DO Fagunwa Foundation Announces New Board Members

 

DO FAGUNWA FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES NEW BOARD MEMBERS

 

By: Wole Adedoyin

 

The DO Fagunwa Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of its new Board of Trustees. The new Board members bring a wealth of experience, expertise, and diverse perspectives to the Foundation's governance. Their appointment is part of the Foundation's commitment to strengthening its governance structure and promoting the life and works of late D.O. Fagunwa.

 

The new Board of Trustees includes Mr. Oladiipo Fagunwa as Chairman, Hon. Femi Kehinde as Secretary, and Chief Olu Falomo as Adviser/Consultant. Other members of the Board include Mrs. Ibukunade Sijuwola (nee Fágúnwà), Mrs. Folasade Okunronmu, Mrs. Yejide Ogundipe (nee Fágúnwà), Ms Diwura Fágúnwà, Prof. Kolawole Kazeem, and Mrs. Alice Mejeriwotai (nee Fagunwa).

 

Mr. Oladiipo Fagunwa, the newly appointed Chairman of the Board is a writer and the son of the late Chief DO Fágúnwà. He expressed his excitement at the opportunity to serve on the Board and promote the legacy of his late father. Mr Fágúnwà said, "I am honored to serve as the Chairman of the Board of the DO Fágúnwà Foundation. My father's work has had a significant impact on the literary world, and I am committed to preserving and promoting his legacy."

 

Hon. Femi Kehinde, the newly appointed Secretary of the Board, brings years of experience in governance, law and policy-making to the Board. He is an accomplished publisher and historian. Hon Femi Kehinde is a charismatic lawyer with over forty years of legal experience and practice a thriving and successful law firm. He would be useful to the administration of the new Board as Secretary promoting the life and works of D.O. Fagunwa.

 

Chief Olu Falomo, the Adviser/Consultant to the Board is the adopted first child of Chief DO Fágúnwà. Chief Falomo is a well-respected elder statesman, a doyen of advertising industry and former President of APCON with vast experience in public relations governance and management. This eminent patrician is the Lófòṣán of Ìjèsà land, a philanthropist and dedicated man of values. He is always to be found in the forefront of projects in the service of humanity and shall be an asset to the new Board to ensure the success of the Foundation. Other members of the Board bring diverse skills and experiences to the table that would make the Board a formidable team and take the Foundation to greater heights.

 

The DO Fágúnwà Foundation was established in 2006 to promote the life and works of the late Chief D.O. Fágúnwà, a renowned Nigerian author and doyen of Yorùbá literature. He was one of the hundred renown Nigerians honoured as part of the centenary celebrations of Nigeria in 2014.

 

DO Fágúnwà died on December 7, 1963. The DO Fágúnwà Foundation was established in his memory and aims to preserve and promote his legacy by organizing literary events, publishing his works, and supporting research and scholarship in African literature.

 

The appointment of the new Board members is part of the Foundation's commitment to enhancing its governance structure, improving its programs and activities and ensuring the Foundation's sustainability. The new Board will oversee the Foundation’s operations and provide direction to ensure that its programs and activities align with its mission and objectives.

 

We wish the new Board of Trustees, a successful tenure.

How SYNW Trained Over 500 Young Writers Through The Ibadan Writers Training Centre

 

HOW SYNW TRAINED OVER 500 YOUNG WRITERS THROUGH THE IBADAN WRITERS TRAINING CENTRE

 

The Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW) has been making great strides in developing young writers in Nigeria. With their Ibadan Writers Training Centre, SYNW has been able to train over 500 young writers in various aspects of writing, publishing, and editing. This project started in 2012 with the aim of honing the writing skills of young Nigerian writers and has since been making significant progress.

The quarterly workshops organized by SYNW cut across various aspects of writing, including poetry writing, short story writing, children's literature, publishing, radio playwriting, and literary journalism. These workshops were free for participants and also offered free certificates of participation and membership into the Society of Young Nigerian Writers. This gesture is a testament to the commitment of SYNW to develop the writing skills of young Nigerian writers.

Over 500 young writers have benefited from this project so far. These writers have gone on to become published authors, editors, and poets. The impact of this project on their writing skills cannot be overemphasized, as many have attested to the positive impact it has had on their writing journey.

The Ibadan Writers Training Centre was created for this purpose, to serve as a writers' training institute for honing and grooming the skills of young Nigerian writers. The center was equipped with state-of-the-art facilities to ensure that participants had the best learning experience. The trainers were carefully selected from among the best writers, publishers, and editors in Nigeria. This was done to ensure that participants had access to quality training and mentorship.

Over 50 writers, publishers, and editors were invited to lecture during these workshops. This was to ensure that participants had access to a wide range of experts who could offer insights and practical advice on writing, publishing, and editing. This exposure to industry professionals has helped to broaden the horizons of the participants and opened up new opportunities for them in the world of writing.

