Research Essay Utilizes Two Poems from END SARS RHYTHMS and IHRAF's Webinar Paper

 

RESEARCH ESSAY UTILIZES TWO POEMS FROM END SARS RHYTHMS AND IHRAF'S WEBINAR PAPER

 

By: Wole Adedoyin (Director, IHRAF African Secretariat)

The research essay "Social Contradictions and Protest in the #EndSARS Poetry of Frank Kaliati and Nwokeabia Ifeanyi John" by Inyang Eme Ita (17/031144069), a graduating student from the Department of English and Literary Studies at the University of Calabar, focuses on the theme of police brutality and social protest as depicted in the poetry of a Malawian and Nigerian poets.

 

The essay explores the ways in which the poets express the contradictions and tensions in Nigerian and Malawian societies through their works, as well as the role of poetry in documenting social protest movements.

 

The two poems were taken from the END SARS RYTHMS edited by Terseer Sam Baki and Wole Adedoyin and published in paperback by the International Human Rights Art Festival (IHRAF) in New York, USA. It was a collaborative effort of the Society of Young Nigerian Writers, SYNW, and the International Human Rights Arts Festival, IHRAF, to harness the thoughts, feelings and responses of Nigerian artists and creative writers and the international writing community on the theme of police brutality, assault and battery.

The first poem analyzed in the essay is “State Armed Robber Squads (SARS)" by Frank Kaliati expresses the brutality of the Nigerian police force, specifically the State Armed Robbers Squad (SARS), towards the citizens they are supposed to protect. The poet portrays the law as being lawless, raping the country of its peace and fraternity. The police force is likened to a deadly virus, with heavy black boots that are polished in black blood, and whose actions have resulted in the death and suffering of many Nigerians, leaving poverty-stricken mothers widowed and malnourished babies orphaned.

The poet highlights the betrayal of the police force, who have sworn to protect the citizens but instead unleash terror on them. The poem suggests that the spirits of the old have abandoned the country and the birds no longer sing sweet melodies in the morning, replaced by gunshots and beatings. Despite this, the people continue to fight back against the police force, armed with justice.

The second poem is " How Our Lights Are Put Off" by Nwokeabia Ifeanyi John. The poem describes the violent events that occurred at the Lekki toll gate in Nigeria, where peaceful protesters were demanding justice for voiceless victims. The protesters were met with violence from the authorities who shot at them, resulting in a sea of red splattered everywhere. The poet uses the metaphor of the lights being put off to describe the loss of hope and the anthem of patriotism becoming a dirge. However, the poet suggests that darkness cannot end life, and the burning fires of the minds of those who have been affected will forever be ignited.

The essay draws on the lecture paper presented by Onyekachi Peter Onuoha at the IHRAF's African Chapter webinar, which explores the role of literature in human rights. The paper argues that literature has the power to document human rights abuses and to provide a platform for protest and advocacy. The essay uses this framework to analyze the two poems and their contribution to the #EndSARS movement.

The essay also discusses the context of the #EndSARS movement, including the history of police brutality in Nigeria and the social and political factors that contributed to the protests. It highlights the role of social media and online activism in mobilizing the movement and the challenges faced by protesters, including violence and repression by the authorities.

The essay argues that the two poems provide powerful and insightful perspectives on the #EndSARS movement, and that they contribute to a growing body of literature documenting social protest in Nigeria. It also discusses the importance of poetry as a form of social commentary and resistance, and the ways in which it can inspire and motivate social change.

The essay concludes by emphasizing the importance of documenting and analyzing social protest movements, such as #EndSARS, in order to understand the complexities of social and political change. It suggests that literature, and poetry in particular, can play a vital role in this process, by providing a voice for marginalized communities and by challenging dominant narratives and structures of power.

 

Atiba Book Club Appoints Onike Rahaman Olalekan As Coordinator

 

ATIBA BOOK CLUB APPOINTS ONIKE RAHAMAN OLALEKAN AS COORDINATOR

 

The Atiba Book Club is pleased to announce the appointment of Onike Rahaman Olalekan as its new Coordinator. Alhaji Onike Rahaman Olalekan is a Principal Assistant Registrar at the Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora, and brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the role.

Alhaji Onike Rahaman Olalekan is a seasoned administrator, freelance writer, academic researcher, editorial consultant, author, policy analyst, bibliophile, and educationist, with over ten years of experience in the education sector. He has a passion for promoting reading culture and has been an active member of the Atiba Book Club since its inception in 2021.

As the Coordinator of Atiba Book Club, Alhaji Onike Rahaman Olalekan will oversee the day-to-day operations of the club, including organizing monthly reading challenges, selecting books for discussion, and coordinating guest speaker events. He will also work closely with the club's members to encourage participation and facilitate intellectual discussions and critical analysis of literary works.

