My Encounter with the Late Prof. J.P. Clark – Wole Adedoyin

 

MY ENCOUNTER WITH THE LATE PROF. J.P. CLARK – WOLE ADEDOYIN

 

My first encounter with the Late Prof. J.P. Clark happened during my secondary school days when we studied his renowned poem, "The Casualties." Little did I know that I would have the opportunity to meet the poet in person.

"The Casualties" by J.P. Clark sparked my love for poetry. During my secondary school years, I also delved into his other two beautiful poems, "Ibadan" and "Abiku," which captivated my heart. I was so taken by these works that I committed them to memory and can still recite them to this day.

As I later participated in the ANA Oyo meetings and the Olaudah Equiano Poetry Reading Sessions of Educare Trust Exhibition Centre, I fondly read Prof. J.P. Clark's poems with the attentive members. His verses resonated deeply with me and inspired me to share the beauty of his words with others.

Fast forward a few years later, the Society of Young Nigerian Writers which I founded in 2016 initiated the esteemed JP Clark Society as a heartfelt honor to the iconic Nigerian poet and playwright, Prof. J.P. Clark.

The JP Clark Literary Society is a dedicated organization committed to preserving and promoting the literary legacy and works Prof. J.P. Clark.

 

Through various initiatives, the society hopes to celebrate Clark's profound contributions to African literature and culture, organizing events, seminars, and conferences that explore the themes in his poetry and plays. With a focus on fostering critical discussions and supporting aspiring writers, the JP Clark Society stands as a vibrant community that continues to inspire and elevate African literature for present and future generations.

Besides establishing the Society to promote the legacy and works of Prof. J.P. Clark, I also wrote an article highlighting his remarkable body of works. To my surprise, it was this very article that caught the attention of the renowned poet and playwright himself.

One day, as I was blogging on my notebook at home, my phone suddenly rang. When I answered the call, a voice on the other end asked if I knew who was speaking. Not recognizing the voice, I replied with a "no." The voice then revealed itself to be that of Prof. J.P. Clark. I was utterly shocked and overwhelmed to hear from one of Africa's greatest literary figures.

Prof. JP Clark informed me that he had read my article about him and was also aware of the JP Clark Society that I had established. To my excitement, he extended an invitation for me to visit the University of Lagos to discuss the new initiative further.

The very next day, I found myself at the JP Clark Centre of the University of Lagos, where I had the privilege of meeting Prof. J.P. Clark and his Personal Assistant. He had been eagerly awaiting my arrival. During our meeting, he graciously offered me beer and snacks like cashew nuts and groundnuts.

As we sat together, Prof. J.P. Clark attentively reviewed the membership documents of the JP Clark Literary Society. During the discussion, he decided to rename the initiative, now calling it the JP Clark Society. He also took the time to edit and refine the mission, vision, and objectives of the Society, adding his invaluable insights and wisdom to the project.

On that eventful day, Professor J.P. Clark generously donated all of his complete works to the JP Clark Society, taking the time to personally autograph each book before presenting them to me. Alongside this, he expressed his desire to introduce me to Professor Hope Eghagha, who was then the Head of the Department of English at the University of Lagos.

Together, we headed to the Department to meet Prof. Eghagha, but unfortunately, we were informed that he had already stepped out. Disappointed but undeterred, we returned to the JP Clark Centre.

During our time together, Professor J.P. Clark wholeheartedly endorsed the JP Clark Society, and this remarkable visit was even featured in the Nigerian Tribune on April 22nd, 2016.

Before his passing, Professor J.P. Clark reassured us of his intention to provide financial support to the JP Clark Society, ensuring its continued growth and impact.

I was humbled and honored when Professor J.P. Clark commended me for the numerous Literary projects I was undertaking at that time. He also shared insightful stories of his days in the Mbari Club, which was once headed by the late Professor Ulli Beier.

