Society of Young Nigerian Writers - (SYNW Global)

November 15, 2024

Writers Celebrate Chinua Achebe's 94th Posthumous Birthday

WRITERS CELEBRATE CHINUA ACHEBE'S 94TH POSTHUMOUS BIRTHDAY

Writers across Nigeria, under the auspices of the Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW), have united in commemorating the 94th posthumous birthday of one of Africa’s greatest literary icons, Prof. Chinua Achebe. Achebe, renowned globally for his groundbreaking novel *Things Fall Apart*, remains an enduring symbol of literary excellence and cultural preservation.

In a statement issued by Wole Adedoyin, the President of SYNW emphasized Achebe’s unmatched contributions to African literature and his role as a beacon of inspiration for writers across generations. Adedoyin highlighted the Society's unwavering commitment to honoring Achebe’s legacy through creative and impactful initiatives.

One of the key tributes mentioned is the *Chinua Achebe Annual Literary Festival and Memorial Lecture*, initiated by the Anambra Chapter Coordinator of SYNW, Izunna Okafor. Now in its 9th edition, the festival has become a significant platform for celebrating Achebe’s works and discussing his influence on modern African literature.

Cynthia Maduekwe, the President of the Nigeria Society of Campus Writers, also spearheaded the *Writers Tour*, another initiative aimed at engaging young writers with Achebe’s literary philosophy. This tour exposes aspiring authors to Achebe’s timeless themes of cultural identity, colonialism, and societal transformation, ensuring his legacy continues to inspire future generations.

The Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW) reaffirmed its dedication to Achebe’s memory through these longstanding programs. Writers across the country were encouraged to reflect on Achebe’s life and works, sharing tributes and essays on social media platforms to further propagate his vision of storytelling.

Adedoyin lauded the efforts of writers like Okafor and Maduekwe, whose initiatives keep Achebe’s legacy alive.

He also urged literary organizations and institutions to continue collaborating to sustain Achebe’s impact on African literature and culture.

“Prof. Achebe’s work transcends literature. He gave Africans a voice on the global stage, presenting our stories with authenticity and pride. Celebrating his 94th posthumous birthday is a reminder of the power of storytelling in shaping society,” Adedoyin stated.

The SYNW also used the opportunity to announce plans for a series of upcoming events dedicated to Achebe in the coming year, including essay competitions, poetry readings, and book discussions. These programs aim to further Achebe’s vision of nurturing literary talent and promoting African narratives.

As the literary community celebrates Achebe’s life and achievements, his timeless words resonate: *“Until the lions have their own historians, the history of the hunt will always glorify the hunter.”*

Achebe’s legacy continues to inspire writers to tell their own stories, preserving the richness of African culture for generations to come.

The Society of Young Nigerian Writers concluded by inviting literary enthusiasts to join in celebrating Achebe’s enduring impact, emphasizing that his legacy is a shared treasure for all who value the power of words.

Writers Celebrate Chinua Achebe's 94th Posthumous Birthday

WRITERS CELEBRATE CHINUA ACHEBE'S 94TH POSTHUMOUS BIRTHDAY

Adedoyin lauded the efforts of writers like Okafor and Maduekwe, whose initiatives keep Achebe’s legacy alive.

He also urged literary organizations and institutions to continue collaborating to sustain Achebe’s impact on African literature and culture.

Achebe’s legacy continues to inspire writers to tell their own stories, preserving the richness of African culture for generations to come.

2024 Chinua Achebe Literary Festival and Memorial Lecture Holds Today, Attend

2024 CHINUA ACHEBE LITERARY FESTIVAL AND MEMORIAL LECTURE HOLDS TODAY, ATTEND

All is now set for the 2024 edition of the Chinua Achebe Literary Festival and Memorial Lecture, slated to hold in Awka, the capital city of Anambra State today, with many dignitaries expected.

Izunna Okafor, the State Coordinator of the Society of Young Nigerian Writers (Anambra State Chapter) —the literary body that organizes the event — announced this in Awka while giving update on the association’s preparedness for the 2024 edition of the Achebe Literary Festival and Memorial Lecture.

