, amateur or professional artists and art lovers.
Daily Focus: What other activities do you conduct?
Wole Adedoyin: In our membership brochure, we have what we tagged “Our 10 Points Agenda”. We use this to plan and execute our activities. Our 10 points agenda includes: Khalil Gibran International Day, Khalil Gibran Correspondence Course, Khalil Gibran Library and Writers Resource Centre, Khalil Gibran Database of Nigerian and Lebanese Writers, Khalil Gibran Wall Chart and Postals of World Famous Authors, Khalil Gibran Prize for Literature, The Prophet – Quarterly Journal of the Society, Khalil Gibran Annual Inter-secondary schools Essay Competition, Khalil Gibran Translation Project, Khalil Gibran Annual Arts Exhibition. It is also part of our agenda to collaborate with similar stakeholders and organizations.
Daily Focus: How will the society benefit Nigerians?
Wole Adedoyin: The concept of this organization has been in existence before and hundreds of people had benefited from it. We hope to build and develop on this.
Daily Focus: Advice for writers
Wole Adedoyin: My advice for writers especially the upcoming writers is to take things easy and not to rush into publishing and making names. They should respect their elders and consult them for assistance.
https://www.dailyfocus.ng/upcoming-writers-should-not-rush-their-works/

‘Upcoming writers should not rush their works’
By
Murjanatu AlKassim Sadiq
-
January 25, 2018

Khalil Gibran Society is a society first started in Lebanon to honour late Lebanese writer and artist, Kahlil Gibran, and to promote literature through his works. The society has recently been brought into the fold of literary societies in Nigeria. In this interview, the society’s Co-founder/Project Manager, Wole Adedoyin, tells us the aims and aspirations of Khalil Gibran Society.
Daily Focus: Give us a brief insight on Khalil Gibran Society
Wole Adedoyin: Khalil Gibran Society (KGS) is a literary organization established to promote Gibran’s Works and literary ideology. Khalil Gibran Society (KGS) is affiliated with Gibran National Committee, Cedars Institute and Pen Lebanon. Our objectives are: to promote the literary legacy and ideology of Khalid Gibran, to organize an annual festival in his honor, to promote his creative works, to recognize, reward and award outstanding individuals who have made impact in the Society among other objectives. Khalil Gibran Society is a think tank and artistic talent discovery avenue mainly established for writers and artists. Khalil Gibran was a great writer and an eminent artist of great personality. Gibran’s reputation in the English-speaking world, on the other hand, has been mixed. His works have been hugely popular, making him the best-selling American poet of the twentieth century, but that enthusiasm has not been shared by critics. His paintings and drawings of sinuous idealized nudes belong to symbolism and art nouveau and are, thus, a survival of a tradition rejected both by American realists and European abstractionists. His English books—most notably, The Prophet (1923), with its earnest didactic romanticism—found no favor with critics whose models were the cool intellectualism of James Joyce and T. S. Eliot or the gritty realism of Ernest Hemingway. As a result, Gibran has been dismissed as a popular sentimentalist by American critics and historians of art and of literature. There are signs that this situation is changing, at least on the literary side, as critics become more sensitive to the characteristics of immigrant writing.
Daily Focus: What is the main purpose for bringing the society into Nigeria?
Wole Adedoyn: I remember there was a platform like this between 2012-2016 known as The Alliance of Independent Writers and Artists of Nigeria (TAIWAN), which was founded by myself and three other persons. We brought Khalil Gibran Society to Nigeria so that upcoming and intending artists and writers can master his style of writing and improve on their writing. Same thing on his art works. A forum for artists and writers. I’ve called together my former team members and we are ready to swing into action. Khalil Gibran is a good role model for upcoming and intending writers to emulate. We have the support of Gibran National Committee, the supreme body for all Gibran initiatives. And the support of Cedars Institute and PEN Lebanon. Khalil Gibran Society is a similar template to TAIWAN.
Daily Focus: Do you plan to hold literary events?
Wole Adedoyin: Yes. We shall be holding bimonthly readings, arts exhibition, artists and writers workshops. We have also designed some annual events mainly aimed at enhancing, honing and promoting works of both upcoming writers and artists. We’ve been talking to other stakeholders too for collaboration and execution of educative and informative projects.
Daily Focus: Is membership of the Society open to all, or to only published writers?
Wole Adedoyin: Yes. Khalil Gibran Society is not meant for only writers alone, artists are also inclusive. Unpublished writers, amateur artists, established writers and professional artists are all welcome. We also provide membership for primary and secondary school students. Our category of membership includes: Bronze Membership (Ages between 9-17), Silver Membership (Ages between 18-35), Gold Membership (Ages between 36 and Above), Honorary Membership and Corporate Membership. The most important thing to note is that any intending member of KGS must be a writer (published or unpublished), lover of books, amateur or professional artists and art lovers.
Daily Focus: What other activities do you conduct?
Wole Adedoyin: In our membership brochure, we have what we tagged “Our 10 Points Agenda”. We use this to plan and execute our activities. Our 10 points agenda includes: Khalil Gibran International Day, Khalil Gibran Correspondence Course, Khalil Gibran Library and Writers Resource Centre, Khalil Gibran Database of Nigerian and Lebanese Writers, Khalil Gibran Wall Chart and Postals of World Famous Authors, Khalil Gibran Prize for Literature, The Prophet – Quarterly Journal of the Society, Khalil Gibran Annual Inter-secondary schools Essay Competition, Khalil Gibran Translation Project, Khalil Gibran Annual Arts Exhibition. It is also part of our agenda to collaborate with similar stakeholders and organizations.
Daily Focus: How will the society benefit Nigerians?
Wole Adedoyin: The concept of this organization has been in existence before and hundreds of people had benefited from it. We hope to build and develop on this.
Daily Focus: Advice for writers
Wole Adedoyin: My advice for writers especially the upcoming writers is to take things easy and not to rush into publishing and making names. They should respect their elders and consult them for assistance.