Today, the JP Clark Society is taking strides towards its mission. We have already established a vibrant Facebook group, where members enthusiastically share articles, news, papers, and essays related to the life and legacy of the late Professor J.P. Clark. Additionally, we are currently working on creating a blog that will showcase his exceptional works and feature articles about his life and accomplishments.

Through the JP Clark Society, we are committed to preserving and promoting the life and works of Professor J.P. Clark, keeping his memory alive for generations to come.

As we move forward, we are hopeful that this year will see the JP Clark Society holding physical meetings, fostering a sense of community and collaboration among enthusiasts and scholars alike.

May the soul of Professor JP Clark rest in perfect peace. Amen.

 

 

ANA Establishes Steering Committee to Propel Institute for Creative Writing & Film Studies

ANA ESTABLISHES STEERING COMMITTEE TO PROPEL INSTITUTE FOR CREATIVE WRITING & FILM STUDIES

By Wole Adedoyin

The Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), led by its visionary President, Camillus Ukah, has announced the formation of the steering committee for the newly established Institute for Creative Writing & Film Studies. This significant landmark reflects ANA's commitment to nurturing and promoting artistic excellence in Nigeria's literary and film community.

The General Secretary of ANA, Maik Ortserga, issued a statement to the press, outlining the committee's vital role in shaping the institute's future endeavors. The steering committee's primary objectives include formulating a comprehensive policy document and operational guidelines, which will articulate the institute's vision and mission, as well as establish affiliations with esteemed institutions in the field of arts and culture.

Comprised of distinguished experts in academia and the creative industry, the steering committee members have been carefully selected for their valuable expertise and extensive experience. The committee will be led by the highly respected Prof. Emmanuel Dandaura, who will serve as the Chairman, and Dr. Charles Okuwo, who assumes the position of Vice Chairman. Maik Ortserga, the General Secretary of ANA, will also play a pivotal role as the Secretary of the committee.

The esteemed members of the steering committee include Prof. Sonny Ododo, Prof. Vicky Sylvester, Prof. Udenta Udenta, Prof. May Nwoye, Dr. Obari Gomba, Mallam Denja Abdullahi, Dr. Taofeek Olatumbosun, Mr. Aderinoye, Prof. Mabel Evwierhoma, Prof. Emeka Aniagoro, Prof. Joy Eyisi, and Dr. Louis Adams. Each member brings a wealth of knowledge and dedication to the table, promising to lead the institute with remarkable insight and passion.

The steering committee has been entrusted with several key responsibilities, including devising an efficient and sustainable operational framework for the institute, exploring collaboration opportunities with esteemed institutions, and formulating a strategic plan to propel the institute towards national and international recognition. Additionally, the committee will identify and secure the necessary facilities and equipment required for obtaining accreditation, ensuring that the Institute for Creative Writing & Film Studies meets the highest standards of excellence.

Furthermore, the committee aims to raise awareness of the Institute for Creative Writing & Film Studies within the general public. By actively engaging with various media channels and outreach programs, the committee seeks to highlight the institute's transformative impact on the literary and film community in Nigeria and beyond.

The establishment of the Institute for Creative Writing & Film Studies represents a significant milestone for ANA, underscoring its steadfast commitment to fostering creativity, nurturing talent, and preserving the rich cultural heritage of Nigeria. The steering committee's expertise and dedication will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in ensuring the institute's success in its pursuit of artistic excellence.

The Association of Nigerian Authors looks forward to the steering committee's strategic guidance and the institute's growth, as it continues to contribute significantly to the flourishing artistic landscape of Nigeria.

ANA Establishes Steering Committee to Propel Institute for Creative Writing & Film Studies

 ANA ESTABLISHES STEERING COMMITTEE TO PROPEL INSTITUTE FOR CREATIVE WRITING & FILM STUDIES

By Wole Adedoyin

The Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), led by its visionary President, Camillus Ukah, has announced the formation of the steering committee for the newly established Institute for Creative Writing & Film Studies. This significant landmark reflects ANA's commitment to nurturing and promoting artistic excellence in Nigeria's literary and film community.

