Ibadan Book Club Honours Award Winning Spoken Word Poet Ayomide Inufin

 IBADAN BOOK CLUB HONOURS AWARD-WINNING SPOKEN WORD POET AYOMIDE INUFIN

The Ibadan Book Club on 31st January, 2026 held a special reading session in honour of one of its members, Mr. Ayomide Inufin, a former performance poet of the Club and an award-winning spoken word artist. 

The event celebrated his growing literary journey and outstanding achievements on the international stage.

Mr. Inufin is not new to the Ibadan Book Club. He was one of the invited guest performance poets at the Club’s reading held on 15 October 2022 at the Conference Hall of the Oyo State Library Board, where his energetic and captivating performance left a lasting impression on participants. Since then, he has remained a familiar and respected presence within the Club’s creative community.

It will be recalled that Ayomide Inufin emerged as the winner of the Best Spoken Word Newcomer Award at the 2025 Wordplay Poetry Awards in London, a remarkable feat that drew wide commendation from literary circles. The Ibadan Book Club described the achievement as a proud moment and a testament to the quality of talents nurtured within its fold.

To celebrate this milestone, the Club organised the special reading session, which was attended by about twenty members and notable dignitaries from the literary community. Among those present were Mr. Olumide Sowunmi, Publicity Secretary of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA); Mrs. Funmi Akinwande, Financial Secretary of the Oyo State Chapter of ANA; Mr. Marcus Ugboduma, award-winning poet, short story writer, and co-founder of the Ibadan Book Club; Mr. Lekan Malik, Lagos State Chairman of the Creative Writers Association of Nigeria (CWAN); and Mr. Wole Adedoyin, Convener and Founder of the Ibadan Book Club. Mr. Adedoyin is also the President of the International Writers Association (IWA) and the Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW).

The award-winning poem, “C.A.S – Confirmation of Acceptance for Straying Souls,” with which Mr. Inufin won the Best Spoken Word Newcomer Award, was performed at the session by Mr. Wole Adedoyin. The performance deeply resonated with listeners and sparked thoughtful reflections and discussions.

Participants praised the poem for its compelling exposure of how poverty, violence, and failed governance redefine freedom and push survival into desperation. They noted its portrayal of migration not as triumph but as escape—freedom gained at the painful cost of identity, language, and emotional belonging. The vivid imagery of airports, visas, accents, and “haunted homes” was highlighted as a powerful dramatization of displacement and psychological exile. The poet’s confession of losing hope even after arrival was also commended for resisting romanticized diaspora narratives, while the closing reminder—that no one forgets home unless it is haunted—was described as a haunting reflection on safety, loss, and survival.

One of the highlights of the reading was a mini workshop on Artificial Intelligence led by Mr. Fadele Olusola Daniel, Head of the E-Library at The Polytechnic, Ibadan. A seasoned digital creator, AI expert, and professional librarian, Mr. Daniel shared practical insights on the use of AI tools in writing, research, and information management. A member of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), he holds academic qualifications in Computer Science, Statistics, and Library, Archival and Information Studies from the University of Ibadan.

Ibadan Book Club Congratulates Ayomide Inufin on Best Spoken Word Newcomer Award

**IBADAN BOOK CLUB CONGRATULATES AYOMIDE INUFIN ON BEST SPOKEN WORD NEWCOMER AWARD**

The Ibadan Book Club has congratulated Nigerian-born creative writer, poet and visual artist, Ayomide Inufin, popularly known as Ayomide D’Great, on his emergence as Best Spoken Word Newcomer 2025 at the prestigious Wordplay Poetry Awards held in London. 

The Club described the recognition as a well-deserved honour that reflects years of dedication, originality and artistic excellence.

This was contained in a press statement issued by the Founder of the Club, Wole Adedoyin, who commended Inufin for flying the Nigerian flag high on the global literary and spoken word stage. 

According to the statement, Ayomide’s achievement is a source of pride to the Nigerian literary community and a strong motivation to young writers and performers at home and in the diaspora.

Ayomide Inufin is a multi-award-winning creative writer, poet and visual artist whose works have received international recognition in the United Kingdom and the United States. He is widely known for his powerful and engaging performances at major creative events across cities such as London, Liverpool, Manchester, Sheffield, Stockholm and Miami, where his spoken word artistry has continued to draw critical acclaim.

The award was presented at the 2025 Wordplay Poetry Awards held on October 4, 2025, at the DoubleTree Hilton Kensington, London, where Inufin stood out among several talented poets and artists. His win, documented by Brainz Magazine and Wordplay & Flow, stressed his impactful presence and growing influence within the UK spoken word scene. In 2025, he was also listed among Brainz Magazine’s Top 500 Emblems of Creativity Globally.