The success of the Ibadan Writers Training Centre has led to the establishment of other writers' academies across Nigeria. The Ibadan Writers Training Centre has been dissolved into the Ibadan Publishing Academy and the Osogbo Writers Academy. These academies offer similar training and mentorship opportunities to young Nigerian writers. The establishment of these academies is a testament to the impact of the Ibadan Writers Training Centre and the commitment of SYNW to develop young Nigerian writers.

The Ibadan Writers Training Centre has also played a significant role in promoting the culture of writing and reading in Nigeria. By training young writers, SYNW has helped to create a new generation of writers who are passionate about telling their stories and preserving the rich cultural heritage of Nigeria. This has helped to promote literacy and education in Nigeria, which is crucial for the development of the country.

The Ibadan Writers Training Centre has also created a network of young writers who can collaborate and support each other in their writing journeys. This network has helped to create a sense of community among young Nigerian writers and has encouraged them to work together to achieve their writing goals.

SYNW has also organized various writing competitions and festivals to promote the work of young Nigerian writers. These events have helped to showcase the talents of young writers and provided them with opportunities to interact with industry professionals. This has helped to boost the confidence of young writers and encouraged them to continue writing.

In conclusion, SYNW's Ibadan Writers Training Centre has been a great success, having trained over 500 young writers in Nigeria. The project has helped to develop the writing skills of young Nigerian writers and promoted the culture of writing and reading in Nigeria. The establishment of the Ibadan Writers Academy and Osogbo Writers Academy is a testament to the impact of the Ibadan Writers Training Centre and the commitment of SYNW to develop young Nigerian writers.

 

SYNW Salutes Toyin Adewale-Gabriel on her birthday

 

SYNW SALUTES TOYIN ADEWALE-GABRIEL ON HER BIRTHDAY

 

The Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW) has expressed its felicitations to Toyin Adewale-Gabriel on the occasion of her birthday. Toyin Adewale-Gabriel is a distinguished Nigerian writer, a prolific poet, a critic, and an accomplished literary icon. Her impressive contribution to Nigerian literature has brought her numerous awards and accolades. As a result, the SYNW, on behalf of its members, congratulates Toyin Adewale-Gabriel on her birthday.

Toyin Adewale-Gabriel was born in 1969 in Ibadan, Nigeria. She is a well-known poet and a literary critic. She has worked with The Guardian, Post Express, and The Daily Times. She writes in both English and German, and her literary works are a testament to her exceptional talent. Toyin Adewale-Gabriel is an alumna of the prestigious Obafemi Awolowo University, where she obtained her M.A. Lit. degree.

As the co-founder and co-ordinator of the Association of Writers of Nigeria for several years, Toyin Adewale-Gabriel has contributed immensely to the development of Nigerian literature. She has also worked with numerous organizations and institutions, helping to promote literature and foster creativity among young writers. Her commitment to the growth of Nigerian literature has been unwavering, and her impact on the literary landscape of Nigeria is immeasurable.

Toyin Adewale-Gabriel's literary works are numerous and varied. Her published works include Naked Testimonies (1995), Breaking The Silence (1996), Inkwells (1997), Die Aromaforscherin (1998), Flackernde Kerzen (1999), 25 New Nigerian Poets (2000), Aci Cikolata, Gunizi Yayincilik (2003), and Nigerian Women Short Stories (2005). Her poetry and short fiction have won several awards, including the prestigious ANA/Cadbury Poetry Prize and the BBC World Service Short Story Competition.

Naked Testimonies, one of Toyin Adewale-Gabriel's most famous works, deals with Nigerian politics. The poems in the book are reflective and personal, and they provide a poignant insight into the political landscape of Nigeria. Toyin Adewale-Gabriel's work is an important contribution to the body of literature on Nigerian politics and serves as a reminder of the need for political accountability.

Toyin Adewale-Gabriel's literary works have been recognized both nationally and internationally. She has been invited to literary events and festivals in different countries, where she has shared her work and contributed to literary discussions. Her contribution to the development of Nigerian literature has not gone unnoticed, and her works have been celebrated both locally and internationally.

As a literary critic, Toyin Adewale-Gabriel has contributed to the development of literary criticism in Nigeria. She has reviewed numerous books and provided insightful analysis and critique. Her contributions have helped to shape the discourse on literature in Nigeria and have inspired young writers to strive for excellence.

Toyin Adewale-Gabriel's contribution to the growth of Nigerian literature is a testament to her exceptional talent and dedication to the craft. She has been an inspiration to many young writers, and her impact on Nigerian literature will be felt for generations to come. Her work has demonstrated the richness and diversity of Nigerian literature, and it has helped to put Nigerian literature on the global map.

The SYNW recognizes Toyin Adewale-Gabriel's contribution to Nigerian literature and wishes her a happy birthday. The society hopes that her work will continue to inspire young writers and contribute to the development of Nigerian literature.

