Dr. Wale Okediran to Deliver Keynote Address at NPA 60th Birthday

DR. WALE OKEDIRAN TO DELIVER KEYNOTE ADDRESS AT NPA 60TH ANNIVERSARY

By Wole Adedoyin

The Nigerian Publishers Association (NPA) has announced that Dr. Wale Okediran, Secretary-General of the Pan African Writers Association (PAWA), Accra, Ghana, will deliver the keynote address at its 60th anniversary conference. 

Themed “Publishing in Nigeria: 60 Years of Impact, Innovation and Inclusion,” the event promises a robust reflection on the growth, challenges, and prospects of the Nigerian publishing industry.

NPA President, Lukman Dauda, revealed Dr. Okediran’s appointment as keynote speaker during a media briefing at the association’s secretariat in Ibadan. He emphasized Dr. Okediran’s exemplary contributions to literature, publishing, and public service, highlighting his rare ability to intersect multiple fields of knowledge with a deep understanding of African literary and cultural development.

The anniversary celebration is scheduled for Thursday, December 4, 2025, at Kakanfo Inn and Conference Centre, Ibadan, Nigeria. The program will commence at 9:00 AM GMT (10:00 AM WAT), featuring discussions, presentations, and interactions aimed at celebrating six decades of NPA’s influence on Nigerian publishing.

A centerpiece of the celebration will be the launch of NPA’s ultra-modern office complex, an ambitious N1 billion project funded by member organizations and partners from within and outside the publishing ecosystem. The new facility is expected to serve as a hub for innovation, training, and collaboration in Nigeria’s literary and publishing landscape.

The event will also honor outstanding individuals, member firms, and foreign partners who have significantly contributed to the development and growth of the publishing industry. These awards underscore NPA’s commitment to recognizing excellence and fostering partnerships that promote literary culture across Nigeria and beyond.

Dr. Wale Okediran brings a distinguished profile to the occasion. Known as a modern-day Renaissance man, he has successfully combined medicine, literature, and public service, offering insights from multiple disciplines that enrich his literary works and public engagements. His address is expected to provide attendees with a holistic view of the role of publishing in societal development.

Beyond his literary achievements, Dr. Okediran has significantly contributed to Nigerian literature through his leadership roles, including his tenure as National President of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) and his current role as PAWA Secretary-General. He is also the founder of the Ebedi International Writers Residency in Iseyin, Oyo State, the first of its kind in Nigeria, nurturing a new generation of African writers.

The conference will conclude on December 5, 2025, with NPA’s annual general meeting at its headquarters in Ibadan, providing a platform for members to discuss policy directions, industry challenges, and strategic plans for the coming years.

Attendees, media representatives, and members of the publishing and literary community are encouraged to participate in the two-day celebration and engage with Dr. Okediran’s keynote presentation. His presence promises to inspire dialogue on innovation, inclusion, and sustainable growth in Nigerian publishing.

For RSVP and further inquiries, participants may contact the NPA at +234 123 456 7890. This landmark anniversary event represents both a celebration of NPA’s legacy and a forward-looking vision for the future of Nigerian publishing.

Meet the NPA@60 Keynote Speaker: Dr. Wale Okediran

MEET THE NPA@60 KEYNOTE SPEAKER: DR. WALE OKEDIRAN

Born on April 14, 1955, in Oyo, Nigeria, Dr. Wale Okediran displayed early aptitude in both the humanities and the sciences. 

In secondary school, he was an active member of the press club and debating society, reflecting his love for literature alongside his academic pursuits in science. 

At the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife), he pursued Medicine and Surgery, qualifying as a medical doctor in April 1980. While mastering human anatomy and disease, he remained committed to literary endeavors, editing the campus newspaper Rip Off and nurturing his storytelling talent. 

This early duality between science and literature set the stage for a multidimensional career.

MEDICAL CAREER

Following his graduation, Dr. Okediran practiced at the University Teaching Hospital, Ibadan, and later at an orthopedic hospital in Lagos. Choosing to remain a general practitioner, he addressed the full spectrum of human health. In 1987, he founded the Cornerstone Medical Centre in Ibadan, where he practiced until 1999, demonstrating empathy, holistic care, and public health advocacy. His professional accolades include:

·         Fellow of the General Medical Practitioners of Nigeria

·         Fellow of the Public Health Physicians of Nigeria

·         Health columnist for The Nigerian Tribune

·         Consultant for UNICEF, UNAIDS, and the Health Reform Foundation of Nigeria

Through these roles, Dr. Okediran bridged clinical practice and public health education, enriching his insights into human resilience and suffering—perspectives that permeate his literary works.

LITERARY CAREER AND CONTRIBUTIONS

Dr. Okediran’s literary journey began in secondary school and matured at the University of Ife. Over the years, he has published twelve novels—nine for adult readers and three for children—many of which feature on reading lists of universities across Nigeria, including the University of Lagos, University of Ibadan, University of Agriculture Abeokuta, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Ahmadu Bello University, Nasarawa State University, and University of Maiduguri.

Notable works include:

·         Rainbows Are For Lovers (1987)

·         The Boys at the Border (1991), shortlisted for the 1992 Commonwealth Literature Prize

·         Storms of Passion (1995)

·         The Rescue of Uncle Babs (1998), winner of the 1999 ANA/Matatu Prize for Children’s Literature

·         Ten Novellettes on the HIV/AIDS Theme (2001)

·         Sighs of Desire (2002)

·         Dreams Die at Twilight (2002), longlisted for the 2004 NLNG Literature Prize

·         Strange Encounters (2004), winner of the 2005 ANA Prize for Fiction

·         After the Flood (2005)

·         The Weaving Looms (2005), shortlisted for the 2008 Wole Soyinka Prize for African Literature

·         The Riot and Other Stories (2006)

·         Tenants of the House (2009), co-winner of the 2010 Wole Soyinka Prize for African Literature

His collaborative works include Human Rights Educational Book for Children (Amnesty International, 1995) and Encyclopedia of Post-Colonial Literature in English (Routledge, London).

