Ibadan Book Club Commiserates with Governor Makinde on Tragic Ibadan Funfair Incident

 

IBADAN BOOK CLUB COMMISERATES WITH GOVERNOR MAKINDE ON TRAGIC IBADAN FUNFAIR INCIDENT

 

The Executive Council and Members of the Ibadan Book Club have expressed their deepest condolences to the Oyo State Government and the families of the victims affected by the tragic stampede during a Christmas funfair in Ibadan. The heartbreaking incident, which reportedly claimed the lives of over 30 children, has left the community in profound sorrow.

In a statement signed by the Club’s founder, Wole Adedoyin, and made available to the press, the tragedy was described as both shocking and avoidable. Adedoyin conveyed the Club’s sorrow over the loss of innocent young lives, emphasizing the urgent need to prioritize safety at public events to prevent such calamities in the future.

The Ibadan Book Club noted that events like the Christmas funfair are meant to foster joy and unity, but the unfortunate turn of events calls for reflection and the implementation of stricter safety protocols. The Club also applauded Governor Seyi Makinde for his prompt response, including his directive for a thorough investigation into the incident to ensure accountability and prevent a recurrence.

“Our hearts are heavy as we mourn with the families who lost their children in this tragic event. We pray for strength and comfort for them during this unimaginably difficult time,” Adedoyin said in the statement.

The Club further urged all stakeholders, including event organizers, security agencies, and government authorities, to collaborate in enforcing robust safety measures at large gatherings. It stressed that no effort should be spared in ensuring the safety of lives, especially during public celebrations.

In solidarity with the affected families, the Ibadan Book Club announced its plans to host a memorial reading session in honor of the children who lost their lives. The session will serve as a platform to commemorate their memories while promoting awareness on public safety and community well-being.

The Club also called on the community to extend support to the grieving families, particularly through donations and counseling services for those in need of emotional and psychological assistance. Adedoyin urged community members to come together in compassion and solidarity to help the affected families heal.

“We believe that Governor Makinde’s leadership will guide Oyo State through this dark time, and we stand in full support of the government’s efforts to address this tragedy. Together, we must ensure that such an event does not occur again,” the statement added.

The Ibadan Book Club concluded by advocating for lessons to be learned from this tragic incident and for proactive measures to be taken to ensure public safety at all future events.

 

Ibadan Book Club Set to Hold Ibadan Book Banquet on December 28

 

IBADAN BOOK CLUB SET TO HOLD IBADAN BOOK BANQUET ON DECEMBER 28

 

The Ibadan Book Club has announced its annual end-of-year literary gathering, the Ibadan Book Banquet, scheduled for December 28, 2024. This much-anticipated event will take place at the Oyo State Library Board, opposite Cocoa House, Dugbe, Ibadan.

Every year, the Ibadan Book Club organizes a special event to mark the conclusion of its activities and celebrate the literary achievements of its members. Over the years, the end-of-year reading has been held under various names, including the Ibadan Book Party in 2021, the Ibadan Book Feast in 2022, and the Ibadan Book Fiesta in 2023. This year, the event has been rebranded as the Ibadan Book Banquet, reflecting a renewed focus on diversity and excellence in literature.

According to the Founder of the Ibadan Book Club, Wole Adedoyin, the Ibadan Book Banquet will feature an exciting lineup of performers and writers, headlined by three Yoruba performance poets, two of whom are teenagers: Ayinde Omogbolahan Abiodun, Adunni Elewi, and Alake Elewi. Their captivating performances will celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Yoruba oral traditions and storytelling.

The event will also spotlight two promising teenage writers, Olukayode Jessica and Alimi Fodilat, whose literary works showcase creativity and thought-provoking themes. Their inclusion underscores the club’s commitment to encouraging young talents and providing them with platforms to shine.

The Ibadan Book Banquet promises to be a vibrant celebration of literature, featuring live performances, book readings, and interactive discussions. Attendees can look forward to an engaging and inspiring event that stressed the power of literature to connect communities and foster creativity.

The venue for the banquet, the Oyo State Library Board, has a rich history of hosting literary and cultural events. Its central location and welcoming atmosphere make it an ideal setting for the event, which aims to draw participants from across the literary and cultural spectrum.

Wole Adedoyin highlighted that the Ibadan Book Banquet is not just a celebration but also a testament to the enduring importance of literature in our lives. “This event is a platform to recognize the contributions of writers, performers, and readers who have enriched our literary community throughout the year,” he said.

The Ibadan Book Club invites writers, readers, and literature enthusiasts to join in the celebration. Admission is open to the public, and the event is an excellent opportunity for attendees to connect with like-minded individuals and immerse themselves in the vibrant world of literature.

