Ibadan Book Club Celebrates Dr. Bamidele Kogbe’s 2025 EPIC Award Win

 

IBADAN BOOK CLUB CELEBRATES DR. BAMIDELE KOGBE’S 2025 EPIC AWARD WIN

 

The Ibadan Book Club has congratulated Dr. Bamidele Ibrahim Kogbe, esteemed author and dedicated civil servant, on being named a recipient of the prestigious EPIC Award during the 2025 International Civil Service Day celebrations recently held in Nigeria.

According to the Club, the recognition is a well-deserved honour that celebrates Dr. Kogbe’s exemplary contributions to public service.

In a statement signed and released by the founder of the Club, Wole Adedoyin, the Ibadan Book Club commended Dr. Kogbe’s outstanding achievements in the Nigerian civil service. The Club described him as an inspirational figure whose professional and creative pursuits continue to motivate young writers and professionals nationwide.

The EPIC Award—standing for Efficient, Productive, Incorruptible and Citizen-Centered —was instituted by the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation under the leadership of Didi Esther Walson-Jack. The award recognizes federal civil servants who have distinguished themselves in service across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.

Dr. Kogbe currently serves as an Assistant Chief Administrative Officer in the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, where he has consistently demonstrated dedication, leadership, and integrity. His recognition with the EPIC Award reflects his relentless pursuit of excellence in governance and administration.

In addition to his civil service career, Dr. Kogbe is a celebrated literary figure. His published works include Songs of a Wounded Dove (2007), Child of Destiny (2009), The Gods Had Gone to Sleep, and The Young Farmer (2009). These works have made significant contributions to Nigeria’s literary landscape.

Dr. Kogbe is also a former recipient of the 2010 Oyo State Merit Award in Literary Arts, further cementing his place among Nigeria’s notable literary minds.

Academically, he holds a PhD in Politics and International Relations from the University of Dundee in the United Kingdom. He is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Public Administration of Nigeria and a former visiting research fellow at the International Centre for Policing and Security, University of South Wales, UK.

Wole Adedoyin, while applauding the award committee, stated that Dr. Kogbe’s achievement should serve as an inspiration to civil servants who balance their professional responsibilities with meaningful societal contributions. He described Dr. Kogbe’s story as a model of the intellectual leadership Nigeria urgently needs.

The Ibadan Book Club, committed to promoting reading culture and intellectual development in Oyo State and beyond, reaffirmed its support for writers and public servants like Dr. Kogbe. The Club also encouraged other creatives in the public sector to follow his inspiring example.

Ibadan Book Club to Host University of Ibadan Students at June Book Talk

 

IBADAN BOOK CLUB TO HOST UNIVERSITY OF IBADAN STUDENTS AT JUNE BOOK TALK

 

The June edition of Ibadan Book Talk, a monthly literary event organized by Ibadan Book Club, is set to spotlight three emerging literary voices from the University of Ibadan.

The event will host campus writers Olowosokedile Ayomide Aduke, Morenike Aduke, and Agboola Tariq A. as featured readers and discussants.

The reading is scheduled to take place on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at the Oyo State Library Board, opposite Cocoa House, Dugbe, Ibadan, Oyo State. Proceedings will commence at 12 PM prompt.

This was made known in a press release issued by the Founder of Ibadan Book Club, Wole Adedoyin, in Ibadan on Saturday. According to Adedoyin, the event will provide a platform for the student-writers to share their creative works, discuss their literary journeys, and interact with an audience of book lovers, aspiring writers, and members of the literary community.

Ibadan Book Talk is an initiative of Ibadan Book Club aimed at nurturing a vibrant literary culture within the city and promoting young and emerging writers across Nigeria. Each edition of the program features readings, book discussions, and conversations that celebrate literature and its role in personal and societal development.

One of the featured readers, Olowosokedile Ayomide Aduke, is a Nigerian writer, poet, and 300-level student of English at the University of Ibadan. She explores themes such as identity, memory, and freedom through reflective storytelling. Her poem, Yes, I am African, delves into the pride of African heritage and cultural strength. Ayomide is currently working on a memoir chronicling her childhood and emotional growth, as well as a growing portfolio of published essays and poems.