OUR MISSION IS TO CREATE YOUTH CENTERS IN ALL OSUN LGS.
The Osun State Chapter of Hope Democratic Party (HDP) has promised Osun State youths to create youth centers aim at educating, advocating, empowering and making them independent through vocational and technical training in field like tailoring, catering, carpentry, computer engineering, bakery, photography, lamination, computer operation, bead making, videography, arts and crafts, publishing etc.
This was contained in a statement made available to press men by the state chairman, Mr. Wole Adedoyin on Sunday in Ilesha.
Mr. Adedoyin said, his party has been consulting with experts and professionals in different professional fields on logistics and financial implications of such venture.
The party further berated Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola’s administration on his lackadaisical attitude towards the plights of youths in the state.

REASON WHY WE BROUGHT KHALIL GIBRAN SOCIETY TO NIGERIA
One of the facilitators of Khalil Gibran Society in Nigeria, Mr. Wole Adedoyin has stressed the reason why he and others brought the society to the country.
According to him, “Gibran Khalil Gibran, later known as Kahlil Gibran, was born on the 6th of January 1883 in Bsharri, a village in the north of Lebanon perched on a small plateau at the edge of Wadi Qadisha, known as the sacred valley. Gibran was a Lebanese literary figure respected worldwide. His style of writing was unique and exemplary. A literary model for upcoming and intending writers”.
“Gibran’s the Prophet is a work of such universal appeal that there is little to be gained from speculating on the identity of persons or places represented in it. For Gibran's purpose was a lofty one, and his belief in the "unity of being" led him to call for universal fellowship and unification of the human race.
“We brought Khalil Gibran Society to Nigeria so that upcoming and intending writers can master his style of writing and improve on their writing. Same thing on his art works”.
“Khalil Gibran is like our own Wole Soyinka in Nigeria. The Lebanese treasures him just like we treasure Soyinka. For the year 2018, we have outlined many literary activities, some of which includes, Khalil Gibran International Day, Khalil Gibran Correspondence Course, Khalil Gibran Library and Writers Resource Centre, Khalil Gibran Database of Nigerian and Lebanese Writers, Khalil Gibran Wall Chart and Posters of World Famous Authors, Khalil Gibran Prize for Literature, The Prophet – Quarterly Journal of the Society, Khalil Gibran Annual Inter-secondary schools Essay Competition, Khalil Gibran Translation Project, Khalil Gibran Annual Arts Exhibition
Some of Gibran’s works include, The Madman (1918), The Forerunner (1920), The Prophet, (1923), Sand and Foam (1926), Kingdom of the Imagination (1927), Jesus, The Son of Man (1928), The Earth Gods (1931) and others.

SYNW LAUDS WALE OKEDIRAN’S APPOINTMENT


The executives of the Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW) have lauded the recent appointment of the former National President of ANA, Hon. Dr. Wale Okediran as a member of the governing of NISER which was recently reconstituted.


Speaking on behalf of other excos, SYNW President, Wole Adedoyin said the recent appointment was a direct recognition of Dr. Wale Okediran’s efforts.


“This is not just another recognition for former ANA two-term president. It is a significant landmark which confirmed our firm belief and confidence in his ability and services to the country.


“We are confident that Dr. Wale Okediran will bring his international wealth of knowledge and experience to bear while serving as a member of the governing Council of NISER.

CGN WARNS SHITTU NOT TO ERODE THE INDUSTRY WITH CHILDISH PROJECTS THIS YEAR


The Computer Guild of Nigeria (CGN) has warned the current Minister of Communication, Barr. Adebayo Shittu not to erode the ICT industry with childish and puerile projects he is fondly associated with.


