SYNW Congratulates Kevin Fitzgerald on Appointment as IAF Secretary General

 

SYNW CONGRATULATES KEVIN FITZGERALD ON APPOINTMENT AS IAF SECRETARY GENERAL

 

The Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW Global), a distinguished member of the International Authors Forum (IAF), has extended its warm congratulations to Kevin Fitzgerald CMG on his recent appointment as the new Secretary General of the IAF. This notable achievement has been met with great enthusiasm by SYNW Global, who is eager to celebrate and support Kevin in his new role.

In a press release issued by Wole Adedoyin, the President of SYNW Global, the society expressed full confidence in Kevin Fitzgerald’s leadership abilities. His extensive experience and impressive career, particularly in his previous roles at the United Nations World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) as Cabinet Director and Director of Digital Outreach, position him as a highly qualified individual to lead the IAF into its next phase of global advocacy.

Kevin’s expertise in intellectual property law and digital innovation is expected to play a pivotal role in enhancing the IAF's international influence and advocacy efforts for authors worldwide. His deep understanding of copyright law and its digital implications will enable the IAF to better serve the global community of authors, protecting their rights in an increasingly digital and interconnected world.

SYNW Global is particularly excited about Kevin’s vision for expanding the IAF’s international presence. As an active member of the IAF, SYNW Global acknowledged the significance of this development and anticipates that Kevin’s leadership will strengthen relationships with international stakeholders, governments, and organizations, ensuring that authors’ voices continue to resonate in global policy discussions.

The Society of Young Nigerian Writers also expressed its anticipation that under Kevin’s stewardship, the IAF will continue to lead the charge in advocating for the protection of intellectual property, fair compensation for authors, and the creation of accessible platforms for creative expression. These are key causes that SYNW Global is passionate about and actively supports within Nigeria's literary community.

SYNW Global once again congratulates Kevin Fitzgerald CMG on his appointment and looks forward to working closely with him and the IAF to further the shared goals of promoting the rights and interests of authors worldwide. The society is confident that his leadership will drive positive change and advance the mission of the IAF for years to come.

The Society of Young Nigerian Writers wished Kevin Fitzgerald every success in his new role and reaffirms its commitment to supporting the IAF’s ongoing efforts to build a more equitable and inclusive literary world for all authors.

Writers Greet Mrs. Mabel Segun on 95th Birthday

 

WRITERS GREET MRS. MABEL SEGUN ON 95TH BIRTHDAY

 

Writers under the aegis of the Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW Global) have congratulated one of Nigeria’s foremost literary figures, Mrs. Mabel Segun, on the remarkable occasion of her 95th birthday.

The Society, in a statement issued by its President, Wole Adedoyin, lauded Segun for her unparalleled contributions to Nigerian literature and her lifelong dedication to promoting children’s literature in the country.

Mabel Segun, born in 1930, is an iconic Nigerian poet, playwright, short story writer, and children’s book author. She has touched generations with her rich storytelling, deeply resonant themes, and a tireless commitment to cultural preservation through literature. Over the decades, her work has earned both national and international recognition, making her one of the most revered figures in African literature.

Segun’s literary journey began with her first book, My Father's Daughter, published in 1965. The book has not only been a favorite in Nigerian schools but is also widely used as a literature text around the globe. This achievement marked the beginning of an illustrious career that would see her become one of the trailblazers for Nigerian and African children's literature. Her works have been translated into several languages, including German, Danish, Norwegian, and Greek, further solidifying her status as a global literary ambassador.

A tireless advocate for children's literature, Segun founded the Children’s Literature Association of Nigeria in 1978, an organization that continues to champion the cause of young readers and writers. In 1990, she further demonstrated her commitment to literary development with the establishment of the Children’s Documentation and Research Centre in Ibadan. This landmark initiative provided a space for the growth and development of Nigerian children's books, nurturing the literary voices of the next generation.

As a founding member of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) in 1981, Segun played a key role in shaping the literary landscape of Nigeria. Her work within the association, alongside other literary luminaries like Chinua Achebe, paved the way for the recognition of Nigerian literature on the global stage. Her extensive involvement in the literary community has had a lasting impact on the growth and evolution of Nigerian authorship.

