In order to achieve SYNW aim of promoting creative writing and book reading among Nigerian students in different tertiary institutions in the country, the Society of Young Nigerian Writers has appointed Samuel Olomu as the Coordinator of the writers’ body in Lagos State University (LASU).

In a statement made available to newsmen today, Wole Adedoyin, the National President of the Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW) said, Samuel Olomu will be responsible for connecting students with SYNW’s resources, organizing monthly readings, workshops, competitions with support from individuals, corporate bodies and the National body, while also supporting them in ways that help promote reading culture in Lagos State University and enhance their literary career.

We look forward to seeing the initiatives that Samuel Olomu introduces and continues at the campus,” Adedoyin said.

Samuel Olomu a Law Student at the Lagos State University. He is a writer, a right activist, a socio-political commentator, and a political analyst.

His articles and commentaries on national and political issue has made regular Publications in leading Nigerian Newspapers and Online News Media including Punch Newspaper, Sahara Reporters, Cable News, Tribune Newspaper, Ripples Nigeria, Opinion Nigeria, Eagle Online, Maravi Post and a host of other Nigerian Dailies.

Aside from writing opinion for newspapers, he is also a creative writer whose prowess and astute dexterity has gained him publication in different anthologies; National and International including The Society Of Young Nigerian Writers Anthologies, Chinua Achebe Anthologies, International Human Right Art Festival (IHRAF) Anthologies, the Creative Naija Anthology and the Anthologies of World Literary Forum for Peace and Human Rights (WLFPHR) where he was certified as an International Ambassador of Peace.

He is currently an editor at Nigeria Reports. A Nigerian newsroom that reports current issues and news in Nigeria. He is a member of Take It Back Movement. A leading human right group known for radical advocacy against grievous human right violations in Nigeria. A member of Society of Young Nigerian Writers and Ibadan Book Club.

He is the founder and Chief-Editor of LASU Conscience, a campus journalism that seek to update student of current happening within the four walls of LASU.
SYNW finally urges other students who are interested in starting SYNW Chapters in their various Universities, Polytechnics and Colleges of Education to send their Letter of expression of interest to [email protected] or Whatsapp @ 08072673852.

Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW) is a member of the International Authors Forum (IAF). It has also collaborated with different international organizations like the Alliance Francaise (Nigeria), 100 Thousand Poets for Change, Woman Scream International Poetry and Arts Festival, International Women Writing Guild, International Writers Association, and International Human Rights Art Festival (IHRAF).

In 2019, Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW) was duly acknowledged and mentioned in a book titled “TEEN LIVES AROUND THE WORLD: A GLOBAL ENCYCLOPEDIA (2 VOLUMES)” edited by Karen Wells. The Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW) was described as the only active young writers’ body in Nigeria.

GABRIEL SUNDAY AFOLAYAN AND TOM BLOCK UNVEILED AS JUDGES FOR THE AFRICAN HUMAN RIGHTS SHORT STORY COMPETITION

The International Human Rights Art Festival (IHRAF), organizer of the African Human Rights Short Story Competition has announced the selection of two judges for the ongoing Short Story competition aimed at promoting and supporting the realization of human rights in Africa.
In a statement made available to newsmen in Ibadan, the Director of IHRAF in Africa, Wole Adedoyin disclosed that they have received over 100 outstanding entries from over 10 countries within and outside Africa.
To evaluate and select outstanding entries for the top prizes in the competition, the organizer of the African Human Rights Short Story Competition has unveiled two distinguished individuals with diverse experiences and expertise in Short Story Writing.
This year’s prizes will also be awarded in the names of the following African human rights defenders: Steve Biko Prize – $100, Pius Adebola Adesanmi PRIZE – $75 and Binyavanga Wainaina Prize – $50

The two selected judges are Gabriel Sunday Afolayan and Tom Block.
Gabriel Sunday Afolayan is a Nigerian newspaper columnist, a polytechnic lecturer, novelist, poet and public affairs commentator. His interest covers such genres as prose fiction, poetry and creative essays. He has been writing since his days in the university, contributing local news, articles and short stories for publication in national newspapers and magazines. He attended the Institute of Journalism, Benin City and later Enugu State University of Science and Technology,Enugu, as well as Nnamdi Azikwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria,where he bagged his M.Sc in Mass Communication. He is currently researching a Ph.D in “Media and Ethno-political Crises in Nigeria” from the Department of Mass Communication, University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

The Ekiti State-born writer started his journalism career with the defunct National Concord, where he rose to the position of State Correspondent, later to the TheGuardian newspaper as a Staff Reporter and Issues news magazine as Staff Writer. During his days in the news media, he extensively covered different beats, writing many lead stories on crime, political and allied metropolitan events and issues, with particular focus on investigative and interpretative journalism.

A prolific writer, Afolayan’sfirst published title - Beyond the Silent Grave,published in 2001 by Spectrum Books, Ibadan -was an instant success.The 251-page fast paced novel was later nominated for many awards, including theCadbury/ANA Prose Prize and NLNG’s Nigeria Prize for Literature in 2004. The book was later awarded the FG/UBE Grant in 2013/2014 alongside some selected titles by different Nigerian authors for the education intervention programme of the Federal Ministry of Education.

Apart from his media experience, he has worked in the manufacturing industry and rose to the post of Marketing Manager in a vegetable oil company in Ondo State before taking appointment with the Ondo State Polytechnic, now, Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, Nigeria, where he currently teaches journalism, media and communication courses in the Department of Mass Communication. As a public affairs analyst, he has been a regular personality on television and radio stations in Ondo State, featuring regularly on such programmes as Cross Fire, AM Today and Ojumo Ire – where topical issues affecting the society are discussed with other panelists.

Apart from a long dossier of about twenty well researched articles published in many reputable journals within and outside Nigeria, his works, ranging from full length novels, book chapters, poems and short stories in anthology collections, have enjoyed wide circulation and acceptance as literature reference materials in many universities across the globe. His other books also includeRomoke: the Little Orphan – published on the grant of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Pa Jeje’s Legendary Tales, The Recalcitrant King and The Sunshine Tales (an anthology of short stories),which he co-edited. His short story novelettes, particularly designed for primary school pupils, include Taiwo and His Naughty Friends, Death and the Three Greedy Rascals, The Richman and the Poor Beggars,among other titles.

As one of a few committedand established writers in the 21st century Africa, his works have been reviewed by different newspapers in Nigeria and scholars in first class institutions abroad. These include Safari Books, Channel Islands, UK, African Books Collective, Oxford, UK, University of Texas, Austin, USA,andWorld Literature Today, published at the University of Oklahoma, USA and some online platforms. One of his poems: Plagued by the Anger of Hunger was selected in 2021 as one of the “10 most outstanding entries” in the #EndSars poetry contest, organised by the Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW) in collaboration with the US-based International Human Rights Arts Festival.

A literary activist and community development enthusiast, Afolayan is a member of the African Council for Communication Education (ACCE), African Journalism and Communication League (AJCL) Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and currently the Chairman of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Ondo State Chapter and was once a member of the National Executive Committee of the association. He is married to former Miss Oluwatoyin Omodara and their union is blessed with godly and wonderful children.

Tom Block is a playwright, author of five books and 20+ year visual artist. His plays have been developed and produced at such venues as the Ensemble Studio Theater, HERE, Dixon Place, Theater for the New City, IRT Theater, Theater at the 14th Street Y, Theater Row, A.R.T.-NY and many others. He was the founding producer of the International Human Rights Art Festival (2017), the Amnesty International Human Rights Art Festival (2010) and a Research Fellow at DePaul University (2010). He has exhibited his artwork and spoken about his ideas throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, Turkey and the Middle East. www.tomblock.com
The longlist of 20 outstanding entries are expected to be announced in the middle of February, 2023.

