Oyo State Library Board Hosts Ibadan Creative Writing Seminar Today

OYO STATE LIBRARY BOARD HOSTS IBADAN CREATIVE WRITING SEMINAR TODAY

The much-anticipated Ibadan Creative Writing Seminar holds today Saturday, September 30, 2023 at the Oyo State Library Board by 12PM. 

This dynamic seminar to be organized by Ibadan Book Club, in partnership with the Nigerian Writers Academy is poised to provide a platform for writers, editors, publishers, and bloggers in Ibadan to expand their horizons and refine their craft.

The primary objectives of this writing seminar are to empower and enrich the skills of aspiring writers, editors, publishers, and bloggers. With a commitment to nurturing emerging talents, the seminar aims to guide participants in discovering and developing their unique writing voices while delving into various writing genres.

Wole Adedoyin, the Convener of the Seminar, expressed his excitement about this event, stating, "The Ibadan Creative Writing Seminar aligns with our mission to foster the growth of the literary community in Ibadan. It is a crucial step towards honing the talents of up-and-coming writers and providing them with the tools they need to succeed."

The seminar boasts an impressive lineup of distinguished speakers who are experts in their respective fields. Attendees can look forward to enlightening lectures from Mr. Jide Ogunlana, Mrs.Iseyemi Feyintola Rachael, Mr. Marcus Ovie Ugboduma, and Mr. Kola Akintola. These speakers will cover a wide range of topics, including character development, publishing, editing,  illustration, electronic publishing, and ghostwriting.

The Ibadan Creative Writing Seminar caters to a diverse audience, including those new to writing, individuals seeking a refresher on essential writing elements (poetry, prose, and drama), and writers looking to deepen their knowledge and skills. It's also an excellent opportunity for individuals interested in exploring different aspects of the writing industry.

Registration for this event is entirely free. To secure your spot, please send your name, phone number, gender, email, and your favorite writing genre to Wole Adedoyin at 08072673852.

Participation in the seminar comes with several benefits, including a free certificate of participation, complimentary Creative Writing E-books, and automatic membership into the Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW). This event promises to be an enriching experience that will empower and inspire the creative minds of Ibadan.

For further information and updates, please visit the Ibadan Book Club's website or contact Wole Adedoyin at 08072673852.

Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to enhance your writing skills and become a part of the vibrant literary community in Ibadan. Join us on September 30th for the Ibadan Creative Writing Seminar!

MEET OUR GUEST LECTURERS

JIDE OGUNLANA 

Jide Ogunlana is a versatile writer, editor, playwright, and accomplished publisher. His creative talents have shone brightly in various literary forms, leaving a lasting impact on the world of literature.

Two of Ogunlana's plays, "Verbal Violence" and "Clash of the Gods," received resounding success at the Arts Theatre, now known as the Wole Soyinka Theatre, at the University of Ibadan in Nigeria. These plays have also found their way into the curricula of esteemed educational institutions like The Polytechnic, Ibadan. Additionally, his short stories and selected excerpts from his writings have earned a place in the esteemed pages of the ANA Review, published by the Association of Nigerian Authors.

With a passion for teaching, Ogunlana dedicated several years to imparting his knowledge of literature and the English language in government schools across Oyo State. His teaching journey extended beyond Nigeria, encompassing three foreign countries, including the National University of Lesotho, where he taught students at various academic levels, including the university.

Jide Ogunlana has made an indelible mark in the realm of children's literature, earning multiple prestigious awards. His captivating storybook, "Primrose and the Kidnappers" (published by Lerato Book Publishers), clinched the coveted ANA Prize for Children's Literature in 2018, and his enchanting work, "A Girl Called Corona Sofia" (published by Learning Solutions Specialty Publications Ltd), repeated this feat by winning the same prestigious award in 2021. Many of his literary creations have received official approval for use in schools, listed in the Oyo State Ministry of Education's recommended reading materials.

Among Jide Ogunlana's notable published works are "Primrose and the Kidnappers," "Awesu in a Strange House," "A Girl Called Corona Sofia," "From Marriage to Prison" (a Collection of Short Stories), "Two Plays of Verbal Attack," and "Teach Yourself English for Junior Secondary Schools." Additionally, he has penned books under pseudonyms, such as "Esin Amope" (a Yoruba play under the name Asamu Adebisi), "The Adventure of Three Wild Boys" (written as Wale Adewale), "The 3rd of March," and "Out of This World" (credited to Wale Adewale).

As a seasoned editor, Ogunlana honed his craft during his tenure with Evans Brothers (Nig. Publishers) Ltd. His editorial expertise was instrumental in refining the works of both local and international literary luminaries. Afterward, he founded his own publishing company, where he continues to excel as a publisher, writer, rewriter, and editor. His editorial prowess extends to collaborating with distinguished Nigerian authors, including Dr. Wale Okediran, Secretary General of the Pan African Writers Association (PAWA) and former Member of the House of Representatives, as well as the biography of a former governor, the prose work of Diipo Fagunwa, the only surviving child of D.O. Fagunwa, and the autobiography of Prof. Samuel Olusegun Ayodele, a renowned Nigerian professor of English.

In addition to his impressive literary contributions, Jide Ogunlana is committed to fostering literary talent. He regularly hosts workshops on writing, editing, and publishing at his office complex located on the University of Ibadan campus. Through these endeavors, he continues to inspire and nurture the next generation of literary luminaries.