Segun's diverse career also spanned broadcasting, where she won the prestigious Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation’s Artiste of the Year award in 1977. This accolade recognized her exceptional contribution to the Nigerian entertainment and media industries. As a broadcaster, she was able to further reach audiences across the country, engaging listeners with her passion for storytelling.

In addition to her broadcasting and literary achievements, Segun has been honored with numerous prestigious awards, including the Nigerian National Order of Merit Award (NNOM) in 2009 for her lifetime of achievements in literature. This recognition stands as a testament to her profound influence on Nigerian literature and her unparalleled commitment to fostering a literary culture that nurtures creativity and excellence.

Some of Segun's other notable works include Under the Mango Tree (co-edited in 1979), Youth Day Parade (1984), Olu and the Broken Statue (1985), Conflict and Other Poems (1986), The Twins and the Tree Spirits (1990), The Surrender and Other Stories (1995), Readers’ Theatre: Twelve Plays for Young People (2006), and Rhapsody: A Celebration of Nigerian Cooking and Food Culture (2007), among many others. Each of these works reflects her deep understanding of the human experience, as well as her ability to craft stories that entertain, educate, and inspire.

As Mrs. Mabel Segun celebrates this remarkable milestone, the Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW Global) offers prayers for her continued good health, peace, and divine grace. They pray that she is blessed with many more years of strength, wisdom, and fulfillment. They also pray that her inspiring legacy continues to thrive, and that her life remains a beacon of hope and encouragement for generations of writers and readers. The Society prays that the Almighty continues to guide her path and bless her abundantly for the invaluable contributions she has made to literature and to the world.

 

Writers Mourn The Passing of Chief Joop Berkhout

 **PRESS RELEASE**  

**WRITERS MOURN THE PASSING OF CHIEF JOOP BERKHOUT**  

 Writers under the aegis of the Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW) have expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Chief Joop Berkhout, a distinguished publisher and literary icon. 

His demise signifies the end of an era in Nigeria’s publishing industry, where he played a pivotal role in shaping and advancing the country’s literary landscape.

In a statement issued by the President of SYNW, Wole Adedoyin, the association described Chief Berkhout as a visionary who dedicated his life to the advancement of literature and education in Nigeria. His contributions to the publishing industry and his mentorship of numerous writers and publishers have left an indelible mark on the country’s literary heritage.  

Born in Amsterdam on March 31, 1930, Chief Joop Berkhout relocated to Nigeria, where he became a towering figure in the country’s publishing sector. He passed away at the age of 94 in Ibadan, Oyo State, the city that became his home and the center of his literary and publishing endeavors.  

Chief Berkhout is widely regarded as the doyen of Nigeria’s publishing industry. He was the founding Managing Director of Evans Brothers Nigeria in 1967 before establishing Spectrum Books Limited in 1978. His impact on the industry continued with the founding of Safari Books Limited in 1991, ensuring the publication of numerous educational and literary works that have influenced generations of readers.  

Through his publishing houses, Chief Berkhout helped nurture and promote Nigerian literature, giving a platform to both emerging and established writers. Many of the country’s iconic books and educational materials owe their existence to his foresight and commitment to quality publishing.  

His dedication to the advancement of education and literature earned him several prestigious honors. He was conferred with the national title of *Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON)* for his contributions to Nigeria’s educational and literary sectors. Additionally, in 1992, he was honored with the chieftaincy title of *Okunborode of Ife* in recognition of his impact on Nigerian culture.  

Beyond publishing, Chief Berkhout played an active role in academia. He was the immediate past Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council at Michael and Cecilia Ibru University, Agbarha, Delta State, where his leadership contributed to the institution’s growth and academic excellence.  

Writers, publishers, and literary enthusiasts across the country are mourning the loss of this remarkable figure. His legacy lives on through the countless books he helped produce and the writers he supported throughout his career. His passing is a profound loss to the literary and publishing community.  

May his soul rest in peace.