EKO BOOK CLUB CONGRATULATES DR. LOLA AKANDE ON HER 59TH BIRTHDAY
The members and executives of Eko Book Club have extended their heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Lola Akande, a renowned Nigerian academic and fiction writer, on the occasion of her 59th birthday. The announcement was made through a press statement issued by Fausat Modupeola Kalejaye, the Coordinator of Eko Book Club, celebrating Dr. Akande’s outstanding contributions to Nigerian literature and academia.
Born on October 3, 1965, in Kwara State, Nigeria, Dr. Akande has made significant strides in the literary world with her impressive array of novels and academic works. She currently teaches African literature at the University of Lagos, where she continues to inspire students and young writers through her dedication to African storytelling and academic excellence.
Dr. Akande’s literary journey began with the publication of her debut novel In Our Place in 2012. This was followed by What It Takes in 2016, which earned her the prestigious Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) Prize for Prose Fiction in 2017. Her latest work, The Truth about Sadia, published in 2023, has received critical acclaim and was endorsed by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
Fausat Modupeola Kalejaye, speaking on behalf of Eko Book Club, described Dr. Akande as “a beacon of excellence in Nigerian literature” and highlighted the club's admiration for her remarkable career. “Dr. Akande’s works not only entertain but also challenge societal norms and offer profound reflections on issues affecting contemporary African society,” she stated.
Dr. Akande’s works include four novels, a monograph, and several short stories, including Suitors Are Scarce in Lagos, which won the ANA Prize for Short Story in 2022. Her stories, such as "I Fixed It" and "Camouflage," have been featured in prominent anthologies, showcasing her versatility as both a novelist and short story writer.
Her academic contributions are equally impressive, with her monograph The City in the African Novel offering a thematic exploration of urban spaces in African literature. This work has been well received in literary and academic circles, further cementing her status as a leading figure in African literary studies.
As a writer and scholar, Dr. Akande has not only made her mark in Nigeria but also across Africa and beyond. Eko Book Club recognized her as a role model for aspiring writers, particularly women, and celebrates her dedication to promoting African literature on the global stage.
The members of Eko Book Club, alongside the Nigerian literary community, wished Dr. Lola Akande continued success and good health as she continues to impact the world of literature and academia. Her works remain an enduring testament to the power of storytelling in shaping societal narratives.
