Ibadan Book Club Joins Well-Wishers To Console Yinka Ayefele Over Fire Incident

 IBADAN BOOK CLUB JOINS WELL-WISHERS TO CONSOLE YINKA AYEFELE OVER FIRE INCIDENT

 

The Ibadan Book Club has extended its heartfelt sympathy to renowned musician and broadcaster, Dr. Yinka Ayefele, over the recent inferno that gutted sections of his radio station, Fresh FM, Ibadan.

This was contained in a press statement issued in Ibadan by the Founder of the Club, Wole Adedoyin, who described the unfortunate incident as a great loss not only to Ayefele but also to the entire broadcasting and entertainment community in Oyo State and Nigeria at large.

The statement noted that Fresh FM Ibadan has, over the years, become a household name in the Nigerian media space, providing credible information, entertainment, and education to millions of listeners across the Southwest and beyond.

According to the Book Club, Ayefele’s resilience and vision in establishing and sustaining Fresh FM despite earlier life challenges remain an inspiration to countless Nigerians. The Club added that it was saddened to learn of the destruction caused by the fire outbreak.

Adedoyin further stressed that the incident should be seen as a temporary setback, expressing optimism that Ayefele, with his indomitable spirit, would bounce back stronger. He emphasized that Fresh FM has grown to become a cultural hub that has positively impacted literature, arts, and youth development in the region.

The statement also recalled the collaborative roles Fresh FM Ibadan has played in promoting arts, culture, and education, highlighting that the station has consistently supported book readings, literary discussions, and awareness on societal development issues.

The Ibadan Book Club urged the public and government at all levels to rally round Ayefele and Fresh FM in order to ensure that the station returns to full operations without much delay. It emphasized that institutions such as Fresh FM are too important to be allowed to fade into silence.

While expressing its solidarity with the staff and management of the station, the Club prayed for divine strength, provision, and wisdom for Ayefele as he works towards restoring normalcy.

Adwinsa Publications Unveils Nigerian Students’ Literature Prize, Seeks Support and Partnership

 

ADWINSA PUBLICATIONS UNVEILS NIGERIAN STUDENTS’ LITERATURE PRIZE, SEEKS SUPPORT AND PARTNERSHIP

 

In a bold and commendable move aimed at promoting literary excellence among young Nigerians, Adwinsa Publications Nigeria Limited has officially launched the Nigerian Students’ Literature Prize (NSLP).

The literary award initiative is targeted at discovering and celebrating fresh creative writing talents from primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions across Nigeria.

This announcement was made in a press statement jointly signed by Kwaku Oppong Amponsah, Director of the Company, and Wole Adedoyin, Nigerian Coordinator of Adwinsa Publications.

According to the statement, the Nigerian Students’ Literature Prize will provide a robust platform for nurturing and showcasing the literary abilities of students through competitions in poetry, short stories, and essays. The prize is expected to play a key role in revitalizing reading and writing culture among young Nigerians at all levels of education.

Adwinsa Publications Nigeria Limited, a duly registered publishing firm with the Corporate Affairs Commission (Registration Number: 667617), and known for its strong legacy in educational development, emphasized that the prize aligns with the company’s long-standing mission to inspire creativity and critical thinking in young minds. The Nigerian Students’ Literature Prize marks the second major initiative of the publishing house, following the successful implementation of its flagship project, the Read Nigeria Project.

Speaking on the importance of the prize, Wole Adedoyin said the initiative is a deliberate effort to encourage young Nigerian writers to find their voices early. “We are passionate about building a strong literary future for Nigeria. This prize is our contribution to national development through the power of literature,” he said.

Kwaku Oppong Amponsah called on government institutions, private organizations, publishing stakeholders, NGOs, and philanthropists to support and partner with Adwinsa Publications to expand the reach and impact of the prize. “This is not just about an award; it is about empowering the future generation of Nigerian writers and thinkers. We welcome sponsorship, technical partnerships, and collaborations that can elevate this vision,” he noted.