IHRAF INTERVIEW SERIES: NAMES OF 100 WRITERS AND ARTISTS INTERVIEWED BY WOLE ADEDOYIN BETWEEN 2021 AND 2022
Below are names of 100 writers and artists Wole Adedoyin (Director of IHRAF in Africa) interviewed for the International Human Rights Art Festival (IHRAF), New York between years 2021 and 2022. Apart from the interview series, Adedoyin also successfully executed projects like the End SARS National Poetry Competition, African Human Rights Essay Competition, African Human Rights Playwriting Competition and the ongoing, African Human Rights Short Story Competition.
To download the 2022 Interviews (48 Interviews), click on this link:
https://bit.ly/3GrkQTh
To download the 2021 Interviews (52 Interviews), click on this link:
https://bit.ly/3ZkjRNm
1. TOM BLOCK
2. MICHAEL ROTHENBERG
3. JAEL URIBE
4. HEIKE PHELAN
5. BRENDA MOHAMMED
6. IRISH SUSA
7. ALEX NDERITU
8. OLOMIDE FATIHA
9. PEACE OKPALANMA
10. OKEKE AKUDO NKEMJIKA CHRISTIEN
11. SAKINAH YUSUF
12. ONATUNDE RACHAEL
13. ONYINYECHI IHEANYI
14. OLUWADARASIMI OYEYEMI
15. AUGUSTA MOLOKWU
16. MARCUS OVIE UGBODUMA
17. BERNICE ADEBIMPE OYELEKE
18. ADESEGUN ADEFEYINTOLA ADEJOKE
19. FOLUKE SIJUWOLA FALAYI
20. OLUWATOBILOBA GRACE LAWALSON
21. CYNTHIA CHUKWUNENYE MADUEKWE
22. GLORY OLUTAYO
23. ADELEKE HATTRICK OLUWAFEMI
24. JUBRIL ABDULSALAM BABATUNDE
25. AKANNI KEHINDE JAMES
26. ABDOUL-GANIOU DERMANI
27. MUSONDA MWAKAAN
28. EDU EDEH
29. ISABOKE NYAMWEYA
30. MATTHEW ALPHA KAMARA
31. IZUNNA OKAFOR
32. PETER OLUDE SUNDAY
33. DOMINIC OIGO MAINA
34. KWAGHKULE, AONDONENGEN JACOB
35. FRANK KALIATI
36. GODSTIME AKUBUEZE NWAEZE
37. TUNDE OSHO
38. CHARLES IORNUMBE
39. UGOCHUKWU ANADI
40. NWOKEABIA, IFEANYI JOHN
41. GRACE SUGE
42. DESMOND KOFI AKWAAH
43. TERSEER SAM BAKI
44. MBIZO CHIRASHA
45. CHUKWU SUNDAY ABEL
46. BUWASO IBRAHIM RAZACK
47. CHINEDU VINCENT OKORO
48. ADEKOLA EMMANUEL ADEBOWALE
49. STANLEY UMEZULIKE
50. USMAN IBRAHIM TAIWO
51. CHIMA OGOKE
52. ISEYEMI FEYINTOLA RACHAEL
53. SHINA FASANMI
54. TEMIDAYO OLALEYE
55. MNGUEMBER VICKY SYLVESTER
56. FAOZAT MODUPEOLA KALEJAIYE
57. ENITAN, ABDULTAWAB BOLUWATIFE
58. IHEDURU LESLIE
59. SHERIFF OLANREWAJU
60. YUSUFF OPEERE
61. OMALE ALLEN ABDUL-JABBAR
62. ONYINYECHI CHIZOBA IHEANYI
63. SUMAILA ISAH UMAISHA
64. EDWARD R. RAUPP
65. NWOSU PRAYERLIFE
66. MARTHA SHIGABA
67. JOSEPH FENIANOS
68. HODA ZOHROB
69. JOSEPH GEAGEA
70. TAREK CHIDIAC
71. YOUSSEF G. RAHME
72. AKWU SUNDAY VICTOR
73. IMAN HUMAYDAN, MARIE TAWK
74. NDUKWO MARY CHIDINMA
75. BABATUNDE ADEBAYO
76. DIIPO FAGUNWA
77. ONYEKACHI PETER ONUOHA
78. KEHINDE GBADEYANKA
79. MICHAEL DAVID OGBONNAYA
80. EMMANUEL OKPOR AMEACHI
81. LUQMAN ADEWALE ALAWODE
82. OLATUBOSUN DAVID
83. ETUMNU EMEKA WILLIAMS
84. LIDIA POPA
85. COLLIN STANLEY KARIMI
86. FLOURISH, JOSHUA MOLÒLÙWA
87. AKINYEMI JELILI OYELERE
88. RACHEL YRAM
89. JOSHUA P. OLATUNDE
90. AKOBI JOSHUA BAMIGBADE
91. STEPHANIE MWUESE, ABUGHDYER
92. CHIGOZIE ANULI MBADUGHA
93. AFEEZ AYOMIDE OLAGUNJU
94. BUSAYO FAKUNLE
95. TUNDE AKINGBODERE
96. GABRIEL SUNDAY AFOLAYAN
97. OLADEJO HANEEF
98. AYOOLUWA OLASUPO
99. MARCUS OVIE UGBODUMA
100. OGUNSOLA AYOOLUWA FOLAKUNMI

LIST OF 62 WRITERS/ARTISTS HOSTED BY IBADAN BOOK CLUB BETWEEN 2021 AND 2022

Apart from the monthly readings, in 2021 Ibadan Book Club organized Busari Agbolade Memorial Lecture (First Edition), Ibadan Creative Writing Workshop, Ibadan Book Party and Ibadan Book Award. While in 2022, IBC organized Read Nigeria Project with support from the Adwinsa Publications Limited, Busari Agbolade Memorial Lecture (Second Edition) Ibadan Writers Conference, Ibadan Book Feast and Ibadan Book Prize.

1. Diipo Fagunwa
2. Busayo Fakunle
3. Jide Ogunlana
4. Muthadir Lawal
5. A.I. Akinlolu (Former Oyo State Librarian)
6. Bartholomew Akpah
7. Jide Ogunlana
8. Folarin Phebean
9. Folarin Olaniyi
10. Sulaiman Idris Bankole
11. Temitope Titilola Akinbola (Head of Board – OYO NLN)
12. Idiongo Udofia
13. David O. Lawal
14. Suliyat Adepoju
15. Adeleke Hattrick Oluwafemi
16. Ayinde Omogbolahan
17. Augusta Molokwu
18. Marcus Ovie Ugboduma
19. Razak Samads
20. Oyetunji Moyinoluwa Sarah
21. Ajobo Halleeah Oluwalaanumi
22. Temitope Akinfenwa
23. Tinuade Dorcas Omitoogun
24. Adekola Emmanuel Adebowale
25. Olomide Fathia
26. Ogunsola Ayooluwa Folakunmi
27. Olujide Jacob Olumofe
28. Adetoun Adebisi Oyelude
29. Akintola Mabel
30. Tolulope Ogunronbi
31. Jumoke Ola-Ogundele
32. Wahab Sulaimon Olamilekan
33. Adekunle Idowu james
34. Ayo Tejuoso
35. Kehinde Adedeji
36. Fale Joshua
37. Anifowose Zainab Oluwafunmilola
38. Ademola Ayomide Miracle
39. Yusuff Opeere
40. Stephen Ajeigbe
41. Peace Akindimeji Akin-Tella
42. Chukwudi Divine
43. Ayuba Gbolahan
44. Kola Akintola
45. Gbenga Adetayo
46. Emmanuel Adetola Layode
47. Ayomide Inufin D'great
48. Olanrewaju Babajide
49. Goodness Daniels
50. Chiamalite Heritage Onuoha
51. Jide Ogunlana
52. Kola Akintola
53. Marcus Ugboduma
54. Folarin Olaniyi
55. Busayo Fakunle
56. Shina Fasanmi
57. Iseyemi Feyintola Rachael
58. Usman Ibrahim Taiwo
59. Temidayo Olaleye
60. Rukayat Olaleye
61. Aliu Kazeem
62. Chima Ogoke

Ibadan Book Club is one of the book clubs initiated by the Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW) in 2011.