LITERARY LEADERSHIP AND MENTORSHIP

Dr. Okediran has been instrumental in developing Nigerian literature through his leadership roles in the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), serving as National Treasurer, General Secretary, and National President. He promoted the establishment of ANA branches, organized seminars and conferences, and fostered a culture of publication and literary excellence. In June 2010, he founded the Ebedi International Writers Residency in Iseyin, Oyo State—the first writers’ resort in Nigeria—providing an environment for emerging and established authors to focus on their craft. Alumni include notable writers such as Romeo Oriogun, Chimezie Chika, Chibuihe-Obi Achimba, and T.J. Benson.

POLITICAL AND PUBLIC SERVICE CAREER

Driven by the belief that writers should engage directly in governance, and inspired by his mentor Chief Bola Ige, Dr. Okediran entered politics. He served as Chairman of the Oyo State North Hospitals Management Board until 2003, then represented his constituency in the Federal House of Representatives from 2004 to 2007. In parliament, he co-founded the Forum for Democracy and Good Governance, championing people-centered policies and opposing the third-term bid of President Olusegun Obasanjo. His political work integrated his medical expertise and literary insight to advocate for healthcare improvements and democratic reforms.

CURRENT ROLES AND INFLUENCE

Dr. Okediran serves as Secretary-General of the Pan African Writers Association (PAWA) and as a consultant to the National Assembly, advising the Senate Committee on Health and the House Committee on HIV, Malaria, and TB. Through these roles, he continues to shape literary, health, and policy initiatives in Nigeria and across Africa.

PHILOSOPHY AND LEGACY

At the core of Dr. Okediran’s vision is the belief that interdisciplinary engagement enriches society. He champions the development of writers, the expansion of publishing opportunities, and the elevation of African literature globally. His work demonstrates how literature, medicine, and civic engagement can collectively inspire social change, nurture talent, and strengthen communities. Dr. Wale Okediran’s enduring legacy is a testament to the transformative power of intellectual versatility and public service.

Dr. Wale Okediran Launches UK Tour with Readings of Madagali

DR. WALE OKEDIRAN LAUNCHES UK TOUR WITH READINGS OF MADAGALI

The literary world is set to witness an extraordinary series of book readings as award-winning author and Secretary-General of the Pan African Writers Association (PAWA), Dr. Wale Okediran, embarks on a three-venue UK tour to showcase his acclaimed novel MADAGALI.

The tour highlights Dr. Okediran’s unique literary style, which blends meticulous research, suspenseful storytelling, and deeply human explorations of the Boko Haram conflict.

The first reading will take place at Yemi Edun, London Property Acquisition, 10 Balf Street, London, N1 9EG, on Thursday, December 18, 2025, beginning promptly at 4:00 PM. The session will be moderated by Kelvin Kellman, renowned writer, poet, and public commentator, who will guide discussions and audience interaction.

The second venue is The African Centre, 66 Great Suffolk Street, London, SE1 OBL, on Friday, December 19, 2025, at 6:00 PM. Dr. Sola Adeyemi, Head of Theatre Studies at the University of East Anglia, will serve as moderator, offering a scholarly perspective on the novel’s themes and its portrayal of wartime experiences.

The third reading will be hosted in Swansea, Wales, on Friday, December 26, 2025. Details for the venue and moderator are to be confirmed, ensuring an inclusive reach across the UK for readers and literary enthusiasts.

MADAGALI, Dr. Okediran’s latest work, stands out for its pioneering focus on strong female characters who shape the narrative significantly. From Bukar Salisu’s Liberian mother, Sonia, to his sisters and romantic interests, women in the novel exert profound influence on Bukar’s decisions and experiences, often surpassing the authority of his military superiors.

The narrative follows Lance Corporal Bukar Salisu, a dedicated Nigerian soldier, as he navigates the harrowing realities of conflict. After sustaining an injury at the Madagali front that renders him impotent, Bukar faces moral and personal dilemmas, including coercion into supplying ammunition to Boko Haram. His journey, marked by family interventions and complex romantic entanglements, underscores the human dimensions of war rarely explored in contemporary Nigerian fiction.

Dr. Okediran’s life exemplifies the seamless blending of diverse passions. As a medical doctor, author, and former legislator, he embodies a modern Renaissance man whose experiences inform his literature. His medical career, enriched by engagements with UNICEF, UNAIDS, and national health initiatives, provides authentic insight into human resilience, which resonates strongly within his storytelling.

A distinguished literary administrator, Dr. Okediran has served as National President of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) and currently leads PAWA as Secretary-General. He is also the visionary behind the Ebedi International Writers Residency in Iseyin, Oyo State, which has nurtured a new generation of African writers through mentorship, workshops, and immersive creative programs.

Through this UK book tour, Dr. Okediran seeks to engage diaspora audiences, foster literary dialogue, and highlight the transformative power of African literature. MADAGALI promises readers not only a compelling story but also a nuanced reflection on courage, gender, and morality in the face of conflict.

Members of the public, literary enthusiasts, and media representatives are invited to attend the readings and participate in discussions with Dr. Okediran. For confirmations and inquiries, attendees may contact Akintayo at akinjaa03@yahoo.co.uk or via +447774797735. This tour is a celebration of African storytelling and an opportunity to experience one of Nigeria’s most influential literary voices firsthand.