 

Ibadan Book Club to Host Ibadan Book Laurel, Celebrate Guest Writers and Outstanding Members

 

IBADAN BOOK CLUB TO HOST IBADAN BOOK LAUREL, CELEBRATE GUEST WRITERS AND OUTSTANDING MEMBERS

 

The Ibadan Book Club is set to host its annual celebration of literary excellence, the Ibadan Book Laurel, on December 28, 2024, at the Oyo State Library Board, opposite Cocoa House, Dugbe, Ibadan. This prestigious event will recognize and honor guest writers, readers, and outstanding members of the club who have made significant contributions to its growth and success.

Over the years, the Ibadan Book Club has demonstrated its commitment to fostering literary engagement through various initiatives. In 2021, it launched the Ibadan Book Prize, followed by the Ibadan Book Award in 2022, and the Ibadan Book Fiesta in 2023. This year, the tradition continues under the new name Ibadan Book Laurel, symbolizing the club’s dedication to celebrating creativity and commitment to literature.

The Founder of Ibadan Book Club, Wole Adedoyin, disclosed this in a press release, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging the efforts of individuals and organizations who have contributed to the club’s vision. “The Ibadan Book Laurel is our way of expressing gratitude to those who have supported the club’s initiatives and helped build a thriving literary community,” Adedoyin stated.

This year’s event will feature awards for the club’s guest writers and readers for 2024, as well as accolades for key stakeholders like the Oyo State Branch of the National Library of Nigeria (NLN) and the Oyo State Library Board. Their unwavering support has been instrumental in advancing the club’s mission of promoting reading and writing within the community.

The Ibadan Book Laurel will also serve as a platform to celebrate the achievements of the club over the past year. Attendees can look forward to engaging literary activities, including readings by distinguished authors, reflective discussions on the state of literature, and moments of inspiration shared by awardees and literary enthusiasts.

The event will bring together a diverse audience, including authors, educators, librarians, and members of the public, creating an environment conducive to networking and the exchange of ideas. This gathering of literary minds aims to reinforce the club’s mission of nurturing a vibrant literary culture.

Ibadan Book Club, known for its impactful programs and dedication to literary growth, has continually inspired creativity through workshops, readings, and community engagements. The Ibadan Book Laurel is a testament to the club’s unwavering commitment to recognizing excellence and encouraging the pursuit of literary endeavors.

Wole Adedoyin expressed optimism that this year’s event would inspire greater participation and innovation within the literary community. “We hope the Ibadan Book Laurel will motivate our members, partners, and stakeholders to continue contributing to the advancement of literature and education,” he added.

The public is invited to join this celebration of literary excellence on December 28, 2024. For more information about the Ibadan Book Laurel or other activities of the Ibadan Book Club, interested individuals can contact the club through its official communication channels.

 

Adwinsa Publications Hosts ‘The Future of the Children’ to Mark World Children’s Day 2024"

 *ADWINSA PUBLICATIONS HOSTS "THE FUTURE OF THE CHILDREN" TO MARK WORLD CHILDREN'S DAY 2024* 

Adwinsa Publications, in collaboration with Ibadan Book Club, celebrated World Children’s Day 2024 with a highly engaging and impactful event titled *‘The Future of the Children.’* The program took place at the Oyo State Library Board, opposite Cocoa House, Ibadan, and aimed to inspire and empower children to dream big despite societal challenges.  

The event, which commenced at 10:30 am, witnessed the participation of students from Ibadan Boys High School, St. Paul Anglican School, and Sunshine International High School. Dignitaries in attendance included the State Librarian; Mr. Fakunle Busayo, CEO of Hope Alive Children Consult; and Mr. Olumofe Jacob of Raypower Media. The event was moderated by Mr. Adeleke of Rosy Touch Media and Art.  

In her welcome address, Mrs. Ayobami Odunyemi introduced Adwinsa Publications, highlighting the organization's commitment to promoting education and children’s development across Ghana and Nigeria. She emphasized the need to nurture children’s dreams despite the challenging socio-economic realities.  

During the event, the speakers encouraged children to pursue their dreams with resilience and determination. They also stressed the importance of education and personal discipline in achieving greatness. the speakers highlighted the roles of families, governments, and society in shaping the future of children and emphasized the need for a collective effort to safeguard their well-being.  

A key highlight of the program was a reading session featuring the book *‘Adama.’* Students from Ibadan Boys High School and Sunshine International High School read the first two chapters of the book, followed by an interactive discussion that deepened their understanding of its themes.  

The event also featured various creative performances that showcased the talents of the participating students. Ibadan Boys High School presented a captivating drama, while students from all three schools recited thought-provoking poems. Arike Elewi entertained the audience with an impressive Yoruba *Ewi* rendition.  

