Writers Congratulate Freeman Okosun on His 69th Birthday

 WRITERS CONGRATULATE FREEMAN OKOSUN ON HIS 69TH BIRTHDAY

Writers under the aegis of the Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW) have extended their heartfelt congratulations to Mr. Freeman Okosun, the immediate past National Assistant Secretary of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) and the President of the Biographers Collective, on the occasion of his 69th birthday. 

The announcement was made in a press statement issued by SYNW President Wole Adedoyin, who lauded Okosun’s impact and dedication to the Nigerian literary community.

The SYNW described Mr. Okosun as a distinguished author and publisher whose commitment to literature has inspired many. Known for his extensive work in promoting young authors and bringing their stories to life, Okosun has earned the respect and admiration of writers across generations. Through his leadership and vision, he has played an integral role in fostering a supportive environment for Nigerian writers.

Mr. Okosun has published several notable works throughout his career, each contributing significantly to Nigeria’s literary heritage. His writings often explore the themes of identity, resilience, and national progress, drawing readers into deep reflections on the Nigerian experience. 

Beyond his authorship, Okosun’s commitment to mentorship has helped shape the careers of numerous young writers, who have found encouragement and guidance through his support.

As a publisher, Mr. Okosun has been instrumental in helping emerging writers publish their work, often extending his resources and expertise to uplift others in the field. His publishing initiatives have not only amplified young voices but have also strengthened the diversity of perspectives within Nigerian literature. Many young authors credit Okosun’s mentorship and encouragement as pivotal to their careers.

Wole Adedoyin, President of the Society of Young Nigerian Writers, highlighted Okosun’s contributions to the literary world, saying, “Mr. Freeman Okosun is more than a writer; he is a pillar of support and a beacon of hope for young writers. His passion for literature and his dedication to fostering talent have left an indelible mark on the Nigerian writing community.”

The SYNW also commended Mr. Okosun’s role as President of the Biographers Collective, where he has led efforts to preserve the life stories of notable Nigerians. Through his work with the Biographers Collective, Okosun has championed the importance of documenting Nigeria’s rich history and inspiring future generations with the stories of those who have shaped the nation.

In addition to his leadership roles, Mr. Okosun is well-regarded for his humility and kindness, which have made him a beloved figure among peers and protégés alike. Writers who have worked with him praise his willingness to share knowledge and his unwavering belief in the power of literature to effect change.

As he celebrates his 69th birthday, SYNW and the broader literary community extended their gratitude and best wishes to Mr. Freeman Okosun. His legacy, built on a foundation of creativity, mentorship, and compassion, continues to influence and inspire Nigerian writers across the nation.

In this spirit of celebration, the Society urged young writers to draw inspiration from Mr. Okosun’s life and work, seeing in his journey a model of dedication and resilience that will continue to inspire for years to come.

Writers Congratulate Freeman Okosun on His 69th Birthday

WRITERS CONGRATULATE FREEMAN OKOSUN ON HIS 69TH BIRTHDAY

Writers under the aegis of the Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW) have extended their heartfelt congratulations to Mr. Freeman Okosun, the immediate past National Assistant Secretary of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) and the President of the Biographers Collective, on the occasion of his 69th birthday. 

The announcement was made in a press statement issued by SYNW President Wole Adedoyin, who lauded Okosun’s impact and dedication to the Nigerian literary community.

The SYNW described Mr. Okosun as a distinguished author and publisher whose commitment to literature has inspired many. Known for his extensive work in promoting young authors and bringing their stories to life, Okosun has earned the respect and admiration of writers across generations. Through his leadership and vision, he has played an integral role in fostering a supportive environment for Nigerian writers.

Mr. Okosun has published several notable works throughout his career, each contributing significantly to Nigeria’s literary heritage. His writings often explore the themes of identity, resilience, and national progress, drawing readers into deep reflections on the Nigerian experience. 

Beyond his authorship, Okosun’s commitment to mentorship has helped shape the careers of numerous young writers, who have found encouragement and guidance through his support.

As a publisher, Mr. Okosun has been instrumental in helping emerging writers publish their work, often extending his resources and expertise to uplift others in the field. His publishing initiatives have not only amplified young voices but have also strengthened the diversity of perspectives within Nigerian literature. Many young authors credit Okosun’s mentorship and encouragement as pivotal to their careers.

