Ibadan Book Club Pays Tribute To Dr. Awele Ilusanmi FANA At 50

**IBADAN BOOK CLUB PAYS TRIBUTE TO DR. AWELE ILUSANMI FANA AT 50**

The Ibadan Book Club has paid glowing tribute to Dr. Awele Ilusanmi FANA, a consistent supporter and benefactor of the Club, as she marks her 50th birthday. 

The Club described the golden jubilee as an opportunity to celebrate a woman whose generosity, commitment and passion for literature have continued to make a positive difference in the lives of writers and in the growth of literary activities in Ibadan and beyond.

This was contained in a press statement issued by the Founder of the Ibadan Book Club, Wole Adedoyin, who praised Dr. Awele Ilusanmi FANA for her remarkable and consistent support for the activities and members of the Club. Adedoyin described her as a passionate lover of books and literature whose contributions have continued to strengthen the Ibadan literary community.

According to the statement, Dr. Awele Ilusanmi FANA has, on a monthly basis, supported and financed the Ibadan Book Club's monthly reading programme since she began the initiative last year. Despite the financial demands associated with sustaining literary activities, she has remained committed and has never relented in her support, ensuring that the Club's monthly activities continue successfully.

Her contributions have also extended beyond the monthly book readings. Dr. Awele Ilusanmi FANA has supported the Club's workshops, book parties and other literary programmes, while also assisting some members of the Ibadan Book Club to publish their books. Through her generosity and commitment to the development of writers and literature, the Club has continued to wax stronger and provide opportunities for emerging and established writers.

Wole Adedoyin recalled that he has known Dr. Awele Ilusanmi FANA for more than fifteen years, describing her present achievements as the fulfilment of dreams and ideas she had shared with him many years ago. According to him, over fifteen years ago, Dr. Awele Ilusanmi FANA spoke passionately about her plans to support Nigerian authors and contribute to the growth of the country's literary industry. At the time, some of those ideas appeared ambitious, but years later, Adedoyin said he is delighted to see her accomplishing many of the visions she shared with him.

The statement further noted that Dr. Awele Ilusanmi FANA has made a remarkable name for herself in Nigeria's book industry through her innovative interventions and commitment to supporting authors and literary development. 

The Ibadan Book Club believes that she is doing important work that has opened new possibilities within the Nigerian book industry and has positively touched the lives and careers of many writers.

To the Ibadan Book Club, Dr. Awele Ilusanmi FANA has joined the ranks of great supporters of the Club, including Dr. Wale Okediran, Secretary General of the Pan African Writers Association, PAWA, and a former major financier and supporter of the Club. Wole Adedoyin stated that the history of the Ibadan Book Club cannot be written without mentioning the name of Dr. Awele Ilusanmi FANA, considering her tremendous impact on the Club and the lives of its members through her monthly sponsorship and support for its activities. 

The Club therefore wishes her a happy 50th birthday and prays for many more years of good health, happiness, fulfilment and greater accomplishments in her service to literature and humanity.