How Prof. Remi Raji @ 50 National Poetry Competition Elevates SYNW to National Recognition

 

HOW PROF. REMI RAJI @ 50 NATIONAL POETRY COMPETITION ELEVATES SYNW TO NATIONAL RECOGNITION

 

By Wole Adedoyin

In November 2011, Prof. Remi Raji @ 50 National Poetry competition was organized to commemorate the 50th birthday of renowned Nigerian poet, Prof. Remi Raji. The competition was a huge success, attracting over two hundred entries from over twenty states of the federation. The competition not only celebrated Prof. Raji’s milestone, but also gave the SYNW a wider recognition and platform to showcase their literary prowess.

The Prof. Remi Raji @ 50 National Poetry competition was a unique initiative, and the first of its kind from the Society of Young Nigerian Writers. The competition was aimed at discovering and promoting young and talented poets, while also celebrating the works of Prof. Remi Raji, who has made significant contributions to Nigerian literature over the years.

The competition was open to all Nigerian poets, and entries were submitted only in English. The quality of entries received was impressive, and the judges were impressed with the creativity and originality of the submissions.

To read the submitted entries, the SYNW has made them available on their website. Interested persons can access the entries by clicking on this link: https://takadaonline.wordpress.com/2011/12/16/prof-remi-raji-50-poetry-anthology/. The shortlisted entries are also available on this link: https://progresspublishing.wordpress.com/2011/11/24/shortlisted-entries-remi-raji-at-50-poetry-competition/.

The competition was judged by a panel of distinguished poets, including Prof. Obododima Oha and Mrs. Tiwatope Fakayode.

The winners of the competition were presented with their prizes at a special ceremony organized by the celebrant in the University of Ibadan. The event was attended by literary giants and enthusiasts, including Prof. Remi Raji himself, who was delighted with the quality of entries and the success of the competition.

In his remarks at the event, Prof. Raji expressed his appreciation to the SYNW for organizing the competition and for the recognition given to his work. He encouraged the winners to continue to hone their craft and to make meaningful contributions to Nigerian literature.

The SYNW also expressed their gratitude to all participants in the competition, and to the judges for their meticulous work in selecting the winners. The society emphasized its commitment to promoting and supporting young Nigerian writers, and to creating platforms for them to showcase their talent.

The success of the Prof. Remi Raji @ 50 National Poetry competition has been widely celebrated in Nigerian literary circles, and has helped to further establish the SYNW as a leading voice in Nigerian literature. The competition has also helped to raise awareness of the rich literary culture of Nigeria, and to inspire young writers to pursue their passion for writing.

 

How SYNW started in the former house of Prof. Wole Soyinka

 

HOW SYNW STARTED IN THE FORMER HOUSE OF PROF. WOLE SOYINKA

By: Wole Adedoyin

 

 The Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW) began its journey in 2011 with its inaugural meeting held in the former house of the Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, behind UI Main Gate. The Late Dr. Remi Adedokun, former HOD of Theatre Arts at the University of Ibadan, had graciously provided the venue for the meeting. Since then, the SYNW has come a long way, evolving into a dynamic literary organization that supports and promotes the works of young Nigerian writers.

One of the significant achievements of the SYNW is its affiliation with the International Authors Forum (IAF), a global platform for writers and literary organizations. The SYNW has also collaborated with various international organizations, including 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, the SYNW was recognized and mentioned in a book titled “TEEN LIVES AROUND THE WORLD: A GLOBAL ENCYCLOPEDIA (2 VOLUMES)” edited by Karen Wells. The book described the SYNW as the only active young writers’ body in Nigeria, highlighting the organization's significance in promoting literary creativity among young Nigerians.

The SYNW has initiated several literary projects aimed at promoting reading, writing, and publishing processes. One of such projects is the Fagunwa Day, which involves an Inter-secondary Schools Creative Writing Competition in Yoruba Language, reading contests, and the Fagunwa Memorial Lecture. The SYNW quarterly Workshop, which started via the Ibadan Writers Training Centre in 2012, has trained over 1,000 young writers. The Digital Publishing Project has published over 500 young writers, while the Annual Chinua Achebe Memorial lecture, now in its 7th edition, has published over 300 young essayists and poets.

Another SYNW project is the Read Across Nigeria, which aims to promote the reading culture across the country. Through this project, the SYNW took readings to over 20 states of the federation in 2016. Additionally, the SYNW’s 2000 E-Books per school project, also known as the Paperless Book Club project, encourages and assists public secondary schools in building E-Libraries and Electronic Book Clubs.

The SYNW has established several book clubs in various locations, including Ibadan Book Club, Osogbo Book Club, Iseyin Book Club, Ogbomosho Book Club, Eko Book Club, Atiba Book Club, Arewa Book Club, Akure Book Club, Ilesa Book Club, Abeokuta Book Club, Ekiti Book Club, and Edo Book Club. These book clubs aim to promote reading culture and literary creativity among young Nigerians.

The SYNW has also established initiatives aimed at promoting the works of renowned writers, including Khalil Gibran Society, Ulli Beier Society, J.P Clark Society, Fagunwa Society, and John Milton Society of Africa. For instance, the Khalil Gibran Society was established with support from the Gibran National Committee in Lebanon while the John Milton Society of Africa was founded with support from the John Milton Society of Geogia.