SYNW FELICITATES WITH JAHMAN OLADEJO ANIKULAPO AT 60
Wole Adedoyin, President of the Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW) on Monday sent greetings to culture activist and renowned literary administrator, Jahman Oladejo Anikulapo, on his 60th birthday.
Adedoyin, in a statement issued on Monday, showered praises on the founder of the Lagos Book and Art Festival (LABAF) and described him as a literary promoter who is committed to promoting up and coming Nigerian writers and artists.
According to the statement, “It gives us immense pleasure to convey our greetings and heartiest wishes on the happy occasion of your 60th birthday. We join your family members, friends and professional colleagues in celebrating the milestone.”
“Your selfless service to the arts and many accomplishments in personal life readily comes to mind at a time like this. You are an art connoisseur, who is committed to improving the skills of young Nigerian writers and artists through your annual Lagos Book and Art Festival (LABAF).”
“The leadership example set by you through LABAF has steadily provided a ladder for budding writers and artists to grow and contribute to national development.”
“It is our prayer that Almighty God continues to guide, guard and prosper you even as He blesses you with many more years of fulfillment.”

WEBINAR LECTURES ORGANIZED BY SYNW BOOK CLUBS IN 2022

1. IFE BOOK CLUB

Webinar on Digital Marketing and Creative Writing
Speakers: Nwaokolo Stephen Awele & Iwu Jeff
Date: 25th May, 2022
Link: https://ifebookclub.blogspot.com/2022/05/call-for-participation-webinar-on.html, https://ifebookclub.blogspot.com/2022/05/nwaokolo-iwu-jeff-to-headline-webinar.html

2. AKURE BOOK CLUB

Akure Publishing Webinar
Speakers: Chukwuemeka Godswill
Date: 29th April, 2022
Links: https://akurebookclubonline.blogspot.com/2022/04/boldscholar-founder-chukwuemeka.html, https://akurebookclubonline.blogspot.com/2022/04/akure-publishing-webinar-meet-our.html, https://akurebookclubonline.blogspot.com/2022/04/call-for-participation-akure-publishing.html

3. EKO BOOK CLUB

Eko Fiction Writing Webinar
Speakers: Gabriel Sunday Afolayan & Albert Afeso Akanbi
Date: 28th April, 2022
Links: https://edobookclubonline.blogspot.com/2022/07/call-for-participation-editing-skills.html, https://edobookclubonline.blogspot.com/2022/07/editing-skills-webinar-edo-book-club.html

4. ATIBA BOOK CLUB

Webinar on Promoting Reading Culture
Speakers: Mrs. Kemi Olowu & Mrs. Okwuoma Chidumebi Chijioke
Date: 7th June, 2022
Links: https://atibabookclub.blogspot.com/2022/06/olowu-chijioke-to-headline-webinar-on.html,

5. OGBOMOSHO BOOK CLUB

Ogbomosho Creative Writing Webinar
Speakers: Nwokeabia Ifeanyi John & Daniel Miracle Kemka
Date: 8th June, 2022
Links: https://ogbomoshobookclub.blogspot.com/2022/06/nwokeabia-kemka-to-headline-creative.html, https://ogbomoshobookclub.blogspot.com/2022/06/call-for-participation-ogbomosho.html

6. OSOGBO BOOK CLUB

Osogbo Read and Get Paid/Publishing Webinar
Speaker: Folarin Olaniyi
Date: 25th February, 2022
Links: https://www.nairaland.com/6992744/folarin-olaniyi-headline-osogbo-read, https://elanzanews.ng/folarin-olaniyi-to-headline-osogbo-read-and-get-paid-publishing-webinar/

7. IBADAN BOOK CLUB

Ibadan Amazon Kindle Publishing Webinar
Speaker: Adetoun Adebisi Oyelude
Date: 29th January, 2022
Links: https://ibadanbookclubonline.blogspot.com/2022/01/adetoun-adebisi-oyelude-ui-deputy.html, https://ibadanbookclubonline.blogspot.com/2022/01/ibadan-amazon-kindle-publishing-seminar.html

8. AREWA BOOK CLUB

Campus Writing Journalism Webinar
Speakers: Ridwan Adelaja & Muhammad Auwal Ibrahim
Date: 21st July, 2022
Links: https://arewabookclub.blogspot.com/2022/07/ridwan-auwal-to-headline-campus-writing.html, https://arewabookclub.blogspot.com/2022/07/call-for-participation-campus-writing.html

9. EDO BOOK CLUB

Editing Skills Webinar
Speaker: Jide Ogunlana
Date: 20th July, 2022
Links: https://edobookclubonline.blogspot.com/2022/07/call-for-participation-editing-skills.html, https://edobookclubonline.blogspot.com/2022/07/editing-skills-webinar-edo-book-club.html

10. ISEYIN BOOK CLUB

Military Writing Webinar
Speaker: Colonel Oladele Babajamu
Date: 19th July, 2022
Links: https://iseyinbookclub.blogspot.com/2022/07/colonel-oladele-babajamu-to-headline.html, https://iseyinbookclub.blogspot.com/2022/07/colonel-oladele-babajamu-to-headline.html

11. ILORIN BOOK CLUB

Short Story and Content Creation/Writing Webinar
Speakers: Betty Ige and Don Veta
Date: 18th July, 2022
Links: https://ilorinbookclub.blogspot.com/2022/07/call-for-participation-short-story-and.html, https://ilorinbookclub.blogspot.com/2022/07/betty-veta-to-headline-content-writing.html

12. EKITI BOOK CLUB

Children’s Book Illustration Webinar
Speaker: Kola Akintola
Date: 27th July, 2022
Links: https://ekitibookclubonline.blogspot.com/2022/07/call-for-participation-childrens-book.html

13. ABEOKUTA BOOK CLUB

Abeokuta Fiction Writing Webinar
Speaker: Oluwakemi Ifedoyin
Date: 28th July, 2022
Links: https://abeokutabookclubonline.blogspot.com/2022/07/call-for-participation-abeokuta-fiction.html

14. ILESA BOOK CLUB

Indigenous Writing Webinar
Speaker: Olanrewaju Lagada-Abayomi
Date: 29th July, 2022
Links: https://ileshabookclub.blogspot.com/2022/07/call-for-participation-indigenous.html

OGUNNIRAN, OTUNLA TO HEADLINE ANA OSUN JANUARY READING

The Osun State Chapter of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA Osun), has set aside 21st day of January, 2023 to host two Osogbo based writers, Mr. Tayo Ogunniran and Mr. Otunla Samuel Oludare in Osogbo, the capital of Osun State.

A statement signed by the Acting Chairman and Secretary of the association in the state, Mr. Odetayo Wasiu Omobewaji and Mr. Afeez Olagunju and made available to newsmen by the association’s State Publicity Secretary, Mr. Oladejo Haneef Olalekan said the event would take place at the association’s secretariat at No 20, Obafemi Awolowo Way, Ibuaje Micro Finance Bank Building, Pepsi Cola, Area Osogbo, Osun State by 12PM prompt.

ANA Osun finally urged interested writers in the state to partake in the January reading as it is open to the public.

MEET OUR GUEST WRITERS

TAYO OGUNNIRAN

Tayo Ogunniran was born into the family of Mr. & Mrs. S.I Ogunniran of Jagun's Compound, Agurodo in Ejigbo Local Government of Osun State over forty years ago.

'Tayo is a man of multifarious abilities, highly cultured, integrity- conscious and rich in native intelligence. He has attained landmark achievements in human building and development, a man of outstanding laurels in impactful leadership and service to humanity. Aside being a deep and creative thinker, he is respected for his witty and eloquent presentation.

