Tuesday, 18 February 2025

A Tribute To Mrs Mabel Segun @95 By Dr Wale Okediran

 A Tribute To Mrs Mabel Segun @95

                             By

                  Dr Wale Okediran



I consider it a great honor and privilege to write this Tribute for Mama Segun on her 95th birthday.  


I recall that in her younger days, Mrs Segun was averse to being referred to as ‘Mama Segun’. However, at 95, I consider it very appropriate to call her by this well- deserved and distinguished name.


I have known Mrs Segun for more than 40 years. Just like many writers of my generation, my first contact with mama was through her famous book; ’My Father’s Daughter’ which I read as a school text in my secondary school days.


 Our relationship continued over the years principally through many literary platforms especially that of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA).


 We also collaborated on some literary projects particularly, the Encyclopedia of Post – Colonial Literatures in English Published by Routledge, 11 New fetter Lane, London where I contributed two entries on “African Authors” and “Literary Associations”


Another very significant project was the Workshop on Children’s Literature which took place many years ago in Kaduna under the auspices of the Association of Nigerian Authors. 


I recollect vividly that during the Workshop which was sponsored by the late General Shehu Yar Dua, I also registered as a participant. It was therefore Mrs Segun’s tutelage at that Workshop that gave me the proficiency to become a Children’s Literature writer.


In addition to our literary association, Mrs Segun was also very close to my family and is remembered till today with reverence and admiration by my children who were very fond of her when they were very young.


Although Mabel Segun has written for both adults and children, it is as a writer of children’s books that she is well noted. Till date, she has written, co-authored and edited around eleven children's books.


 These include the autobiographies for younger readers My Father's Daughter published in 1965 and My Mother's Daughter published in 1986, as well as Olu and the Broken Statue (1985), The First Corn (1989) and The Twins and the Tree Spirits (1991/2004). Mama has also published poetry for children, including one she edited with Neville Grant - Under the Mango Tree (1980) - that features poems for all over Africa and the diaspora.


A champion for children's literature in Nigeria, Mrs Segun founded the Children's Literature Association of Nigeria in 1978 and set up the Children's Documentation and Research Centre in 1990 in Ibadan.


 In justifying a special attention to children’s literature, Mrs Segun had this to say;

... writing for children is much more difficult than writing for adults. Children at different ages have different interests, different psychological make-ups and different cognitive experiences. You must use simple language and you must never talk down to children.......


In her meritorious contribution to literature, Mrs Segun has been among other things; a Fellow at the International Youth Library in Munich, a member of the children's books review panel for African Book Publishing Record published in Oxford, an assessor for the Noma Award for Publishing in Africa and a collaborator with the International Board on Books for Young People in Basel.


 In 2007, Segun's play for children - Readers' Theatre: Twelve Plays for Young People was joint winner of the NLNG Nigeria Prize for Children's Literature. The twelve plays included popular folktales, as well as ones on Nigerian heroes.


I cannot conclude this brief Tribute without thanking Omowunmi, for her sterling role in the upkeep and care of her mother. I also extend the same thanksgiving to Mrs Segun’s other children including her grand- children.


As she celebrates her 95th birthday, I join her large group of mentees, friends, family and relatives to wish mama many happy returns of the day in good health and happiness.

Wednesday, 12 February 2025

Joop Berkhout: Death and a Writers' Loss by Wale Okediran

 JOOP BERKHOUT: DEATH AND A WRITERS' LOSS BY WALE OKEDIRAN 


                                                                               

On one sunny day in July 1987 at the Enugu Trade Fair grounds in Enugu, Nigeria when the late iconic African Writer, Cyprian Ekwensi held up my hand and publicly presented my first novel; RAINBOWS ARE FOR LOVERS (RAFL), I felt a glow of happiness and relief flow through me.


 After several years in ‘the publication wilderness’, I was finally a published author. I was still relishing that golden moment when my Publisher, the indefatigable Joop Berkhout of Spectrum Books Ltd, Ibadan nudged me to life and reminded me to make a speech and later taught me how to autograph a book.


