Images From The February Edition Of Ibadan Book Talk

 

IMAGES FROM THE FEBRUARY EDITION OF IBADAN BOOK TALK

                                       

Wale Okediran @ 70 Poetry Competition Winners Announced

 

WALE OKEDIRAN @ 70 POETRY COMPETITION WINNERS ANNOUNCED

 

The organizers of the Wale Okediran @ 70 Poetry Competition are pleased to officially announce the winners of the literary contest. The competition, which drew participation from young and talented Nigerian poets across the country, was established to honour the enduring literary contributions of Dr. Wale Okediran—renowned author, former National President of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), and current Secretary General of the Pan African Writers Association (PAWA).

Specifically designed for Nigerian writers under the age of 25, the Wale Okediran @ 70 Poetry Competition aims to discover and amplify new literary voices while celebrating the legacy of one of Nigeria’s foremost literary trailblazers. This year’s entries demonstrated not only the creative vitality of Nigerian youth but also their commitment to using literature as a means of expression, reflection, and advocacy.

The judging panel, chaired by Professor Mabel Evwierhoma of the Department of Dramatic Arts, University of Abuja, carefully reviewed the entries and shortlisted five outstanding works. She was supported by an esteemed panel which included Khalid Imam, an acclaimed poet and arts curator, and Akudo Nkemjika Okeke, a poet, screenwriter, and scriptwriter. The judges praised the submissions for their originality, emotional resonance, and thoughtful engagement with a wide range of themes.

After thorough deliberation, the winners were announced as follows: First Prize – “A Sojourner” by Abdulrazaq Godwin Omeiza; Second Prize – “Sambisa Girl” by Nwegbo Miracle; and Third Prize – “Wale Okediran, A Man of Healing Ink” by Abdulmumeen Humulkhair Olamipo. Two poets received Honourable Mentions: “A Bloom, A Breath and A Song” by Deborah Usak and “For Wale Okediran at 70” by Adegoke Oluwabukunmi.

Abdulrazaq Godwin Omeiza, winner of the First Prize, is a Senior Secondary School 2 student at Government College Ibadan. A budding poet, Abdulrazaq draws inspiration from his environment, teachers, and literary legends such as Niyi Osundare, Tade Ipadeola, Wole Soyinka, Chimamanda Adichie, and Dr. Wale Okediran himself. His poem “A Sojourner” reflects an insightful and mature poetic voice that impressed the judges.

Second Prize winner, Miracle Nwegbo, is a medical student at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University. In addition to being a poet, Miracle is also an essayist and photographer. He sees poetry as a powerful, melodic tool capable of social transformation. His prize-winning piece, “Sambisa Girl”, captures deep emotional themes through vivid imagery and heartfelt expression.

Abdulmumeen Humulkhair Olamipo, who won the Third Prize, hails from Ilorin, Kwara State, and is a penultimate student at the University of Ilorin. Her poem “Wale Okediran, A Man of Healing Ink” pays tribute to the celebrant with lyrical elegance and thematic depth. Known for weaving emotion into every stanza, Humulkhair continues to hone her poetic skills with great dedication.

To collect their prize certificates and monetary awards, the winners are kindly requested to contact the competition coordinator, Wole Adedoyin, via email at woleadedoyin@gmail.com. The organizers extend their gratitude to all participants and encourage them to continue nurturing their literary talents.

The Wale Okediran @ 70 Poetry Competition not only celebrates the legacy of a literary icon but also serves as a beacon of hope for the future of Nigerian literature. Through initiatives like this, the voices of the next generation of writers are being empowered, amplified, and given the recognition they deserve.

 

Onike, Ogundimu to Headline April Edition of Ibadan Book Talk

ONIKE, OGUNDIMU TO HEADLINE APRIL EDITION OF IBADAN BOOK TALK

 

The Ibadan Book Club (IBC) is thrilled to announce that two outstanding Ibadan-based creatives, Luqman Kolawole Onike (popularly known as Olukumo) and Ogundimu Temiloluwa, will headline the April edition of its monthly literary event, Ibadan Book Talk. Scheduled to hold on Saturday, April 26, 2025, the event will take place at the Board Room of the Oyo State Library Board, opposite Cocoa House, Dugbe, Ibadan, and will commence by 12:00 PM.

