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.