That momentous day in Enugu marked the beginning of my over 40-years relationship with that great man, a quintessential man of books, a writers’ delight and a loyal friend. During those years, three of my books were published by Chief Berkhout’s then publishing stable, Spectrum Books. 


While RAFL went on to become one of Spectrum’s best- sellers, THE BOYS AT THE BORDER was shortlisted for the 1991 Commonwealth Literature Prize. Even though DREAMS DIE AT TWILIGHT (Malthouse Press, 2001) was not published by Spectrum Books, the book was adjudged as one of the best 25 books in Nigeria in the last 25 years during Spectrum Book’s 25th anniversary in 2003.


Although a hard- nosed businessman, Joop Berkhout invested in writers and remained until his death, perhaps, one of the most writer-friendly publishers in this part of the world. Apart from paying me a generous advance royalty for RAFL, Chief Berkhout also put me on the then Nigeria Airways, Lagos to Enugu flight WT 264, ‘ Ikogosun Warm Springs’ for the book launch. Unlike these days when many authors have to run after their publishers for their legitimate book royalties, regular twice yearly royalty payment was the norm during Chief Berkhout’s time at Spectrum Books. 


In 2007, when Joop Berkhout founded Safari Books Limited after his temporary retirement from Spectrum Books, he appointed me a Publishing Consultant to the new outfit. In his Letter of Appointment he sated thus; ’’I am glad that you have joined us as our publishing consultant. I can assure you that I will keep you busy for many years to come’’.


 Even though at that time he was already in his 80s, he kept to his words by pilling me with loads of jobs and responsibilities especially in the area of Biography writing. In the course of my duty, Chief Berkhout introduced me to some leading captains of industry, political leaders as well as former Nigerian Presidents some of whom I personally interviewed for their biographies.


A great socialite and humanist, I was part of his regular league of lunch and dinner guests in his Ibadan home, Cambridge House, a house made famous by the past occupant, the late Nigerian poet, Christopher Okigbo. During those encounters, ‘Chairman’ as I fondly called him, regularly regaled me with his thoughts on almost every conceivable topic under the sky even if we didn’t always agree with each other on such topics.


With his demise, Nigeria, has lost a wonderful and illustrious senior citizen, as well as a publisher per excellence who despite his Dutch heritage was a naturalized Nigerian who made the country his home for 59 out of his 94 years on earth. May his soul rest in perfect peace. Amen.

Thursday, 30 January 2025

A MEMORY OF CALIFORNIA By Wale Okediran

 A MEMORY OF CALIFORNIA 


              By


     Wale Okediran 




SIMI Valley. Midnight. I was woken by the flapping of the trendy silk window curtains, then the howling of the wind. From a whimper, the howling ascended in intensity rising to the level of a growl.  Sounds hesitating and vague now flooded the room to be followed by dry creaking sounds as the branch of the tree in the lawn outside rubbed against the window.


Waking up with a start, I thought I was on a seaside with a turbulent sea storm orchestrating the midnight melee. The truth was that, I was miles away from any body of water.  I was right in the middle of a valley with rugged dry mountain peaks all around me in the heart of Southern California precisely, in Los Angeles, “the city of Angels”.


“We call it the Santa Ana” my friend and host in Los Angeles, Tayo Popoola explained to me when I later asked him about the tempestuous wind that had aroused me from my midnight slumber.  “It comes from the mountains and it can be so strong as to cause serious damage to houses and facilities,’’ Tayo added.


The Santa Ana was still in full force, hours later when I went outside to view the beautiful mountains and valleys of this angelic part of “Gods own Country.” And as I stood outside admiring the view around me, I could feel the full force of the gusts of hot, dry air on my face as it continued its journey from the surrounding mountains.  


Legend has it that the wind, just like many winds, usually brings with it the smell of distant mountains and hills.  It was said to also bring with it “the sweat and dreams of men who had once left to search for the unknown, for gold and for adventure.”  And if you listened carefully, legend insists, you could hear the singing and dancing of the native Indians who actually owned the land before the advent of the white men. I therefore tried to listen, but all I heard were the howling noises of wind and dust under the blistering midday sun.