Wole Adedoyin, President of the Society of Young Nigerian Writers, highlighted Okosun’s contributions to the literary world, saying, “Mr. Freeman Okosun is more than a writer; he is a pillar of support and a beacon of hope for young writers. His passion for literature and his dedication to fostering talent have left an indelible mark on the Nigerian writing community.”

The SYNW also commended Mr. Okosun’s role as President of the Biographers Collective, where he has led efforts to preserve the life stories of notable Nigerians. Through his work with the Biographers Collective, Okosun has championed the importance of documenting Nigeria’s rich history and inspiring future generations with the stories of those who have shaped the nation.

In addition to his leadership roles, Mr. Okosun is well-regarded for his humility and kindness, which have made him a beloved figure among peers and protégés alike. Writers who have worked with him praise his willingness to share knowledge and his unwavering belief in the power of literature to effect change.

As he celebrates his 69th birthday, SYNW and the broader literary community extended their gratitude and best wishes to Mr. Freeman Okosun. His legacy, built on a foundation of creativity, mentorship, and compassion, continues to influence and inspire Nigerian writers across the nation.

In this spirit of celebration, the Society urged young writers to draw inspiration from Mr. Okosun’s life and work, seeing in his journey a model of dedication and resilience that will continue to inspire for years to come.

Call for Participation: Children’s Book Illustration Webinar

 

EKITI BOOK CLUB

 

PRESENTS

 

CHILDREN’S BOOK ILLUSTRATION WEBINAR

 

 

In this Webinar, participants will explore a variety of techniques used to create images for picture books. You will be introduced to methods of communicating narratives through image making alone.

 

This webinar will appeal to intending participants who enjoy picture making and have an interest in storytelling through drawing.

 

DATE: 27TH JULY, 2022

TIME: 8:00PM

VENUE: WHATSAPP

 

To join, click on this link: https://chat.whatsapp.com/FL3ItUhlfK9FAlhBsQ8V0x

 

THE WEBINAR IS A DAY EVENT

 

REQUIREMENTS

• You should have access to an android phone with Internet connection

 

MEET OUR GUEST LECTURER

 

 

KOLA AKINTOLA

 

 

Kola Akintola is an artist of rare ingenuity, his perspective is as wide as his gaze on each of his works is intense. He possesses an especial capacity to make art works from common and unlikely things.

 

 

His works serve as an experiment to understand the delicate intersection between 'art and life', 'art and anatomy', 'form and media'.

 

 

He believes that this interesting conceptualization of form and media arose from his attempt to blend his initial training in Human Kinetics dealing with real forms with his subsequent training as an artist dealing with "imaging". This is 'imaging' not as in photography but as in the faucouldian frame of things, in nature and in life things exist in themselves at particular times and in particular spaces as regimes of truth. Almost as isolates.

 

 

Kola's latest path-breaking skill is found in his new form / style which he called "Vein Painting". This is an inventive and brilliant use of organic materials laid on a background which throws it out in relief such that lines of fibre are used to give imaginative meaning to form.

 

 

It is a stylistic as well as technical improvement on his use of organic fibre.

 

 

Kola Akintola's art works have become academic studies in some universities in Nigeria and Colorado university in the United States of America.

 

 

He has had several art workshops and exhibitions around the world, and represented Nigeria at some international art discusses in the West Coasts of Africa. 

 

 

He runs an art studio cum art gallery and he is the Proprietor of "Institute Of Art Technology here in Ibadan, as an outlet to training the younger ones in proper artistic acquisition.

 

 

He is always poised to saying "Everybody is an artist, but not every artist can become a great one, but a great one can come from anywhere"

 

 

Ekiti Book Club Presents the First Poetry Festival in FUOYE, Unveils Various Talents

 

Ekiti Book Club Presents the First Poetry Festival in FUOYE, Unveils Various Talents

 

By Precious Oyeniyi

It was a memorable day at Federal University Oye Ekiti as Ekiti Book Club presented its first Ekiti Poetry Festival, EKPOFEST.

The event which happened to be the first poetry festival held in FUOYE was held at the new pavilion building at the Faculty of Arts on Friday, July 16, 2021.