Entries for the Nigerian Students’ Literature Prize will be open to students enrolled in accredited Nigerian schools, colleges, and universities. Participants will be grouped into three categories based on their academic level, and each category will feature a tailored set of literary challenges and rewards. The competition will also include workshops, mentorship sessions, and nationwide readings.

Adwinsa Publications Nigeria Limited also announced plans to publish a biennial anthology featuring the best entries from the competition. This publication, the statement noted, will serve as both a reward and an exposure opportunity for budding authors, while also contributing to the body of student literature in the country.

The organizers further disclosed that a dedicated blog and social media channels for the NSLP would be launched in the coming weeks to provide updates, entry guidelines, and resources for participants and partners. Regional coordinators are also being appointed to ensure inclusivity and wide participation across the six geopolitical zones.

Adwinsa Publications Nigeria Limited reaffirmed its commitment to promoting literacy, intellectual development, and literary excellence among Nigerian youth. With the unveiling of the Nigerian Students’ Literature Prize, the publishing house sets a new milestone in its educational outreach, and calls on all stakeholders to rally around the initiative for its sustainability and success.

 

Ibadan Book Club, Ulli Beier Society To Hold Memorial Reading In Honour Of Late Busari Agbolade

 

IBADAN BOOK CLUB, ULLI BEIER SOCIETY TO HOLD MEMORIAL READING IN HONOUR OF LATE BUSARI AGBOLADE

 

The Ibadan Book Club, in collaboration with the Ulli Beier Society, has announced plans to host a special book reading and performance poetry session in honour of the late Elder Busari Agbolade.

The event, originally intended to be this year’s edition of the annual Busari Agbolade Memorial Lecture, was restructured due to logistical reasons. This change, however, has not diminished the essence of the tribute, which now shifts to a dynamic format celebrating literature and performance.

The memorial event is scheduled to take place on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at the Oyo State Library Board, located opposite Cocoa House, Dugbe, Ibadan. According to a press statement issued by the Founder of Ibadan Book Club, Wole Adedoyin, the event will begin at 12 PM and promises to provide a vibrant platform for young writers, poets, and literary enthusiasts to gather and commemorate the life and legacy of Elder Agbolade through words and artistic expression.

Adedoyin emphasized that the event will allow student-writers and performers to share their works, reflect on their literary journeys, and interact with an engaged audience comprising book lovers, fellow creatives, and stakeholders in the cultural community. The event seeks to continue Elder Agbolade’s legacy of promoting intellectual development, cultural engagement, and the preservation of Yoruba heritage through literature and the arts.

Over the years, the Busari Agbolade Memorial Lecture series has evolved into a significant platform for artistic reflection and cultural discourse. The inaugural edition held on May 29, 2021, was themed “Extending Creative Legacy”, and featured Murthada Lawal, who delivered a compelling lecture that underscored the importance of sustaining creative traditions.

The second edition, held on July 30, 2022, explored “The Importance of Drawing and Painting in Writing”, with visual artists Kola Akintola and Gbenga Akintayo delivering insightful presentations on the intersection of visual arts and literature, highlighting how illustrations can deepen storytelling and narrative expression.

The third edition, themed “Dance as an Expression of Culture”, took place on July 29, 2023, and featured renowned dancer and choreographer Christopher Emmanuel. His performance and lecture captivated audiences, demonstrating the power of movement in preserving oral traditions and community storytelling.

The most recent edition, held on July 27, 2024, featured Mr. Toyin Alade as the guest lecturer. Alade’s discourse focused on the “Impact of Atelier Practices on 21st Century Art” and offered a dreamscape view into the works of Abayomi Barber, enriching attendees with new dimensions of creative exploration and innovation.

One of the highlights of this year’s memorial reading will be a special performance by Damilare Olasunkanmi (Arole Akewi), a prolific actor, director, and choreographer known for his dynamic theatrical interpretations. Olasunkanmi’s work spans landmark performances across Nigeria, including cultural festivals and academic theatre productions, making him a befitting artist to honour the cultural legacy of Elder Agbolade.

