Eko Book Club Greets Poets on World Poetry Day

 In the heart of every poet lies a unique rhythm, a cadence that captures the essence of their thoughts and emotions. World Poetry Day is not just a date on the calendar; it’s a global embrace of art that resonates across continents, cultures, communities, clans, and castes.

I believe poetry is a bridge between hearts and minds. It’s a form of expression that transcends boundaries, whether they be linguistic, geographical, or emotional. Poetry as a form of art has the power to touch lives, heal wounds, and inspire change.

The history of poetry is as old as humanity itself. From the epic tales of ancient civilizations to the sonnets of the Renaissance, from the haikus of Japan to the free verse and prose poetry of modern times, poetry has been a constant companion to mankind’s journey. It has been a witness to our triumphs and tragedies, a chronicle of our collective experience.

Today, poetry continues to evolve, finding new voices and new mediums. Social media has become a platform for poets to share their work with a wider audience, breaking down the barriers that once limited their reach. Poetry slams and spoken word events have brought the art form to life, showcasing the dynamic and performative aspects of poetry.

It’s the ability to convey profound truths in a few well-chosen words. It’s the freedom to play with language, to bend rules, and to create beauty from the mundane. Poetry is both personal and universal; it speaks to the individual while connecting us to the larger human experience.

On World Poetry Day, we honour the poets who have come before us, those who have laid the foundation for the vibrant tapestry of verse that we enjoy today.

We recognise and honour contemporary poet’s who are painting vivid imageries of our everyday experiences, thoughts, and deepest feelings.

We also look to the future, to the emerging poets who will carry the torch and continue to illuminate the world with their words.

Let’s celebrate the diversity of voices and richness of language that makes poetry a timeless art form to unite us all. 

May the beauty of words continue to flow, inspire and unite us all through the magic of language.

Eko Book Club Congratulates Lola Shoneyin on Appointment as Chairman of UNILAG Press and Bookshop Board

 

EKO BOOK CLUB CONGRATULATES LOLA SHONEYIN ON APPOINTMENT AS CHAIRMAN OF UNILAG PRESS AND BOOKSHOP BOARD

The Eko Book Club, one of the Literary initiatives of the Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW)  has extended its heartfelt congratulations to Lola Shoneyin on her recent appointment as the Chairman of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) Press and Bookshop Board. 

This esteemed position reflects not only Shoneyin's outstanding contributions to the literary world but also her commitment to fostering a vibrant literary environment within educational institutions.

Fauzat Modupeola Kalejaye, the Coordinator of Eko Book Club, expressed enthusiasm for Shoneyin's new role, highlighting the significance of her leadership in promoting literature and education. 

Kalejaye commended Shoneyin for her unwavering dedication to advancing literary initiatives and creating meaningful connections within the literary community.

In addition to her chairmanship at UNILAG, Shoneyin has garnered further accolades, notably being recognized among the Financial Times' most influential women of 2023. The Eko Book Club takes pride in celebrating Shoneyin's achievements, recognizing her as a trailblazer whose impact extends beyond national borders.

Shoneyin's multifaceted accomplishments as a writer, poet, and cultural advocate have resonated globally, making her a beacon of inspiration for aspiring writers and literary enthusiasts. 

The Eko Book Club acknowledged the depth of her influence and applauds her commitment to promoting literature as a powerful tool for social change.

As the literary community rejoices in Shoneyin's achievements, the Eko Book Club reaffirmed its dedication to supporting and collaborating with influential figures who share a passion for literature. 

The Club looks forward to continued collaboration with Shoneyin in fostering a culture of reading, learning, and intellectual engagement within the UNILAG community and beyond.

Eko Book Club Congratulates Akeem Lasisi on his Birthday Anniversary

 

EKO BOOK CLUB CONGRATULATES AKEEM LASISI ON HIS BIRTHDAY ANNIVERSARY

 

By Wole Adedoyin

Eko Book Club, a renowned literary community in Lagos, is pleased to join the world in celebrating the remarkable achievements and exceptional talent of Akeem Lasisi as he commemorates another year of his birthday. The Club extends its heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to the distinguished performance poet on this special occasion.