EKPOFEST was aimed at revisiting the plains and hills of Ekiti land, culture and arts had this year edition themed “Shadows on the hill”. Performances such as poetry reading, spoken words, rhymes, music, drama, mime, chants and many other creative arts talents were unveiled in the event.

According to the coordinator of the programme, Mr Okebiorun Daniel, the Ekiti Book Club was inaugurated on May, 2021 and it is a movement and society of poets and passionate writers alike.

He stated that the objectives of the club is to change the misconception that literature and art had continued to suffer in the minds of parents and individuals in Ekiti state and that the club does not really focus on higher institutions but majorly concerned about primary and secondary schools across Ekiti state, to change the conception that venturing into Arts is a waste of time and to help the young ones imbibe and cultivate reading habits.

 

“To the glory of God, we’ve at least visited about three schools and orientated them on literature and arts and in these schools we have established a book club. The three schools are St. Augustine school, Oye Egbo secondary school and The Gems school, whose pupils presented a performance in the festival,” he said.

He also stated that the club is noted to be backed up by the Association of Nigeria Authors (ANA) and the Public Relations Officer of the current administration, Mr. Wole Adedoyin is the President of the club.

One of the participants in the programme, Pelumi Jegede, who is a 200 level student of the department of English and Literary studies, commented that “a lot happened. Emotions were felt. A lot were discovered and history has found its base in FUOYE. I mean, EKPOFEST is the first poetry festival in FUOYE,” she explained.

“As regards my experience as a performer, it was such a beautiful thing to have the words in my head gain expression. Nothing beats having words leave the space they’ve been occupying in one’s head, rent-free and upon leaving, having impacts on the listeners,” she asserted.

Another participant, Jacob Ebenezer, said the event happened to be fun and educative at the same time and as student of the university. He said he hoped to witness more of it.

A performer at the programme, Idasi Ruth, who is popularly known as Jojola Olodumare also commented that the festival had helped her in preparing to present her best. She said it encouraged her as she learnt a lot while rehearsing for her presentation.

The festival had in attendance, the guest speaker, Jide Badmus who is a renowned Poet in Nigeria; Dr. Harry Olunfunwa, a senior lecturer in English and Literary studies department and other lecturers of the institution.

A short drama was also presented in tribute to the late Joseph Okonofua and Kehinde Ige who died during the September 10, 2019 protest in FUOYE.

 

Blessing T. Inya To Headline Ekiti Book Club October Reading

 

BLESSING T. INYA TO HEADLINE EKITI BOOK CLUB OCTOBER READING

 

Ekiti Book Club (EBC) has set aside Friday, 15th day of October, 2021 to host Blessing T. Inya, a Lecturer in the Department of English and Literary Studies of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Nigeria.

A statement issued by the Coordinator of the Club, Olamilekan Okebiorun said the event would take place at the Faculty of Art, New Pavilion Lecture Hall, Federal University Oye-Ekiti, by 2PM prompt.

The reading will be hosted by the duo of Pricilla and Taiwo Omotayo.

Blessing T. Inya is a Lecturer in the Department of English and Literary Studies of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Nigeria. Her research interests include gender, humour, metaphor and discourse analysis. Her publications have appeared in European Journal of Humour Research, (with Inya, O.), Theory and Practices in Language Studies and in edited book volumes.

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

Prospective writers who have works in poetry, short stories and novels can also attend to read their works to other writers and readers.

Ekiti Book Club is an initiative of the Nigerian Young Writers Society. It was founded in 2021 by SYNW in order to contribute its own quota to the growth and development of the Reading Culture in Ekiti State.

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

 

Ekiti Poetry Festival Holds Tomorrow

 

EKITI POETRY FESTIVAL HOLDS TOMORROW

 

The much-awaited Ekiti Poetry Festival will hold tomorrow 16th of July, 2021. The venue is Federal University Oye, Oye-Ekiti State at Phase 1, Faculty of Arts New Pavilion hall, and the time is 10:00am on the dot. 

EKPOFEST promises to be an avenue for poetry, music, dance, book reading and public presentation by Ekiti's best writers and poets alike. 

 

EKPOFEST will be chaired by Dr. Harry Olufunwa, a Senior Lecturer in the Department of English and literary Studies and the renowned Nigerian Poet, Jide Badmus will be featured as guest poet.

For participation and enquiries call: Olamilekan Okebiorun on 08129925044