Tayo had his trainings in the areas of Accounting, Management, Social Sciences, and Humanities from different Institutions of learning. He holds M.Sc. (Business Administration); Master of Business Administration (MBA) specializing in General Management; B.Sc.(Hons.) in Cooperatives and Rural Development from Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife, and Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu, Nigeria respectively.

In addition to his higher degrees, he obtained a Diploma in Accounting from Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife; a Diploma in Cooperative Studies from Federal Cooperative College, Ibadan; Certificate in Proficiency Management from Nigerian Institute of Management (Chartered).

His teaching interests have been in the areas of Human Resource Management, Management and Organizational Theory and Practice, Small Business Management, Cooperatives Economics and Management, Rural and Community Development, Entrepreneurship Development, Industrial Management, Business Policy and Strategic Management. He has attended different seminars and workshops in his chosen fields and also served as Guest Speaker/Resource Person on many occasions.
He is a trained professional Manager and Administrator having passed the last stage of Management Professional Examination of Nigerian Institute of Management (Chartered) and PSE of Administrative Staff College of Nigeria, (ASCON) Topo-Badagry. He attained the grade of a full member of the Nigerian Institute of Management (Chartered) in 2019 and he has served as Auditor, Public Relations Secretary and presently a member of education, bulleting and publication committee of Osogbo Chapter of the Institute.
He lectures at the department of Business Administration Igbajo Polytechnic, Igbajo, Osun State (The first community-owned Polytechnic in Nigeria). He is presently pursuing a Ph.D. in Management at the Department of Management and Accounting of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria.

He has participated actively and served in different capacities in various church organizations and units such as sunbeams, Youth fellowship, Drama Group, Royal Ambassadors and choir units in the Baptist denomination and some pentecostal churches.

Tayo has contributed to music development in numerous ways. He is uniquely gifted in music composition, poetry composition and performance, songs arrangement and coordination.

A prolific composer of many gospel and circular music. He released his debut album "OUNJE OLUWA" in 2011; OLUWAFERANMI in 2016; UNDILUTED PRAISE 2018. He co-produced with Prosper Ayinde a musical album IGBAOTUN by WMU choir Beulah Baptist Church Ejigbo in 2015; and composer of church anthem" NI BEULAH ENIYAN OTO NIWA"

Tayo Ogunniran is the composer of Igbajo Polytechnic Anthem and co- Producer of the school anthem of the first Technical University Ibadan.

He has authored text books on Practice of Management (2021); Industrial Management (2022); Small Business Management (2022); Business Policy and Strategic Management (2022).

His unpublished poems include: Omolomónjé, Ìwúre, Ilé ayé Èkéède, Ebi n be n'igboro, Ojóabákú; Omolúàbí, Oláwùmí; Omolará; Ségun Akinolá r'àjò àìbò; Omótómiláyò; Ìyàwó mi òwón; Iyán loúnje, Aya Adáramólá téri gbaso, Ikú Akínwùmí Ìsòlá gbomijé lójú mi etc

Presently, he is the CEO of 'Tayo Ogunniran & Glad Voices Int'l , a subsidiary of Omobarewa Musical Band Int'l, the organization he founded in 1997.

Tayo is a member of Beulah Baptist Church Ejigbo in Osun State, the, immediate past church Music Director and presently serving as song Director.

His hobbies include Music, Poetry performance, Acting, counseling, Traveling, Writing, Public Speaking, reading and Teaching. He is happily married to Mrs Oluyemi- 'Tayo Ogunniran( Nee Adebayo) and blessed with children.

OTUNLA SAMUEL OLUDARE
Otunla Samuel Oludare’s writing skill was discovered at a very tender age. This discovery later gave birth to different published works such as Fortitude to Greatness and a grammar book titled Simplified Grammar. One of the books was recently sold to a publishing company titled; "Sting of Death" and more are still in progress. His unique and logical expression differentiates him among his contemporaries. He is a teacher, a gospel musician who had written songs to his credit, and married with two kids. His passion for growth and development in youth in a way of forestalling moral value drives him to do more in writing. He had bagged two awards in public speaking and in music from the Youth chapter of The Redeemed Christian Church of God, Osun state as the best public speaker in 2019. The Osogbo Book Club also gave him an award in 2021. He had led youths in self reliance and his oratory talent is top notch not just to arouse interest but to present realities that are workable for a better society. And to mention but a few, he is the formal Creativity Director of the Fellowship of Gospel Musician of Nigeria, Osun state and also a Youth President in one of the Redeemed Churches.

ANA OSUN SET TO HOST TWO WRITERS IN OSOGBO JANUARY 21

The Osun State Chapter of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA Osun), has set aside 21st day of January, 2023 to host two Osogbo based writers, Mr. Tayo Ogunniran and Mr. Otunla Samuel Oludare in Osogbo, the capital of Osun State.

A statement signed by the Acting Chairman and Secretary of the association in the state, Mr. Odetayo Wasiu Omobewaji and Mr. Afeez Olagunju and made available to newsmen by the association’s State Publicity Secretary, Mr. Oladejo Haneef Olalekan said the event would take place at the association’s secretariat at No 20, Obafemi Awolowo Way, Ibuaje Micro Finance Bank Building, Pepsi Cola, Area Osogbo, Osun State by 12PM prompt.

ANA Osun finally urged interested writers in the state to partake in the January reading as it is open to the public.

MEET OUR GUEST WRITERS

TAYO OGUNNIRAN

Tayo Ogunniran was born into the family of Mr. & Mrs. S.I Ogunniran of Jagun's Compound, Agurodo in Ejigbo Local Government of Osun State over forty years ago.

'Tayo is a man of multifarious abilities, highly cultured, integrity- conscious and rich in native intelligence. He has attained landmark achievements in human building and development, a man of outstanding laurels in impactful leadership and service to humanity. Aside being a deep and creative thinker, he is respected for his witty and eloquent presentation.

Tayo had his trainings in the areas of Accounting, Management, Social Sciences, and Humanities from different Institutions of learning. He holds M.Sc. (Business Administration); Master of Business Administration (MBA) specializing in General Management; B.Sc.(Hons.) in Cooperatives and Rural Development from Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife, and Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu, Nigeria respectively.

In addition to his higher degrees, he obtained a Diploma in Accounting from Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife; a Diploma in Cooperative Studies from Federal Cooperative College, Ibadan; Certificate in Proficiency Management from Nigerian Institute of Management (Chartered).

His teaching interests have been in the areas of Human Resource Management, Management and Organizational Theory and Practice, Small Business Management, Cooperatives Economics and Management, Rural and Community Development, Entrepreneurship Development, Industrial Management, Business Policy and Strategic Management. He has attended different seminars and workshops in his chosen fields and also served as Guest Speaker/Resource Person on many occasions.
He is a trained professional Manager and Administrator having passed the last stage of Management Professional Examination of Nigerian Institute of Management (Chartered) and PSE of Administrative Staff College of Nigeria, (ASCON) Topo-Badagry. He attained the grade of a full member of the Nigerian Institute of Management (Chartered) in 2019 and he has served as Auditor, Public Relations Secretary and presently a member of education, bulleting and publication committee of Osogbo Chapter of the Institute.
He lectures at the department of Business Administration Igbajo Polytechnic, Igbajo, Osun State (The first community-owned Polytechnic in Nigeria). He is presently pursuing a Ph.D. in Management at the Department of Management and Accounting of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria.

He has participated actively and served in different capacities in various church organizations and units such as sunbeams, Youth fellowship, Drama Group, Royal Ambassadors and choir units in the Baptist denomination and some pentecostal churches.

Tayo has contributed to music development in numerous ways. He is uniquely gifted in music composition, poetry composition and performance, songs arrangement and coordination.

A prolific composer of many gospel and circular music. He released his debut album "OUNJE OLUWA" in 2011; OLUWAFERANMI in 2016; UNDILUTED PRAISE 2018. He co-produced with Prosper Ayinde a musical album IGBAOTUN by WMU choir Beulah Baptist Church Ejigbo in 2015; and composer of church anthem" NI BEULAH ENIYAN OTO NIWA"

Tayo Ogunniran is the composer of Igbajo Polytechnic Anthem and co- Producer of the school anthem of the first Technical University Ibadan.

