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.

 

WASSCE Tragedy: Ibadan Book Club Demands Justice for Student Killed by Police Bullet

 

WASSCE TRAGEDY: IBADAN BOOK CLUB DEMANDS JUSTICE FOR STUDENT KILLED BY POLICE BULLET

 

Ibadan Book Club has strongly condemned the tragic killing of a student in Ibadan, Oyo State, who was struck by a stray bullet fired by a police officer while on his way to sit for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

The shocking incident has sparked widespread grief and anger among residents, stakeholders in the education sector, and the general public.

The deceased, a promising student whose identity has not been officially disclosed, was reportedly inside his father’s car en route to his examination centre when the fatal shot was fired. According to eyewitnesses, the bullet was discharged by a member of the Nigerian Police Force under circumstances that remain unclear and highly condemnable.

In a press release issued in Ibadan on Tuesday by the founder of the Ibadan Book Club, Wole Adedoyin, the group described the incident as a senseless and avoidable tragedy that stressed the continued lack of accountability and professionalism within the Nigerian police force. "The loss of such a young, promising life in this manner is heartbreaking and unacceptable," Adedoyin stated.

The Club noted that the death of the student is not only a personal tragedy for the family but also a national shame that further erodes public trust in the security agencies meant to protect citizens. “This student had a future ahead, dreams to chase, and a life to build. His journey was cut short not by fate, but by the carelessness of those paid to safeguard lives,” the statement read.

Ibadan Book Club called on the Oyo State Government and the Nigerian Police Force to launch a full-scale investigation into the matter, identify the officer involved, and ensure that justice is served swiftly. "The era of impunity must end. We cannot continue to bury our children because of institutional recklessness," Adedoyin emphasized.

The Club also extended its condolences to the bereaved family, urging them to stay strong in the face of their unimaginable loss. "Our hearts go out to the family of the deceased. We mourn with you, and we demand that his death will not be in vain," the statement added.

As a community of intellectuals, readers, and writers, Ibadan Book Club further called on civil society groups, educational bodies, and human rights organizations to rise in protest and demand urgent reforms in Nigeria’s policing system, especially regarding how officers are trained in handling firearms and engaging with the public.

“This tragic death must serve as a wake-up call to our leaders. Our students should be nurtured, protected, and supported—not gunned down on their way to examinations. We owe them a better country,” the statement stressed.

The Club also urged the National Human Rights Commission and other relevant agencies to monitor the case closely and ensure that the rights of the victim’s family are protected, and that fair compensation is awarded. Nothing can bring back the lost life, but justice and accountability can bring some form of solace and prevent future occurrences.

In closing, Ibadan Book Club reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for justice, equity, and human rights and called for urgent national dialogue on how to protect the lives and aspirations of Nigerian youth, particularly students whose future must never again be stolen by the bullets of state actors.