The Polytechnic Ibadan hosts Ibadan Book Club April Reading Edition

POLYTECHNIC IBADAN HOSTS IBADAN BOOK CLUB APRIL READING EDITION, SET TO FEATURE EVANS EX-EDITOR, JIDE OGUNLANA AS GUEST WRITER/READER

 

The Polytechnic Ibadan, an institution of higher learning in Ibadan in Oyo State, Nigeria. Founded in 1970 will on Saturday, April 24, 2021 host the Ibadan Book Club’s monthly Guest Writer Session. The edition is expected to feature Ex- Evans Senior Editor, Jide Ogunlana.

This was contained in a statement jointly issued by the Coordinator and Publicity Secretary of the Club, Ayobami Odunayo and Emeka Emmanuel in Ibadan on Monday.

At the event, Jide Ogunlana is expected to read from his books and share from his publishing experience.

Jide Ogunlana is a Novelist, Editor, Playwright and Professional Publisher, Two of Ogunlana’s  plays, Verbal Violence and Clash of the Gods have been successfully staged in the Arts Theatre of the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, and they are being read at The Polytechnic, Ibadan and some higher institutions in the country. One of his short stories and extracts of his stories have also been published in some editions of ANA Review of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA).

Ogunlana’s storybook, Primrose and the Kidnappers won the 2018 ANA Prize for Children’s Literature. Many of his books have been approved for school use in the current lists of books of Oyo State Ministry of Education.

Other publications by Jide Ogunlana include: Two Plays of Verbal Attack, Esin Amope (Yoruba) The Adventure of Three Wild Boys (published under a pseudonym, Wale Adewale), Primrose and the Kidnappers, Three Strange Stories for Children, Awesu in a Strange House, A Girl Called Corona Sofia and From Marriage to Prison (A Collection of Short Stories).

As an editor, he worked with Evans Brothers (Nig. Publishers) Ltd for some years before establishing his own publishing company where he now works as a writer, a rewriter and an editor.  His work with the Evans Brothers as a Senior Editor exposed him to various works of great writers both locally and internationally. As an independent editor, he has edited outstanding works of many popular Nigerian writers such as the prose works of Dr Wale Okediran, the Secretary General of Pan African Writers Association (PAWA) and a former Member of the House of Representatives, the biography of a former governor, the prose work of Diipo Fagunwa, the only surviving child of D.O. Fagunwa and the autobiography of Prof. Samuel Olusegun Ayodele, a renowned Nigerian professor of English.

The upcoming book reading event promises to be an avenue for reading creative works such as poetry, fiction, book sales and signing, contacts with other readers and book writers in all corners of the state of Oyo, the statement added.

Prospective writers who have works in poetry, short stories and novels can also attend to read their works to other writers and readers. Membership forms and certificate of membership will be available at no charge to first timers.

Ibadan Book Club is an initiative of the Nigerian Young Writers Society. It was founded in 2011 by SYNW in order to contribute its own quota to the growth and development of the Reading Culture in the State of Oyo.

The Ibadan Book Club consists of a group of people who meet, meet periodically to discuss the book they have read and exchange those books. Club members encourage each other and learn to read with a critical mind, articulating their opinions about a particular book with others. Certain types of books not available or read receive attention through the book club.

Some of the publications published by Ibadan Book Club are: Olubadan Centennial Anthology: a collection of essays, articles, poems and works of art in honor of Oba (Dr.) Samuel Odulana, Odugade 1, Voices from Oja Oba Market and Finally, Senator Abiola Ajimobi: Memories, Dreams, Reflections of a Mind Always in Motion.

 

I want to be the first and the youngest Nigerian Female Writer to win the Nobel Prize in Literature - Ndukwo Mary Chidinma

 

I WANT TO BE THE FIRST AND THE YOUNGEST NIGERIAN FEMALE WRITER TO WIN THE NOBEL PRIZE IN LITERATURE - NDUKWO MARY CHIDINMA

 

Ndukwo Mary Chidinma is a poet and novelist. She is a member of the Society of Young Nigerian Writers, Oyo State Chapter and the current Secretary of Ibadan Book Club. In this brief interview with Wole Adedoyin, she talks about her writing career.

WA: WHY DO YOU WRITE?

NDUKWO: I like to write because writing helps me to express myself without exposing my weakness, apart from the fact that I want to be the first and the youngest Nigerian female writer to win the Nobel Prize in literature.

WA: WHICH WRITER DO YOU ADMIRE?

NDUKWO: I have a long list, but I prefer Amma Dakor,Chinua Achebe and Chimamanda Adichie.

WA: WHAT ARE YOU READING RIGHT NOW? ARE THERE ANY AUTHORS (LIVING OR DEAD) THAT YOU WOULD NAME AS INFLUENCES?

NDUKWO: Actually, I am reading Joan The Made by Kristen Pham

WA: WHAT WAS THE BOOK THAT MOST INFLUENCED YOUR LIFE — AND WHY?