The National President of the Guild, Mr. Wole Adedoyin said this in Ibadan after the first meeting of the Guild to unveil the Guild’s 2018 projects.


According to Adedoyin who is also the national coordinator of “Information Technology Writers Association of Nigeria (ITWAN), “We prayed the Minister begins this year with laudable ICT projects. Last year was a disaster in the industry, not much was recorded. We in the sector know this compared to Mobolaji Johnson’s tenure when she was then in the same shoes”.


“We are all aware that two projects forwarded to the country’s National Executive Council (NEC) during one of their Council’s meetings which were brought forward by the Minister were shamefully rejected by them”


“We had once written to the President to reshuffle the ministry and take Barrister Shittu to where he belongs but the President refused to heed to our call.

FIND SOLUTIONS TO HOW THEY SELL AND BUY POLITICAL PARTIES IN NIGERIA – HDP TELLS INEC BOSS
The Osun State Chairman of Hope Democratic Party (HDP) Mr. Wole Adedoyin has advised the National Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu to immediately publish the up to date list of authorized state chairmen of all political parties in the country on their website for public inquiry.
Mr. Wole Adedoyin, gave this advice on Monday in Ilesa while on a working tour in preparation for the 2018 governorship election in the state.
According to Mr. Adedoyin “I am hundred percent assured that the National Electoral Commissioner, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu is fully aware that some greedy politicians who are fun of parading themselves as state chairmen of political parties in their respective states are laying claim to chairmanship of two or more political parties in their states. Some are not even known or recognized by the state electoral commissioner of their state yet they go around calling themselves chairmen of this and that”.
“Many of them commit the crime of impersonation. Some are even in the habit of selling political parties and while some raking money from whomever they make chairmen of such parties. One of the ways of curtailing this undemocratic attitude among political party stakeholders is by publishing names of authentic party state chairmen of all political parties nationwide on INEC website for public scrutiny and set up a mini committee of INEC staff in all INEC state electoral offices to answer complaints from the public on this issue. This is another way of controlling the proliferations of political parties in the country”.
“This is also part of the crisis we face during every IPAC elections. Where politicians unknown by their national chairmen would be parading themselves as as chairmen of such parties. Whoever that wants to know the fact whether one is a chairman of a party or not should visit the INEC website or go to INEC state office for confirmation. Prof. Mahmood Yakubu and other stakeholders should also explore other ways of curtailing this undemocratic behaviors.
Adedoyin who is also the National Coordinator of National Interparty Youth Alliance (NIYA) assured INEC of his body’s support whenever they are ready to implement the advice.

DON’T SEE POLITICS AS MONEY MAKING VENTURE – NIYA BOSS WARNS NIGERIAN YOUTH

The National Coordinator of National Interparty Youth Alliance (NIYA) Mr. Wole Adedoyin on Wednesday in Lagos urged the Nigerian youth not to venture into politics because of money.
Adedoyin made this known during the launch of “Youth Arise for Politics” (YAP) and “Youth Arise for 2019” Elections (YAF19) aim at assisting the youth with intention to venture into politics and those nurturing their ambition to contest in the next year 2019 general elections.
According to NIYA boss who is also the National President of the Conference of Young Nigerian Democrats (CYND), “Our mission is to change the orientation of youth that politics is all about selfless service to the community and humanity not an avenue of acquiring wealth”.
“Another mission is to make sure that those youth with intention of contesting without financial muscle or backup gets platform to run. We’ve been talking to some national chairmen of registered political parties on this especially the new ones and they are assuring us of their full support on this” Adedoyin added.

KGS TO UNVEIL GIBRAN INTERNATIONAL DAY

Khalil Gibran Society (KGS) a literary outfit based in Ibadan will on Sunday unveil Gibran International Day. Khalil Gibran Society (KGS) is a literary organization established to promote Gibran’s Works and literary ideology. Khalil Gibran Society (KGS) is affiliated with Gibran National Committee, Cedars Institute and Pen Lebanon.

On the other hand, Gibran International Day (GID) is an annual worldwide chain of events administered by the Khalil Gibran Society and the Gibran National Committee with support from the Cedars Institute and PEN Lebanon. It is a day devoted for artists, readers and lovers of Gibran’s books and artworks across the world to draw, paint and read any Gibran’s selected book. It is also an avenue of promoting painting and reading culture across the world. Gibran International Day is celebrated in schools, offices, markets etc. Organizers can organize reading/art seminars, workshops, for a, symposia and conferences to fulfill the day.

According to Adedoyin, “GID promises to be an avenue of book and poetry reading, arts exhibition, dramatic display etc. The date for the celebration of GID will soon be announced to the world. Those interested in organizing one event or another should follow this blog for further information - http://gibraninternationalday..com.ng/2017/12/gibran-international-day-gid.html, http://khalilgibransociety..com.ng/2017/12/khalil-gibran-society.html”.

