Adwinsa Publications Nigeria Celebrates Founder, Chief Nana Kwabena Amponsah, At 80

 

ADWINSA PUBLICATIONS NIGERIA CELEBRATES FOUNDER, CHIEF NANA KWABENA AMPONSAH, AT 80

 

The Nigerian Branch of Adwinsa Publications (Adwinsa Publications Nigeria Limited), an offshoot of Adwinsa Publications Ghana Limited, has congratulated the founder of the publishing firm, Chief Nana Kwabena Amponsah, on the occasion of his 80th birthday.

This was contained in a press statement issued by the Coordinator of Adwinsa Publications Nigeria Limited, Wole Adedoyin, who praised Chief Amponsah’s remarkable contributions to the growth of African publishing and his dedication to the promotion of education across the continent.

Founded in March 1977 in Madina, a suburb of Accra, Ghana, Adwinsa Publications began as a modest business operated from Chief Amponsah’s home. Over the years, the company has grown into one of the most reputable indigenous publishing houses in West Africa, impacting generations of learners and writers.

By the late 1980s, the company relocated from Madina to Accra Newtown, marking a new phase in its expansion. It was during this period that Adwinsa Publications embraced emerging technologies such as desktop publishing and commercial offset printing, which significantly boosted its capacity and efficiency.

From 2000 to 2014, Adwinsa Publications continued to strengthen its presence as a household name in the publishing sector, establishing itself as a pioneer in providing supplementary readers and textbooks that became staples in Ghanaian schools. This achievement further underscored the vision of its founder, who believed strongly in education as the backbone of national development.

Chief Nana Kwabena Amponsah’s enduring legacy was further recognized when he received a special award from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) Publishing Department for being a trailblazer in the Ghanaian book industry. This accolade reflected his lifelong commitment to fostering academic growth through quality publishing.

Today, Adwinsa Publications remains a market leader in Ghana, dominating the educational sector with Junior and Senior High School syllabus-based textbooks, as well as literature that celebrates Ghana’s rich cultural heritage. Its reputation for excellence has made it a trusted partner for students, parents, governments, and the international academic community.

In his congratulatory message, Wole Adedoyin emphasized that Adwinsa Publications Nigeria stands proudly on the foundation laid by Chief Amponsah. He noted that the founder’s passion for family-oriented education has continued to inspire the company’s focus on developing textbooks for basic, secondary, and tertiary institutions, thereby nurturing generations of African learners.

“As a family-owned company, one of Adwinsa Publications’ greatest strengths has always been its commitment to education as a tool for long-term family and societal development. Chief Amponsah’s vision and dedication remain guiding lights for us in Nigeria as we continue to expand our reach and impact,” Adedoyin stated.

The Nigerian branch joins staff, authors, students, and well-wishers across Ghana, Nigeria, and beyond in celebrating the remarkable life and legacy of Chief Nana Kwabena Amponsah, wishing him good health, continued wisdom, and many more fruitful years ahead.

 

Ibadan Book Dialogue To Spotlight Gani Ekpobari Martin and Ajayi Olayinka James

 

IBADAN BOOK DIALOGUE TO SPOTLIGHT GANI EKPOBARI MARTIN AND AJAYI OLAYINKA JAMES

 

The Ibadan Book Club (IBC), in partnership with the Milton Society of Africa, has announced that its forthcoming edition of the Ibadan Book Dialogue will feature two distinguished writers, Gani Ekpobari Martin and Ajayi Olayinka James. The event is scheduled to take place on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at 12:00 PM in the Board Room of the Oyo State Library Board, located opposite Cocoa House in Dugbe, Ibadan.

The Ibadan Book Dialogue is one of the club’s flagship literary platforms designed to promote reading culture, celebrate authors, and foster intellectual conversations around literature, society, and development. Over the years, it has brought together both established and emerging voices in Nigerian writing to engage with the public in meaningful discourse.

Speaking on the upcoming event, Wole Adedoyin, Founder of the Ibadan Book Club, expressed excitement over the inclusion of the two guest writers, noting that their unique perspectives will enrich the dialogue. “Gani Ekpobari Martin and Ajayi Olayinka James embody the diversity of Nigerian literary and intellectual talent. Their works and activism reflect the values we hold dear—literary excellence, social consciousness, and creative engagement,” he stated.

Gani Ekpobari Martin hails from Buan in Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria. A distinguished academic scholar, an erudite in literary studies, and an engineer by profession, he has authored several books including The Broken Shackles, Korkade, The Drives for Money, The Voice of My Father, The Chained Foreigner, Tears of an Old Woman, What My Mother Told Me, Jennifer My Best Friend, and King Tortoise.

His literary contributions have not gone unnoticed, as his works have been adopted by State Ministries of Education in Rivers, Bayelsa, Anambra, and Abia for use in Junior Secondary School Basic Certificate Examinations (Junior WAEC). This recognition underscores his influence as a writer whose stories resonate deeply within Nigeria’s educational and cultural framework.

