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.

 

Call for Participation – Ibadan Children’s Literature Workshop

CALL FOR PARTICIPATION – IBADAN CHILDREN’S LITERATURE WORKSHOP

 

Are you a children's writer or interested in writing for children? Here’s a unique opportunity to enhance your skills and deepen your understanding of children’s literature at this month’s Free Children's Literature Workshop!

DATE: 30th November, 2024
VENUE: Oyo State Library Board, Opposite Cocoa House, Dugbe, Ibadan, Oyo State
TIME: 12:00 PM

Topics to Be Covered:

• Understanding Children's Literature: Exploring its significance and impact.
• Genres of Children's Books: Picture books, chapter books, middle-grade fiction, young adult novels, and more.
• Cultural Shaping Through Literature: The role of children's books in shaping values and traditions.
• Age-Appropriate Writing: Crafting content suitable for different age groups.
• Storytelling Techniques: Developing plot, characters, and themes for young audiences.
• Dialogue and Narrative: Writing engaging and relatable stories for children.
• Illustrations in Children's Books: Their importance and how to collaborate with illustrators.
• Addressing Sensitive Topics: Approaching issues like bullying, grief, and disability effectively.
• Incorporating Local Culture: Reflecting indigenous traditions and languages in stories.
• Publishing Options: Traditional vs. self-publishing, and tips for working with literary agents.
• Marketing Strategies: Promoting books via social media, school visits, and book fairs.
• Copyright Essentials: Protecting intellectual property in children's publishing.

BENEFIT:

• Certificate of Participation will be issued to all attendees.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from experts and network with fellow writers passionate about children's literature.

For inquiries or registration, please contact [insert contact details].

We look forward to welcoming you to this enlightening workshop!

 

MEET OUR GUEST LECTURER/WRITER

 

Jide Ogunlana is a celebrated novelist, editor, playwright, and professional publisher whose literary contributions have earned him a place among Nigeria’s most accomplished writers. Two of his plays, Verbal Violence and Clash of the Gods, were successfully staged at the prestigious Wole Soyinka Theatre, University of Ibadan. His short story collection, From Marriage to Prison, is widely read at The Polytechnic, Ibadan, and other higher institutions. Additionally, his short stories and excerpts have been featured in various editions of the ANA Review published by the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA).

A multiple award-winning author, Ogunlana’s children’s storybook, Primrose and the Kidnappers, won the 2018 ANA Prize for Children’s Literature. In 2021, his storybook A Girl Called Corona Sofia garnered the same prestigious award, solidifying his reputation as an outstanding writer for young audiences. Many of Ogunlana’s books are also featured in the approved reading lists of Oyo and Osun States' Ministries of Education, attesting to their educational value and cultural significance.

Ogunlana’s publications reflect his versatility and creativity, spanning genres and languages. They include Esin Amope (in Yoruba), The Adventure of Three Wild Boys (published under the pseudonym Wale Adewale), The 3rd of March and Out of This World, and Awesu in a Strange House.

As an editor, Ogunlana’s career began with Evans Brothers (Nig. Publishers) Ltd, where he gained extensive experience as a Senior Editor, working with renowned local and international authors. He later founded his own publishing company, Lerato Book Publishers, where he continues to excel as a writer, editor, rewriter, and publisher. Ogunlana has also edited remarkable works by notable Nigerian authors, including the prose of Dr. Wale Okediran, Secretary-General of the Pan African Writers Association (PAWA) and former Member of the House of Representatives. His editing portfolio includes the biography of a former governor and the prose of Diipo Fagunwa, the only surviving child of the legendary D.O. Fagunwa.

Ogunlana has also distinguished himself as a biographer, authoring the autobiographies of notable figures such as High Chief Theophilus Olaleye Olutola, the Odofin of Ijebu-Jesa, and Prof. Samuel Olusegun Ayodele, a renowned professor of Language Education.

As an active member of the Association of Nigerian Authors, Ogunlana recently served as Chairman of the Electoral Committee for the 2024 elections of the Oyo State chapter of ANA. He is also a patron of the Ibadan Book Club, where his contributions to literary development are greatly appreciated.

With an impressive career spanning writing, publishing, and mentorship, Jide Ogunlana continues to inspire both readers and writers with his dedication to advancing literature and education.