Berates him for personalizing and arrogating Prof. Remi Raji led exco’s achievement to himself alone

The Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW) has berated BM Dzukogi over a comment recently made by him that Denja led ANA neglects writers, published 3 books in 2 years. SYNW described this statement as misleading, childish and egocentric.
This was contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Ibadan yesterday by the National President of the Society, Mr. Wole Adedoyin.
According to the statement “ Dzukogi is a shameless man, he is yet to recover from his first defeat. Disgrace made him to utter such stupid statement. He can only fool his Niger State toddlers and not intelligent and diligent ANA members across the country”
The Statement further read “When Dzukogi alleged that Denja led ANA neglects writers, published 3 books in 2 years, he never mentioned the planting ceremony of the ongoing ANA’s Mamman Jiya Vatsa Writers’ Village, Mpape, Abuja, professional enhancement of ANA’s website, the electronic membership database, Authors Groove, ANA Documentary, Enhancement of ANA literary prizes, first National Teen Authorship Conference, appointment and reappointment of ANA Committee members to mention but few”.
“It is also painful and confusing to see how Dzukogi has been personalizing and arrogating the achievements of Prof. Remi Raji led ANA exco under which Denja too served to himself alone. Denja Abdulahi, the outgoing National President of ANA had hand in one way or another in all what Dzukogi termed his “Selfish Achievements”.
“Our major question for Dzukogi is ‘Was ANA founded to publish only books?’ Majority of Members in ANA across the country are fully aware of Dzukogi’s claim of promoting teen authorship has an hidden and selfish agenda best known to him and his sponsors”.
He added that the allegation being sponsored by Dzukogi who was intimidated by Denja rising profile in in ANA and Nigeria was false and unjustifiable.
SYNW further urged diligent and intelligent ANA members across the country not to listen to Dzukogi whose mission is to destroy the good literary legacy laid down by ANA’s founding fathers.

September 12 2017


Dear Colleague.


INVITATION TO A CONFERENCE TO MARK 50 YEARS OF THE PASSAGE OF CHRISTOPHER OKIGBO


2017 marks the golden anniversary of the passage of Christopher Ifekandu Okigbo (16 August 1932– September 1967) the Nigerian poet, teacher, and librarian, who died fighting for the independence of Biafra. He is today widely acknowledged as an outstanding postcolonial English-language African poet and one of the major modernist writers of the 20th century. As part of the year- long activities to commemorate his passage, a 2 day Conference is being planned for September 20 and 21 2017 at his alma mater, the University of Ibadan. The Conference will involve the following activities;
1. Opening Ceremony at the Trenchard Hall University of Ibadan at 10am on September 20 2017

2. Reception, Book Launch and Unveiling of the UNESCO Plaque at Cambridge House, 20 Joop Berkhout Crescent, Onireke, Ibadan at 3pm on September 20 2017 (SPECIAL IV TO BE CIRCULATED AT THE CONFERENCE)


3. Paper Presentations at the Faculty of Arts , University of Ibadan from 10am on September 21 2017
The Conference, a collaboration between the Christopher Okigbo Foundation (COF) and the University Of Ibadan through her Departments of Classics and English, will be a two- day event on September 20 and 21 2017 at the University Of Ibadan, Nigeria under the theme, Legacy Of Christopher Okigbo; 50 Years On and several subthemes. A Keynote Address will be delivered by Prof Dan Izevbaye under the Chairmanship of Eze Prof Chukwuemeka Ike while HRH Obi of Onitsha Igwe Achebe will be the Royal Father of the day.
Other eminent personalities expected at the event include, HE, Governor Willie Obiano, Executive Governor, Anambra State, HE Mr Peter Obi, Former Governor, Anambra State, Prof Wole Soyinka, Prof JP Clark, Dr Kayode Fayemi, Hon Minister for Mines, Ambassador Judith Sefi Attah (Okigbo’s widow), members of the Okigbo family, Christopher Okigbo’s friends, colleagues, mentees as well as International and Local writers.
The Conference will continue in the afternoon of the same day with a Reception hosted by Chief Joop Berkhout at Cambridge house, Ibadan assembling Okigbo’s contemporaries, fellow poets, entourage, members of the cultural industry and institutions worldwide that have been instrumental in upholding his memory to date.

Thank you.

Sincerely,


Dr. Wale Okediran . Obiageli Okigbo
Chief Advisor, COF President, COF

LEGACY OF CHRISTOPHER OKIGBO - 50 YEARS ON.