The event will also feature poetic presentations by three emerging literary voices: Nwaobilor Vincent Chukwuebuka, winner of the 2024 Wittypel Poetry Competition and contributor to the Bridgett James Poetry Anthology; Asefon Abdulganeey Stephen, an ekphrastic poet and social critic; and other guest contributors who will lend their voices to the memory of Elder Agbolade through poetry and prose.

The Ibadan Book Club invites members of the public, writers, artists, cultural enthusiasts, and the entire literary community to be part of this memorable occasion. The event will not only celebrate Elder Agbolade’s life and contributions but also inspire a new generation to uphold the values he embodied—creativity, cultural awareness, and community development.

 

Olasunkanmi, Nwaobilor, Asefon To Headline Busari Agbolade Memorial Reading

 

OLASUNKANMI, NWAOBILOR, ASEFON TO HEADLINE BUSARI AGBOLADE MEMORIAL READING

 

The trio of Damilare Olasunkanmi (Arole Akewi), Nwaobilor Vincent Chukwuebuka, and Asefon Abdulganeey Stephen have been announced as the headliners for this year’s Busari Agbolade Memorial Reading. The event, which pays tribute to the life and legacy of the late Elder Busari Agbolade, promises a rich blend of literature, poetry, and performance art, led by these three outstanding young creatives.

Originally intended to be the 2025 edition of the annual Busari Agbolade Memorial Lecture, the event was restructured into a memorial reading and performance poetry session due to logistical adjustments. Despite the change in format, the essence of the tribute remains intact, celebrating Elder Agbolade’s enduring influence on literature, culture, and creative expression.

Scheduled to take place on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at the Oyo State Library Board, opposite Cocoa House, Dugbe, Ibadan, the event will begin at 12 PM. According to a statement issued by the Founder of the Ibadan Book Club, Wole Adedoyin, the reading will serve as a vibrant platform for literary enthusiasts to gather, connect, and honour the creative legacy of the departed cultural icon.

Adedoyin noted that the memorial will spotlight the creative journeys of student-writers and performers, offering them a space to showcase their talents and engage with a broad audience of readers, writers, and cultural stakeholders. He emphasized that the event is part of a continued effort to sustain Elder Agbolade’s vision of fostering literary excellence, cultural pride, and intellectual development within the community.

The event is organized by Ibadan Book Club in conjunction with the Ulli Beier Society.

DAMILARE OLASUNKANMI (Arole Akewi) is a dynamic actor, director, and choreographer renowned for his ability to interpret plays through powerful actions and movements. His artistic brilliance has been showcased across various corporate and social platforms nationwide. Notably, he performed a drama piece during the coronation of the late Olubadan of Ibadan, delivered a captivating dance performance during the World Sango Day celebration in Oyo, and recently shared the stage with renowned Nollywood actor, Razak Olayiwola (Ojopagogo), during the 50th birthday celebration of the Alaafin of Oyo.

As a director, Damilare has led the production of more than ten stage plays for institutions of higher learning, including: Oba Koso by Duro Ladipo (2021), Arimgindin and the Night Watchmen by Wale Ogunyemi (2021), Bashorun Gaa by Adebayo Faleti (2024) and Kurunmi by Ola Rotimi (2024), among others.

In addition to directing, he has also featured as an actor in several notable stage productions such as Oba Koso, Drum Ignominy, Yemoja, and Obaluye. His talent extends into the Nigerian film industry, where he has appeared in films including Yokolenu, Akanke Oba, Rogedi, and Iyalode, to mention a few.

Damilare Olasunkanmi is a passionate and committed creative who continues to strive for excellence in the arts. He is currently focused on promoting his craft to a broader audience, ensuring that his cultural and artistic heritage remains impactful and enduring.

NWAOBILOR VINCENT CHUKWUEBUKA is a Nigerian writer whose creative expression spans poetry, fiction, and essays. A passionate and emerging literary voice, he is currently pursuing a degree in English and Education at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria.