He has authored text books on Practice of Management (2021); Industrial Management (2022); Small Business Management (2022); Business Policy and Strategic Management (2022).

His unpublished poems include: Omolomónjé, Ìwúre, Ilé ayé Èkéède, Ebi n be n'igboro, Ojóabákú; Omolúàbí, Oláwùmí; Omolará; Ségun Akinolá r'àjò àìbò; Omótómiláyò; Ìyàwó mi òwón; Iyán loúnje, Aya Adáramólá téri gbaso, Ikú Akínwùmí Ìsòlá gbomijé lójú mi etc

Presently, he is the CEO of 'Tayo Ogunniran & Glad Voices Int'l , a subsidiary of Omobarewa Musical Band Int'l, the organization he founded in 1997.

Tayo is a member of Beulah Baptist Church Ejigbo in Osun State, the, immediate past church Music Director and presently serving as song Director.

His hobbies include Music, Poetry performance, Acting, counseling, Traveling, Writing, Public Speaking, reading and Teaching. He is happily married to Mrs Oluyemi- 'Tayo Ogunniran( Nee Adebayo) and blessed with children.

OTUNLA SAMUEL OLUDARE
Otunla Samuel Oludare’s writing skill was discovered at a very tender age. This discovery later gave birth to different published works such as Fortitude to Greatness and a grammar book titled Simplified Grammar. One of the books was recently sold to a publishing company titled; "Sting of Death" and more are still in progress. His unique and logical expression differentiates him among his contemporaries. He is a teacher, a gospel musician who had written songs to his credit, and married with two kids. His passion for growth and development in youth in a way of forestalling moral value drives him to do more in writing. He had bagged two awards in public speaking and in music from the Youth chapter of The Redeemed Christian Church of God, Osun state as the best public speaker in 2019. The Osogbo Book Club also gave him an award in 2021. He had led youths in self reliance and his oratory talent is top notch not just to arouse interest but to present realities that are workable for a better society. And to mention but a few, he is the formal Creativity Director of the Fellowship of Gospel Musician of Nigeria, Osun state and also a Youth President in one of the Redeemed Churches.

LIST OF 17 WRITERS HOSTED BY OSOGBO BOOK CLUB BETWEEN 2021 AND 2022
1. Lukman Alawode
2. Akobi Bamigbale
3. Lere Fagbola
4. Haleemah Ali Bankole
5. Afeez Ayomide Olagunju
6. Oladejo Haneef O.
7. Ayooluwa Olasupo (Imisi)
8. Fadairo Tesleem
9. Sanni Basheer Abiodun
10. Oladejo Haneef O.
11. Otunla Samuel Oludare
12. Folarin Olaniyi
13. Babatunde Abdulhakim Adekunle
14. Abdulazeez Suliyat Boluwatife
15. Olaonipekun Olatunde
16. Victor Damilola Garuba
17. Femi Adesina

FOUR FEMALE AFRICAN WRITERS FOR EBEDI INTERNATIONAL WRITERS RESIDENCY

Four female writers from Gambia, Ghana and Nigeria have arrived the Ebedi International Writers Residency in Iseyin, Nigeria to kick start the 2023 Writers Residency Year.

The Writers from Left to Right in the above picture are: Justica Anima (Ghana) Fatima Salihu (Nigeria) Anatu Ben-Lawal (Ghana) and Ramatoulie Onike Othman (Gambia)

The Writers who will be in the Residency for 4 weeks will in addition to their Literary activities also mentor school children in their host community in the area of creative arts.

In its 13th year of operation, the Ebedi International Writers Residency is a private initiative for the free use of Writers and Artists.

Since its inception in 2010, the facility has hosted 180 writers from 12 African Countries.

Enquiries can be directed to [email protected].

OGUNNIRAN, EMMANUEL AND ADEYEMI TO HEADLINE IBADAN READS JANUARY READING

The duo of Ibadan Book Club (IBC) and the Conference of Southwest Writers have set aside 28th day of January, 2023 to host three Ibadan based writers, Olatunde Lawuyi Ogunniran, Emeka Emmanuel and Adeyemi Olawale in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State for the January edition of the newly inaugurated reading campaign tagged, “Ibadan Reads (I-READ) .

Ibadan Reads Project emanated from the partnership between the Conference of Southwest Writers and Ibadan Book Club. The project hopes to sensitize, revive and promote moribund/dwindling reading culture in Ibadan, Oyo State Capital and the entire Southwest states in general.

A statement issued by the Coordinator of the Project, Ayobami Odunyemi said the event would take place at the Oyo State Library Board, Opposite Cocoa House, Ibadan by 12PM prompt.

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 consists of a group of people who 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.

Conference of Southwest Writers (COSWRITE) is a regional writers’ body setup to provide support and platform for writers and readers in the southwest region of Nigeria (Yoruba Speaking states) and beyond.

MEET OUR GUEST WRITERS

Olatunde Lawuyi Ogunniran is a poet, writer and publisher. He is a member of the Conference of South West Writers and Egbe Akomolede Yoruba. Some of his titles include: Rita's Bad Day, You Can Do Better, Who Marries The Princess, The Reget, The Spoilt Child, Failure Can Make You Grow, Ayorunbo, The Over-Pampered Child, Àwòdì Òkè, Alagbaro Abuja, Àgbà Ọ̀dàlẹ̀, Arojinle, The weak and the Mighty.

Emeka Emmanuel is an entrepreneur, a freelancer, a creative content creator, writer, ghost author and motivational speaker. He is currently a Sociologist student at the Prestigious University of Ibadan. Emeka also holds a National Diploma in Mass Communication where he served as the Vice President; Association of Student Communicators (ASCOM). He's the author of Abstinence and Power of The Teacher which were both approved by the Oyo State Ministry of Education. He has also written some other titles such as Girl Power, Boy Power, A-B-C-D-E Principles of Academic Excellence, amongst others.

Master Adeyemi Olawale,commonly known as SABI is a prolific writer and a Phonetician in English Studies born in Ibadan,Oyo State,Nigeria. He finished his secondary education at the Eagles College at Magboro-Akeran Ogun State and went on to study English/Social Studies at the Emmanuel Alayande College of Education,Oyo. He concentrates his writing on encouraging the troubled to advance in life,be awakened and be prepared to shine out greatly despite the challenges of life.

IBADAN READS INITIATIVE SET TO HOST THREE IBADAN BASED WRITERS

The duo of Ibadan Book Club (IBC) and the Conference of Southwest Writers have set aside 28th day of January, 2023 to host three Ibadan based writers, Olatunde Lawuyi Ogunniran, Emeka Emmanuel and Adeyemi Olawale in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State for the January edition of the newly inaugurated reading campaign tagged, “Ibadan Reads (I-READ) .

Ibadan Reads Project emanated from the partnership between the Conference of Southwest Writers and Ibadan Book Club. The project hopes to sensitize, revive and promote moribund/dwindling reading culture in Ibadan, Oyo State Capital and the entire Southwest states in general.

A statement issued by the Coordinator of the Project, Ayobami Odunyemi said the event would take place at the Oyo State Library Board, Opposite Cocoa House, Ibadan by 12PM prompt.

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 consists of a group of people who 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.

Conference of Southwest Writers (COSWRITE) is a regional writers’ body setup to provide support and platform for writers and readers in the southwest region of Nigeria (Yoruba Speaking states) and beyond.


Olatunde Lawuyi Ogunniran is a poet, writer and publisher. He is a member of the Conference of South West Writers and Egbe Akomolede Yoruba. Some of his titles include: Rita's Bad Day, You Can Do Better, Who Marries The Princess, The Reget, The Spoilt Child, Failure Can Make You Grow, Ayorunbo, The Over-Pampered Child, Àwòdì Òkè, Alagbaro Abuja, Àgbà Ọ̀dàlẹ̀, Arojinle, The weak and the Mighty.

