Friday, April 28, 2023

Mbari Series: April Edition holds tomorrow in honour of Labo Yari, former ANA Trustee

 

MBARI SERIES: APRIL EDITION HOLDS TOMORROW IN HONOUR OF LABO YARI, FORMER ANA TRUSTEE


 

By: Wole Adedoyin

The Mbari Series April Edition, which is set to hold tomorrow, 29th April 2023, in honour of the Late Labo Yari, a former ANA Trustee, promises to be an enlightening event for writers and literature enthusiasts. The theme of the event is “The Writer in a Climate of Corruption”, and it will be discussed by five distinguished writers: Denja Abdulahi, Prof. Tess Onwueme, Lindsay Barret, Rahama Jibril, Mallam Ibrahim Sheme. The event will be moderated by Sumaila Umaisha and Dr. John Oji, with Prof. Udenta O. Udenta as the host. The event will take place at the Femi Osofisan Secretariat, Chinua Achebe Int’l Conference Centre, Mamman Vatsa Writers Village, KM 2, Mpape Rd., Abuja, starting from 11:00AM.

The choice of theme for the event is timely and relevant in Nigeria’s current socio-political climate. Corruption has eaten deep into the fabric of the society, and writers are not immune to its effects. The event will provide an opportunity for writers to discuss how corruption affects their work and the role writers can play in the fight against corruption. It will also be an opportunity to reflect on the life and legacy of Labo Yari, a former ANA Trustee who was known for his commitment to promoting literature.

Denja Abdulahi, one of the discussants, is a seasoned writer and cultural administrator. He is the immediate past President of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) and has contributed immensely to the development of literature in Nigeria. His experience and insights will be valuable in the discussion of the theme.

Prof. Tess Onwueme, the other discussant, is a renowned playwright, poet, and essayist. She has won several awards for her works, including the prestigious Nigerian National Merit Award. Her works often explore themes of power, gender, and politics, and her contributions to the discussion on the theme will be insightful.

The moderators, Sumaila Umaisha and Dr. John Oji, are both experienced writers and scholars. Their role is to ensure that the discussion is focused and productive, and that all participants have an opportunity to contribute.

The host of the event, Prof. Udenta O. Udenta, is a renowned scholar and writer. He has authored several books and articles on literature, politics, and society, and is known for his incisive analysis of Nigerian politics. He will be responsible for setting the tone for the event and ensuring that the discussion remains on track.

The event will provide an opportunity for writers and literature enthusiasts to network and exchange ideas. The Femi Osofisan Secretariat, where the event will take place, is a hub for literary activities in Abuja. Participants will have an opportunity to meet and interact with other writers and literary organizations.

The event is also an opportunity to celebrate the life and legacy of Labo Yari, a former ANA Trustee who was a champion of literature and a fighter against corruption. He was a mentor to many writers and played a pivotal role in the development of literature in Nigeria. The event will provide an opportunity for participants to reflect on his contributions and to honor his memory.

 

Research Essay Utilizes Two Poems from END SARS RHYTHMS and IHRAF's Webinar Paper

 

RESEARCH ESSAY UTILIZES TWO POEMS FROM END SARS RHYTHMS AND IHRAF'S WEBINAR PAPER


 

By: Wole Adedoyin (Director, IHRAF African Secretariat)

The research essay "Social Contradictions and Protest in the #EndSARS Poetry of Frank Kaliati and Nwokeabia Ifeanyi John" by Inyang Eme Ita (17/031144069), a graduating student from the Department of English and Literary Studies at the University of Calabar, focuses on the theme of police brutality and social protest as depicted in the poetry of a Malawian and Nigerian poets.

 

The essay explores the ways in which the poets express the contradictions and tensions in Nigerian and Malawian societies through their works, as well as the role of poetry in documenting social protest movements.