The Santa Ana is said to be a periodic wind that blows in sporadic bursts from October through March and presents a triple threat of wind, heat and dryness which often turns the region’s hardscrabble flora into explosive fuel for the wildfires.  While drying out vegetation, the winds fan any flames that ignite leading to widespread forest fires that can span hundreds of thousands of acres.


According to records, perhaps, the most serious Santa Ana to have ever occurred was the one that blew sometimes in December 2011 when the wind was said to have exceeded 80 mph in speed. The winds that year was said to have overturned tractors, trailers, downed trees and knocked out the power supply to Los Angeles International Airport as well as an estimated 200,000 homes.


I HAD come to Southern California as part of the last leg of my “US Coast to Coast Book Reading Tour” sponsored by Arik Air International.  New York, Atlanta, Boston, Providence, Rhode Island and Los Angeles were the six city stops for the reading tour.


After my New York reading, I had departed the JFK International Airport for the 6- hour flight to Los Angeles aboard an American Airlines flight.  The flight had a lot of Chinese on board who I was told, were going for holidays. A few days earlier I had encountered another large number of Chinese tourists on the grounds of Harvard University in Boston. This sudden swarm of Chinese tourists on American soil has been linked to China’s new found affluence.


Unknown to me, there was no complimentary in-flight refreshment on the 6- hour transatlantic flight and many of the passengers who were aware of this, had come with their own meals.  The Chinese lady who sat next to me ate a sharp smelling stuff that briefly disturbed me even though she had politely asked my permission to eat before starting.  Since California is three hours behind New York, we landed at the Los Angeles International Airport at 10.55pm L.A time even though it was still 9.55pm in New York and 3.55am in Nigeria.


To receive me at the airport were my high school mates Tayo Popoola, a practising LA lawyer and Toks ‘Cappello’ Yerokun, an Atlanta-based Professor, who had also made the long haul to LA to be part of my reading.


Despite the weariness of my long trip, I was excited when Tayo suggested that we immediately go on a quick visit to Downtown L.A where we went straight to the Civic Centre which housed the City Hall, City Building, and the Country Building Annexes where Tayo worked.


I was also shown the Criminal Court Building where the celebrated case of OJ Simpson took place, the Staple Centre, home to famous Basketball and Ice Hockey teams such as The Lakers, LA Clippers among others. The buildings despite the history and fame behind them all looked simple and humble in their darkened surroundings.


Even though it was late, downtown LA was still very active as could be seen by the bright lights and heavy human and vehicular traffic.


“BROWN faces have surpassed black faces in southern LA,” Tayo said in obvious reference to the teeming population of Hispanics who dominated the region.  So obvious is the Hispanics presence in LA that many of the traffic directions and instructions in the region are in Spanish.  This development could be due to the fact that most of California was originally Mexico. The joke in California, according to Tayo, is that the US bought the state of California from Mexico for just a dollar!


However, the truth of the matter was that as part of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo which ended the Mexico-US war in 1848, the US “bought” much of the Western US for just $15 million (about $300 million in current rate).  This part of the US includes California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah and parts of Colorado and New Mexico.


In Mexico, this historical incident remains a sore point and generations of Mexicans grow up thinking that the land was stolen from them and so the joke about the land being sold for just one dollar.


In addition, although the US promised to honour the land rights of Mexicans living on the land, allegations abound that it failed to do so.  Since the deal came before the California Gold Push, the riches gained by the US far surpassed the amount paid for the land. In what seems like a revenge move, Hispanics have now moved into South LA pushing blacks to other parts of the city and creating a lot of racial tension in the process.


I WAS also shown the site of the 1999 Rodney King race riot, an amorphous boundary between the high density downtown region and the affluent Simi Valley part of the town.


Expectedly, the most interesting part of my downtown visit was the visit to Hollywood.  Even though it was late, a throng of tourists could be seen by the sidewalks of Hollywood Boulevard and Sunshine Boulevard admiring and photographing important sites and statues. It was all glitz and light as tourists went from studio to studio posing with the wax figures of some of their favourite actors and actresses.


A lot of stories abound of many aspiring actors and actresses who came to Hollywood in search of fame and fortune only to end up being destroyed by alcohol, drugs and disappointment. Luckily, a fair number of the fortune seekers finally made it.