Under Alhaji Onike Rahaman Olalekan 's leadership, the Atiba Book Club will continue to provide a vibrant community for students and book lovers who are passionate about literature and learning. Members will have access to an online library of books and resources, and be encouraged to submit book reviews and creative writing pieces for publication on the club's website.

The Atiba Book Club is an important platform for promoting reading culture and intellectual discourse in Oyo town. The club's activities cut across the four Oyo Local Government Areas, including Atiba LGA, Oyo East LGA, Oyo West LGA, and Afijio LGA. Members have the opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions with fellow book lovers from different communities and backgrounds.

The Atiba Book Club aims to foster a love for reading and learning among students, as well as provide a platform for personal and professional development. Through its activities, the club promotes critical thinking, creativity, and intellectual curiosity, which are essential skills for success in today's fast-paced world.

The Atiba Book Club is affiliated with the Society of Young Nigerian Writers, Nigeria, and shares its mission of promoting literary excellence and intellectual discourse. The club's members are encouraged to participate in the Society's activities and events, including literary contests, workshops, and conferences.

The Atiba Book Club recognizes the importance of partnerships and collaborations in promoting reading culture and intellectual discourse. The club welcomes partnerships with schools, libraries, and other organizations in Oyo town area to promote its mission and expand its reach.

The Atiba Book Club is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive space for individuals to explore different genres, cultures, and perspectives through reading and discussion. The club encourages members to share their thoughts and perspectives on various literary works, fostering a sense of community and intellectual engagement.

The Atiba Book Club is excited to have Alhaji Onike Rahaman Olalekan as its new Coordinator and looks forward to the continued growth and success of the club under his leadership. The club invites all book lovers and students in the Oyo town area to join its vibrant community and participate in its activities.

Alhaji Onike Rahaman Olalekan was born on July 13, 1972, in Oyo Town, Oyo State, Nigeria. With a rich educational background, he attended the traditional Islamic Training Centre in his early childhood years and later became a tutor at the Imam Hammed Arabic and Islamic Study Centre, Oyo. He completed his elementary education at L.A Town School, Awumaro, Oyo, where he earned his primary school leaving certificate.

Alhaji Onike Rahaman Olalekan proceeded to Olivet Baptist High School, Oyo, for his Senior Secondary School education and completed it from 1985 to 1991. He got admission into the then Oyo State College of Education, now Emmanuel Alayande College of Education, from 1992 to 1995, where he was awarded a Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) specializing in Political Science & Social Studies.

He then gained admission into the University of Ado-Ekiti to study Social Studies between 2001 and 2006 and graduated with Second Class Upper Division. Alhaji Onike Rahaman attended the University of Ibadan for his Master's degree and graduated with M.Ed(Social Studies) with Ph.D. proceed grade in 2011.

Alhaji Onike Rahaman Olalekan has been a human rights activist since 1989, investing his time and energy into human rights education, advocacy, and struggle against social injustice and military rule. He has been a member of various human rights groups, including the Civil Liberties Organisation, Campaign for Democracy, Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), Human Right Africa, and Nigerianity movement, among others.

As a Students' Union Activist, Alhaji Onike Rahaman Olalekan started activism right from his secondary school days at Olivet Baptist High School, Oyo. He was known for always fighting against injustice and oppression, and he held various positions in school clubs and organizations. He was also a member of various student ideological groups and committees.

Alhaji Onike Rahaman Olalekan is an accomplished writer, starting his writing career as a freelance writer for TELL, The News, PM New, and Tempo. He has over one hundred writing portfolios and is also a speechwriter and ghostwriter for several eminent personalities and political office holders. He writes frequently for several print and online media platforms, including The Cable, Premium Times, Nigerian Tribune, Daily Trust, Nigeria Opinion, Sahara Reporters, among others. Alhaji Onike has written three books and has chapter contributions in several books.

Leveraging on his writing skill, experience, and knowledge of rules of usage, Alhaji Onike Rahaman Olalekan has been an editorial consultant to several organizations and individuals. He has edited over ten books and several student magazines. Alhaji Onike Rahaman Olalekan has attended several academic conferences, seminars, and workshops where he presented papers on contemporary issues, and some of his research works have been published in learned Journals.

Alhaji Onike Rahaman Olalekan has served in the public service for over two decades. He joined the services of Oyo State Universal Basic Education in 2001 as an Executive Officer and rose to become a Higher Executive Officer General Administration and Head of Confidential Registry from 2006 to 2008. He joined the services of the Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora, in the year 2008 as Administrative Officer II. As a Professional Administrator, he has served in several strategic Committees of the Governing Council, Management, and Board of Studies.