THE CHRISTOPHER OKIGBO CONFERENCE
TRENCHARD HALL UNIVERSITY OF IBADAN

PROGRAM


INTRODUCTION
2017 marks the golden anniversary of the passage of Christopher Ifekandu Okigbo (16 August 1932– September 1967) the Nigerian poet, teacher, and librarian, who died fighting for the independence of Biafra. He is today widely acknowledged as an outstanding postcolonial English-language African poet and one of the major modernist writers of the 20th century. As part of the year long activities to commemorate his passage, a 2 day Conference is being planned for September 20 and 21 2017 at his alma mater, the University of Ibadan.

SCOPE
The Conference, a collaboration between the Christopher Okigbo Foundation (COF) and the University Of Ibadan through her Departments of Classics and English, will be a two- day event on September 20 and 21 2017 at the University Of Ibadan, Nigeria under the theme, Legacy Of Christopher Okigbo; 50 Years On and several subthemes. A Keynote Address will be delivered by Prof Dan Izevbaye under the Chairmanship of Eze Prof Chukwuemeka Ike while HRH Obi of Onitsha Igwe Achebe will be the Royal Elder of the day. Other eminent personalities expected at the event include, Nobel Laureate Prof Wole Soyinka Ambassador Judith Sefi Attah (Okigbo’s widow), Prof JP Clark, members of the Okigbo family, Christopher Okigbo’s friends, colleagues, mentees as well as International and Local writers. Thereafter, Paper Presenters and a Panel of discussants will talk on some of the Subthemes before the floor will be opened for discussions. A brief interlude of Cultural Display and refreshments will spice up the approximately 4 hour program.
The Conference will be rounded up on Thursday September 22 2017 which is the second day of the Conference, there will be Paper Presentations at the Faculty Of Arts building of the University of Ibadan on the Conference subthemes.

Day 1; PROGRAM (10am-2pm)

Chief host - Vice Chancellor, UI
1. Arrival of Guests ……10am
2. Opening Prayers
3. Introduction of Chairman and Guests: MC Ebika Anthony
4. Welcome Address by Chairman COF : Okey Okuzu
5. Chairman’s Opening Remarks : Eze Prof Chukwuemeka Ike
6. Key-Note Address: Dan Izevbaye (30 mins)
7. Cultural/Literary Interlude …10 Minutes)
8. Panel Discussion – (60 Minutes for 6 panellists at 10 minutes each)
Moderator : Molara Wood
Chairman: Prof J P Clarke Okigbo, the Friend and colleague
Prof Wole Soyinka Okigbo, the Friend and colleague
Prof Ebun Ckark Okigbo,the Family Man
Pius Okigbo Okigbo,the Sibling
Chief Alex Ade Ajayi Okigbo, the Teacher
Prof Remi Raji Okigbo, the Poet
Hon Chudi Offodile Okigbo, the Martyr

9. Lunch break
10. General Discussions and Comments (30 Minutes)
11. Chairman’s Closing Remarks
12. Vote Of Thanks by HOD English: Prof O Ogunsuji / HOD Classics Department
13. Group Photographs
14. Departures – 2pm










The Conference will be followed immediately by a “Private cocktail” hosted by Chief Joop Berkhout at Cambridge house, Ibadan assembling Okigbo’s contemporaries, fellow poets, entourage, members of the cultural industry and institutions worldwide that have been instrumental in upholding his memory to date. Cambridge house is very much part and parcel of Christopher Okigbo’s legacy; it was his home while he was the Nigerian representative of Cambridge University Press built in 1960. In 1992 Chief Joop Berkhout (publisher) bought the property and Chris Okigbo was celebrated at the opening in the presence of Dr Pius Okigbo, Wole Soyinka & J P Clark amongst others, where a plaque was unveiled in front of Cambridge House - “Here lived Christopher Okigbo, poet”.


PROGRAM FOR THE RECEPTION (3pm - 5pm)
Arrival of Guests - 3pm
MC Ben Okuzu
Welcome address by host Chief Joop Berkhout OON
Opening remarks by Chairman: Obi of Onitsha Igwe Achebe Agbogidi
Unveiling UNESCO PLAQUE by John Okigbo Onwa and Obiageli Okigbo
Book presentation of new edition of “collected poems” by the Publishers Bookcraft ltd, to be followed with Poetry reading excerpts of Labyrinths by Dr. Abubakar Othman (Professor of English Maiduguri university)
CO Poetry Prize announcement/presentation - Dr Wale Okediran (President Board of Directors)
Vote of Thanks - Dr Emmanuel Omanukwue (Trustee COF) - 5pm
Departures






Day 2. PROGRAM; PAPER PRESENTATIONS (9AM-4PM)
First Panel; (9am-11am)
Chairman; Prof Ayo Banjo