The Ibadan Book Club further noted that Ayomide Inufin, a UK-based Nigerian creative, is the creator and curator of “Spotlight Poetry,” a genre dedicated to amplifying voices around critical societal issues. A holder of a Master’s degree in Creative Writing, Innovation and Experiment from the University of Salford, he is fondly referred to as “The Oba of Poetry” and the “Champagne Writer.”

Inufin's winning work will be read at the forthcoming  book reading/Meeting of the Ibadan Book Club scheduled to hold on the 31st January, 2026 at the main hall of the Oyo State Library Board opposite Cocoa House Dugbe Ibadan by 12:00PM. 

The Club wished him continued success and expressed confidence that his journey will inspire a new generation of writers and spoken word artists.

Ibadan Book Club Set To Host Free One-Day AI Training Workshop For Writers

 

IBADAN BOOK CLUB SET TO HOST FREE ONE-DAY AI TRAINING WORKSHOP FOR WRITERS

The Ibadan Book Club has announced plans to organize a one-day free training workshop on Artificial Intelligence (AI) for writers, as part of its sustained efforts to equip creatives with contemporary tools for literary production and professional growth. This disclosure was made in a press statement issued by the Convener of the workshop, Wole Adedoyin, who noted that the initiative aligns with the Club’s vision of keeping writers relevant in a rapidly evolving digital age.

According to the statement, the workshop is designed to introduce writers to the growing relationship between artificial intelligence and creative writing, while also demystifying common misconceptions surrounding the use of AI in literary and professional contexts.

The Ibadan Book Club emphasized that the training stressed its commitment to innovation, capacity building, and the promotion of ethical and responsible engagement with emerging technologies within the literary ecosystem.

Over the years, the Club, through its Ibadan Writers’ Studio, has successfully organized several impactful workshops aimed at strengthening the skills of writers and literary enthusiasts. These include Copyright Workshops, Book Review Workshops, Drama Writing Techniques Workshops, and Publishing and Book Production Workshops, among others, which have consistently attracted participants from within and outside Ibadan, reinforcing the Club’s reputation as a hub for literary development.

The upcoming AI workshop is scheduled to hold on Saturday, January 31st, at 12:00 PM, at the Board Room of the Oyo State Library Board, located opposite the historic Cocoa House in Dugbe, Ibadan.

Participants will be exposed to carefully curated topics such as Understanding AI for Writers: What It Is and What It Isn’t, Using AI for Idea Generation and Story Development, Prompt Writing Skills for Creative and Professional Writers, and AI as an Editing and Revision Partner. Other areas to be explored include ethics and originality, copyright and ownership in AI-assisted writing, AI in journalism and nonfiction, bias and inclusive storytelling, research and productivity tools, as well as preserving the human voice in an AI-driven era.

The Guest Lecturer for the workshop is Mr. Fadele Olusola Daniel, Head of the E-Library at The Polytechnic, Ibadan. He is a seasoned digital creator, AI expert, and professional librarian with vast experience in automation, software development, systems analysis, and information management. Mr. Daniel, a member of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), holds academic qualifications in Computer Science, Statistics, and Library, Archival and Information Studies from the University of Ibadan.

The Ibadan Book Club stressed that the workshop is completely free of charge, as part of its resolve to make knowledge accessible to writers regardless of economic background. Interested participants are required to send their name, age, location, and phone number via SMS or WhatsApp to 08072673852 to secure participation.

The statement also revealed that a special reading will be held in honour of Ayomide Inufin, a member of the Club and winner of the Best Spoken Word Newcomer Award at the 2025 Wordplay Poetry Awards in London.

The Club also expressed profound gratitude to Dr. Awele Ilusanmi, FANA, President of the Literary Authors Cooperative Multipurpose Society of Nigeria and Founder of the Book Marketing Class Africa (BMACA), for her sustained monthly support. Her partnership, the statement noted, has been instrumental in ensuring the continuity and success of the Club’s literary engagements.

 

 

Ibadan Book Club Unveils 2026 Projects, hails Dr. Wale Okediran and Dr. Awele Ilusanmi for sustained support

 

IBADAN BOOK CLUB UNVEILS 2026 PROJECTS, HAILS DR. WALE OKEDIRAN AND DR. AWELE ILUSANMI FOR SUSTAINED SUPPORT

The Ibadan Book Club has announced the unveiling of two new literary projects scheduled for implementation in 2026, as part of its ongoing commitment to promoting reading culture and literary engagement in Nigeria. This development was disclosed in a press statement issued by the Founder of the Club, Mr. Wole Adedoyin.

