International Writers Association Celebrates Prof. Wole Soyinka at 91

 

INTERNATIONAL WRITERS ASSOCIATION CELEBRATES PROF. WOLE SOYINKA AT 91

 

The International Writers Association (IWA) has joined millions of admirers across the globe in celebrating Africa’s literary icon, Prof. Wole Soyinka, on the occasion of his 91st birthday.

This was contained in a press statement issued by the Acting President of the Association, Wole Adedoyin, on Friday in Ibadan.

According to the statement, the Association described Prof. Wole Soyinka as a beacon of hope, a defender of freedom, and a timeless voice in global literature whose works have shaped the literary and political landscapes of not only Nigeria but the entire African continent and beyond.

Wole Soyinka, a Nobel Laureate in Literature and the first African to be so honored, has remained a towering figure in world literature for over six decades. The Association praised his unwavering commitment to justice, his intellectual courage, and his dedication to the promotion of democratic ideals.

The IWA noted that Soyinka’s writings—ranging from plays, essays, poetry, to novels—continue to inspire writers across generations. His activism and literary genius have left an indelible mark on both the literary and human rights communities, and his influence remains as powerful today as ever.

“Prof. Wole Soyinka is not just a writer, he is a conscience keeper and cultural compass for many across the globe,” said Adedoyin. “His 91st birthday is not only a personal milestone but a celebration of excellence, resilience, and the enduring power of literature.”

The Association emphasized that Soyinka’s legacy continues to serve as a rallying point for writers, human rights defenders, and cultural activists, especially at a time when freedom of expression and creativity are under constant threat in many parts of the world.

As part of the celebrations, the International Writers Association encouraged literary organizations, cultural institutions, and schools to revisit and promote Soyinka’s works, urging the younger generation to draw strength from his writings and commitment to social justice.

The statement also called on governments, literary bodies, and educational institutions to immortalize the legacy of Prof. Wole Soyinka by incorporating his works more deeply into national curriculums and supporting platforms that uphold literary excellence and freedom of expression.

The International Writers Association concluded by wishing Prof. Wole Soyinka more years in good health, continued inspiration, and fulfillment as he enters yet another chapter in his extraordinary journey as a writer, thinker, and global cultural ambassador.

 

Writers Celebrate Olatoun Gabi-Williams At 60

 

WRITERS CELEBRATE OLATOUN GABI-WILLIAMS AT 60

 

The Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW Global) has congratulated Mrs. Olatoun Gabi-Williams on the occasion of her 60th birthday, commending her unwavering dedication to literary advocacy, child education, and cultural promotion in Nigeria and beyond.

This was contained in a press statement issued by the President of the Society, Wole Adedoyin, from the organization's headquarters in Ibadan.

Adedoyin described Mrs. Gabi-Williams as "a literary visionary, a passionate advocate for children’s literacy, and a cultural ambassador whose work continues to impact lives across generations."

Olatoun Gabi-Williams boasts decades of experience in the delivery of spoken and written word content that advances literary culture, education, and advocacy. Through appearances on television, radio, and public platforms, she has consistently championed the value of books and reading while advocating for child welfare and improved literacy across Nigerian institutions.

Her media contributions have spanned a wide range of respected platforms, including Channels TV’s Sunrise, NTA 2 Channel 5’s AM Express, Close Flow, and City Lace, as well as Smooth Radio’s Smooth Review. Her dynamic presence in the media has played a critical role in shaping public discourse around books, education, and national development.

In 2014, Mrs. Gabi-Williams served as the TV host for the inaugural Nigerian Cultural Trade Show held on October 2, organized by the Nigerian-German Business Association, the AHK (Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Nigeria), the Goethe-Institut, and the German Consulate in Lagos. Her role in this high-profile event demonstrated her ability to merge literature and culture with international collaboration.

Olatoun represented Nigeria with distinction at the 2018 Frankfurt Book Fair, where she participated in the Lettres D’Afrique: Changing the Narrative programme. As a moderator, media panelist, and author interview host under the auspices of the Agence Culturelle Africaine (Senegal), she used the platform to spotlight African stories and voices in one of the world’s most prestigious book events.