Second Panel; (11.30am-1.30pm)
Chairman; Prof Dan Izevbaye

LUNCH BREAK; 1.30pm-2.30pm

Third Panel; (2pm-4pm)
Chairman; Prof Abdulrasheed Na’Allah

GUESTS of HONOUR
1. Obi of Onitsha Igwe Achebe Agbogidi (Royal Elder)
2. Eze Prof Chukwuemeka Ike (Chairman)
3. HE Governor Abiola Ajimobi (Special Guest of Honour)
4. HE Governor Obiano (Special Guest of Honour)
5. Igwe of Oyo State Igbo Union
6. Vice Chancellor, UI (Chief Host)
7. Prof AbdulRasheed Na'Allah (VC of Kwara State University, Ilorin)
8. (Dean of Faculty of Arts)
9. Prof O Ogunsuji (HOD English Department)
10. Prof Folake Onayemi ( HOD Classics department)
11. Chief P. C. Asiodu (Distinguished Guest of Honour)
12. Chief Chukwuemeka Ezeife, Okwadike ( Distinguished Giest of Honor)
13. AMB Judith Sefi Attah (Panelist)
14. AMB & Mrs Abdullahi Atta
15. Chief Joop Berkhout (Host)
16. Dan Izevbaye - Keynote (Chairman Paper Panel)
17. Prof J P Clark (Chairman of Paper Panel)
18. Prof Ebun Clark
19. Prof Wole Soyinka
20. Prof Ayo Banjo (Chairman of Paper Panel)
21. Prof Remi Raji (Former ANA President)
22. Dr. Abubakar Othman (University of Maiduguri)
23. Mr Ebika Anthony
24. Kunle Ajibade
25. Bankole Olayebi – director Bookcraft ltd
26. Prof Femi Osofisan
27. Mr Denja Abdullahi (ANA President)
28. John Okigbo Onwa (head of James Okigbo clan)
29. Okigbo Family members
30. Demas Nwoko
31. Dr Emmanuel Omanukwue (Panelist)
32. Chief Alex Ade Ajayi (Former Principal, Fiditi Grammar School)
33. Ms Molara Wood (Panel Moderator)
34. Ndidi Nwuneli (Center of Memories)
35. Hon Chudi Offodile
36. Prof Chudi Uwazurike (Former Member of House of Assembly)
37. Mr Funso Omotoso (Chairmn, Association of Nigerian Authors, Oyo chapter)
38. Professor Uzodinma T. Nwala (President, Alaigbo Development Association, Abuja).
39. Mr Ben Ubiri (Chairman ANA Abuja Chapter)
40. Prof Emeka Nwabueze (Director, The Institute of African Studies
41. Dr Chike Okoye (Dept English & Literature UNIZIK)
42. James Eze (association of Awka poets)
43. Prof Pat Utomi

ADMINISTRATION:
Obiageli Okigbo - President, COF
Dr Wale Okediran - Chief Advisor, COF
Okey Okuzu - EXECSEC, Founding member COF
Linda Nwando Renée Okigbo, Treasurer COF
Patrick Oguejiofor - SECGEN COF
Linda Nwando Renée Okigbo- Treasurer, COF
Dr Emmanuel Omanukwue – COF Trustee

SYNW LAUDS DENJA ABDULAHI OVER VARIOUS ACHIEVEMENTS

Calls for Second term

The Society of Young Nigerian Writers has described the current National President of the Association of Nigerian Authors, Denja Abdulahi as an achiever and a committed leader whose literary legacy will be forever celebrated in ANA.

In a statement made available to newsmen yesterday, Wole Adedoyin enthused: “We are proud to have benefited immensely in your positive leadership as the current ANA President. Your true love for ANA is undeniable and visible to everyone to see. We are blessed to have you and will always be with you all the way.”

“We commend your profound contribution to ANA over one year through various developmental literary projects executed by you, he added.
Wole, who described Denja Abdulahi as one of his literary mentors prayed: “May the good Allah protect you as you trudge on.

Citing remarkable developmental and members-oriented projects the ANA president had executed since he assumed office over one year ago, Wole Adedoyin said Denja Abdulahi deserves accolades.

Some of the mentioned projects well executed by the Denja Abdulahi led ANA excos are: the foundation laying and tree planting ceremony of the ongoing ANA’s Mamman Jiya Vatsa Writers’ Village, Mpape, Abuja, professional enhancement of ANA’s website, the electronic membership database, Authors Groove, ANA Documentary, Enhancement of ANA literary prizes, first National Teen Authorship Conference, appointment and reappointment of ANA Committee members to mention but few.

“I make bold to say that it’s during Denja’s tenure that more members of ANA are given more opportunity to serve at the national level and I thank him most sincerely for this, Wole stated.

SYNW MOURNS CHIEF CHARRY ADA ONWU-OTUYELU

The Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW) on Tuesday joined other eminent writers across the country to mourn the death of Chief Charry Ada Onwu-Otuyelu (1953-2017), the author of “Ifeanyi and Obi” and “Triumph of Destiny ”.