In a statement issued today by Faozat Modupeola Kalejaye, the Coordinator of Eko Book Club, the organization expressed its joy and enthusiasm in acknowledging Akeem Lasisi's contributions to the world of literature. Akeem Lasisi, known for his groundbreaking experimentations with oral Yoruba and English poetry, has significantly influenced and enriched the Nigerian literary landscape.

Akeem Lasisi, a graduate of the prestigious Obafemi Awolowo University, has garnered accolades for his exceptional talent. In the year 2000, he was awarded the prestigious Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) and Cadbury Poetry Prize for his remarkable work, Iremoje. This recognition further solidified his position as a force to be reckoned with in the realm of poetry.

As a prominent performance poet, Akeem Lasisi has captivated audiences with his mesmerizing performances. His distinctive style and ability to seamlessly blend different languages have made him a beloved figure in the poetry community. Beyond his poetry, Akeem Lasisi has also made significant contributions to journalism as a notable journalist with The Comet Newspaper, further showcasing his versatility and commitment to the written word.

Moreover, Akeem Lasisi has authored notable works that have resonated with readers across the country. His literary prowess is evident in works such as Wonderland and Post Mortem, which have garnered critical acclaim and further solidified his position as a prominent literary voice.

Eko Book Club acknowledges the immense impact Akeem Lasisi has made in the literary sphere, both in Nigeria and beyond. His dedication to his craft, his ability to transcend linguistic boundaries, and his unwavering commitment to the art of poetry have been an inspiration to aspiring writers and poets.

On this joyous occasion, Eko Book Club sends its warmest wishes to Akeem Lasisi, hoping that this birthday anniversary brings him renewed inspiration, boundless joy, and continued success in his artistic endeavors. The Club also expresses its gratitude for his invaluable contributions to the literary community and eagerly anticipates his future literary achievements.

 

Eko Book Club Turns Eleven, Unveils New Logo

 

EKO BOOK CLUB TURNS ELEVEN, UNVEILS NEW LOGO

 

Eko Book Club, one of the book clubs of the Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW) has turned Eleven; and to signpost this milestone, the Club has launched a brand new logo.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Coordinator of the Club, Princess Faozat Modupeola Kalejaiye in Lagos on Thursday.

 

Princess Faozat Modupeola Kalejaiye disclosed that the new logo had been received with warmth and excitement among members and executives of the Club.

 

Explaining the reason for the new logo, Eko Book Club Coordinator, Princess Faozat Modupeola Kalejaiye emphasized that it was borne out of the need to communicate the club’s indisputable status as one of the major book stakeholders in Lagos; what it stands for; and its true identity, all of which drove the process of creating the new logo.

According to the statement, “Eko Book Club’s new logo is not only a new identity celebrating the club’s proud history in the last 11 years; we would like to thank all our members who have been with us over the past 11 years. It has been a tremendous journey of growth and success. We want to assure our members that we are excited and ready for the future. Our vision of taking reading culture to the nooks and crannies of Lagos state remains the same and we believe together we will accomplish great things.”

Eko Book Club (EBC) is an initiative of the Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW). It was founded in 2011 by the SYNW in order to contribute its own quota to the growth and development of Reading Culture in Lagos State.

In 2014, Eko Book Club held her first EKO Creative Writing Workshop in conjunction with the National Library of Nigeria (NLN) Lagos State Branch and recently held her first Fiction Writing Webinar where it hosted two prominent fiction writers; Gabriel Sunday Afolayan (current ANA Ondo State Chairman) and Albert Afeso Akanbi (pioneer coordinator of SYNW in Osun State) who gave brilliant presentations on the Fundamentals and Techniques of Fiction Writing.

 

SYNW Appoints Faozat Modupeola Kalejaiye As Lagos State Coordinator

 

SYNW APPOINTS FAOZAT MODUPEOLA KALEJAIYE AS LAGOS STATE COORDINATOR

 

 The Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW) has appointed Princess Faozat Modupeola Kalejaiye as its new Coordinator in Lagos State.

 

Adedoyin Wole, the National President of the Association made the disclosure in a statement in Ibadan.