According to the statement, the newly introduced initiatives are the Ibadan Readers’ Roundtable and the Back to Books Project, both designed to strengthen readers’ participation, encourage intellectual discourse, and expand access to books and literary conversations within and beyond Ibadan.

The Ibadan Readers’ Roundtable is envisioned as a recurring forum that will bring together readers, writers, academics, and literary enthusiasts to engage in critical discussions of selected books and topical issues in literature. The project aims to promote analytical reading, foster diverse perspectives, and build a strong community of informed readers.

Through the Readers’ Roundtable, the Club plans to provide a platform for meaningful literary dialogue, mentorship, and interaction between established writers and emerging voices. The initiative is expected to further position Ibadan as a vibrant center for literary exchange and intellectual engagement.

The Back to Books Project is a reading revival campaign targeted at rekindling interest in books among students, youths, and the general public. The project will involve reading outreaches, book donation drives, guided reading sessions, and advocacy activities aimed at restoring reading as a daily and lifelong habit.

By focusing on schools and communities, the Back to Books Project seeks to address the decline in reading culture and promote literacy, creativity, and personal development. The initiative underscores the Club’s belief in books as essential tools for education and social transformation.

The press statement also highlighted the Club’s track record of impactful literary interventions. Over the years, the Ibadan Book Club has successfully executed projects such as the Read Nigeria Project, Oyo Reads, Ibadan Reads, Write and Publish Project, which mainly consisted of writing workshops, as well as the Ibadan Book Talk and Ibadan Book Dialogue series.

Notably, the Ibadan Book Talk and Ibadan Book Dialogue projects hosted over thirty writers, providing platforms for authors to engage readers, share insights, and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s literary development.

The Club expressed profound appreciation to Dr. Wale Okediran, Secretary General of the Pan African Writers Association (PAWA), for his financial support to the Ibadan Book Club for over five years. Beyond financial assistance, Dr. Okediran also facilitated the nomination of five members of the Club for the Ebedi Writers Residency last year.

Special thanks were also extended to Dr. Awele Ilusanmi (FANA), President of the Literary Authors Cooperative Multipurpose Society of Nigeria (LITACO), for her consistent monthly financial support, which began last year. The Ibadan Book Club described the support from both literary leaders as invaluable and reaffirmed its dedication to sustaining impactful reading and literary development initiatives.

 

Aishat, Noimat to Headline November Edition of Ibadan Book Dialogue

 

 

AISHAT, NOIMAT TO HEADLINE NOVEMBER EDITION OF IBADAN BOOK DIALOGUE

 

The Ibadan Book Club (IBC) has announced that the November edition of its prestigious Ibadan Book Dialogue will feature two outstanding female writers, Ahmed Aisha and Noimat Abiola Lateef, as headline guests. 

 

The event is scheduled to hold on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at 12:00 PM in the Board Room of the Oyo State Library Board, located opposite the historic Cocoa House in Dugbe, Ibadan. 

 

The upcoming session promises to be a remarkable gathering of literary minds and an inspiring platform for creative expression.

 

The Ibadan Book Dialogue remains one of the flagship literary programmes of the Ibadan Book Club, conceived to promote a vibrant reading culture, celebrate emerging and established talent, and encourage intellectual engagement among lovers of literature. 

 

Since its inception, the Dialogue has provided a welcoming space for writers, poets, scholars, and readers to interact, exchange ideas, and explore the influence of literature on personal and societal development.

 

In a statement released to the press, Wole Adedoyin, Founder of the Ibadan Book Club, expressed delight at featuring the two young female writers in this month’s edition. He noted that their selection reflects the Club’s continuous commitment to spotlighting diverse voices and nurturing creativity within the Nigerian literary community. 

 

The Ibadan Book Club also extended special appreciation to Mrs. Awele Ilusanmi FANA, President of the Literary Authors Cooperative Multipurpose Society of Nigeria and Founder of Book Marketing Class Africa (BMACA), for her unwavering monthly support to the Club. 

 

Her contribution, the Club noted, has played a vital role in sustaining the Dialogue series and ensuring that literary conversations remain active and accessible within the city of Ibadan.

 

One of the headline guests, Ahmed Aisha, is a Nigerian storyteller whose writing journey began with poetry before expanding into full-length prose. Her literary expressions revolve around themes of healing, self-worth, and personal evolution—stories that encourage readers to confront their limitations and embrace growth. Her unique voice has earned her admiration from readers seeking emotionally resonant and transformative narratives.