Beyond writing, Gani is also a social activist dedicated to youth and community development. He currently serves as Secretary-General of the Ogoni Youth Advancement Network, Secretary-General of the Association of Rivers State Creative Writers, and President of the Movement of Rivers Youth for Transparency. He is also an active member of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA). Presently, he is an academic staff member at the Federal Polytechnic, Ayede, Oyo State.

On the other hand, Ajayi Olayinka James, a final-year Law student at the University of Ibadan, brings youthful vigor and intellectual depth to the dialogue. A passionate essayist and recipient of scholarships, Olayinka has distinguished himself as both a writer and student journalist. He served as the former Editor-in-Chief of a reputable campus press organization, where he used the media to highlight social and student-related issues.

In addition, Olayinka is an active environmental and human rights advocate with a strong commitment to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly climate action. His leadership extends to mentoring peers, tutoring aspiring professionals, and driving personal and career development initiatives within student organizations.

Through their combined experiences as a seasoned scholar and an emerging advocate-writer, Gani Ekpobari Martin and Ajayi Olayinka James promise to deliver an engaging and inspiring session at the Ibadan Book Dialogue. Their stories, writings, and activism align with the event’s mission of using literature as a tool for awareness, empowerment, and social transformation.

The Ibadan Book Club and Milton Society of Africa, therefore, invite book lovers, students, academics, and members of the public to attend this highly anticipated event and participate in what promises to be a thought-provoking literary gathering.

 

Ibadan Book Club Joins Well-Wishers To Console Yinka Ayefele Over Fire Incident

 IBADAN BOOK CLUB JOINS WELL-WISHERS TO CONSOLE YINKA AYEFELE OVER FIRE INCIDENT

 

The Ibadan Book Club has extended its heartfelt sympathy to renowned musician and broadcaster, Dr. Yinka Ayefele, over the recent inferno that gutted sections of his radio station, Fresh FM, Ibadan.

This was contained in a press statement issued in Ibadan by the Founder of the Club, Wole Adedoyin, who described the unfortunate incident as a great loss not only to Ayefele but also to the entire broadcasting and entertainment community in Oyo State and Nigeria at large.

The statement noted that Fresh FM Ibadan has, over the years, become a household name in the Nigerian media space, providing credible information, entertainment, and education to millions of listeners across the Southwest and beyond.

According to the Book Club, Ayefele’s resilience and vision in establishing and sustaining Fresh FM despite earlier life challenges remain an inspiration to countless Nigerians. The Club added that it was saddened to learn of the destruction caused by the fire outbreak.

Adedoyin further stressed that the incident should be seen as a temporary setback, expressing optimism that Ayefele, with his indomitable spirit, would bounce back stronger. He emphasized that Fresh FM has grown to become a cultural hub that has positively impacted literature, arts, and youth development in the region.

The statement also recalled the collaborative roles Fresh FM Ibadan has played in promoting arts, culture, and education, highlighting that the station has consistently supported book readings, literary discussions, and awareness on societal development issues.

The Ibadan Book Club urged the public and government at all levels to rally round Ayefele and Fresh FM in order to ensure that the station returns to full operations without much delay. It emphasized that institutions such as Fresh FM are too important to be allowed to fade into silence.

While expressing its solidarity with the staff and management of the station, the Club prayed for divine strength, provision, and wisdom for Ayefele as he works towards restoring normalcy.

Adwinsa Publications Unveils Nigerian Students’ Literature Prize, Seeks Support and Partnership

 

ADWINSA PUBLICATIONS UNVEILS NIGERIAN STUDENTS’ LITERATURE PRIZE, SEEKS SUPPORT AND PARTNERSHIP

 

In a bold and commendable move aimed at promoting literary excellence among young Nigerians, Adwinsa Publications Nigeria Limited has officially launched the Nigerian Students’ Literature Prize (NSLP).

The literary award initiative is targeted at discovering and celebrating fresh creative writing talents from primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions across Nigeria.

This announcement was made in a press statement jointly signed by Kwaku Oppong Amponsah, Director of the Company, and Wole Adedoyin, Nigerian Coordinator of Adwinsa Publications.

According to the statement, the Nigerian Students’ Literature Prize will provide a robust platform for nurturing and showcasing the literary abilities of students through competitions in poetry, short stories, and essays. The prize is expected to play a key role in revitalizing reading and writing culture among young Nigerians at all levels of education.

Adwinsa Publications Nigeria Limited, a duly registered publishing firm with the Corporate Affairs Commission (Registration Number: 667617), and known for its strong legacy in educational development, emphasized that the prize aligns with the company’s long-standing mission to inspire creativity and critical thinking in young minds. The Nigerian Students’ Literature Prize marks the second major initiative of the publishing house, following the successful implementation of its flagship project, the Read Nigeria Project.

Speaking on the importance of the prize, Wole Adedoyin said the initiative is a deliberate effort to encourage young Nigerian writers to find their voices early. “We are passionate about building a strong literary future for Nigeria. This prize is our contribution to national development through the power of literature,” he said.