The President of the Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW), Mr. Wole Adedoyin described Chief Charry Ada Onwu-Otuyelu as “a principled, dogged, and unrelenting writer, fully committed to ANA cause and the development of children literature in Nigeria.

Chief Charry Ada Onwu-Otuyelu hailed from Amaigbo in Imo state. Married to Mr Olusoji Otuyelu and had four children. Her areas of interest include folktales and history. A fellow of Ebedi Writers Residency founded by Dr. Wale Okediran.

A nurse by profession, Chief Onwu-Otuyelu got her nursing professional qualifications from University Teaching Hospital Ibadan and Maternity Hospital Lagos. She was an ex-soldier that worked with the Armed Forces Medical Service during the Nigeria-Biafra civil war. Also one of the early female voices to take the genre of Children's literature very seriously. Ifeanyi and Obi won the Children's literature award in 1988. She also featured in famous films like Kongi’s Harvest (by Wole Soyinka), Bisi Daughter of the River, T.V Star featured in Village Headmaster, Masquerade, Igbo Plays on IBC TV& Radio

Since her debut creative works in the early 80s, Chief Onwu-Otuyelu branched off into other research areas like history and sociology. After the closure of her clinic and maternity Centre, she was fully active in Imo state politics.

Charry Ada Onwu-Otuyelu, a former Director at the Imo State council for Arts and culture and one of the founding members of the Association of Nigerian Authors. Chief Ada had once served as the National Auditor of the Association and won various literary awards through her outstanding works written for children.

According to him “I am convinced that her death at this point in ANA’s history will be missed by all. This is because her contributions not only to the development of children literature in the country but to the advancement of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) which is currently the leading and largest writers guild in Nigeria and Africa. Her type is rare, her personal sacrifices and selfless services to ANA and children literature uncommon.

“She deserves everything that ANA can do to give her a befitting honour to immortalize her name as one of the founding members of ANA,’’ Wole added.

Her other literary works include: Ada Marries a Palm Tree, Our Grannies Tales, Adobi, Amaigbo Kwenu: History of my town, Catastrophe, One Bad Turn and Good Morning Mr Kolanut (2009).

SYNW is currently collating the list of dead Nigerian writers for its proposed forthcoming online programme tagged “National Dead Writers’ Week” aim at remembering and recalling the memories of Nigerian dead writers.
We are also expecting you (Nigerian writers) to send us the Name(s), picture(s), Title(s) of Book(s), State, Short profile of any late Nigerian author(s) you know. Kindly forward the data to societyofyoungnigerianwriters@gmail.com and woleadedoyin@gmail.com

Meanwhile below listed names are some of the names we’ve compiled for our proposed project, we are still adding. You can also assist by sending us more. Please send to the above given emails.

1. Chinua Achebe (1930-2013 Novelist, Poet, Critic
2. Yemi Ajibade (1929-2013) Playwright and Actor
3. Akilu Aliu (1918-1998) Poet
4. T.M. Aluko (1918-2010) Novelist & Autobiographer
5. Elechi Amadi (1934-2016) Novelist
6. Olumbe Bashir (1919-2001)
7. Samuel Ajayi Crowther (1807-1891) Linguist, Diarist, Explorer, Writer and Translator
8. Usman Dan Fodio (1754-1817)
9. Buchi Emecheta (1944-2017) Novelist
10. Olaudah Equiano (c 1745-97) Autobiographer
11. Cyprian Ekwensi (1921-2007) Novelist
12. D.O. Fagunwa – (1903-1963) Novelist
13. Abubakar Imam – (1911-1981) Novelist
14. Samuel Johnson – (1846-1901) Historian
15. Festus Iyayi – (1947-2013) Novelist
16. Duro Ladipo – (1931-1978)Playwright and Dramatist
17. Nkem Nwankwo –(1936-2001) Novelist
18. Flora Nwapa – (1931-1993) Novelist
19. Christopher Okigbo (1932-1967) Poet
20. Afolabi Olabimtan – (1932-2003)
21. Kola Onadipe – (1922-1988)
22. Dennis Osadebay – (1911-1995) – Poet
23. Ola Rotimi – (1938-2000) Novelist, Playwright and Theatre Director
24. Ken Saro Wiwa – (1941-1995) Playwright, Novelist and Poet
25. Zulu Sofola – (1935-1995) Playwright
26. Amos Tutuola – (1920-1997) Novelist
27. Mamman Jiya Vatsa (1944-1986) Poet
28. Ken Wiwa – (1968-2016) Biographer
29. Nana Asmau – (1793-1864)
30. Bola Ige (1930-2001)
31. Tai Solarin
32. Anthony Enahoro – (1923-2010)
33. Abubakar Tafawa Balewa – (1912-1966)
34. Aminu Kano – (1920 – 1983)
35. Egbert Udo Udoma – (1917-1998)
36. Ayodele Awojobi (1937-1984)
37. Margaret Ekpo – (1914-2006)
38. Adegoke Adelabu – (1915-1958)
39. Catherine Obiajunu Acholonu – (1951-2014)
40. Fela Sowande (1905-1987)
41. Joshua Uzoigwe (1946-2005)
42. Norman Pannell – (1901-1979)
43. Chike Obi – (1921-2008)
44. D’Okhai Ojeikere (1930-2014)
45. Nnamdi Azikiwe (1904-1996)
46. C. Odumegwu Ojukwu (1933-2011)
47. Abubakar Gimba – (1952-2015) – Poet and Novelist
48. Dapo Adelugba – (1939-2014) – Playwright and Theatre Director
49. Kolapo Oyefeso (Died at the age of 39) Children Literature Writer
50. Ify Omalicha Agwu (Died at the age of
51. Sesan Ajayi (1959-1994) Poet