And as we cruised round the glittering edifice that made up the number one word film region, I could not but marvel at the sheer industry and legendary of Hollywood.


IT was almost midnight when Tayo turned back to the Freeway and proceeded to his house in the Simi Valley region.


After a restful Saturday morning after I had been prematurely aroused by Santa Ana, Tayo drove me to the venue of my reading at Ramada Inn in Chartsworth at the other end of town. And as we traversed the width and breadth of Los Angeles, I observed the very dry vegetation with craggy hills and mountains while Santa Ana continued blowing. Many of the houses were built Mexican style with fire resistant brown roofs as a precaution to the notorious fire outbreaks for which the region is well noted. As if to confirm its reputation as a fire prone area, I saw far in the horizon the beginning of a mountain fire, sparkling and cracking as the dry dusty Santa Ana continued to fan its embers.


I was informed that most of those fires were caused by carelessness… smokers, campers and others who carelessly throw burning matches or cigarettes anywhere.


IT was a motley crowd of Africans and Americans that attended my reading which commenced around 2pm. Being a weekend, some of the guests came with their whole family. I was particularly delighted to see that due to the wide expanse of the State of California, some of the guests had driven long distances some for about two hours just to attend the reading. 


I was especially happy to see Dr Sotu Omoigui a joint author of the current Nigerian Anthem who came with his family to the reading. According to information, the lyrics of the Nigerian anthem is a combination of words and phrases taken from five of the best entries sent in by John A Ilechukwu, Eme Etim Akpan, B A Ogunnaike, Sotu Omoigui and P O Aderibigbe in a national competition organised in 1978. The lyrics were subsequently set into music by the Nigerian Police Band under the directorship of B E Odiase. Dr Omoigui, a chatty and friendly  man, was a LA-based medical doctor.


 The very lively Book reading which was followed by a hearty ‘question and answer session’ was brought to an end with an autograph session and cocktails.


AS I later departed for dinner with my guests, Santa Ana was still performing, blowing off caps, hats and in some cases, groceries.  We ended up at Cheese Cake Factory at Thousand Oaks a few kilometres away from Simi Valley. I was dumbfounded when we were informed that we had to wait for 50 minutes for a table to be available! I could not imagine waiting for even ten minutes for a table in any Nigerian restaurant. However, my hosts made me realise that being a weekend, it will be difficult to get another restaurant so, we just had to wait. To kill the time, we went round the Shopping Mall for some ‘window’ shopping.


We were soon back for dinner. And as I tucked into my delicious order of Grilled Salmon, Mashed Potatoes and Artichoke, it was obvious that the 50-minute wait for a table at the Cheesecake Factory restaurant was worth it. Moments later, we were back home  in the Sycamore Village Estate in time to watch a wrestling match, a favourite past time of my host.


It was blazing hot and bright when I woke up refreshed the following day. Like a ghost, Santa Ana had suddenly disappeared. I was informed that the dry gusty wind comes and goes on its own volution. 


WITH the rigours of my travels and readings behind me, I was now relaxed and in a good form to do some shopping and sightseeing. Our first port of call was a nearby Shopping Mall where I picked up a few items at Mercy’s, JC Penney, and Target supermarkets. 


From there, we proceeded to the Ronald Reagan Memorial Presidential Library on 40 Presidential Drive, Simi Valley, an expansive facility which housed the former President’s Mausoleum, the Library, an old Air Force One Plane as well as his official Chopper and Armoured car.


 The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Centre for Public Affairs is the presidential library and final resting place of Ronald Wilson Reagan, the 40th President of the United States. Designed by Hugh Stubbins and Associates, the library is located in Simi Valley, California, about 40 miles (64 km) northwest of Downtown Los Angeles and 15 miles (24 km) west of Chatsworth. The Reagan Library is the largest of the thirteen federally operated presidential libraries. The street address, 40 Presidential Drive, is numbered in honour of Reagan’s place as the 40th President.


The Library/Museum is located on top a hill with a great view of the Simi Valley. Due to the then ongoing economic shutdown by the US Congress, the facility was not operating at full strength on the day of our visit. Thus, there were very few visitors around, still, the staff were very friendly and helpful as we went round the facility.