Alhaji Onike Rahaman Olalekan is a member of the Editorial Board, Premier News, and is also the Social and Cultural Editor of 1st Africa International Magazine. He is one of the editors of KedNews, a book project editor, and book reviewer.

 

 

 

 

2023 Literary Prizes: ANA Calls For Entries

 

2023 LITERARY PRIZES: ANA CALLS FOR ENTRIES

 

By: Wole Adedoyin

The Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) has recently announced its literary prizes for the year 2023. The prizes cover various genres of literature, including poetry, prose fiction, drama, and children's literature. Nigerian writers, both at home and abroad, are encouraged to submit their works for consideration in any of the categories. Entries for the competition should have been published between 2022 and 2023.

To enter, authors or publishers are required to pay a fee of N3,000 per entry, which is for the purpose of prize administration only. A photocopy of the appropriate deposit slip must be submitted along with the entry. Six copies of the book or manuscript being entered must be sent alongside a covering letter containing accurate contact details of the writer or publisher, including email and surface mail addresses and telephone numbers.

The works that are to be submitted in all categories should be original and not recast(s) of already existing works. The submissions are subjected to copyright laws of Nigeria, and authors retain full responsibility for any sort of infringement. Works entered into the ANA prizes are expected to be of the highest language and literary quality.

For the ANA/ Maria Ajima Prize for Literary Criticism (published works only), entries must not exceed 15 pages of A4 paper size, following the format of academic essays. The essay, if published in a journal, newspaper, books, or as electronic text online, must be within the valid dates indicated on this call for submissions. Referencing style is either the latest MLA or APA style. Five hard copies as loose sheets or as a bound monograph are to be submitted to ANA via Address: KILOMETRE 2, MammanVatsa Writers' Village, Mpape, Abuja, plus a soft copy sent by email to info.ananigeria@yahoo.com and maikortserga@gmail.com.

The essay should not be a generalized survey but rather be focused on specific texts (in any of the genres) of selected authors at a time. The essay should state where the texts or performance analyzed can be accessed or located and where it (essay) has been published. All entries in this category should be accompanied by a letter affirming the originality of the essay and authorial authenticity. In addition, all other rules covering ANA competitions are applicable.

The deadline for the receipt of all entries is June 28th, 2023, and there will be no extension of this deadline. A shortlist will be announced in September 2023, and the winners of the prizes will be announced by the judges at the Awards Dinner during the International Annual Convention of the Association of Nigerian Authors in November 2023.

The ANA/KMVL Prize for Poetry (Published) comes with a cash prize of N500,000, while the ANA Prize for Prose Fiction (Published & Unpublished) and ANA Prize for Drama (Published & Unpublished) come with a cash prize of N100,000 each. The ANA Prize for Children's Literature- 7-13 Years Age Range (Published Works Only and Open To All Categories Of Authors) and ANA/Vivi Sam Prize for Children Poetry 7-15 Years Age Range (Published Works Only and Open To All Categories Of Authors) come with a cash prize of N100,000 each.

The ANA/Abubakar Gimba Prize for Fiction (Short Stories Collection-Published) comes with a cash prize of N200,000. The ANA/Maria Ajima Prize for Literary Criticism (Focus On Criticism Of Emergent Nigerian Literature) comes with a cash prize of N100,000, while the ANA/Jerry Agada Prize For Idoma Language Literature”(Published & Unpublished) comes with a cash prize of N150,000.

 

Chinua Achebe Prize for Literature: ANA calls for entries

 

CHINUA ACHEBE PRIZE FOR LITERATURE: ANA CALLS FOR ENTRIES

 

By: Wole Adedoyin

The Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) has announced that entries for the third edition of the Chinua Achebe Prize for Literature are now open. The prize, which is awarded to Nigerian novelists at home and abroad who publish in English, was launched by the Anambra State Government in July 2021 to commemorate the 40th anniversary of ANA's founding by the late Chinua Achebe.

According to a statement from ANA General Secretary, Maik Ortserga, the focus on fiction in the prize "reflects the efforts of the Nigerian writer of the contemporary era to change the narratives and intensify the search for a better world." The prize will be awarded at this year’s ANA International Convention at MammamVatsa Writers Village Abuja in November 2023.

The Chinua Achebe Prize for Literature is a prestigious award that recognizes excellence in Nigerian fiction. It is named in honor of the late Chinua Achebe, a renowned Nigerian author who is widely regarded as one of the greatest African writers of all time.

The Prize offers a cash award of N1,000,000 to the winning entry. It is open to Nigerian writers at home and abroad who have published novels in English between 2021 and 2023. Unpublished work is not eligible for the Chinua Achebe Prize, and only one novel per author will be considered in any one year. Six copies of the work are required to be submitted with the application.