In 2024, Vincent gained national recognition when he emerged as the winner of the Wittypel Poetry Competition for Young Nigerian Poets, a prestigious platform celebrating literary excellence among the country’s youth. His work has also received international attention, having been featured in the latest edition of the Bridgett James Poetry Anthology, a globally respected annual publication showcasing outstanding poetic talents from around the world.

Vincent continues to explore themes of identity, society, and human experience through his writing, positioning himself as one of the promising voices in contemporary African literature.

ASEFON ABDULGANEEY STEPHEN is a critic, poet, and a deeply humane individual whose personality and values have profoundly shaped his writing journey. Originally from Ondo State, he currently resides in Ibadan, where the city's vibrant social and cultural environment continues to influence his literary voice and vision.

Stephen strongly believes in the transformative power of words to challenge suppression, resist oppression, and address societal injustices. While his works are yet to gain broad exposure, they remain a powerful tool for shaping thoughts, perspectives, and understanding among those who encounter them.

An ardent ekphrastic poet, Stephen draws inspiration from visual art—whether paintings or photographs—often finding that his pen begins to bleed verses unconsciously in response. His commitment to socially conscious poetry and his passion for the arts mark him as a thoughtful and promising literary voice.

 

Ibadan Book Club Launches New Literary Series, Ibadan Book Dialogue

 

IBADAN BOOK CLUB LAUNCHES NEW LITERARY SERIES, IBADAN BOOK DIALOGUE

 

The Ibadan Book Club has officially launched a fresh literary initiative tagged Ibadan Book Dialogue, signaling a new era of book-related engagements in the ancient city. This new project comes on the heels of the just-concluded Ibadan Book Talk, a highly impactful reading scheme that ran from January to June 2025 and featured over 20 prominent Nigerian writers.

In a press statement issued recently in Ibadan by the Founder of the Club, Mr. Wole Adedoyin, the Ibadan Book Dialogue is set to continue the club's tradition of promoting literature, reading culture, and literary interaction among residents of Oyo State and beyond. The initiative, according to him, will adopt a slightly different format from its predecessor by focusing more on literary interviews and podcast-style conversations.

Unlike the Ibadan Book Talk, which emphasized book reviews and direct author-reader engagements, Ibadan Book Dialogue will center around curated interviews with writers, literary professionals, publishers, and reading advocates. The platform will also serve as a channel to share literary opportunities such as fellowships, residencies, calls for submission, and grants with participants and the general public.

Wole Adedoyin emphasized that this mid-year switch in literary programming is a deliberate tradition of the Ibadan Book Club. "Every year, we divide our programming into two phases. From January to June, we implemented Ibadan Book Talk. Now, from July to December 2025, we are rolling out Ibadan Book Dialogue as a fresh and more interactive experience," he explained.

The new project will also be available in podcast format to ensure wider accessibility and participation. According to the organizers, selected interviews and readings will be uploaded to digital platforms to engage readers, writers, and literary enthusiasts across Nigeria and the diaspora.

The club is also partnering with three prominent literary bodies to bring the project to life: Writers Embassy, Readers Republic, and the Writers Book of Record. These organizations will jointly support the initiative through mentorship, technical assistance, media visibility, and resource sharing.

Over the years, the Ibadan Book Club has been at the forefront of literary advocacy and community reading development. Past initiatives include Ibadan Reads, Oyo Reads, Read Nigeria Project, Write and Publish Project, and most recently, the now-retired Ibadan Book Talk. Each project has contributed uniquely to the advancement of literary culture in the region.

Adedoyin reiterated that Ibadan Book Dialogue is open to all lovers of literature, including students, aspiring writers, publishers, librarians, book critics, and academics. “We invite everyone who shares a passion for books and creative expression to be part of this exciting new chapter,” he said.

The Ibadan Book Dialogue is expected to kick off its first session in late July, with a lineup of esteemed guests and interactive discussions. Updates on dates, guests, and featured books will be made available on the club’s official social media handles and partner platforms.