The General Secretary of ANA, Maik Ortserga, issued a statement to the press, outlining the committee's vital role in shaping the institute's future endeavors. The steering committee's primary objectives include formulating a comprehensive policy document and operational guidelines, which will articulate the institute's vision and mission, as well as establish affiliations with esteemed institutions in the field of arts and culture.

Comprised of distinguished experts in academia and the creative industry, the steering committee members have been carefully selected for their valuable expertise and extensive experience. The committee will be led by the highly respected Prof. Emmanuel Dandaura, who will serve as the Chairman, and Dr. Charles Okuwo, who assumes the position of Vice Chairman. Maik Ortserga, the General Secretary of ANA, will also play a pivotal role as the Secretary of the committee.

The esteemed members of the steering committee include Prof. Sonny Ododo, Prof. Vicky Sylvester, Prof. Udenta Udenta, Prof. May Nwoye, Dr. Obari Gomba, Mallam Denja Abdullahi, Dr. Taofeek Olatumbosun, Mr. Aderinoye, Prof. Mabel Evwierhoma, Prof. Emeka Aniagoro, Prof. Joy Eyisi, and Dr. Louis Adams. Each member brings a wealth of knowledge and dedication to the table, promising to lead the institute with remarkable insight and passion.

The steering committee has been entrusted with several key responsibilities, including devising an efficient and sustainable operational framework for the institute, exploring collaboration opportunities with esteemed institutions, and formulating a strategic plan to propel the institute towards national and international recognition. Additionally, the committee will identify and secure the necessary facilities and equipment required for obtaining accreditation, ensuring that the Institute for Creative Writing & Film Studies meets the highest standards of excellence.

Furthermore, the committee aims to raise awareness of the Institute for Creative Writing & Film Studies within the general public. By actively engaging with various media channels and outreach programs, the committee seeks to highlight the institute's transformative impact on the literary and film community in Nigeria and beyond.

The establishment of the Institute for Creative Writing & Film Studies represents a significant milestone for ANA, underscoring its steadfast commitment to fostering creativity, nurturing talent, and preserving the rich cultural heritage of Nigeria. The steering committee's expertise and dedication will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in ensuring the institute's success in its pursuit of artistic excellence.

The Association of Nigerian Authors looks forward to the steering committee's strategic guidance and the institute's growth, as it continues to contribute significantly to the flourishing artistic landscape of Nigeria

ANA Unveils Institute for Creative Writing and Film Studies

 

ANA UNVEILS INSTITUTE FOR CREATIVE WRITING AND FILM STUDIES

 

By Wole Adedoyin

The Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) has announced the establishment of its highly anticipated Institute for Creative Writing and Film Studies. This visionary venture aims to provide aspiring writers and filmmakers with exceptional training, nurturing their talents, and fostering a new generation of creative minds. The institute will not only cultivate skills but also forge strategic collaborations with esteemed authors for the adaptation of their literary masterpieces into extraordinary cinematic experiences.

The ANA Institute for Creative Writing and Film Studies comes as a pivotal step in advancing the artistic landscape of Nigeria and beyond. With a commitment to excellence, the institute pledges to offer comprehensive and effective training programs that will empower individuals in their artistic pursuits. Through a carefully curated curriculum, participants will receive expert guidance from experienced mentors, industry professionals, and celebrated authors, providing a well-rounded education in creative writing and film studies.

"At ANA, we believe in the power of storytelling to shape cultures and inspire change," stated Maik Ortserga, the General Secretary of ANA. "The establishment of the Institute for Creative Writing and Film Studies is a testament to our dedication to nurturing creative talents and empowering them to bring their visions to life."