SYNW is currently collating the list of dead Nigerian writers for its proposed forthcoming online programme tagged “National Dead Writers’ Week” aim at remembering and recalling the memories of Nigerian dead writers.
We are also expecting you (Nigerian writers) to send us the Name(s), picture(s), Title(s) of Book(s), State, Short profile of any late Nigerian author(s) you know. Kindly forward the data to societyofyoungnigerianwriters@gmail.com and woleadedoyin@gmail.com

Meanwhile below listed names are some of the names we’ve compiled for our proposed project, we are still adding. You can also assist by sending us more. Please send to the above given emails.
1. Chinua Achebe (1930-2013 Novelist, Poet, Critic
2. Yemi Ajibade (1929-2013) Playwright and Actor
3. Akilu Aliu (1918-1998) Poet
4. T.M. Aluko (1918-2010) Novelist & Autobiographer
5. Elechi Amadi (1934-2016) Novelist
6. Olumbe Bashir (1919-2001)
7. Samuel Ajayi Crowther (1807-1891) Linguist, Diarist, Explorer, Writer and Translator
8. Usman Dan Fodio (1754-1817)
9. Buchi Emecheta (1944-2017) Novelist
10. Olaudah Equiano (c 1745-97) Autobiographer
11. Cyprian Ekwensi (1921-2007) Novelist
12. D.O. Fagunwa – (1903-1963) Novelist
13. Abubakar Imam – (1911-1981) Novelist
14. Samuel Johnson – (1846-1901) Historian
15. Festus Iyayi – (1947-2013) Novelist
16. Duro Ladipo – (1931-1978)Playwright and Dramatist
17. Nkem Nwankwo –(1936-2001) Novelist
18. Flora Nwapa – (1931-1993) Novelist
19. Christopher Okigbo (1932-1967) Poet
20. Afolabi Olabimtan – (1932-2003)
21. Kola Onadipe – (1922-1988)
22. Dennis Osadebay – (1911-1995) – Poet
23. Ola Rotimi – (1938-2000) Novelist, Playwright and Theatre Director
24. Ken Saro Wiwa – (1941-1995) Playwright, Novelist and Poet
25. Zulu Sofola – (1935-1995) Playwright
26. Amos Tutuola – (1920-1997) Novelist
27. Mamman Jiya Vatsa (1944-1986) Poet
28. Ken Wiwa – (1968-2016) Biographer
29. Nana Asmau – (1793-1864)
30. Bola Ige (1930-2001)
31. Tai Solarin
32. Anthony Enahoro – (1923-2010)
33. Abubakar Tafawa Balewa – (1912-1966)
34. Aminu Kano – (1920 – 1983)
35. Egbert Udo Udoma – (1917-1998)
36. Ayodele Awojobi (1937-1984)
37. Margaret Ekpo – (1914-2006)
38. Adegoke Adelabu – (1915-1958)
39. Catherine Obiajunu Acholonu – (1951-2014)
40. Fela Sowande (1905-1987)
41. Joshua Uzoigwe (1946-2005)
42. Norman Pannell – (1901-1979)
43. Chike Obi – (1921-2008)
44. D’Okhai Ojeikere (1930-2014)
45. Nnamdi Azikiwe (1904-1996)
46. C. Odumegwu Ojukwu (1933-2011)
47. Abubakar Gimba – (1952-2015) – Poet and Novelist
48. Dapo Adelugba – (1939-2014) – Playwright and Theatre Director
49. Kolapo Oyefeso (Died at the age of 39) Children Literature Writer
50. Ify Omalicha Agwu (Died at the age of
51. Sesan Ajayi (1959-1994) Poet

NATIONAL DEAD WRITERS WEEK - SOCIETY OF YOUNG NIGERIAN WRITERS

NATIONAL DEAD WRITERS WEEK - SOCIETY OF YOUNG NIGERIAN WRITERS