The SYNW has developed correspondence courses on creative writing (Poetry, Prose, and Drama) and the life and works of the Late D.O. Fagunwa. These courses aim to promote literary creativity and provide aspiring writers with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the field.

In conclusion, the SYNW has played a crucial role in promoting literary creativity and supporting the works of young Nigerian writers. The organization's diverse projects and initiatives have had a significant impact on the literary landscape in Nigeria, and its collaborations with various international organizations have further enhanced its influence. With its continued commitment to promoting reading, writing, and publishing processes, the SYNW is poised to become one of the leading literary organizations in Nigeria.

Wole Adedoyin is the President of the Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW).

How SYNW started in the former house of Prof. Wole Soyinka

 

HOW SYNW STARTED IN THE FORMER HOUSE OF PROF. WOLE SOYINKA

By: Wole Adedoyin

 

 The Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW) began its journey in 2011 with its inaugural meeting held in the former house of the Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, behind UI Main Gate. The Late Dr. Remi Adedokun, former HOD of Theatre Arts at the University of Ibadan, had graciously provided the venue for the meeting. Since then, the SYNW has come a long way, evolving into a dynamic literary organization that supports and promotes the works of young Nigerian writers.

One of the significant achievements of the SYNW is its affiliation with the International Authors Forum (IAF), a global platform for writers and literary organizations. The SYNW has also collaborated with various international organizations, including 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, the SYNW was recognized and mentioned in a book titled “TEEN LIVES AROUND THE WORLD: A GLOBAL ENCYCLOPEDIA (2 VOLUMES)” edited by Karen Wells. The book described the SYNW as the only active young writers’ body in Nigeria, highlighting the organization's significance in promoting literary creativity among young Nigerians.

The SYNW has initiated several literary projects aimed at promoting reading, writing, and publishing processes. One of such projects is the Fagunwa Day, which involves an Inter-secondary Schools Creative Writing Competition in Yoruba Language, reading contests, and the Fagunwa Memorial Lecture. The SYNW quarterly Workshop, which started via the Ibadan Writers Training Centre in 2012, has trained over 1,000 young writers. The Digital Publishing Project has published over 500 young writers, while the Annual Chinua Achebe Memorial lecture, now in its 7th edition, has published over 300 young essayists and poets.

Another SYNW project is the Read Across Nigeria, which aims to promote the reading culture across the country. Through this project, the SYNW took readings to over 20 states of the federation in 2016. Additionally, the SYNW’s 2000 E-Books per school project, also known as the Paperless Book Club project, encourages and assists public secondary schools in building E-Libraries and Electronic Book Clubs.

The SYNW has established several book clubs in various locations, including Ibadan Book Club, Osogbo Book Club, Iseyin Book Club, Ogbomosho Book Club, Eko Book Club, Atiba Book Club, Arewa Book Club, Akure Book Club, Ilesa Book Club, Abeokuta Book Club, Ekiti Book Club, and Edo Book Club. These book clubs aim to promote reading culture and literary creativity among young Nigerians.

The SYNW has also established initiatives aimed at promoting the works of renowned writers, including Khalil Gibran Society, Ulli Beier Society, J.P Clark Society, Fagunwa Society, and John Milton Society of Africa. For instance, the Khalil Gibran Society was established with support from the Gibran National Committee in Lebanon while the John Milton Society of Africa was founded with support from the John Milton Society of Geogia.

The SYNW has developed correspondence courses on creative writing (Poetry, Prose, and Drama) and the life and works of the Late D.O. Fagunwa. These courses aim to promote literary creativity and provide aspiring writers with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the field.

In conclusion, the SYNW has played a crucial role in promoting literary creativity and supporting the works of young Nigerian writers. The organization's diverse projects and initiatives have had a significant impact on the literary landscape in Nigeria, and its collaborations with various international organizations have further enhanced its influence. With its continued commitment to promoting reading, writing, and publishing processes, the SYNW is poised to become one of the leading literary organizations in Nigeria.

Wole Adedoyin is the President of the Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW).

Ibadan Book Club Greets Kwaku Oppong Amponsah On His Birthday

 

IBADAN BOOK CLUB GREETS KWAKU OPPONG AMPONSAH ON HIS BIRTHDAY

 

Ibadan Book Club, a leading literary outfit in Nigeria, sends warm greetings to Mr. Kwaku Oppong Amponsah on the occasion of his birthday. Mr. Amponsah is the General Manager of Adwinsa Publications Ghana Limited and has made significant contributions to the promotion of reading culture in Ghana and Nigeria.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Coordinator of the Club, Ayobami Odunyemi in Ibadan on Sunday.

As the brain behind the Ghana Reads Initiative, Mr. Amponsah has worked tirelessly to promote a love for books and reading among Ghanaians of all ages. His efforts have had a significant impact on the literary landscape in Ghana and have helped to foster a new generation of readers and writers in the country.