To apply, interested writers are required to send six original published copies of their work, including a letter from the publisher, to the Chinua Achebe Prize c/o the General Secretary, Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), KM 2, MammanVatsa Writers’ Village, Mpape, Abuja.

The Chinua Achebe Prize for Literature has quickly become one of the most sought-after literary prizes in Nigeria, and it has helped to raise the profile of Nigerian writers both locally and internationally. The Prize has also encouraged young and aspiring writers to take up the craft of writing and to aim for excellence in their work.

The ANA International Convention at MammamVatsa Writers Village Abuja in November 2023 will be a major event in the Nigerian literary calendar, and the award of the Chinua Achebe Prize for Literature will be a highlight of the convention. It will be an opportunity for the winner to be recognized for their outstanding work and to join the ranks of some of the most celebrated Nigerian authors.

The ANA encourages all eligible Nigerian writers to submit their works for the Chinua Achebe Prize for Literature. This Prize is a testament to the enduring legacy of Chinua Achebe and his contributions to Nigerian literature. It is a fitting tribute to his memory and an inspiration to all writers who seek to tell their stories and to create a better world through their art.

The deadline for submissions is July 1, 2023. The judges for the Prize will be announced in due course. All eligible entries will be considered by a panel of distinguished judges who are experts in the field of Nigerian literature. The ANA wishes all entrants the best of luck in their submissions, and looks forward to celebrating the winners of the Chinua Achebe Prize for Literature at the ANA International Convention in November 2023.

 

2023 ANA Review: ANA Calls For Submissions

 

2023 ANA REVIEW:  ANA CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

 

The National Executive Council of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) has announced a call for submissions for the 2023 ANA Review.

According to a statement from ANA General Secretary, Maik Ortserga, the ANA Review is a highly regarded literary journal in Nigeria and the African literary community and its call for submissions for the 2023 edition is a significant event. As the 11th volume of the ANA Review, the 2023 edition aims to assess the current state of Nigerian and African literary writing and critical discourse in the field. The call for submissions is open to writers in various genres, including poetry, prose, essays, and drama, with specific guidelines for each genre.

For poets, the ANA Review calls for not more than three poems per submission. The poems can be on any subject matter and should demonstrate a high level of literary craft. Writers of short stories or fiction excerpts are also invited to submit, with a word limit of 4,000 words. The ANA Review is also open to academic and literary essays on subjects related to literature, with a word limit of 5,000 words. Additionally, skits only are accepted for drama, with a word limit of 3,000 words.

All submissions are expected to be in MS Word format and sent as attachments via email to the Editorial Board headed by the General Secretary. The email should contain details such as the writer's name, genre, contact address, telephone number, and short bio-data of the writer on the first page. Submissions for the ANA Review close on 30th July 2023, giving writers ample time to prepare their work.

The ANA Review is an opportunity for writers to showcase their talent and to contribute to the literary discourse in Nigeria and Africa. The Review has been a platform for emerging and established writers to gain recognition, and many writers have gone on to achieve success after being published in the ANA Review. As such, the call for submissions is a chance for writers to take their writing to the next level.

The 2023 ANA Review aims to present a diverse range of voices and perspectives, and the call for submissions encourages writers from different backgrounds to submit their work. The ANA Review values diversity and inclusion and seeks to promote writers who have been historically underrepresented in the literary world.

The ANA Review is an important contribution to Nigerian and African literary criticism, and the call for submissions for the 2023 edition is a reminder of the significance of the journal. The ANA Review has been at the forefront of the literary scene in Nigeria and has contributed significantly to the growth and development of Nigerian literature.

The ANA Review is an essential publication for scholars of Nigerian and African literature and provides a platform for literary criticism and analysis. The call for submissions for the 2023 edition invites writers to engage with contemporary literary issues and contribute to the ongoing discourse in the field.

The ANA Review has a tradition of publishing high-quality literature, and the call for submissions for the 2023 edition seeks to continue this tradition. The journal has been a space for writers to experiment with new forms and styles, and the call for submissions encourages writers to push the boundaries of their craft.

The ANA Review has been a platform for writers to connect with other writers and to form a community of literary practitioners. The call for submissions for the 2023 edition invites writers to join this community and contribute to the growth and development of Nigerian and African literature.

In conclusion, the call for submissions for the 2023 ANA Review is an important event in the Nigerian and African literary community. The Review provides an opportunity for writers to showcase their talent and to contribute to the literary discourse in Nigeria and Africa. The call for submissions encourages writers from diverse backgrounds to submit their work and to engage with contemporary literary issues. The ANA Review has been a significant publication in Nigerian literature and continues to be a vital platform for literary criticism and analysis.