Kwaku Oppong Amponsah called on government institutions, private organizations, publishing stakeholders, NGOs, and philanthropists to support and partner with Adwinsa Publications to expand the reach and impact of the prize. “This is not just about an award; it is about empowering the future generation of Nigerian writers and thinkers. We welcome sponsorship, technical partnerships, and collaborations that can elevate this vision,” he noted.

Entries for the Nigerian Students’ Literature Prize will be open to students enrolled in accredited Nigerian schools, colleges, and universities. Participants will be grouped into three categories based on their academic level, and each category will feature a tailored set of literary challenges and rewards. The competition will also include workshops, mentorship sessions, and nationwide readings.

Adwinsa Publications Nigeria Limited also announced plans to publish a biennial anthology featuring the best entries from the competition. This publication, the statement noted, will serve as both a reward and an exposure opportunity for budding authors, while also contributing to the body of student literature in the country.

The organizers further disclosed that a dedicated blog and social media channels for the NSLP would be launched in the coming weeks to provide updates, entry guidelines, and resources for participants and partners. Regional coordinators are also being appointed to ensure inclusivity and wide participation across the six geopolitical zones.

Adwinsa Publications Nigeria Limited reaffirmed its commitment to promoting literacy, intellectual development, and literary excellence among Nigerian youth. With the unveiling of the Nigerian Students’ Literature Prize, the publishing house sets a new milestone in its educational outreach, and calls on all stakeholders to rally around the initiative for its sustainability and success.

 

Ibadan Book Club, Ulli Beier Society To Hold Memorial Reading In Honour Of Late Busari Agbolade

 

IBADAN BOOK CLUB, ULLI BEIER SOCIETY TO HOLD MEMORIAL READING IN HONOUR OF LATE BUSARI AGBOLADE

 

The Ibadan Book Club, in collaboration with the Ulli Beier Society, has announced plans to host a special book reading and performance poetry session in honour of the late Elder Busari Agbolade.

The event, originally intended to be this year’s edition of the annual Busari Agbolade Memorial Lecture, was restructured due to logistical reasons. This change, however, has not diminished the essence of the tribute, which now shifts to a dynamic format celebrating literature and performance.

The memorial event is scheduled to take place on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at the Oyo State Library Board, located opposite Cocoa House, Dugbe, Ibadan. According to a press statement issued by the Founder of Ibadan Book Club, Wole Adedoyin, the event will begin at 12 PM and promises to provide a vibrant platform for young writers, poets, and literary enthusiasts to gather and commemorate the life and legacy of Elder Agbolade through words and artistic expression.

Adedoyin emphasized that the event will allow student-writers and performers to share their works, reflect on their literary journeys, and interact with an engaged audience comprising book lovers, fellow creatives, and stakeholders in the cultural community. The event seeks to continue Elder Agbolade’s legacy of promoting intellectual development, cultural engagement, and the preservation of Yoruba heritage through literature and the arts.

Over the years, the Busari Agbolade Memorial Lecture series has evolved into a significant platform for artistic reflection and cultural discourse. The inaugural edition held on May 29, 2021, was themed “Extending Creative Legacy”, and featured Murthada Lawal, who delivered a compelling lecture that underscored the importance of sustaining creative traditions.

The second edition, held on July 30, 2022, explored “The Importance of Drawing and Painting in Writing”, with visual artists Kola Akintola and Gbenga Akintayo delivering insightful presentations on the intersection of visual arts and literature, highlighting how illustrations can deepen storytelling and narrative expression.

The third edition, themed “Dance as an Expression of Culture”, took place on July 29, 2023, and featured renowned dancer and choreographer Christopher Emmanuel. His performance and lecture captivated audiences, demonstrating the power of movement in preserving oral traditions and community storytelling.

The most recent edition, held on July 27, 2024, featured Mr. Toyin Alade as the guest lecturer. Alade’s discourse focused on the “Impact of Atelier Practices on 21st Century Art” and offered a dreamscape view into the works of Abayomi Barber, enriching attendees with new dimensions of creative exploration and innovation.

One of the highlights of this year’s memorial reading will be a special performance by Damilare Olasunkanmi (Arole Akewi), a prolific actor, director, and choreographer known for his dynamic theatrical interpretations. Olasunkanmi’s work spans landmark performances across Nigeria, including cultural festivals and academic theatre productions, making him a befitting artist to honour the cultural legacy of Elder Agbolade.

The event will also feature poetic presentations by three emerging literary voices: Nwaobilor Vincent Chukwuebuka, winner of the 2024 Wittypel Poetry Competition and contributor to the Bridgett James Poetry Anthology; Asefon Abdulganeey Stephen, an ekphrastic poet and social critic; and other guest contributors who will lend their voices to the memory of Elder Agbolade through poetry and prose.

The Ibadan Book Club invites members of the public, writers, artists, cultural enthusiasts, and the entire literary community to be part of this memorable occasion. The event will not only celebrate Elder Agbolade’s life and contributions but also inspire a new generation to uphold the values he embodied—creativity, cultural awareness, and community development.