Mr. Fakunle Busayo, CEO of Hope Alive Educational Consultancy delivered the keynote lecture, which focused on the urgent need to prioritize children’s rights and well-being. He called for deliberate efforts from stakeholders to address the pressing challenges faced by children, particularly in Nigeria, such as poverty, poor access to education, and the threat of violence.  

World Children’s Day, celebrated annually on November 20, aims to promote children’s rights and raise awareness about their well-being. The 2024 theme, *‘Listen to the Future,’* served as a clarion call for stakeholders to take action to secure the future of children globally.  

During the event, discussions highlighted the plight of children in conflict zones like Gaza, where education and basic amenities are severely disrupted, and in Nigeria, where many children face hunger, abuse, and lack of access to education.  

Speakers emphasized the importance of family upbringing, societal values, and government policies in ensuring a brighter future for children. They urged families to instill discipline and education in their children, while governments were encouraged to create enabling environments for children to thrive and protect their rights through robust policy implementation.  

Mrs. Ayobami Odunyemi presented several titles from Adwinsa Publications, including *‘Kidnappers in Action,’* *‘Break of Dawn,’* and *‘Adama.’* She encouraged schools and dignitaries to purchase the books to support children’s education. Many attendees, including school representatives, expressed interest in acquiring copies for their libraries and classrooms.  

The event concluded with the presentation of gifts to the participating schools, including notepads, Adwinsa Publications titles, and other educational materials. This gesture stressed Adwinsa Publications’ commitment to fostering learning and creativity among children.  

The program ended at 1:30 pm with a closing prayer and a memorable group photograph involving all participants.  

Adwinsa Publications and Ibadan Book Club have once again demonstrated their dedication to supporting children’s growth and development. The event not only celebrated World Children’s Day but also inspired the children to dream and strive for a better future while calling on all stakeholders to play their roles effectively.

Jide Ogunlana To Headline Ibadan Children’s Literature Workshop

 

JIDE OGUNLANA TO HEADLINE IBADAN CHILDREN’S LITERATURE WORKSHOP

 

The Ibadan Children’s Literature Workshop is set to host Mr. Jide Ogunlana, an award-winning children’s writer, novelist, editor, playwright, and professional publisher, as its keynote facilitator for this month’s edition. Known for his contributions to the growth of children’s literature in Nigeria, Ogunlana will bring his wealth of experience to guide participants on mastering the art of writing for young audiences.

This was revealed in a statement issued by the founder of the Club, Wole Adedoyin, in Ibadan on Saturday.

Scheduled for November 30, 2024, the workshop will take place at the Oyo State Library Board, opposite Cocoa House, Ibadan, starting at 12 PM. The event promises to be an enriching experience for aspiring and established writers seeking to deepen their craft and understanding of children’s literature.

The workshop will cover a wide range of essential topics. Participants will explore the different genres of children’s books, from picture books and chapter books to middle-grade fiction and young adult novels. They will also learn about crafting age-appropriate content, creating engaging plots, and developing memorable characters and themes tailored for young readers.

Ogunlana will delve into the art of writing engaging dialogue and narratives that captivate young audiences. Emphasis will also be placed on the role of illustrations in children’s books, highlighting techniques for creating visually appealing artwork and fostering effective collaboration between authors and illustrators.

A special segment will focus on addressing sensitive topics such as bullying, grief, and disability in a manner that is both age-appropriate and impactful. Additionally, Ogunlana will discuss ways to reflect local culture, history, and traditions in storytelling, as well as the importance of writing in indigenous languages and promoting bilingual books.

For aspiring authors navigating the publishing landscape, the workshop will offer insights into the pros and cons of traditional publishing versus self-publishing. Ogunlana will also share tips on finding and working with literary agents or publishers, ensuring participants leave equipped to take their work to the next level.

Marketing strategies will be a key highlight of the event, with discussions on leveraging social media, organizing school visits, and participating in book fairs to reach a broader audience. Writers will also receive valuable guidance on copyright and intellectual property considerations for children’s books.

Organizers of the Ibadan Children’s Literature Workshop are excited to offer this opportunity to writers passionate about creating meaningful and engaging content for children. The event aligns with their mission to nurture and mentor the next generation of children’s literature creators.

Participation in the workshop is open to all, with prior registration required. Writers, educators, illustrators, and literary enthusiasts are encouraged to attend. For more information and registration details, contact the organizers at [Wole Adedoyin - 08072673852].

This workshop is more than an event—it’s a movement to shape the future of children’s literature in Nigeria. Don’t miss the chance to learn from one of the most respected voices in the field.