Also to be featured is Morenike Aduke, the pen name of Adeoye Oluwayemisi Rachel, a master's student in the Department of Zoology, University of Ibadan. A native of Ibadan, Morenike discovered her passion for writing during her teenage years. Her journey as a writer intensified during her NYSC service in Benue State, where she wrote and performed for her fellow corps members. Her academic pursuit is deeply tied to her love for documenting and researching the world through words.

Joining them is Agboola Tariq A., a poet and law student at the University of Ibadan. He currently serves as the Literary Head of the Literary and Debate Society of the University. A prolific young writer, Tariq’s poetry has been featured or is forthcoming in Lucent Dreaming, Magma Poetry, Aké Review, ANMLY, and SoFloPoJo, among others. He recently emerged as the winner of the Blessing Kolajo Poetry Prize 2024 and was the first runner-up for the Fireflies Prize 2024.

According to Wole Adedoyin, the event will not only celebrate the literary gifts of these young minds but also serve as an encouragement for other students and youths to embrace writing and intellectual engagement as tools for social expression and personal growth.

Members of the public, literary enthusiasts, students, and writers are all invited to attend the event and interact with the guest writers. Admission is free, and the event promises an afternoon of insightful conversation, poetry, and literary exploration.

 

Oyo State Library Board Celebrates Governor Makinde’s Six Years of Progressive Leadership

 

OYO STATE LIBRARY BOARD CELEBRATES GOVERNOR MAKINDE’S SIX YEARS OF PROGRESSIVE LEADERSHIP

 

The Oyo State Library Board, under the leadership of Hon. Yemi Taiwo, has congratulated His Excellency, Engr. Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde, FNSE, on the occasion of his sixth year in office as the Executive Governor of Oyo State.

In a statement released today, the Board commended the Governor’s unwavering dedication to good governance and transformative leadership, which has significantly improved the lives of citizens across the state.

Since assuming office on May 29, 2019, Governor Makinde has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to infrastructure development, education, healthcare, and socio-economic growth. His administration’s achievements have set a benchmark for excellence, earning him widespread acclaim and reinforcing public confidence in his leadership. The Oyo State Library Board lauded the Governor’s visionary policies, which have fostered inclusive development and positioned the state as a model of progress in Nigeria.

The Board particularly highlighted Governor Makinde’s investments in education and knowledge empowerment, describing his efforts as revolutionary. Under his leadership, libraries across Oyo State have witnessed remarkable upgrades, ensuring that residents, especially students and researchers, have access to quality learning resources. This commitment aligns with the Governor’s broader agenda of promoting literacy and lifelong learning as catalysts for societal advancement.

Hon. Yemi Taiwo, Chairman of the Oyo State Library Board, praised the Governor’s resilience in overcoming governance challenges while maintaining focus on delivering people-centered projects. He noted that the Governor’s ability to navigate complex issues with wisdom and determination has been instrumental in sustaining the state’s growth trajectory.

In his remarks, Mr. Awotona Samuel Olukayode, the State Librarian, expressed gratitude for the Governor’s consistent support for the library system. He emphasized that the administration’s policies have not only revitalized public libraries but also integrated digital learning tools, making information more accessible to underserved communities.

As Governor Makinde marks this milestone, the Oyo State Library Board reaffirmed its commitment to supporting his vision for an enlightened and empowered citizenry. The Board pledged to continue collaborating with the government to enhance educational initiatives and expand library services to all corners of the state.

The statement also acknowledged the Governor’s humility and approachability, qualities that have endeared him to public servants and civil society organizations alike. His open-door policy and willingness to engage with stakeholders have fostered a culture of transparency and accountability in governance.

Looking ahead, the Board expressed optimism that the Governor’s next phase of leadership would bring even greater achievements. It called on citizens to continue supporting the administration as it works towards fulfilling its promises and elevating Oyo State to new heights of prosperity.

The congratulatory message concluded with prayers for divine wisdom, good health, and continued success for Governor Makinde as he steers the affairs of the state. The Board joined millions of well-wishers across Oyo State in celebrating this historic milestone and wishing the Governor more years of impactful service.