 

The two poems were taken from the END SARS RYTHMS edited by Terseer Sam Baki and Wole Adedoyin and published in paperback by the International Human Rights Art Festival (IHRAF) in New York, USA. It was a collaborative effort of the Society of Young Nigerian Writers, SYNW, and the International Human Rights Arts Festival, IHRAF, to harness the thoughts, feelings and responses of Nigerian artists and creative writers and the international writing community on the theme of police brutality, assault and battery.

The first poem analyzed in the essay is “State Armed Robber Squads (SARS)" by Frank Kaliati expresses the brutality of the Nigerian police force, specifically the State Armed Robbers Squad (SARS), towards the citizens they are supposed to protect. The poet portrays the law as being lawless, raping the country of its peace and fraternity. The police force is likened to a deadly virus, with heavy black boots that are polished in black blood, and whose actions have resulted in the death and suffering of many Nigerians, leaving poverty-stricken mothers widowed and malnourished babies orphaned.

The poet highlights the betrayal of the police force, who have sworn to protect the citizens but instead unleash terror on them. The poem suggests that the spirits of the old have abandoned the country and the birds no longer sing sweet melodies in the morning, replaced by gunshots and beatings. Despite this, the people continue to fight back against the police force, armed with justice.

The second poem is " How Our Lights Are Put Off" by Nwokeabia Ifeanyi John. The poem describes the violent events that occurred at the Lekki toll gate in Nigeria, where peaceful protesters were demanding justice for voiceless victims. The protesters were met with violence from the authorities who shot at them, resulting in a sea of red splattered everywhere. The poet uses the metaphor of the lights being put off to describe the loss of hope and the anthem of patriotism becoming a dirge. However, the poet suggests that darkness cannot end life, and the burning fires of the minds of those who have been affected will forever be ignited.

The essay draws on the lecture paper presented by Onyekachi Peter Onuoha at the IHRAF's African Chapter webinar, which explores the role of literature in human rights. The paper argues that literature has the power to document human rights abuses and to provide a platform for protest and advocacy. The essay uses this framework to analyze the two poems and their contribution to the #EndSARS movement.

The essay also discusses the context of the #EndSARS movement, including the history of police brutality in Nigeria and the social and political factors that contributed to the protests. It highlights the role of social media and online activism in mobilizing the movement and the challenges faced by protesters, including violence and repression by the authorities.

The essay argues that the two poems provide powerful and insightful perspectives on the #EndSARS movement, and that they contribute to a growing body of literature documenting social protest in Nigeria. It also discusses the importance of poetry as a form of social commentary and resistance, and the ways in which it can inspire and motivate social change.

The essay concludes by emphasizing the importance of documenting and analyzing social protest movements, such as #EndSARS, in order to understand the complexities of social and political change. It suggests that literature, and poetry in particular, can play a vital role in this process, by providing a voice for marginalized communities and by challenging dominant narratives and structures of power.

 

Atiba Book Club Appoints Onike Rahaman Olalekan As Coordinator

 

ATIBA BOOK CLUB APPOINTS ONIKE RAHAMAN OLALEKAN AS COORDINATOR


 

The Atiba Book Club is pleased to announce the appointment of Onike Rahaman Olalekan as its new Coordinator. Alhaji Onike Rahaman Olalekan is a Principal Assistant Registrar at the Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora, and brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the role.

Alhaji Onike Rahaman Olalekan is a seasoned administrator, freelance writer, academic researcher, editorial consultant, author, policy analyst, bibliophile, and educationist, with over ten years of experience in the education sector. He has a passion for promoting reading culture and has been an active member of the Atiba Book Club since its inception in 2021.

As the Coordinator of Atiba Book Club, Alhaji Onike Rahaman Olalekan will oversee the day-to-day operations of the club, including organizing monthly reading challenges, selecting books for discussion, and coordinating guest speaker events. He will also work closely with the club's members to encourage participation and facilitate intellectual discussions and critical analysis of literary works.

Under Alhaji Onike Rahaman Olalekan 's leadership, the Atiba Book Club will continue to provide a vibrant community for students and book lovers who are passionate about literature and learning. Members will have access to an online library of books and resources, and be encouraged to submit book reviews and creative writing pieces for publication on the club's website.