NDUKWO: Purple Hibiscus. I read it at the beginning of my teenage year and I had gone through most of the protagonist situations before I had the chance to grow.

WA: WHAT ARE YOUR 10 FAVORITE BOOKS —AND WHY?

NDUKWO: The Ultimate Series (5 books), Gifted Hand, Faceless, Along Came A Spider, Future's Past and The Duplicates...Well they made me understand lives from others point of view

WA: FAVORITE FILMS?

NDUKWO: Disney's Aladdin, Frozen 1&2, Mulan and reflection

WA: FAVORITE MUSIC?

NDUKWO: Anything from Beyonce and Disney is fine by me and a little of Cardi B.

WA:  IF YOU HAD A BOOK CLUB, WHAT WOULD IT BE READING — AND WHY?

NDUKWO: Any of Ben Carson's books and James Patterson Alex Cross Series, It helps you see Life from others perspective according to their profession

WA:  WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE BOOKS TO GIVE — AND GET — AS GIFTS?

NDUKWO: Any of James Patterson's books is great

WA: GIVE US THREE "GOOD TO KNOW" FACTS ABOUT YOU. BE CREATIVE. TELL US ABOUT THE INSPIRATION FOR YOUR WRITING.

NDUKWO: I am very great at hiding my emotions because I believe it can be your weakness. I also prefer people knowing me for who I am and not what others think, and I am unpredictable at times.

WA: WHAT ELSE DO YOU WANT YOUR READERS TO KNOW? CONSIDER HERE YOUR LIKES AND DISLIKES, YOUR INTERESTS AND HOBBIES, YOUR FAVORITE WAYS TO UNWIND — WHATEVER COMES TO MIND.

11) Yeah, I want to tell my readers, when I write, it isn't always about me but my present society and how they live. What I don't like? Selfishness...I despise using others for your selfish benefits because you are higher than them or privilege. I also hate gossiping too. What I like? I love traveling, acting and dancing.  Favorite ways to relax, watching the stars, reading and dancing.

I write to expose societal ills and vices - Akinyemi Jelili Oyelere

 

I WRITE TO EXPOSE SOCIETAL ILLS AND VICES - AKINYEMI JELILI OYELERE

 

Akinyemi Jelili Oyelere is a final year (HND 2) student of the Department of Local Government and Development Studies of the Polytechnic Ibadan. Also a former Vice President of the National Association of Kajola Students (NAKS).  Currently, Oyelere is the Public Relations Officer of the Institution’s Students’ Press Council. In this interview with Wole Adedoyin, he shares with him details about his writing career.

 

 

WA: WHY ARE YOU A POET?

AJO: I am a poet because I was inspired by one of my friends, Majaro Ayodele

WA: WHAT POETS DO YOU ADMIRE?

AJO: Niyi Osundare, Wole Soyinka, Eriata Oribhabor etc

WA: WHAT INSPIRES YOU?

AJO: Nature, contemporary issues, loneliness, sadness and happiness.

WA: TELL US ABOUT A NORMAL WORKING DAY…

AJO: About my normal working day. It starts from home to school, from class to Press Council, online activities and I attend to other issues that need my attention.

WA: HOW DO YOU WRITE?

AJO: I write whenever I receive inspiration to write

WA:  WHAT’S YOUR THOUGHT PROCESS BEHIND A POEM?

AJO: There are different thoughts behind every poem. Major motive behind my poetic works is to expose societal ills, vices and for people to be aware of them in order to provide solution to them. Also, I write to make people, mad, sad and glad.

WA: DESCRIBE YOUR ROUTE TO BEING PUBLISHED

AJO: The path was rough and the journey was tough. When I was about to publish my debut poetry book titled "Awakening Dreams", I searched for good publishers but their fees were too expensive for me before I later found Parousia Magazine that later published the book. Issue of fund was also there as one of the disturbing factors.

WA:  WHAT’S YOUR ADVICE TO AN ASPIRING POET?

AJO: My advice for budding poets is that they should be persistent and consistent in writing. Rome wasn't built in a day. They should learn to earn themselves recognition and good appellation first. Their names will later sell their books in the future.

WA:  WHAT (IF ANY) SORTS OF EDITORIAL CHANGES DID THE MANUSCRIPT GO THROUGH? DID YOU WORK THROUGH THESE WITH YOUR AGENT AND/OR EDITORS WITHIN THE PUBLISHING HOUSE?

AJO: My manuscript actually got a good editor from my Publisher and was later proofread by Emmanuel Abiodun Dada.

WA: FINAL QUESTION (PROMISE!): DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR THE YET-TO-BE-PUBLISHED WRITERS READING THIS?

AJO: Yes. Those that are not financially healthy should submit their works for chapbook Series. But if they are financially buoyant, they should go to publishing firm they trust their work can be handled well.