Emeka Emmanuel is an entrepreneur, a freelancer, a creative content creator, writer, ghost author and motivational speaker. He is currently a Sociologist student at the Prestigious University of Ibadan. Emeka also holds a National Diploma in Mass Communication where he served as the Vice President; Association of Student Communicators (ASCOM). He's the author of Abstinence and Power of The Teacher which were both approved by the Oyo State Ministry of Education. He has also written some other titles such as Girl Power, Boy Power, A-B-C-D-E Principles of Academic Excellence, amongst others.

Master Adeyemi Olawale,commonly known as SABI is a prolific writer and a Phonetician in English Studies born in Ibadan,Oyo State,Nigeria. He finished his secondary education at the Eagles College at Magboro-Akeran Ogun State and went on to study English/Social Studies at the Emmanuel Alayande College of Education,Oyo. He concentrates his writing on encouraging the troubled to advance in life,be awakened and be prepared to shine out greatly despite the challenges of life.

ATIBA BOOK CLUB APPOINTS NEW COORDINATOR

Atiba Book Club, another brain child of the Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW) has appointed a new Coordinator.

In a release dated 17th December, 2023, the National Executive Committee led by Wole Adedoyin appointed Adeyemi Olawale as the new Coordinator of the Club.

According to the release, the decision to appoint Adeyemi Olawale was reached by the NEC of the Society upon the need to have competent and knowledgeable reading advocate like Adeyemi Olawale.

The reading activities of Atiba Book Club cut across the four Oyo Local Government Areas namely; Atiba LGA, headquartered at Offa-Meta; Oyo East LGA, headquartered at Kosobo; Oyo West LGA, headquartered at Ojongbodu and Afijio LGA, headquartered at Jobele.

Olawale’s appointment is based on merit, experience and keen interest in promoting reading culture in Oyo town.

The release finally expressed that the team will be counting on the wealth of experience of Adeyemi Olawale in the continued efforts to develop reading culture in Oyo Town.

The appointment takes immediate effect.
Master Adeyemi Olawale,commonly known as SABI is a prolific writer and a Phonetician in English Studies born in Ibadan,Oyo State,Nigeria. He finished his secondary education at the Eagles College at Magboro-Akeran Ogun State and went on to study English/Social Studies at the Emmanuel Alayande College of Education,Oyo. He concentrates his writing on encouraging the troubled to advance in life,be awakened and be prepared to shine out greatly despite the challenges of life.

SYNW APPOINTS ATANDA AYOBAMI AS COORDINATOR IN UI

In order to achieve SYNW aim of promoting creative writing and book reading among Nigerian students in different tertiary institutions in the country, the Society of Young Nigerian Writers has appointed Atanda Ayobami as the Coordinator of the writers’ body in University of Ibadan (UI).

In a statement made available to newsmen today, Wole Adedoyin, the National President of the Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW) said, Atanda Ayobami will be responsible for connecting students with SYNW’s resources, organizing monthly readings, workshops, competitions with support from individuals, corporate bodies and the National body, while also supporting them in ways that help promote reading culture in the University of Ibadan and enhance their literary career.

We look forward to seeing the initiatives that Atanda Ayobami introduces and continues at the campus,” Adedoyin said.

Atanda Ayobami is a 200 level student of the Department of English, University of Ibaan. He is a writer and tutor. He is the founder of Emeritus Hub, the home of information and learning. He blogs @ emeritushub.com.
Ayobami is a campus journalist in the university. He had an ND in Mass Communication from The Polytechnic, Ibadan. He has penchant for journalism and writing.

SYNW finally urges other students who are interested in starting SYNW Chapters in their various Universities, Polytechnics and Colleges of Education to send their Letter of expression of interest to [email protected] or Whatsapp @ 08072673852.

Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW) is a member of the International Authors Forum (IAF). It has also collaborated with different international organizations like the Alliance Francaise (Nigeria), 100 Thousand Poets for Change, Woman Scream International Poetry and Arts Festival, International Women Writing Guild, International Writers Association, and International Human Rights Art Festival (IHRAF).

In 2019, Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW) was duly acknowledged and mentioned in a book titled “TEEN LIVES AROUND THE WORLD: A GLOBAL ENCYCLOPEDIA (2 VOLUMES)” edited by Karen Wells. The Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW) was described as the only active young writers’ body in Nigeria.

CREATIVE WRITING AND WRITERS' RESIDENCIES



By



Nureni Oyewole Fadare, Ph.D.






Department of English Language and Linguistics

Sokoto State University,

Sokoto

[email protected]

[email protected]

+2348070885707



KEYNOTE ADDRESS AT THE RECEPTION FOR EBEDI FELLOWS AT THE EBEDI INTERNATIONAL WRITERS RESIDENCY, ISEYIN, NIGERIA ON JANUARY 21 2023



Observation of Protocols



Introduction



I welcome our four eminent writers: Justica Anima (Ghana), Fatima Salihu (Nigeria), Anatu Ben-Lawal (Ghana) and Ramatoulie Onike Othman (Gambia), to the ancient and creative city of Iseyin for their four week writers’ residency.



Today, most of us live in the big cities with all its challenges and stresses antithetical to a state of minds capable of bringing forth novel ideas that creativity requires; hence, the needs to seek for a serene environment outside the tumultuous city life to fulfil our writing dreams and career.



Ebedi Writers Residency was established by our revered mentor and community leader, Hon. Dr. Wale Okediran, to create such avenue where writers can converge and concentrate on their creative writings.



Creative Writing is an act of creating something new or novel out of our imagination based on our experience. The experience can be what we have read, seen, taught, etc. Nobody writes on what they have not read, taught, seen or experienced.



It was the Romantic Poet William Wordsworth in his 1798 seminal titled Lyrical Ballads that defined poetry as “…spontaneous overflow of feelings…emotion recollected in tranquility.” Wordsworth was a Romantic poet alongside with his friend Samuel Taylor Coleridge, who were known in literary history as Romantic Poets.



They wrote about nature; they glorify the beauty of nature and nature serves as a source of inspiration to them. Today, Ebedi Writers’ Residency is located beneath the Ebedi Hill in its majesty, serenity and ambience of tranquility.



Therefore, there is no other better place to recollect our feelings and emotion in tranquility and have it pen down than here and now. Therefore you are welcome to Iseyin, E kaabo, Sannu da Suwa, Akwaaba, dal al jamm, Karibu, you are all welcome to Ebedi Writers’ Residency.



The Writers’ Residency

Writers’ Residency are created all over the world to create avenue for creative and academic writers to settle down and complete their on-going works or initiate a new one.



Writers’ Residency is always located in a serene environment such as being located beside a lake, hill, resort, cottage or castle. Writing is a private affair and has to be carried out in a conducive atmosphere and environment.



In the words of Virginia Woolf, a foremost English feminist writer and author of A Room of One’s Own, she said, “…a woman must have money and a room of her own if she is to write fiction.” (p. 6) The argument here is that to have the right state of mind to write, one needs to be independent minded and be physically independent too (Veronica Suarez, 1). Such an atmosphere is created here at Ebedi Writers’ residency.

Writers’ residency takes you out of the crazy and tumultuous city life.



The bucolic ambience of the writers’ residency helps to ignite writers’ creativity and imagination. Again, it takes you out of your dependents and loved ones that might serve as distraction to you while writing. The migration, the longing for your loved ones all help to ignite your creative imaginations.



There are different policies guiding the operation of the Writers’ Residency. For instance, at City Writer Residency of Ottendorf at Gartenhaus am Sudawall, resident writers must relate with the members of the community just as we have at Ebedi Writers’ Residency.



The same thing is applicable to Caversham Centre for Artists and Writers in Kwazulu Natal. Some writers’ residencies are fully sponsored, some are partly sponsored while writers have to pay in some instances.