 

According to the release, “Faozat’s appointment as Coordinator of the writers’ body in Lagos State is very important as she brings extensive experience and adds the necessary leadership and depth that will help us drive our short term goals of making Lagos State a reading state.

 

As SYNW Coordinator in Lagos State, Princess Faozat Modupeola Kalejaiye will oversee and coordinate the affairs of the Society, Eko Book Club and the campus branches of SYNW in Lagos State in line with the constitution of the Society.

 

Princess Faozat Modupeola Kalejaiye (née Olumegbon) was born in Lagos.She attended Fountain Primary School, Surulere and later went to Queen’s College, Yaba, Lagos and Caleb University,Imota, Lagos where she obtained her Bachelor of Science in Accounting. She is an Auditor by training and worked with a few firms, her auditing journey started with one of the big 4’s :Ernst and Young.

 

She is also a Poet, she believes poetry is an expression of feelings, emotions, life sorrows and life’s pleasures. Writing poems is one of her hobbies and that birthed the book she wrote Elan Vital (a collection of poems) which was launched in 2019 and approved by Lagos State Educational and Examination Board for JSS 3.

 

She is founder / Chief Executive of Modupe’s Kitchen ( An African/continental and exotic tropical drinks and desserts Cusine) enterprise. She believes that as the economy is shifting, you need to have legitimate and creative sources of extra income.

 

She is a member of Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), she is also a member of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce & Industry(LCCI), student member of Association of Chartered  Certified Accountants (ACCA) and Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN).

 

Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW), is an umbrella organisation that was founded to promote creative writing and literary arts among writers based in Nigeria between the ages of 10 and 40. It was founded in 2010 at the former house of the Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka at the University of Ibadan. It was formerly known as the World of Poets and Literary Society.

 

Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW) is a member of the International Authors Forum (IAF). It has also collaborated with different international organizations like Alliance Francaise, Milton Society of Georgia (MSG), International Women Writing Guild (IWWG), 100 Thousand Poets for Change, Gibran National Museum (Lebanon) Woman Scream International Poetry and Arts Festival, and the International Human Rights Art Festival (IHRAF).

 

In 2019, Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW) was duly acknowledged and mentioned in a book titled “TEEN LIVES AROUND THE WORLD: A GLOBAL ENCYCLOPEDIA (2 VOLUMES)” edited by Karen Wells. The Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW) was described as the only teen writers’ body in Nigeria. 

 

SYNW provides a platform for young writers to meet and collaborate, enhance and hone their writing skills. SYNW also publishes, promotes and markets the works of its members.

 

Eko Book Club To Hold Strategic Meeting On Saturday

 

EKO BOOK CLUB TO HOLD STRATEGIC MEETING ON SATURDAY

 

Eko Book Club (EBC) , another book reading platform of the Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW) is set to hold its strategic meeting this coming Saturday in Lagos.

The strategic meeting is also expected to ratify the list of the EXCO members of the club.

In a Press statement on Thursday in Ibadan, capital of Oyo State, National President of the Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW), Wole Adedoyin said that members of the Club will be meeting to discuss issues affecting the club and to inaugurate a new executive council for the club.

The statement added that the strategic meeting of the Club will be chaired by the President of the Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW), Wole Adedoyin and the Lagos Coordinator of the Society.

In 2014, Eko Book Club held her first EKO Creative Writing Workshop in conjunction with the National Library of Nigeria (NLN) Lagos State Branch and recently held her first Fiction Writing Webinar where it hosted two prominent fiction writers; Gabriel Sunday Afolayan (current ANA Ondo State Chairman) and Albert Afeso Akanbi (pioneer coordinator of SYNW in Osun State) who gave brilliant presentations on the Fundamentals and Techniques of Fiction Writing.

Eko Book Club (EBC) is an initiative of the Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW). It was founded in 2011 by SYNW in order to contribute its own quota to the growth and development of Reading Culture in Lagos State.

Eko Book Club (EBC) consists of a group of people who meet periodically to discuss the book they have read and exchange those books. Club members encourage each other and learn to read with a critical mind, articulating their opinions about a particular book with others. Certain types of books not available or read receive attention through the book club.