 

Ibadan Reads set to host three students of God’s Comprehensive College on Saturday

 

IBADAN READS SET TO HOST THREE STUDENTS OF GOD’S COMPREHENSIVE COLLEGE ON SATURDAY

 

Ibadan Reads, a collaborative effort between the Ibadan Book Club and the Conference of Southwest Writers, is set to host three exceptional students of God’s Comprehensive College on Saturday, the 4th of March, 2023. The event will hold at the Oyo State Library Board, opposite Cocoa House, Ibadan, by 12 noon prompt.

The three students, Awolowo Nifemi Elizabeth, Adegoke Azeezat, and Inioluwa Victoria Olowe, have been selected to participate in the event as a result of their impressive performance in the Ibadan Book Club's monthly readings and other activities. They will be given an opportunity to share their thoughts and experiences on the importance of reading and education.

God’s Comprehensive College is one of the best schools in Ibadan, and it is one of the supporters of Ibadan Book Club. The school has been consistent and dedicated in participating in IBC’s monthly readings and other activities. Marcus Ugboduma, a staunch member and one of the patrons of the club, facilitated the membership of the college into the club.

Mrs Ayobami Odunyemi, the Coordinator of Ibadan Book Club, expressed her delight in hosting the students. She emphasized the importance of reading and education in the development of individuals and communities, and she encouraged everyone to participate in the event.

The event promises to be a memorable one as it will feature various activities such as book reviews, spoken word performances, and interactive sessions with the students. Participants will also have the opportunity to purchase books from various genres and authors.

Inioluwa Victoria Olowe, one of the students selected to participate in the event, expressed her excitement about the opportunity to share her love for reading and learning with others. She encouraged everyone to attend the event and learn from their experiences.

The event will be a great opportunity for students, educators, and the general public to interact with the selected students and learn from their experiences. It is also an opportunity for Ibadan Book Club to showcase its commitment to promoting a reading culture in Nigeria.

 

How Dr. Wale Okediran Funds and Supports SYNW in Organizing Book Readings in 24 States through the Read Across Nigeria Project

 

HOW DR. WALE OKEDIRAN FUNDS AND SUPPORTS SYNW IN ORGANIZING BOOK READINGS IN 24 STATES THROUGH THE READ ACROSS NIGERIA PROJECT

 

In April 2016, Dr. Wale Okediran, a renowned Nigerian author and physician, donated funds to sponsor the Society of Young Nigerian Writers' (SYNW) first national reading campaign project in celebration of his 63rd birthday. The project, called Read Across Nigeria (RAN), aimed to promote the culture of reading among young Nigerians and to commemorate 63^rd birthday of Dr. Wale Okediran.

With Dr. Okediran's support, the SYNW was able to organize book readings in twenty-four states of the federation, including Oyo, Ogun, Abuja, Kano, Ebonyi, Imo, Anambra, Kogi, Osun, Ogun, Lagos, Kwara, Sokoto, Ondo, Rivers, Bayelsa, Edo, Delta, and Akwa Ibom. This was the first time book readings were held simultaneously in 24 states of the federal republic of Nigeria.

The RAN project was a huge success, with hundreds of young Nigerians participating in the book readings across the country. The readings were conducted in schools, libraries, halls, and other public spaces, and participants were given certificates of participation. The project was widely covered in the media, and pictures taken in those states were updated on Wikimedia.

Dr. Wale Okediran's personality drove the RAN programme, and his love for writing and reading inspired many young Nigerians to participate in the project. Lovers and fans of Dr. Okediran volunteered to organize readings on that day, and his support helped to make the RAN project a huge success.

The Read Across Nigeria project was a first of its kind initiative that saw readings taking place in 24 states of the federal republic of Nigeria in one day. The project was widely supported by literary enthusiasts, educators, and government officials, who recognized the importance of promoting a reading culture in Nigeria.

Dr. Okediran's commitment to promoting literature and education in Nigeria is well known. He is a prolific writer with several best-selling books to his credit, and he has also served as the President of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA). Dr. Okediran's contribution to the development of literature in Nigeria has earned him numerous accolades and awards both locally and internationally.

Speaking about the RAN project, Dr. Wale Okediran said, "I am delighted to have supported the SYNW in organizing the Read Across Nigeria project. Reading is very important for personal development, and I believe that this project will help to promote the culture of reading among young Nigerians. I encourage young Nigerians to continue reading and to explore the wealth of knowledge that books offer."

The SYNW also expressed its gratitude to Dr. Wale Okediran for his support and generosity in sponsoring the RAN project. According to Mr. Wole Adedoyin, the National Presidentof the SYNW, "Dr. Wale Okediran's support was instrumental in making the RAN project a huge success. His passion for reading is contagious, and we are grateful for his contribution to promoting the culture of reading in Nigeria."

The RAN project is just one of many initiatives that Dr. Wale Okediran has supported over the years. He is committed to promoting literacy and education in Nigeria and has written several books aimed at inspiring young Nigerians to read and learn. His contribution to the RAN project is a testament to his commitment to promoting the culture of reading in Nigeria.