The Atiba Book Club is an important platform for promoting reading culture and intellectual discourse in Oyo town. The club's activities cut across the four Oyo Local Government Areas, including Atiba LGA, Oyo East LGA, Oyo West LGA, and Afijio LGA. Members have the opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions with fellow book lovers from different communities and backgrounds.

The Atiba Book Club aims to foster a love for reading and learning among students, as well as provide a platform for personal and professional development. Through its activities, the club promotes critical thinking, creativity, and intellectual curiosity, which are essential skills for success in today's fast-paced world.

The Atiba Book Club is affiliated with the Society of Young Nigerian Writers, Nigeria, and shares its mission of promoting literary excellence and intellectual discourse. The club's members are encouraged to participate in the Society's activities and events, including literary contests, workshops, and conferences.

The Atiba Book Club recognizes the importance of partnerships and collaborations in promoting reading culture and intellectual discourse. The club welcomes partnerships with schools, libraries, and other organizations in Oyo town area to promote its mission and expand its reach.

The Atiba Book Club is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive space for individuals to explore different genres, cultures, and perspectives through reading and discussion. The club encourages members to share their thoughts and perspectives on various literary works, fostering a sense of community and intellectual engagement.

The Atiba Book Club is excited to have Alhaji Onike Rahaman Olalekan as its new Coordinator and looks forward to the continued growth and success of the club under his leadership. The club invites all book lovers and students in the Oyo town area to join its vibrant community and participate in its activities.

Alhaji Onike Rahaman Olalekan was born on July 13, 1972, in Oyo Town, Oyo State, Nigeria. With a rich educational background, he attended the traditional Islamic Training Centre in his early childhood years and later became a tutor at the Imam Hammed Arabic and Islamic Study Centre, Oyo. He completed his elementary education at L.A Town School, Awumaro, Oyo, where he earned his primary school leaving certificate.

Alhaji Onike Rahaman Olalekan proceeded to Olivet Baptist High School, Oyo, for his Senior Secondary School education and completed it from 1985 to 1991. He got admission into the then Oyo State College of Education, now Emmanuel Alayande College of Education, from 1992 to 1995, where he was awarded a Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) specializing in Political Science & Social Studies.

He then gained admission into the University of Ado-Ekiti to study Social Studies between 2001 and 2006 and graduated with Second Class Upper Division. Alhaji Onike Rahaman attended the University of Ibadan for his Master's degree and graduated with M.Ed(Social Studies) with Ph.D. proceed grade in 2011.

Alhaji Onike Rahaman Olalekan has been a human rights activist since 1989, investing his time and energy into human rights education, advocacy, and struggle against social injustice and military rule. He has been a member of various human rights groups, including the Civil Liberties Organisation, Campaign for Democracy, Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), Human Right Africa, and Nigerianity movement, among others.

As a Students' Union Activist, Alhaji Onike Rahaman Olalekan started activism right from his secondary school days at Olivet Baptist High School, Oyo. He was known for always fighting against injustice and oppression, and he held various positions in school clubs and organizations. He was also a member of various student ideological groups and committees.

Alhaji Onike Rahaman Olalekan is an accomplished writer, starting his writing career as a freelance writer for TELL, The News, PM New, and Tempo. He has over one hundred writing portfolios and is also a speechwriter and ghostwriter for several eminent personalities and political office holders. He writes frequently for several print and online media platforms, including The Cable, Premium Times, Nigerian Tribune, Daily Trust, Nigeria Opinion, Sahara Reporters, among others. Alhaji Onike has written three books and has chapter contributions in several books.

Leveraging on his writing skill, experience, and knowledge of rules of usage, Alhaji Onike Rahaman Olalekan has been an editorial consultant to several organizations and individuals. He has edited over ten books and several student magazines. Alhaji Onike Rahaman Olalekan has attended several academic conferences, seminars, and workshops where he presented papers on contemporary issues, and some of his research works have been published in learned Journals.

