Ibadan Book Club Launches New Literary Series, Ibadan Book Dialogue

 

IBADAN BOOK CLUB LAUNCHES NEW LITERARY SERIES, IBADAN BOOK DIALOGUE

 

The Ibadan Book Club has officially launched a fresh literary initiative tagged Ibadan Book Dialogue, signaling a new era of book-related engagements in the ancient city. This new project comes on the heels of the just-concluded Ibadan Book Talk, a highly impactful reading scheme that ran from January to June 2025 and featured over 20 prominent Nigerian writers.

In a press statement issued recently in Ibadan by the Founder of the Club, Mr. Wole Adedoyin, the Ibadan Book Dialogue is set to continue the club's tradition of promoting literature, reading culture, and literary interaction among residents of Oyo State and beyond. The initiative, according to him, will adopt a slightly different format from its predecessor by focusing more on literary interviews and podcast-style conversations.

Unlike the Ibadan Book Talk, which emphasized book reviews and direct author-reader engagements, Ibadan Book Dialogue will center around curated interviews with writers, literary professionals, publishers, and reading advocates. The platform will also serve as a channel to share literary opportunities such as fellowships, residencies, calls for submission, and grants with participants and the general public.

Wole Adedoyin emphasized that this mid-year switch in literary programming is a deliberate tradition of the Ibadan Book Club. "Every year, we divide our programming into two phases. From January to June, we implemented Ibadan Book Talk. Now, from July to December 2025, we are rolling out Ibadan Book Dialogue as a fresh and more interactive experience," he explained.

The new project will also be available in podcast format to ensure wider accessibility and participation. According to the organizers, selected interviews and readings will be uploaded to digital platforms to engage readers, writers, and literary enthusiasts across Nigeria and the diaspora.

The club is also partnering with three prominent literary bodies to bring the project to life: Writers Embassy, Readers Republic, and the Writers Book of Record. These organizations will jointly support the initiative through mentorship, technical assistance, media visibility, and resource sharing.

Over the years, the Ibadan Book Club has been at the forefront of literary advocacy and community reading development. Past initiatives include Ibadan Reads, Oyo Reads, Read Nigeria Project, Write and Publish Project, and most recently, the now-retired Ibadan Book Talk. Each project has contributed uniquely to the advancement of literary culture in the region.

Adedoyin reiterated that Ibadan Book Dialogue is open to all lovers of literature, including students, aspiring writers, publishers, librarians, book critics, and academics. “We invite everyone who shares a passion for books and creative expression to be part of this exciting new chapter,” he said.

The Ibadan Book Dialogue is expected to kick off its first session in late July, with a lineup of esteemed guests and interactive discussions. Updates on dates, guests, and featured books will be made available on the club’s official social media handles and partner platforms.

 

Ibadan Book Club Mourns Oba Olakulehin

 

IBADAN BOOK CLUB MOURNS OBA OLAKULEHIN

 

The Ibadan Book Club has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of His Imperial Majesty, Oba Akinloye Olalere Owolabi Olakulehin, the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland. In a heartfelt statement issued by the Founder of the Club, Mr. Wole Adedoyin, the literary community in Ibadan paid glowing tribute to the late monarch, describing him as a royal father who cherished tradition, wisdom, and intellectual growth.

According to the statement, Oba Olakulehin’s reign, though brief, was marked by his unwavering commitment to the development of Ibadanland and his encouragement of educational and cultural initiatives. “His Imperial Majesty, Oba Olakulehin, was a lover of knowledge and a promoter of Yoruba heritage. His passing is not only a loss to the royal institution but also to every cultural and literary body that holds tradition dear,” the statement read.

The Ibadan Book Club, which has been at the forefront of promoting reading and cultural consciousness in the city, acknowledged the Olubadan’s silent but significant influence on youth engagement and community development. The club emphasized that Oba Olakulehin’s life was a testimony to the enduring value of leadership rooted in cultural pride and humility.

As part of its tribute, the Ibadan Book Club announced that its next reading session would be dedicated to the memory of the late monarch. The session will feature readings on Yoruba history, poetry honoring Ibadan heroes, and a discussion on the role of traditional rulers in preserving literary culture.

Wole Adedoyin further noted that Oba Olakulehin’s death should remind all cultural stakeholders in Ibadan to uphold and preserve the city’s rich intellectual legacy. “Oba Olakulehin was a symbol of peace, tradition, and progressive leadership. The Ibadan Book Club stands with the entire Ibadanland in mourning the exit of a great patriarch,” Adedoyin said.

The Ibadan Book Club concluded its message with condolences to the Olakulehin family, the Olubadan-in-Council, and all sons and daughters of Ibadanland. The club prays for the peaceful repose of the royal soul and strength for the city as it transitions into a new chapter in its traditional leadership.

 

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.