Here is useful news from the Society of Young Nigerian Writers

SOCIETY OF YOUNG NIGERIAN WRITERS TO CELEBRATE YORUBA LANGUAGE WRITERS WITH FAGUNWA’S NIGHT

In a statement released by Mr. Wole Adedoyin, the National President of the Society stated that the Society is now planning to organize another great literary event in honour of the great author, D.O Fagunwa. The programme is tagged “Fagunwa’s Night”. Fagunwa’s Night promises to be an avenue of promoting Yoruba culture and literature. Important personalities in Yoruba Literature that will grace the occasion include Prof. Akinwunmi Isola, Alagba Adebayo Faleti, Alagba Tunbosun Oladapo, Prof. Remi Raji, Dr. Remi Adedokun, Dr. Wale Okediran, Alagba Supo Kosemani, Dr. Bayo Adebowale and Prof. Wande Abimbola.

Young writers using Yoruba Language to write are invited to read from their works or those of other writers. Using Yoruba language to write among youths has become a taboo which every individual youth fear not to commit. Youths are no more having any pride in using their indigenous languages to communicate or express their views and opinions in a written format because they are fearing not to be called an illiterate or win an international laurel through the medium or be ridiculed among their mates. They have forgotten the fact that they are to exhibit their culture, traditions, values and norms to their neighbors and foreigners as Achebe, Soyinka, Amos Tutuola, Labo Yari, Ben Okri, Sefi Atta and Chimamanda have done through their works. Those young writers writing historical plays or works using English Language sometimes failed to conduct adequate research about what they are writing because they don’t understand the foundation or basics of such language, the origin of the tribe itself and the flowery elements in the language of such tribe.

Upcoming and talented young writers who have developed or want to develop writing in indigenous languages should consult the works of the following people, Pita Nwana from the East, Abubakar Imam from the North, Daniel Orowale Fagunwa from the West on how they can write world acclaimed works using their indigenous languages.

The programme is scheduled to take place on February 25, 2012 at African Heritage Research Library and Cultural Centre, Adeyipo, Ibadan.

It is very sad and discouraging that the Association of Nigerian Authors as big as they are do not have prizes for writers writing in indigenous languages especially Yoruba Language. Even moreso, the attitude of Egbe Akomolede Yoruba towards upcoming Yoruba Writers is not in the least encouraging, and hence the clarion call for them to rise up to the occasion.

The Society is embarking on projects that will motivate and encourage young Nigerian writers to continue writing using their precious indigenous languages. For more information visit: www.societyforyoungwriters.webs.com.

SOCIETY OF YOUNG NIGERIAN WRITERS In collaboration with AFRICAN HERITAGE RESEARCH LIBRARY AND CULTURAL CENTRE presents the YORUBA LITERATURE WRITING COMPETITION

For Writers using Yoruba Language to write between the ages of 15 and 40.

The competition is organized by the Society to rekindle the interest of Young Writers writing in Yoruba language in Nigeria. Also to motivate and encourage writing in indigenous languages among young Nigerian Writers. The competition promises to be an exciting display of Yoruba Culture, Traditions, Norms and Values.

Prizes to be won include

• Fagunwa Prize for Prose Writing – 20,000
• Prof. Akinwunmi Ishola Prize for Drama – 20,000
• Tunbosun Oladapo Prize Poetry – 10,000
• Dr. Adebayo Faleti Prize for Drama – 20,000
• Elder Supo Kosemani Prize for Poetry – 10,000

Conditions of entry
1. The competition is opened to anyone aged 15-40
2. Works should be in Yoruba Language, unpublished and not currently submitted or accepted for future publication
3. They must not previously have been awarded a prize in any competition nor may be simultaneously entered for any competition other than this one.
4. Works must be your own original work.
5. Works must be on a separate sheet of A4 size, which must not bear your name, class, age and school.
6. No entry form is required but on a separate sheet of A4 you should show your name, address, title of the work submitted and please tell us where you heard about the competition.
7. Entry should be sent to the following e-mail: societyofyoungnigerianwriters@gmail.com. The closing date is 1st of March, 2011, as results will be sent out in April 1st, 2012.
8. The Judge’s decision will be final; no correspondence can be entered into
10. Unfortunately, submitted works cannot be returned so remember to keep a copy.

Wole Adedoyin
National President
08072673852