 

Aisha is the author of From Loner to the Life of the Party, a deeply personal and inspirational work charting the journey toward reclaiming confidence and living beyond past emotional constraints. 

 

The book has been widely praised for its honesty, vulnerability, and ability to mirror the internal struggles of readers navigating identity and self-discovery. It continues to resonate with individuals seeking courage, renewal, and personal authenticity.

 

She is currently working on a new nonfiction piece titled Maybe a Second Chance, which explores the complexities of misunderstanding and human relationships in contemporary society.

 

The forthcoming work reinforces Aisha’s passion for telling stories that provoke healing and offer guidance. Outside the literary world, she is also a social media strategist known for crafting relatable and impactful brand narratives for tech companies.

 

The second headliner, NAMLA (born Noimat Abiola Lateef), is a young Nigerian writer whose creative expression flows with the simplicity and sincerity of heartfelt conversation. A current student at the University of Ibadan, she turns to writing as a refuge—an outlet for navigating difficult moments and processing the emotions that shape everyday life. 

 

Her works explore themes of identity, love, grief, and the quiet struggles many find difficult to articulate.Noimat has two unpublished manuscripts in progress and hopes to complete them as part of her long-term literary aspirations. Her writing captures the delicate truths of human experience, offering readers a sense of connection and shared vulnerability. As she continues to refine her craft, she remains committed to producing stories that echo deeply and resonate across generations.

 

The Ibadan Book Club encourages literature enthusiasts, writers, students, and members of the public to attend this edition of the Ibadan Book Dialogue.

 

Oderinlo, Olagunju, Olowe To Headline Ibadan Book Carnival

 

ODERINLO, OLAGUNJU, OLOWE TO HEADLINE IBADAN BOOK CARNIVAL, IBADAN BOOK ACHIEVEMENT

The Ibadan Book Club has announced the trio of Zainab Oderinlo, Eniola Olagunju, and Olowe Inioluwa Victoria as headline writers for the 2025 Ibadan Book Carnival, the club’s end-of-the-year literary celebration. The annual event, which brings together writers, readers, and literary enthusiasts, also features the Ibadan Book Achievement, an award segment dedicated to recognising individuals and institutions that have supported the club from January to December.

According to the organisers, the Ibadan Book Achievement will honour guest writers who featured at the club’s sessions throughout the year, alongside sponsors, patrons, and members whose commitment has sustained the club’s activities. Awardees will receive certificates in appreciation of their contributions to the growth of the Ibadan Book Club and the broader literary community.

This development was contained in a press release issued in Ibadan by the Founder of the Ibadan Book Club, Wole Adedoyin. The statement described the Ibadan Book Carnival as both a celebration of literary excellence and a moment of reflection on the club’s journey, achievements, and impact within and beyond Ibadan.

Over the years, the Ibadan Book Club’s end-of-year gathering has evolved in name and scope, reflecting its growing influence. The event was known as the Ibadan Book Party in 2021, Ibadan Book Feast in 2022, Ibadan Book Fiesta in 2023, Ibadan Book Banquet in 2024, and now proudly bears the title Ibadan Book Carnival in 2025.

Similarly, the club’s annual award tradition dates back to 2021, when it was first held as the Ibadan Book Prize. Subsequent editions were named Ibadan Book Award in 2022, Ibadan Book Honour in 2023, and Ibadan Book Laurel in 2024, stressing the club’s consistent commitment to celebrating literary service and excellence.

The Ibadan Book Club also extended special appreciation to Dr. Awele Ilusanmi FANA, President of the Literary Authors Cooperative Multipurpose Society of Nigeria and Founder of the Book Marketing Class Africa (BMACA), for her sustained monthly support. Her partnership has been instrumental in ensuring the continuity of the Club’s literary engagements and the successful hosting of the Ibadan Book Dialogue series.

Zainab Oderinlo, one of the headline writers, is a writer, poet, and mental health advocate. She emerged as the second runner-up in the 2025 VOICE4CHILD DEVATOP Writing Competition and is widely recognised for her advocacy for the rights of children and child domestic workers. Her writing is deeply influenced by her curiosity about the human mind and the works of poets such as Rudy Francisco, J. P. Clark, and Maya Angelou.

Currently studying English at the University of Ibadan, Zainab nurtures the ambition of publishing her own collection of poems. Her creative work continues to blend literary expression with social advocacy, particularly in the areas of mental health and child protection.