According to him, Chinua Achebe Literary Festival and Memorial Lecture, initiated in 2016 and currently in its 9th edition, is a literary event the association annually organizes in honour and memory of Nigerian literary icon, Late Prof. Chinua Achebe, in celebration of his life, works and legacies. He added that this year’s event will (as usual) hold on Achebe’s birthday, November 16, 2024, at the Anambra State Central E-Library (also known as the Prof. Kenneth Dike State Central E-Library Library) in Awka, starting at 9AM prompt; with many dignitaries and participants in attendance.

While revealing this year’s theme of the event as “Remembering Achebe… In a Time Like This”; Okafor further disclosed that the 2024 Achebe Memorial Lecture will be delivered by former Governor of Anambra State and 2023 Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi; while the current Governor of the State, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo would be the Special Guest of Honour.

He added that this year’s event would be Chaired by an author and former official of the United Nations, Mr. Oseloka Obaze, who is also a former Secretary to the State Government in Anambra. Okafor further noted that award-winning writer and Traditional Ruler of Obosi, H.R.H. Igwe Chidubem Iweka; the Traditional Ruler of Achebe’s hometown, Ogidi, H.R.H. Igwe Pharm. Alex Uzo Onyido; and the Traditional Ruler of Umueri, Igwe Sir Ben Emeka, an ardent promoter of education will grace the occasion as the Royal Fathers of the Day; among many other dignitaries expected at the event, including a literary enthusiast and former Chief Judge of Anambra State, Prof. Peter Umeadi.

“The event will feature the 2024 Achebe Lecture, drama, spoken word poetry, announcement of the winners of the 2024 Chinua Achebe Essay Writing Competition (for secondary schools), special reading, award presentation, among other literary packages slated for the day,” Okafor said.

He hinted that the occasion will also feature the unveiling and presentation of the 9th Chinua Achebe Poetry/Essay Anthology, titled “Echoes from the Anthills”; which is the association’s latest international anthology of poems and essays, published in honour and memory of Achebe ahead of the event.

The annual international anthology, he explained, is one of the writers’ way of immortalizing Achebe, and contains poems, essays, and reviews written and submitted by writers from different countries of the world.

Reports have it that the Chinua Achebe Literary Festival and Memorial Lecture has attracted many good legs and good heads to Anambra State, and remains one of the most popular and sustained literary festivals in Africa, since the last nine years of its inception and still counting.

Okafor further revealed that this year’s edition of the open-to-all event, which will also mark Achebe’s 94th posthumous birthday and eleven years of his death, will equally be graced by arrays of literary icons from within and outside the country, who will be storming Awka to honour the legendary author, Achebe.

Born November 16, 1930, Prof. Chinua Achebe, who hailed from Ogidi in Anambra State, was a foremost Nigerian writer, critic, and author of Things Fall Apart. He died on March 21, 2013, at the age of 82.

Ibadan Book Club To Host Memorial Reading For Oyetunde Olukayode Fadeyi

IBADAN BOOK CLUB TO HOST MEMORIAL READING FOR OYETUNDE OLUKAYODE FADEYI

The Ibadan Book Club has announced plans to hold a special reading in memory of the late Oyetunde Olukayode Fadeyi, a staunch supporter of the Club and father of one of its members, Olukayode Jessica. The tribute event is scheduled to take place on Saturday, November 30, 2024, at the Oyo State Library Board, opposite Cocoa House, Ibadan, starting at 12 PM.

This was revealed in a statement issued by the founder of the Club, Wole Adedoyin, in Ibadan on Saturday. The event aims to celebrate the life and legacy of Mr. Fadeyi while also fostering literary expressions in his honor.

The special reading will bring together family, friends, and members of the literary community to pay tribute to the late Fadeyi. Members of the Club will present their creative works, including poems, short stories, and essays, dedicated to his memory.

Born in 1964 in Ibadan, Oyo State, Oyetunde Olukayode Fadeyi was a man of many accomplishments. He completed his primary and secondary education in Ibadan before earning an Ordinary National Diploma in Accounting from Osun State College of Technology, Esa-Oke, and a Higher National Diploma in Accounting from The Polytechnic, Ibadan.