Types of Residencies



Writers Only Residency: This type of residency welcomes only those that are into literary works such as poetry, drama or prose. Mostly the residency are connected with the publishing houses.



Multi-Disciplinary Writers’ Residency: This type of residency welcomes creative writers, academic writers, artists among others. Examples of such multi-disciplinary residency are: Tyrone Guthrie Centre or Capacete. Most big writers have participated in one writers. Residency or the others.



Ebedi Writers Residency is a Multi-Disciplinary Writers’ Residency



Between MFA and Writers Residency



There is a difference between MFA (Master of Fine Arts) and Writers’ Residency. MFA programme is meant for a young scholar planning to go into academics and becomes professors. MFA programme includes attending classes, lectures, mentorship among others. Whereas, Writers’ Residency is organized for writers and, or academics to complete their creative or academic works.



A typical example of MFA programme is MFA Programme for Writers at Warren Wilson College which was established in 1976 by a renown poet and teacher Ellen Bryant Voigt.



For the avoidance of doubt, Ebedi Writers Residency was established as an interdisciplinary writers residency with focus on established writers and academics who are expected to work independently, complete a specific planned work and interact with the members of Iseyin community so that they can give back to the host community in terms of sharing of knowledge and mentoring the younger ones.



It was not established as a training centre for the writers but a centre of comfort for writers to realize their dreams of completing their on-going research which might be difficult for them to achieve while at the comfort of their place of abode.



The Resident Writers in the Residency

The ultimate goal of the resident writers while staying at the residency is to meet up with their targets in completing chapters of their books, completing a story book, play or poetry as well as other related academic works.



The resident writers should divide their period of staying into three and make judicious use of their time, before, during and after the residency.



Pre-Residency Period

Proposal: A would be writer must have a well written proposal that will set out the work plan while at the residency.



The writer should set out a clear cut goal and ensure that the target and the expected works to be completed are within the capacity of the writer to be completed within a time frame of four (4) weeks.



Choose a Familiar Terrain to Work on: The prospective resident writer should choose a specific area that they are familiar with especially if it is pure academic work. Writing on a subject one is not familiar with makes the writing more tedious and strenuous.



Don’t be too Ambitious: You must set out the scope and limitation of your work; be specific on what you intend to write on. What matters is that you should come up with a specific, well written and publishable work at the end of the residency.



Writing and Research Materials: Ensure that you have enough writing materials as well as having a good computer to ease your writings. Be sure that your gadgets are in good shape to make your work easier.



During the Residency

Be Disciplined and Organised: For you to achieve your target goal, you need to be disciplined and organized. Be conscious of why you left your comfort zone and came to the residency.



Keep to your work plan. Schedule your time: prayer time, breakfast, reading, tea-break, lunch, siesta, recreation time among others.



Residency is not a period of holiday but work. Relate with others while focusing on the main reason that has brought you here.



Always have your writing materials with you: Even when you are sleeping, your writing materials should be with you so that you can jot down any new idea that comes to your mind.



Ensure you are committed to your Original Plan: Follow your original plan and ensure that you are actually working towards achieving your set goals.



Be Time Conscious: Always spend your time judiciously and avoid time wastage. Every time counts while at the residency.



Always ask yourself, have I met with my target today? How much have I achieved today and how much more can I achieve before the closing of the day? My target is to write at least ten pages of my novel per day, have I achieved this or not?



Eat Good Food, Sleep and Rest: Do not over work yourself. Ensure that you eat well, sleep well and take your rest. All these will energize you and make you more productive.



Use Library Often: By the mention of library, some people would ask, do we have a library here? Yes, Iseyin is blessed with a world class library, Raji Oke-Esa Library which is well furnished and well located in a conducive environment.



Again, there are a lot of online library that can be consulted such as: z-library.org, Library Genesis, pdfdrive.com among others.



There are also search engine that could be of help such as: Research Gate, Google, Google scholar, Academia, among others. Consult your physical and online library to validate your ideas while at the residency.



Mentorship: One of the main objective establishing this centre is to interact with the members of the immediate environment, through teaching, training the young ones, mentoring among others.



Having social interaction with the members of the community will serve as the sign-posts and things that will linger-on in your minds years after you have left the residency.

Be Socialized: Spend your time well by meeting people and interact with people well. One of the precious advantages of travelling is that you meet people.



You can also visit our tourists’ attraction centres such as: Ado-Awaye Suspended Lake, Osoogun, the home-town of Samuel Ajayi Crowther, Ikere George Dam, the Manor House, Aseyin of Iseyin Land Palace among others.



After the Residency:



Review Your Initial Work Plan: You need to review your plan in order to evaluate how judiciously or otherwise you have spent your time while at the residency.



Editorial Work: Ensure your work is thoroughly edited and prepare them for publication.



Assessor: Get a good assessor to assess your work objectively to ascertain whether or not they are suitable for publication.



Publication: Look for a good publisher and get your work published. Publishing your work will help the public to learn from the pool of your knowledge and research outputs.



Addendum: Towards an Effective and Efficient Ebedi Writers Residency

Many writers, both upcoming and well established writers have benefited from Ebedi Writers’ Residency and the task before us is how to sustain the programme. I have identified some areas that we need to work on for the sustenance of the Residency.



Funding: As much as I know, this residency is being solely sponsored by Dr. Wale Okediran. We may need to look at how to sustain this residency in the future by looking for alternative ways of funding it. International organizations, government at all levels and philanthropists can be contacted to support this noble cause.



Collaboration: The centre needs to collaborate with other necessary agencies and individual in order to develop the centre such as: media partnership, technical partnership, security, etc.



Establishment of Ebedi Writers Alumni: There is also a need a to have an Alumni Association for the centre where past writers would meet and discuss how the centre will be sustained for the benefits of next generations of writers.



Publicity: The residency needs more publicity. The events at the residency should be publicized though media. Good and wide publicity will attract goodwill to the centre.



Conclusion

My concern in today’s interaction is to look at Creative Writings and the Writers’ Residency. I tried to explain what creative writings means and how it is exigent for us to have a writers’ residency where the ideas in the minds of the writers will be transformed into writing.



I also looked at the differences between the MFA programme and the writers’ residency, and I argued that the main difference between writers’ residency and MFA is that MFA is more of a training ground for young scholars while a writers’ residency is meant for established writers to complete their ongoing work or initiate a new one.

I also discussed what the resident writer should do before, during and after the residency.



An addendum was added on my suggestions on how to improve the residency.



I hope you will enjoy your stay at Ebedi Writers’ Residency located in Iseyin, the ancestral home of Aso Oke. Ensure you move around and see the beauty of our great City.

Thank you and have a wonderful stay with us.





Bibliographies



https://www.transartists.org/en/air/europ%C3%A4isches-%C3%BCbersetzer-kolloquim. Accessed on 20/01/2023



Suarez, Veronica, “Writing Residencies: What are they, and is it for you?” Retrieved from: https://www.readpoetry.com/writing-residencies-what-are-they-and-is-it-for-you/



“The MFA Program for Writers-Warren Wilson College.”

https://www.warren-wilson.edu/programs/mfa-in-creative-writing/



Wordsworth, William and Coleridge, Samuel Taylor, Lyrical Ballads London: J & A. Arch., 1798



Woolf, Virginia, A Room of One’s Own. London: Horgart Press, I929

MBARI SERIES: JANUARY 2023 EDITION

You are very specially invited to an extraordinary edition of Mbari Series

THEME: THE POWER OF CHOICE

DATE: Saturday, 28th January, 2023

TIME: 11:00am

VENUE: Conference Room, Femi Osofisan Secretariat, Chinua Achebe Intl. Conference Centre, Mamman Vatsa Writers Village, Mpape, Abuja.