Eniola Olagunju is a language student in the Department of English, University of Ibadan, and an emerging writer whose interests span poetry, journalism, and landscape photography. Her poetry reflects a careful engagement with human experience, nature, and ethical questions arising from social and national challenges, approached through a reflective and disciplined craft.

She presently serves as the General Secretary of the Poetry Club, University of Ibadan, and is actively involved in literary programming within the university community. In addition to her creative pursuits, Eniola is developing a career in journalism with a focus on sports and news reporting, while her landscape photography offers a visual extension of her storytelling interests.

Olowe Inioluwa Victoria is a 200-level Theatre Arts student in the Faculty of Creative Arts, University of Lagos. Born and raised in Nigeria, she discovered her passion for storytelling and creative expression at an early age. Her writing journey gained prominence in 2022 when her piece My Life emerged among the top 60 finalists in the Literati Arts Competition at the University of Ibadan. In 2023, she presented another work titled Inioluwa to members of the Ibadan Book Club and is currently working on Motherhood, a forthcoming piece that explores the lived realities of single mothers.

 

Ibadan Book Club Congratulates Awele Ilusanmi on Honorary Doctorate Degree

 

IBADAN BOOK CLUB CONGRATULATES AWELE ILUSANMI ON HONORARY DOCTORATE AWARD

The Executives and Members of the Ibadan Book Club have congratulated Mrs. Awele Ilusanmi (FANA), President of the Literary Authors Cooperative Multipurpose Society of Nigeria (LITACO), on her well-deserved conferment of an honorary doctorate degree by Prowess University, Delaware, USA. 

The Club described the honour as a distinguished recognition of her immense contributions to literature, authorship development, and the African creative economy. 

This was contained in a statement issued by the Founder of the Club, Wole Adedoyin, in Ibadan, Oyo State.

According to the notification issued by the MSME Institute of Management and Professional Studies (MIMPS), Mrs. Ilusanmi was nominated for the prestigious Doctor of Letters (Honoris Causa) in acknowledgment of her impact, integrity, accountability, and unwavering commitment to service in both private and public spheres. MIMPS, an accredited professional management institute registered under Nigerian law and recognized by the Federal Ministry of Education, affirmed that her selection followed a rigorous verification and investigative process.

The Institute, which partners institutionally with Prowess University, noted that it upholds global standards of excellence through accreditation by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). The verification of its certification can be confirmed on www.universalregistrar.com using the number NI20221004. The conferment ceremony held today December 6, 2025, at the University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos State.

Ibadan Book Club, in its congratulatory message, described Mrs. Ilusanmi as a visionary thought leader and a strong advocate for professionalism within Nigeria’s Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector. The Club commended her for championing initiatives that promote good governance, empower creatives, and elevate African voices on global stages.

Awele Ilusanmi (FANA) is widely celebrated as an author, speaker, literary agent, and social entrepreneur whose works have influenced writers across Africa and beyond. She is the author of several acclaimed books, including Book Marketing Strategies That Work, Profitable Pages, Launch Money, and Comforting Arms, which continue to serve as resource materials for authors and creative entrepreneurs seeking mastery in book publishing and marketing.

Her role as a literary agent with Publishizer, a New York–based crowdfunding platform for authors, has further positioned her as a bridge between African authors and international publishing opportunities. Through this work, she has amplified African narratives and expanded pathways for authors seeking global exposure.

Mrs. Ilusanmi is also the founder of Book Marketing Class Africa (BMACA), an influential training platform that mentors authors on navigating the business side of writing. Through BMACA, she has helped hundreds of African writers develop profitable and sustainable author careers.

Her leadership shines further in her capacity as President and Co-founder of LITACO, a cooperative society dedicated to empowering Nigerian writers as “authorpreneurs.” She has been a keynote presence at major literary events such as the Lagos Books and Art Festival (LABAF) and Connect Nigeria’s Writers’ Conference, where she consistently advocates innovation, literacy development, and business-minded writing.

Ibadan Book Club also highlighted her strong academic foundation, which includes a Master of Arts in Publishing Studies from Stephen F. Austin State University, Texas, USA, and a Bachelor’s degree in French (Language and Linguistics) from Delta State University, Nigeria. Her popular mantra, “I See Only Possibilities,” continues to inspire emerging authors and creative leaders across the continent.

The Club concluded by expressing confidence that the honorary doctorate from Prowess University will further energize Mrs. Ilusanmi’s mission of transforming the literary landscape and equipping the next generation of African authors. It reaffirmed its pride in celebrating one of the nation’s most dedicated champions of literature, creativity, and human development.