ISEYEMI FEYINTOLA RACHAEL 

Iseyemi Feyintola Rachael, formerly known as Iseyemi Babalola, originates from Atiba Local Government Area in today's Oyo State but was born and raised in Port Harcourt. She is a writer and editor by profession. Her academic journey culminated in a first-class honors degree from the Department of Educational Foundations (with a focus on English studies) at the esteemed University of Port Harcourt.

Feyintola has an impressive body of work, including numerous poems, novels, and essays, although they remain unpublished. Her debut novel, titled 'Debris,' saw the light of day in 2022. Presently, she imparts knowledge at Kinderville High School in Ikolaba and is an active member of the Ibadan Book Club.

MARCUS OVIE UGBODUMA

Marcus Ovie Ugboduma is a multifaceted individual with a diverse range of talents and accomplishments. He earned his degree in Accountancy from Osun State College of Technology, Esa-oke, and furthered his education with a Post Graduate Diploma in Education from the National Teachers Institute, Kaduna. He is a distinguished member of the Certified Institute of Purchasing and Supply Administration of Nigeria. Marcus is not only an educator but also a creative thinker, writer, behavioral coach, and a dedicated advocate for African culture.

A passionate book enthusiast, Marcus founded the Book Friendly Club at God's Blessing Comprehensive College. His commitment to education extends beyond the classroom as he prepared and guided students from various secondary schools in Oyo state to victory in the 2019 Children Cultural Quiz at the NATIONAL FESTIVAL FOR ARTS AND CULTURE (NAFEST) EDO 2019. Under his guidance, his students also secured the fourth position in the Children's Essay Writing competition and the second position in the Children Arts category at the same event. In 2016, Marcus led his students to win the National Safety Quiz in Oyo state.

Marcus has a profound connection with his students, nurturing their creative writing skills and acting as a mentor. He possesses a deep love for travel, cherishing quality time with his family, and finding solace in reading religious texts during his leisure moments. His source of inspiration often emerges in the face of challenges and life's complexities, leading him to compose poetry and document his experiences. His mission for the youth is to empower them to address social issues and combat vices, a mission that has earned him the nickname "TOWN CRIER" due to his penchant for crafting poems that preserve history and expose political truths. Notably, he served as a Ward Chairman of the All Nigerian People's Party in Ward 9, Mokola, Ibadan, from 2003 to 2007.

Beyond his educational contributions, Marcus has served as a community leader in Mokola, holding the position of secretary for several years. He is also among the founding figures behind the esteemed Mokola Carnival. Before embarking on a teaching career, he showcased his talents as a singer, rapper, disc jockey, and song and scriptwriter. A highlight of his musical journey was performing at the Abuja City Gate during the transfer of the presidency from Lagos to Abuja on December 12, 1991. He also graced the stage at the Nigerian Children Trust Fund Concert in 1992 and 1993. Today, he stands as an esteemed educator who has contributed to the establishment of four schools in Ibadan.

Marcus's creative spirit shines through in his extensive body of work, which includes over a hundred poems, five books, and six plays. Notable works include "Regret Has No Medicine," "The Masquerade Would Not Dance," and "Koronu." His play addressing the issue of Female Genital Mutilation, staged by his students, gained recognition when it was featured on Space FM during the African Child Day in 2016. Additionally, his poem titled "Should the Chibok Girls Return?" was performed by his students on Big Bolaji's show. Marcus's mentorship has led students to win awards at three previous editions of the Fagunwa Day celebration. His poems "The Lamentation of an Aborted Fetus" and "Okigbo in Biafra" were featured in an anthology honoring Prof. Remi Raji @50. Furthermore, he co-edited an anthology of poems paying tribute to Senator Abiola Ajimobi alongside Wole Adedoyin. Among his most cherished creations are the poems he composed about himself and his mother.

KOLA AKINTOLA 

Kola Akintola is a remarkably ingenious artist whose perspective is as vast as the intensity he imbues into each of his works. He possesses a unique ability to craft art from commonplace and unexpected materials.

His creations serve as an exploration of the intricate interplay between 'art and life,' 'art and anatomy,' and 'form and media.'

This intriguing conceptualization of form and media is rooted in his attempt to merge his initial training in Human Kinetics, where he engaged with real forms, with his subsequent training as an artist focused on "imaging." Here, "imaging" refers not to photography but rather to a Foucauldian framing of things; in nature and life, things exist as discrete regimes of truth at specific times and in particular spaces, almost like isolates.

Kola's most recent groundbreaking innovation lies in his new artistic form/style, which he has coined "Vein Painting." This technique showcases his inventive brilliance by using organic materials laid on a background that elevates them in relief, with lines of fibers offering imaginative interpretations of form.

This represents both a stylistic and technical advancement in his use of organic fibers.

Kola Akintola's artworks have transcended mere artistic expressions and have become subjects of academic study in several universities in Nigeria and Colorado University in the United States of America.

He has conducted numerous art workshops and exhibitions worldwide, and has proudly represented Nigeria at international art forums on the West Coast of Africa.

Furthermore, he operates an art studio and gallery and serves as the proprietor of the "Institute Of Art Technology" in Ibadan. This institute serves as a platform for imparting proper artistic skills to aspiring young artists.

Kola's enduring belief is encapsulated in his statement: "Everybody is an artist, but not every artist can become a great one, but a great one can emerge from anywhere."