At the entrance to the Library’s hallway was a large life like portrait of the former President where I happily posed. As we later went on a guided tour of the Air Force One which last flew on September 8 2001 when it was brought to the museum, it was obvious that the Boeing 727 aircraft still looked elegant. We were shown the Cockpit, Communications room, Forward Gallery where meals can be cooked for the President and his team as well as the President’s Office, State Room Two, Board Room, Senior Staff Room, Security Compartment as well as the Press Compartment. I also had a quick look at President Reagan’s marble mausoleum in the Library’s courtyard. The highlight of my visit was however, Air Force One, the official American Presidential aircraft. You can walk through the plane that was used by several U.S. Presidents.  We were not allowed to take photographs while on the plane, but we got our picture at the gangway taken by a staff member for $15.


The visit over, I went for a walk in the Sycamore Village and Sycamore Heights neighbourhood with my host. Nice and beautiful buildings some belonging to the rich and famous could be seen high up the mountains and hills their lights beaming and twinkling like a thousand stars. The area I was told was home to some famous Americans such as Clint Eastwood and former  California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger among others.


As if waiting to wish me a good bye, Santa Ana was back as I made my way to the Los Angeles Airport the following day for my departure to New York. From the comfort of the air -conditioned car, I watched as  pedestrians struggled with their flapping jackets, hats and handbags as the gusty dry wind resumed its activity. Far in the horizon, on a mountain top, I could see a pall of flickering light and smoke, the beginning of another wildfire as I took my exit from the ‘City of Angels’.

Dr Wale Okediran to join the Panel Discussion on Biography Writing

 Dr Wale Okediran to join the Panel Discussion on Biography Writing: Promises and Perils in Collaboration with PAWA, February 2, 2025



Dr Wale Okediran, Secretary General of the Pan African Writers Association (PAWA) is a published author of 14 novels, 3 Travel stories collections and 6 Biographies.


He will give insights into the art of Biography and Ghost writing during the Webinar


Please join us for a panel discussion with our distinguished panelists, Dr Wale Okediran, Mansoura Ez-Eldin, Douglas Ogbankwa Esq, and Reinette MULONDA who will be sharing their expertise on "Biography Writing: Promises and Perils" in Collaboration with PAWA


Sunday, February 2, 2025

10 AM Austin

5 PM Nigeria

6 PM Egypt


Register Here:

https://www.tfinterviews.com/post/bio-writing


Join via Zoom:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89140129742

Saturday, 18 January 2025

Judges Unveiled for Wale Okediran @ 70 National Poetry Competition

 

JUDGES UNVEILED FOR WALE OKEDIRAN @ 70 NATIONAL POETRY COMPETITION


 

The organizers of the Wale Okediran @ 70 National Poetry Competition have announced the esteemed panel of judges who will assess entries for the ongoing contest. Launched to celebrate the 70th birthday of renowned author and medical doctor, Dr. Wale Okediran, the competition is designed to spotlight emerging literary talent in Nigeria and honor the enduring legacy of one of Nigeria’s most prolific writers.

Targeted at young and emerging poets aged 25 years or younger, the poetry competition aims to provide a platform for creativity and literary expression. It seeks to encourage young writers to explore the art of poetry while contributing to the growing richness of Nigerian literature. This initiative also offers participants an opportunity to gain national recognition for their work, further strengthening the future of poetry in the country.

The jury, consisting of three distinguished figures in the literary and arts community, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the competition. Leading the panel is Professor Mabel Evwierhoma, a Nigerian Professor of Theatre Arts at the University of Abuja. An expert in dramatic theory, criticism, gender studies, and cultural studies, Professor Evwierhoma has held notable positions, including Dean of the Faculty of Arts at the University of Abuja and Director of the Centre for Gender Security Studies and Youth Advancement.

Joining her is Khalid Imam, a bilingual writer and multiple award-winning poet, playwright, and art administrator. Imam, who serves as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Poetry Renaissance Trust, has a prolific publishing record spanning various genres and languages, including English and Hausa. As the founder of the All Poets Network International and the pioneer Festival Director of the Nigeria Poetry Festival, Imam brings extensive experience in promoting poetry and literary culture, both locally and internationally.