HOST: Prof. Udenta Udenta

DISCUSSANTS: Prof.Nuhu Yaqub,Prof. Emeka Aniagolu, Amb. (Dr.) Otse Lois Adams, Olubunmi Fatoba, Isah Godwin

MODERATORS: Dr. Kabura Zakama, Dr. Joan Oji

ACPP URGES SENATOR ADEMOLA ADELEKE TO STAY FOCUSED AND NOT BE CARRIED AWAY BY THE RECENT JUDGMENT OF THE TRIBUNAL.

The Alliance of Collaborating Political Parties (ACPP) under the leadership of Wole Adedoyin, has urged Senator Ademola Adeleke to stay focused and not be carried away by the recent judgment of the tribunal.
The ACPP, a coalition of political parties and political groups from across Osun State, expresses its support for Adeleke and reminds him that the tribunal's ruling is not the final verdict in the ongoing electoral dispute. The alliance further urged Senator Ademola Adeleke to remain steadfast and continue to fight for what he believes is right.
"We understand that this can be a difficult and emotional time for Adeleke and his supporters," said Wole Adedoyin, ACPP Coordinator. "But we urge Senator Ademola Adeleke to stay strong and not be discouraged by the tribunal's decision. The legal process is ongoing and we are confident that the truth will ultimately prevail."
The ACPP also calls on all parties involved in the electoral dispute to respect the rule of law and allow the legal process to run its course without interference or intimidation.
"We urge all parties to refrain from any actions that could undermine the integrity of the legal process," said the ACPP Coordinator. "The people of Osun state deserve to have their voices heard and their votes counted."
The ACPP will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as they become available.

SYNW CONGRATULATES WALE OKEDIRAN ON CONFERMENT OF THE V EURASIAN LITERARY FESTIVAL OF FESTIVALS' GOLD MEDAL

The Society of Young Nigerian Writers has Congratulated Dr. Wale Okediran on Receiving Gold Medal at the just concluded V Eurasian Literary Festival of Festivals, recently held in Egypt.
In a statement signed by the President of the Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW), Wole Adedoyin said the body was thrilled to extend its warmest congratulations to the acclaimed Nigerian writer and literary icon, Wale Okediran, on receiving the Gold Medal at the V Eurasian Literary Festival of Festivals.
Parts of the release read, “The festival, which was recently held in Egypt, is one of the largest literary events in the world, attracting hundreds of writers, poets, and literary enthusiasts from across the globe. The festival provides a platform for writers to showcase their work and engage in constructive dialogue about the future of literature.”
“Wale Okediran's outstanding contribution to the world of literature was recognized with the Gold Medal, which is the highest honor that can be awarded at the festival. The award is a testament to his unwavering commitment to writing, as well as his exceptional talent and versatility as a writer.”
“Wale Okediran has been at the forefront of Nigerian literature for decades, and has made a significant impact on the literary landscape both in Nigeria and internationally. His work has inspired countless writers and has been widely praised for its thought-provoking themes, vivid imagery, and powerful storytelling.”
“As the current Secretary General of the PAN African Writers Association (PAWA), Wale Okediran has played an integral role in promoting the works of African writers. He has also been a mentor to many young writers and has encouraged them to pursue their passion for writing.”
“The Society of Young Nigerian Writers is proud to have Wale Okediran as one of its Sponsors and extends its heartfelt congratulations on his achievement at the V Eurasian Literary Festival of Festivals. This award serves as a reminder of the immense talent that exists within the African literary community, and the importance of continuing to support and nurture the work of writers in Africa and beyond.”
“Wale Okediran's Gold Medal win is a significant milestone for Nigerian an African literature, and the Society of Young Nigerian Writers will continue to celebrate his achievements and those of all writers in the country. We are confident that his success will inspire and motivate the next generation of Nigerian writers to reach new heights and continue to contribute to the world of literature.”
“On behalf of the Society of Young Nigerian Writers, we extend our sincere congratulations to Wale Okediran on his outstanding achievement and thank him for his contributions to the world of literature. We look forward to celebrating more of his achievements in the future and to continuing to promote the works of Nigerian and African writers.”

PEN NIGERIA: SYNW LAUDS FOLU AGOI ON OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE
The Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW) has commended the leadership of PEN Nigeria under the dynamic guidance of its President, Folu Agoi. PEN Nigeria, a leading literary organization in the country, has been at the forefront of promoting and supporting literary arts and human rights campaign in Nigeria.
This was contained in a press statement issued by the SYNW President, Wole Adedoyin in Ibadan, Oyo State Capital.
Below are excerpts from the Press Statement
“Under the leadership of Folu Agoi, PEN Nigeria has organized several successful literary events and activities that have significantly impacted the literary scene in the country. The organization has provided a platform for literary artists to showcase their work and connect with literary enthusiasts.”
“Folu Agoi's unwavering commitment to promoting literary arts in Nigeria has earned him numerous accolades and recognition from the literary community. His passion for the arts has inspired and motivated numerous young writers to pursue their dreams and contribute to the growth of the literary scene in Nigeria.”
“SYNW is particularly impressed with PEN Nigeria's efforts to promote the works of young writers in the country. Through its various programs and initiatives, PEN Nigeria has given young writers a voice and a platform to share their work with a wider audience.”
“PEN Nigeria has also made significant contributions to the promotion of Nigerian literature by organizing literary events and workshops that highlight the works of Nigerian writers. The organization's efforts have helped to foster a sense of pride and appreciation for Nigerian literature among literary enthusiasts in Nigeria.”
“In addition to promoting literary arts, PEN Nigeria has also made significant contributions to the education sector in Nigeria. Through its various initiatives, the organization has provided literary opportunities and resources to young people who are interested in pursuing careers in the literary arts.”
“PEN Nigeria's commitment to the growth and development of literary arts in Nigeria has earned it the support and admiration of literary enthusiasts, writers, and organizations in the country. SYNW is proud to join the numerous literary organizations that are committed to supporting PEN Nigeria and its leadership.”
“In conclusion, SYNW commends Folu Agoi and PEN Nigeria for their outstanding contributions to the literary scene in Nigeria. The organization's efforts have had a significant impact on the growth and development of literary arts in the country, and SYNW is proud to support its efforts.”

OSOFISAN, RAJI, IPADEOLA EXCEPTIONALLY PERFORMED AS PEN NIGERIA PRESIDENTS - SYNW
The Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW) has commended the exceptional leadership and contributions of three former Presidents of PEN Nigeria: Professor Femi Osofisan, Prof. Remi Raji, and Mr. Tade Ipadeola.
This was contained in a release issued by Wole Adedoyin, the SYNW President in Ibadan on Wednesday,
According to the release, PEN Nigeria under the guidance of the trio of Professor Femi Osofisan, Prof. Remi Raji, and Mr. Tade Ipadeola experienced tremendous growth and success in advocating for freedom of expression, promoting literature and protecting the rights of writers in Nigeria.
Professor Femi Osofisan brought a new level of focus and energy to the organization. His commitment to advancing the cause of freedom of expression was unwavering, and he worked tirelessly to bring the issues facing Nigerian writers to the forefront of national discourse.
Professor Remi Raji continued the legacy of Professor Osofisan and made significant contributions to the development of PEN Nigeria. He played a key role in establishing the organization as a leading voice in advocating for freedom of expression and protecting the rights of writers in the country.
Mr. Tade Ipadeola brought a fresh perspective to the organization and took bold steps to expand its reach and impact. He worked closely with other literary organizations and advocacy groups to promote Nigerian literature and defend the rights of writers.
The contributions of these past Presidents have had a lasting impact on PEN Nigeria and the wider literary community. Their leadership and dedication to the cause of freedom of expression and the promotion of literature has inspired many young writers and set a high standard for future leaders of the organization.
The Society of Nigerian Writers is proud to recognize the outstanding achievements of these three former Presidents of PEN Nigeria and we extend our heartfelt gratitude for their dedicated service to the literary community. We are confident that their legacy will continue to inspire and guide future leaders of the organization.