One of the institute's primary objectives is to establish strong partnerships with renowned authors, fostering collaboration between the literary and film worlds. By connecting talented writers with aspiring filmmakers, the institute seeks to adapt captivating literary works into remarkable cinematic productions, enhancing the appreciation for Nigerian literature and culture on a global scale.

Through these strategic partnerships, the ANA Institute for Creative Writing and Film Studies aims to contribute to the growth of the Nigerian film industry, generating opportunities for local filmmakers and introducing diverse narratives that reflect the rich cultural heritage of the nation.

The institute's establishment marks a significant milestone in the pursuit of artistic excellence in Nigeria. Aspiring creative writers and filmmakers can now look forward to honing their skills in a supportive and dynamic learning environment, while celebrated authors have an avenue to see their literary creations translated into captivating cinematic experiences.

 

Caucasus Journal of Milton Studies Set To Publish More Nigerian and African Writers – Wole Adedoyin

 

CAUCASUS JOURNAL OF MILTON STUDIES SET TO PUBLISH MORE NIGERIAN AND AFRICAN WRITERS – WOLE ADEDOYIN

 

The Milton Society of Georgia, under the visionary leadership of Professor Edward Raupp, Professor of English Language and Literature at Gori State University has announced its commitment to amplifying the voices of Nigerian and African writers in the literary landscape. Following the successful release of Vol. 2 No. 2: June 2023, the Caucasus Journal of Milton Studies (CJMS) will now feature more works from the vibrant Nigerian and African literary community. The recent issue showcased the brilliant poetry of Nigerian Poet Michael Chukwudi, marking the beginning of this inclusive literary journey. The CJMS, published by the Milton Society of Georgia and helmed by Editor-in-Chief Danna Raupp, is an internationally acclaimed, peer-reviewed journal dedicated to the life and works of English writer John Milton.

Caucasus Journal of Milton Studies (CJMS) e-ISSN: 2720-8222 (online) is a prestigious platform for high-quality, original research with a focus on manuscripts in English. The journal welcomes submissions of various types, including original research articles, review articles, and poetry inspired by the life and works of John Milton.

In a significant step towards fostering literary diversity, the Milton Society of Georgia, under the guidance of Professor Edward Raupp, played a pivotal role in establishing the Milton Society of Africa last year. As part of their commitment to promoting African literary voices, the Milton Society of Georgia sponsored the inaugural Milton Writers Conference held in Ibadan, Nigeria, and the John Milton Writers Competition.

In the Editor's Note from the Vol. 2 No. 2: June 2023 CJMS, the journal's team expressed their delight in featuring contributions from young women pursuing their Master's Degree in Anglistics at Gori State University. Notably, these remarkable students chose to write their theses in English, marking a groundbreaking moment for the university. The recent issue included English translations of two final miniatures from Niko Lortkipanidze and a short poem by Paolo Iashvili, provided by Eter Churadze. Additionally, the translation section introduced a new contributor, Lela Ebralidze, who presented her scientific research on the renowned American poet, Edgar Allan Poe, delighting readers with her Georgian translation of Poe's beloved work, "Annabelle Lee."

The highlight of the issue was the poetry section, featuring the powerful and thought-provoking poem, "DENIAL," penned by Michael Chukwudi, an author of Nigerian-Indonesian heritage. Chukwudi's poem passionately addressed the prevailing injustice in Nigeria, urging for a restoration of justice and an end to the evils plaguing his homeland.

Wole Adedoyin, the driving force behind the project and President of the Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW), played a significant role in fostering this collaboration. His dedication to promoting literary diversity and providing a platform for African writers has been instrumental in making this endeavor a reality.

The CJMS extends its warm appreciation to all contributors, readers, and supporters, acknowledging that each individual enriches the journal's literary discourse. With a renewed commitment to amplifying African voices and fostering cross-cultural exchanges, the CJMS looks forward to bringing more impactful works from Nigerian and African writers to the forefront of global literary conversations.