WA: TALK TO US ABOUT YOUR WRITING ROUTINE; WHAT’S A TYPICAL WRITING DAY FOR YOU?

AJO: I don’t have a particular day for writing, my pen dances when it hears the drum of muse and inspiration

WA: WHERE DO YOU WRITE FROM?

AJO: I write from Ibadan, Oyo State, South West, Nigeria.

WA: ON THIS TOPIC, WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO BUILD A PLATFORM AND GAIN READERSHIP?

AJO: I always utilize WhatsApp group to gain attention of readers. The group is an International group. I also make use of Facebook to make noise of my work etc.

WA: WEBSITE(S)?

AJO: I don't have a particular website but you can Google my name to see more of my published works.

WA:  FAVORITE MOVIE?

AJO:  Married Again, an India movie

WA: SOMETHING PERSONAL ABOUT YOU PEOPLE MAY BE SURPRISED TO KNOW?

AJO: I wrote my WAEC and NECO exams seven times. I spent two years in SS1, two years in SS2 and three years in SS3

WA: WHAT’S NEXT

AJO: The publication of my second book title "The Cave of A Thousand Demons" is the next project I am presently working on.

I have an ambition to be the second Nobel Laureate in Literature - Babatunde Adebayo

I HAVE AN AMBITION TO BE THE SECOND NOBEL LAUREATE IN LITERATURE - BABATUNDE ADEBAYO

 

Babatunde Adebayo A. (Jr.) is a final year student of Electronics/Telecommunication Engineering in the Polytechnic, Ibadan, Oyo State. He is currently the Editor-in-Chief of the institution’s Newspaper which operates under the banner of the Union of Campus Journalist (UCJ)/Press Council TPI.. In this brief interview with Wole Adedoyin, he talks about his writing career.

WA: WHY DO YOU WRITE?

BAA:  I write due to a strong compulsive passion. And of course, I have an ambition to be the second Nobel laureate in literature.

WA: WHICH WRITER(S) DO YOU ADMIRE?

BAA: A long list, but I like Wole Soyinka, Nnedi Okarafor, George R. R. Martin, J. K. Rowling. J. R. R. Tolkien and Chimamanda Adiche.

WA: WHAT ARE YOU READING RIGHT NOW? ARE THERE ANY AUTHORS (LIVING OR DEAD) THAT YOU WOULD NAME AS INFLUENCES?

BAA: I’m reading Thinking for a Change. Dead? Tolkien and Achebe. Maybe ancient ones like Shakespeare sand Homer.

WA:  WHAT WAS THE BOOK THAT MOST INFLUENCED YOUR LIFE — AND WHY?

BAA:  48 Laws of Power. I saw it at the lowest point in my life. Amidst heartbreak, depression and disappointment.

WA: WHAT ARE YOUR 10 FAVORITE BOOKS —AND WHY?

BAA: A Song of Ice and Fire series (5 books)

48 Laws of Power.

The Lord of the Rings series (3 Books)

King Henry's Six Wives

Dunno.. They just seemed to open my mind wide.

WA:  FAVORITE MUSIC?

BAA: Anything from One Direction, Michael Jackson, Khalid, Fela, Brymo, Rihanna is favorite in my books.

WA: FAVORITE FILMS?

BAA: Inception, Titanic, Avatar, and Justice League.

WA:  IF YOU HAD A BOOK CLUB, WHAT WOULD IT BE READING — AND WHY?

 BAA: My books... Lol

 

WA:  WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE BOOKS TO GIVE — AND GET — AS GIFTS?

BAA: 48 Laws of power, Gifted Hands, anything psychological.

WA:  GIVE US THREE "GOOD TO KNOW" FACTS ABOUT YOU. BE CREATIVE. TELL US ABOUT THE INSPIRATION FOR YOUR WRITING.

BAA: Oh... I'm notorious for being blunt. I try to be as honest as possible, and well I get hated for it. For my writing however, my main skill isn't about a good grammar it's more about my imaginative mind... It’s often in the clouds, I over think, critical thinking. So it forces rapid thinking of a preferred scene in my mind.  Plus, I think I'm cool headed. Nice to be with. I think.

WA: WHAT ELSE DO YOU WANT YOUR READERS TO KNOW? CONSIDER HERE YOUR LIKES AND DISLIKES, YOUR INTERESTS AND HOBBIES, YOUR FAVORITE WAYS TO UNWIND — WHATEVER COMES TO MIND.

BAA:  Yeah, I want to use the medium to share untold stories. Many don't know of past events and while history repeats itself... Those people are bound to make same mistakes... I hope to help avoid it. What I don't like? Lies... I hate it because it brings unpredictability. I hate something that's not clear, because I'm often always clear. What I like? Meeting someone who is free spirited. Also doing something that helps the needy. Favourite ways to relax. Chat with friends, preferably old friends... Talk about love and life over a glass of wine.