Alhaji Onike Rahaman Olalekan has served in the public service for over two decades. He joined the services of Oyo State Universal Basic Education in 2001 as an Executive Officer and rose to become a Higher Executive Officer General Administration and Head of Confidential Registry from 2006 to 2008. He joined the services of the Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora, in the year 2008 as Administrative Officer II. As a Professional Administrator, he has served in several strategic Committees of the Governing Council, Management, and Board of Studies.

Alhaji Onike Rahaman Olalekan is a member of the Editorial Board, Premier News, and is also the Social and Cultural Editor of 1st Africa International Magazine. He is one of the editors of KedNews, a book project editor, and book reviewer.

 

 

 

 

Wednesday, April 26, 2023

2023 Literary Prizes: ANA Calls For Entries

 

2023 LITERARY PRIZES: ANA CALLS FOR ENTRIES


 

By: Wole Adedoyin

The Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) has recently announced its literary prizes for the year 2023. The prizes cover various genres of literature, including poetry, prose fiction, drama, and children's literature. Nigerian writers, both at home and abroad, are encouraged to submit their works for consideration in any of the categories. Entries for the competition should have been published between 2022 and 2023.

To enter, authors or publishers are required to pay a fee of N3,000 per entry, which is for the purpose of prize administration only. A photocopy of the appropriate deposit slip must be submitted along with the entry. Six copies of the book or manuscript being entered must be sent alongside a covering letter containing accurate contact details of the writer or publisher, including email and surface mail addresses and telephone numbers.

The works that are to be submitted in all categories should be original and not recast(s) of already existing works. The submissions are subjected to copyright laws of Nigeria, and authors retain full responsibility for any sort of infringement. Works entered into the ANA prizes are expected to be of the highest language and literary quality.

For the ANA/ Maria Ajima Prize for Literary Criticism (published works only), entries must not exceed 15 pages of A4 paper size, following the format of academic essays. The essay, if published in a journal, newspaper, books, or as electronic text online, must be within the valid dates indicated on this call for submissions. Referencing style is either the latest MLA or APA style. Five hard copies as loose sheets or as a bound monograph are to be submitted to ANA via Address: KILOMETRE 2, MammanVatsa Writers' Village, Mpape, Abuja, plus a soft copy sent by email to info.ananigeria@yahoo.com and maikortserga@gmail.com.

The essay should not be a generalized survey but rather be focused on specific texts (in any of the genres) of selected authors at a time. The essay should state where the texts or performance analyzed can be accessed or located and where it (essay) has been published. All entries in this category should be accompanied by a letter affirming the originality of the essay and authorial authenticity. In addition, all other rules covering ANA competitions are applicable.

The deadline for the receipt of all entries is June 28th, 2023, and there will be no extension of this deadline. A shortlist will be announced in September 2023, and the winners of the prizes will be announced by the judges at the Awards Dinner during the International Annual Convention of the Association of Nigerian Authors in November 2023.

The ANA/KMVL Prize for Poetry (Published) comes with a cash prize of N500,000, while the ANA Prize for Prose Fiction (Published & Unpublished) and ANA Prize for Drama (Published & Unpublished) come with a cash prize of N100,000 each. The ANA Prize for Children's Literature- 7-13 Years Age Range (Published Works Only and Open To All Categories Of Authors) and ANA/Vivi Sam Prize for Children Poetry 7-15 Years Age Range (Published Works Only and Open To All Categories Of Authors) come with a cash prize of N100,000 each.

The ANA/Abubakar Gimba Prize for Fiction (Short Stories Collection-Published) comes with a cash prize of N200,000. The ANA/Maria Ajima Prize for Literary Criticism (Focus On Criticism Of Emergent Nigerian Literature) comes with a cash prize of N100,000, while the ANA/Jerry Agada Prize For Idoma Language Literature”(Published & Unpublished) comes with a cash prize of N150,000.