For more information and to access the latest issue of CJMS, please visit: https://cjojms.com/index.php/research/issue/view/8

New Research Paper Explores the Power of Artistic Protest and Testimony in "EndSARS Rhythms"

 

NEW RESEARCH PAPER EXPLORES THE POWER OF ARTISTIC PROTEST AND TESTIMONY IN "ENDSARS RHYTHMS"

 

By Wole Adedoyin

A groundbreaking academic paper titled "Poetic Protest and Testimony in Endsars Rhythms" has been jointly authored by Jayne I. Owan and Onyekachi Peter Onuoha from the prestigious Department of English and Literary Studies at the University of Calabar. The research delves into the powerful use of art, particularly poetry, as a medium of protest and testimony during the EndSARS movement in Nigeria.

The paper sheds light on the multifaceted role of EndSARS Rhythms, which serves as both an avenue for entertainment and a medium for documenting the causes of brutalization faced by the Nigerian people, as well as questioning the moral fiber of the society. Amidst threats to life, Nigerians turned to poetry as a potent form of protest to challenge police brutality in the country. The study highlights how art plays a significant role in social movements and resistance to police violence, acting as a vehicle for poetic protest and testimony.

The research involves a comprehensive textual analysis of a digital memorial, revealing how EndSARS Rhythms effectively preserves memory through art while documenting the exploitation and brutality suffered by the youth at the hands of the Nigeria Police Force. It unequivocally establishes EndSARS Rhythms as a poetic protest and testimony against police brutality.

One of the fundamental aspects of the paper is the incorporation of several poignant poems from EndSARS Rhythms that have become a literary testimony for victims of police brutality and survivors in Nigeria. Some of the notable poems featured in the research include “State Armed Robbers Squad (SARS)”  by Frank Kaliati, “EndSARS! LAWMAKERS, OR LAWBREAKERS” by Olude Peter Sunday, “Talk True” by Nkiru Onyeyaforo, “Guns End Dreams” by Olawumi Oluwasogo, “EndSARS” by David Jonathan Inyang, “Homeland in Pain” by Enyia Lilian Nkechinyere, “How Our Lights were Put off” by Nwokeabia, Ifeanyi John, “Spare us! Spare us! By Adaji Elizabeth Mercy, “In Lekki, Heroes Prevailed…” by Merife, Chisom Victor, “To our heroes up” by Adefeyintola Adesegun, “Requiem for victims of Lekki Massacre '' by Chidiebere Enyia, “The night when doves cried”  by Shola Balogun, “Inquest for freedom!”  by Blessing Chinenye David’s  and others.

Through the powerful poetic chronicles presented in EndSARS Rhythms, the movement emerges as a resolute protest against exploitation and brutality within Nigerian society. The poetic narratives eloquently implicate the Nigerian government and police as agents responsible for the subjugation and exploitation of the country's youth. Each poem serves as a witness against the state, condemning the extra-judicial killing of numerous Nigerians.

The significance of the research paper lies in its portrayal of EndSARS Rhythms as a resilient and artistic response to social injustice and oppression. It underscores how the protest movement effectively utilized poetry as a means of expressing grievances, demanding accountability, and advocating for change. The poems themselves become a collective voice of resilience, providing solace to those affected by police brutality and giving hope for a brighter future.

The co-authors, Jayne I. Owan and Onyekachi Peter Onuoha, commend the courage and creativity displayed by the poets in EndSARS Rhythms, and express hope that this research will contribute to a deeper understanding of the power of art in shaping social movements.

The full research paper "Poetic Protest and Testimony in Endsars Rhythms" is available via https://jurnal.fs.umi.ac.id/index.php/tamaddun-life/article/view/161 and https://jurnal.fs.umi.ac.id/index.php/tamaddun-life/article/view/161/129.

END SARS RYTHMS edited by Terseer Sam Baki and Wole Adedoyin and published in electronic and 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.