Mr. Fadeyi’s professional journey included a long tenure at Nestlé Foods, after which he ventured into the electronics business, managing a shop at Dugbe Railway Shopping Complex. Between 2012 and 2014, he served as the complex manager, demonstrating exemplary leadership skills. He was also an estate agent and a devout prophet from 2006 until his passing, remembered for his steadfast faith and dedication to the values of truth, prayer, and forgiveness.

Beyond his professional and spiritual pursuits, Mr. Fadeyi was deeply committed to his family and community. As the president of Ifesowapo Community Four Zone Oke-Badan, he played a pivotal role in fostering unity and progress among his neighbors. He was cherished as a loving father to six children and respected by all who knew him.

The Ibadan Book Club views this special reading as an opportunity not only to honor Mr. Fadeyi’s life but also to inspire attendees through the power of words and storytelling. His unwavering support for the Club and his impact on those around him make this tribute a fitting way to celebrate his memory.

The event is open to the public, and the Club extends an invitation to all who wish to join in commemorating the life of this remarkable man. For further details about the program, interested participants can contact the organizers via [Wole Adedoyin - 08072673852].

As the literary community gathers to celebrate his legacy, the Ibadan Book Club reiterates its commitment to using literature as a means to honor those who have positively impacted society. Mr. Fadeyi’s life exemplifies the values the Club seeks to promote: resilience, faith, and a love for humanity.

Jide Ogunlana To Headline Ibadan Children’s Literature Workshop

JIDE OGUNLANA TO HEADLINE IBADAN CHILDREN’S LITERATURE WORKSHOP

The Ibadan Children’s Literature Workshop is set to host Mr. Jide Ogunlana, an award-winning children’s writer, novelist, editor, playwright, and professional publisher, as its keynote facilitator for this month’s edition. Known for his contributions to the growth of children’s literature in Nigeria, Ogunlana will bring his wealth of experience to guide participants on mastering the art of writing for young audiences.

This was revealed in a statement issued by the founder of the Club, Wole Adedoyin, in Ibadan on Saturday.

Scheduled for November 30, 2024, the workshop will take place at the Oyo State Library Board, opposite Cocoa House, Ibadan, starting at 12 PM. The event promises to be an enriching experience for aspiring and established writers seeking to deepen their craft and understanding of children’s literature.

The workshop will cover a wide range of essential topics. Participants will explore the different genres of children’s books, from picture books and chapter books to middle-grade fiction and young adult novels. They will also learn about crafting age-appropriate content, creating engaging plots, and developing memorable characters and themes tailored for young readers.

Ogunlana will delve into the art of writing engaging dialogue and narratives that captivate young audiences. Emphasis will also be placed on the role of illustrations in children’s books, highlighting techniques for creating visually appealing artwork and fostering effective collaboration between authors and illustrators.

A special segment will focus on addressing sensitive topics such as bullying, grief, and disability in a manner that is both age-appropriate and impactful. Additionally, Ogunlana will discuss ways to reflect local culture, history, and traditions in storytelling, as well as the importance of writing in indigenous languages and promoting bilingual books.

For aspiring authors navigating the publishing landscape, the workshop will offer insights into the pros and cons of traditional publishing versus self-publishing. Ogunlana will also share tips on finding and working with literary agents or publishers, ensuring participants leave equipped to take their work to the next level.

Marketing strategies will be a key highlight of the event, with discussions on leveraging social media, organizing school visits, and participating in book fairs to reach a broader audience. Writers will also receive valuable guidance on copyright and intellectual property considerations for children’s books.

Organizers of the Ibadan Children’s Literature Workshop are excited to offer this opportunity to writers passionate about creating meaningful and engaging content for children. The event aligns with their mission to nurture and mentor the next generation of children’s literature creators.

Participation in the workshop is open to all, with prior registration required. Writers, educators, illustrators, and literary enthusiasts are encouraged to attend. For more information and registration details, contact the organizers at [Wole Adedoyin - 08072673852].

This workshop is more than an event—it’s a movement to shape the future of children’s literature in Nigeria. Don’t miss the chance to learn from one of the most respected voices in the field.