Earlier this year, Mr. Amponsah launched the Nigerian branch of Adwinsa Publications and co-founded the Read Nigeria Project with the Ibadan Book Club. This project is devoted to promoting a love for books and reading across Nigeria and has hosted over twenty young writers in Oyo, Ogun, and Osun states. The Read Nigeria Project is a nationwide chain of events that celebrates and honors important personalities who have contributed meaningfully to the learning and reading culture of Nigeria.

As part of the Read Nigeria Project, Mr. Amponsah has helped to organize a series of book readings and literary events that have brought together readers and writers from all over Nigeria. These events have been a great success and have helped to promote a vibrant literary culture in the country.

In addition to his work with Adwinsa Publications and the Read Nigeria Project, Mr. Amponsah is also the Founder and Director of the Family Business Network in Ghana. He holds a Master's degree in Business Administration and Management from the University of Hull in the UK and is an Evangelist with the Presbyterian Church of Ghana.

Ibadan Book Club is proud to be associated with Mr. Amponsah and his efforts to promote reading and literary culture in Ghana and Nigeria. We believe that his work has made a significant contribution to the intellectual and cultural life of both countries and we wish him all the best on his birthday.

We would also like to take this opportunity to express our appreciation for Mr. Amponsah's support for the literary community in Nigeria. His dedication to promoting reading and writing has inspired many young people and has helped to foster a new generation of writers and intellectuals in the country.

As we celebrate Mr. Amponsah's birthday, we hope that his work will continue to inspire and motivate people across Ghana and Nigeria to embrace the power of books and reading. We are grateful for his contributions to the literary community and wish him many more years of health, happiness, and success.

 

SYNW Mourns Onibonoje Gabriel Omotayo, The Founder Of Onibonoje Publishers

SYNW MOURNS ONIBONOJE GABRIEL OMOTAYO, THE FOUNDER OF ONIBONOJE PUBLISHERS

 

The Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW) mourns the passing of Onibonoje Gabriel Omotayo, the Founder of Onibonoje Publishers, who died on February 23, 2023, at the age of 92. Omotayo was a renowned educationist, publisher, and farmer who contributed significantly to the development of education and publishing in Nigeria.

This was contained in a release issued by Wole Adedoyin, President of the Society of Young Nigerian Writers in Ibadan, Oyo State Capital.

Omotayo was born on September 10, 1930, in Ijebu Jesa, Oyo State, and attended St Matthew's Primary School in Ijebu Jesa from 1940 to 1947. He then proceeded to St Luke's Teachers' Training College, Ibadan, where he studied from 1951 to 1956. Omotayo went on to study at the University of Ibadan from 1958 to 1961, where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree.

After his education, Omotayo started his career as a teacher, serving as a Pupil Teacher in Ikoton from 1948 to 1950. He then became a Grade Three Teacher and Head Master at St Philips, Aiyetoro, Ile-Ife, from 1953 to 1954. He later became a Grade Two Teacher at Anglican Boys' Secondary Modern School, Ibadan, from 1957 to 1958. Omotayo became a Graduate Teacher at St Luke's Teachers' Training College, Ibadan, from 1961 to 1963, and at Ibadan Boys' High School in 1964.

In 1958, Omotayo established Onibonoje Press in Ibadan, which later became Onibonoje Press and Book Industries Nigeria Limited. He served as the Chairman and Managing Director of the company from 1968 to 1979 and as Chairman/Publisher since 1980. Omotayo was also the Chairman/Farmer of Onibonoje Agricultural Industries Nigeria Limited since 1978. He was a member of the Executive Committee of the International Publishers Association in 1972 and 1973.

Omotayo was a prolific author, having published several books on history, civics, and book publishing. His publications include Africa in the Ancient World: A History Book I (Ibadan, Onibonoje Press, 1958), Africa From the Rise of Islam to the End of the Slave Trade: A History Book II (Ibadan, Onibonoje Press, 1958), Africa in the Modern World: A History Book III (Ibadan, Onibonoje Press, 1958), Civics for Nigerians (Ibadan, Onibonoje Press, 1959), and The Indigenous Book Publishing for National Development (Ibadan, Onibonoje Press, 1965).

Omotayo was a recipient of several awards in recognition of his contributions to education, literature, and agriculture. He received the Ife Book Fair Merit Award in 1985 and was awarded the Outstanding Farmer of the Year by the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, in 1985-86 and 1986/87.

In his personal life, Omotayo was a lover of reading, writing, current affairs, and community development. He was married to Josephine Olufunlayo Arojojoye in 1958, and they had four sons and two daughters.

Onibonoje's passing is a great loss to the Nigerian publishing community. His contributions to the growth of the industry cannot be overemphasized, and he will be greatly missed. However, his legacy lives on through the many young publishers he mentored and the works he published.

The President of SYNW, Wole Adedoyin, expressed his condolences to the family of Omotayo and the Nigerian literary community. Adedoyin described Omotayo as a visionary educationist and publisher whose contributions to the growth of publishing in Nigeria would be greatly missed.

“We pray that his soul finds rest and that his family finds the strength to bear this great loss. We also urge young publishers to emulate his dedication and passion for the development of the Nigerian publishing industry.” Adedoyin said.