The announcement was made in a statement issued by Wole Adedoyin, Founder of the Ibadan Book Club, who expressed great excitement over the choice of speakers. He highlighted the event as an opportunity for lovers of literature and art to witness the fusion of written, spoken, and visual creativity, noting that Onike and Temiloluwa represent the future of Nigeria’s artistic and literary expression.

This edition of Ibadan Book Talk is being organized in collaboration with the Redeemed Writers Network (REDNET) and Global Word Crafters (GLOWCRAFT). Together, these organizations aim to foster unity in the literary community and to create a space for dialogue, inspiration, and collaboration among writers, poets, artists, and literary enthusiasts from across the city and beyond.

Luqman Kolawole Onike, known in literary and artistic circles as Olukumo, is a multi-talented creative whose work transcends literature, performance poetry, culture, and social advocacy. Originally from Iseyin in Oyo State and currently residing in Ibadan, Onike uses the power of Yoruba poetry to address pressing societal issues while celebrating tradition and cultural identity.

Over the years, Onike has performed at several reputable literary and cultural events, including Nibstare Poetry Café, WORDS, RHYME and RHYTHM, Fadaka Festival, and the Beautiful Nubia concert. His compelling voice and stage presence have earned him features on television stations such as Startime Yoruba, Itage Television, and Orisun TV. His work is also widely distributed on YouTube and other digital platforms.

In addition to his poetry, Onike is an accomplished actor, film producer, and on-air personality. His rich creative portfolio includes works such as Olukumo (2017), Ekun Mekunnu (2018), ÀRỌDÁ (2018), Àwùjọ Odaju (2019), AKOKO (2023), Tewe Tegbo (2024), and his latest project, IGI EL’Ẹ̀GÚN (2025). With each work, he seeks to inspire, inform, and entertain, while preserving the essence of Yoruba storytelling.

Joining Onike is the rising visual artist Ogundimu Temiloluwa, a student of Visual Arts at the Federal College of Education. Temiloluwa is gaining recognition for an artistic style defined by fine detail, emotional depth, and creative innovation. With a particular interest in painting and pencil drawing, Temiloluwa uses art to convey complex ideas and evoke powerful emotions.

Temiloluwa credits much of his growth to the mentorship and influence of the renowned artist, Smog Art. Under this guidance, he has developed a unique artistic voice that continues to evolve with every new project. His participation in this month’s edition of Ibadan Book Talk will give attendees a glimpse into the intersections of visual art and literature.

The Ibadan Book Talk continues to serve as a vital platform for engaging creatives in thought-provoking dialogue and showcasing their work to a wider audience. The April edition promises to be a vibrant blend of poetry, storytelling, and visual artistry—a must-attend event for all lovers of culture and creativity.

 

Iru-Davies, D'penlord, Shittu To Headline March Edition Of Ibadan Book Talk

 

IRU-DAVIES, D'PENLORD, SHITTU TO HEADLINE MARCH EDITION OF IBADAN BOOK TALK

 

The Ibadan Book Club (IBC) has announced that its upcoming Ibadan Book Talk will feature three esteemed writers: Iru-Davies Bonaventure Paulson, Ben Thompson D'Penlord, and Tunji Idris Shittu.

This much-anticipated event is scheduled for Saturday, March 29, 2025, at 12:00 PM, and will be held in the Board Room of the Oyo State Library Board, located opposite Cocoa House in Dugbe, Ibadan.

In a press release, IBC Founder Wole Adedoyin expressed enthusiasm about the diverse perspectives these writers bring, highlighting the club's commitment to celebrating literature and fostering creative discussions.

The March edition of Ibadan Book Talk is a collaborative effort between the Ibadan Book Club, the Redeemed Writers Network (REDNET), and Global Word Crafters (GLOWCRAFT). This partnership aims to unite writers, poets, and literary enthusiasts for enriching discussions on writing, performance poetry, and the transformative power of storytelling.

The Ibadan Book Talk, an ongoing initiative by the club, serves as a platform to celebrate literature, encourage creative discussions, and promote the cultural richness of Ibadan through the written and spoken word.