Aside from her media and literary engagements, Mrs. Gabi-Williams is a Director at Selina Ventures Ltd and Selina Travels Ltd. She is also the Founder and Coordinator of Sponsor A Child Nigeria, a charitable initiative committed to enhancing literacy, education, and welfare for children in Nigerian institutions. Her work through this platform has touched countless lives across the country.

Olatoun is also the visionary behind the Ambassador Schools Program of the UN SDG Book Club African Chapter. This program connects African students and schools with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals through curated reading experiences, nurturing a generation of conscious and informed youth. The platform can be accessed at sdgafricaambassadorschools.com.

Furthermore, she is the founder of the Border Books Review, a pan-African literary initiative dedicated to curating and promoting African literature, expanding its readership, and supporting emerging voices across the continent. Through this platform, she continues to challenge boundaries and connect readers with transformative stories.

The Society of Young Nigerian Writers concluded its statement by thanking Mrs. Gabi-Williams for her enduring service to literature and education. “As she marks her 60th birthday, we celebrate a woman of vision, commitment, and courage. Her legacy remains a source of inspiration for writers, educators, and advocates around the world,” the statement read.

 

 

Writers Congratulate Dr. Wale Okediran on Kwame Nkrumah Award for Service to Pan-Africanism

 

WRITERS CONGRATULATE DR. WALE OKEDIRAN ON KWAME NKRUMAH AWARD FOR SERVICE TO PAN-AFRICANISM

 

Writers under the umbrella of the Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW Global) have congratulated Dr. Wale Okediran on his recent conferment of the prestigious Kwame Nkrumah Award for Service to Pan-Africanism.

The award was presented to Dr. Okediran during the 14th Toyin Falola International Conference on Africa and the African Diaspora (TOFAC), which took place in Osogbo, Osun State.

This congratulatory message was contained in a press release issued by the President of the Society, Wole Adedoyin. According to the release, the recognition is not only well-deserved but a testimony to Dr. Okediran’s tireless efforts in promoting African literature, unity, and cultural consciousness across the continent and beyond.

Dr. Wale Okediran, the current Secretary General of the Pan African Writers Association (PAWA), was singled out for his unwavering commitment to the advancement of African literature and Pan-African ideals. The award recognizes his consistent efforts in mobilizing African writers and institutions for a more united and culturally vibrant continent.

The Kwame Nkrumah Award for Service to Pan-Africanism is a highly respected honor conferred on distinguished Africans who have made remarkable contributions towards the actualization of African unity and development. The award’s criteria include integrity, commitment to African political and social progress, and active promotion of Pan-Africanism through both words and action.

SYNW noted that Dr. Okediran has, over the years, demonstrated these qualities through his leadership roles, creative contributions, and literary diplomacy. His stewardship of PAWA has fostered collaborations among writers from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds, echoing Nkrumah’s vision of a united Africa.

The award ceremony was held during the Gala Night which concluded the three-day conference hosted at Osun State University. The event was jointly organized by the University, UNESCO, and the University of Texas, USA, further underscoring its global significance.

Wole Adedoyin, in the statement, emphasized that the younger generation of African writers and creatives continue to draw inspiration from Dr. Okediran’s life, work, and advocacy. He added that the honor is a collective celebration for Nigerian and African writers alike.

The Society also commended the organizers of TOFAC for recognizing literary leadership and Pan-African intellectualism as critical elements in the continent’s development journey. They described the award as a significant morale booster for literary leaders and cultural workers.

SYNW expressed hope that this recognition would further galvanize Dr. Okediran’s efforts in expanding the reach and influence of African literature on the global stage. The Society pledged its continued support for PAWA's mission and leadership.

Concluding the statement, the Society called on governments and cultural institutions across Africa to support visionary leaders like Dr. Okediran whose work aligns with the broader objectives of African unity, peace, and development.