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.