IRU-DAVIES BONAVENTURE PAULSON

Iru-Davies Bonaventure Paulson is a distinguished scholar, educator, and multifaceted professional with a strong academic foundation from St. Andrews College of Education, Oyo-Nigeria, the University of Ghana, Legon-Accra, and Bibliothèques de Science d'Aix Marseille, France. He holds an NCE in Agricultural Science and a first degree, complemented by numerous professional certifications. His diverse expertise spans across various fields, including farming, entrepreneurship, para-military service, teaching, humanitarian work, first aid, and publishing. A passionate literacy and history enthusiast, naturalist, social critic, and advocate for cultural exploration, he has dedicated his life to education, leadership, and community service. His hobbies, which include singing, reading, traveling, gardening, storytelling, and keeping pets, reflect his deep love for nature and knowledge-sharing.

His commitment to humanitarian service and leadership is evident in his extensive roles across various organizations. He has served as the School Unit Coordinator of the Nigerian Red Cross Society at both divisional and state levels, as well as in multiple leadership capacities within the Nigerian Scout Federation and the World Federation of Independent Scouts (WFIS), where he currently holds the position of Africa Regional Secretary. A former unionist and an active contributor to religious and professional bodies, he has been an adviser and welfare officer for the League of Lay Readers in his church, a member of the UNESCO Fans Club in Ouagadougou, and a freelance reporter in Côte d'Ivoire for Radio France Internationale (RFI). Presently, he serves as the President of the Parish Laity Council, a leader in his old students' association, and the National Media Officer of the Association of Independent Publishers, Nigeria (AIPN). Happily married and blessed with children, Iru-Davies Bonaventure Paulson continues to inspire and impact lives through his numerous endeavors.

BEN THOMPSON D'PENLORD

Ben Thompson D'Penlord is a dynamic and multi-talented creative force with a profound impact on the Nigerian entertainment industry. With a background spanning film, television, theater, music, and journalism, he has dedicated his career to storytelling and artistic innovation. His academic journey reflects his commitment to mastering the art of entertainment, having studied at prestigious institutions such as Terra Academy for the Arts, National Broadcasting Academy, Kunle Afolayan Film and Television Academy, De-York Creative Academy, Royal Arts Academy, Music Business Academy for Africa, and Lagos Film School. Through rigorous training in screenwriting, directing, producing, music business, and journalism, D’Penlord has cultivated a rich and versatile skill set that continues to shape his career.

His expertise has propelled him to the forefront of the Nigerian creative scene, making significant contributions across various mediums. As the esteemed host of Eko Screenwriters Connect, he plays a pivotal role in fostering collaboration and growth within Nigeria’s film industry. Beyond his achievements in media and entertainment, D’Penlord is strategically building Jokwa Entertainment into a powerhouse brand, positioning it as a major player in Nigeria’s creative landscape. With his visionary leadership, diverse talents, and unwavering passion, he remains a driving force in shaping the future of entertainment in Nigeria and beyond.

TUNJI IDRIS SHITTU

Tunji Idris Shittu is a seasoned professional with a robust academic background and diverse expertise across various sectors. He holds a Master's degree in Public Administration (MPA) and a Post-Graduate Diploma in Public Administration (PGDPA) from Nasarawa State University, alongside a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Food Science and Technology from the Federal Polytechnic Bauchi. His commitment to continuous learning is evident through additional training in Project Management, Health Safety and Environment, and affiliations with the Nigerian Institute of Management (Chartered). Fluent in English, Yoruba, and Hausa, Shittu is also a prolific writer, demonstrating both physical and mental acuity.

Complementing his formal education, Shittu has developed strong interpersonal skills, enabling him to integrate seamlessly into diverse teams. He has participated in various capacity-building initiatives that have enhanced his intrapersonal and interpersonal relations, self-discipline, dedication, commitment, and personal development. These experiences have honed his attention to detail and analytical abilities. With a solid foundation in Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Shittu is not only proficient in its applications but also passionate about imparting his knowledge to others. His continuous efforts to enhance his communication and problem-solving skills underscore his dedication to professional excellence and personal growth.