The third judge is Akudo Nkemjika Okeke, a dynamic performance poet and fiction writer whose creative works resonate deeply with audiences. Known for her vibrant performances and compelling storytelling, Okeke represents the growing influence of young Nigerian poets and writers on the global literary stage.

Speaking about the competition, the Coordinator of the contest, Wole Adedoyin emphasized that the trio of judges was carefully selected to ensure fairness, integrity, and a comprehensive evaluation of all entries. They noted that the judges’ combined expertise in literary criticism, performance arts, and cultural studies would play a pivotal role in identifying and rewarding outstanding poetic talent.

The Wale Okediran @ 70 National Poetry Competition has already garnered significant interest among young writers across the country. Entries are expected to explore diverse themes, reflecting the creativity and ingenuity of Nigeria’s emerging poets.

As the deadline for submissions approaches, the organizers urge eligible poets to seize the opportunity to participate and make their voices heard. Winners will be announced at a special event commemorating Dr. Wale Okediran’s 70th birthday, further cementing his legacy as a champion of Nigerian literature.

For more information about the competition, including submission guidelines and deadlines, interested participants are encouraged to follow the organizers’ official blog @ https://waleokediranat70poetrycompetition.blogspot.com/2025/01/call-for-entries-wale-okediran-70.html.

 

Organizers Announce Wale Okediran @70 National Poetry Competition, Call for Entries

 

ORGANIZERS ANNOUNCE WALE OKEDIRAN @70 NATIONAL POETRY COMPETITION, CALL FOR ENTRIES


 

In honor of the forthcoming 70th birthday of Dr. Wale Okediran, one of Nigeria’s most celebrated literary icons, the Wale Okediran @70 National Poetry Competition has been officially launched. Dr. Okediran, a former National President of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) and the current Secretary General of the Pan African Writers Association (PAWA), has made indelible contributions to the growth of literature in Nigeria and Africa. This initiative seeks to celebrate his legacy while nurturing young literary talent in Nigeria.

The poetry competition is targeted at young and emerging poets aged 25 years or younger, providing them with a platform to showcase their creativity and contribute to the rich tapestry of Nigerian literature. It offers an opportunity for budding writers to express themselves through poetry and gain recognition on a national level.

Poets are invited to submit original works written in English. The poems must adhere to either free verse or stanza format, with a maximum of 20 lines. Submissions must be in Microsoft Word format, typed in Times New Roman, font size 12, and double-line spaced. Participants should include their name, phone number or WhatsApp contact, and email address in their submissions.

Entries should be sent via email to waleokediranpoetrycompetition@gmail.com with the subject line “WO@70.” The competition is open until February 28, 2025. For further inquiries, participants may contact the coordinator, Wole Adedoyin, via email at woleadedoyin@gmail.com.

Winners of the competition will receive monetary prizes, with ₦50,000 for first place, ₦30,000 for second place, and ₦20,000 for third place. In addition, ten honorable mentions will be recognized for their exceptional contributions. All prize winners will receive certificates of achievement, while every participant will be issued a certificate of participation.

To immortalize the competition, the top 20 outstanding entries will be compiled and published as an e-book. This initiative aims to preserve the creative works of these young poets and document the impact of the competition on the literary landscape of Nigeria.

The competition will be judged by a prestigious panel of literary experts, including: Prof. Mabel Evwierhoma – Department of Theatre Arts, University of Abuja (Chairperson), Khalid Imam – Renowned poet and arts curator, Akudo Nkemjika Okeke – Accomplished poet, scriptwriter, and screenwriter.

Speaking on the competition, Wole Adedoyin, the coordinator, emphasized that this event not only celebrates Dr. Wale Okediran’s milestone birthday but also aims to inspire young poets to explore their creative potential and contribute to Nigeria’s literary heritage.

The Wale Okediran @70 National Poetry Competition stressed the importance of literature in national development and the need to encourage young writers to excel. It provides a rare opportunity for emerging talents to gain exposure, network with literary professionals, and leave their mark in the literary community.