Imodoye Writers Enclave (ILE IWE), a renowned creative writing hub and writers’ residency in Nigeria, proudly announced the introduction of its fourth cohort of writers during a program held on July 16th, 2023, at the Enclave’s premises in Ilorin, Kwara State.
Dr. Usman Oladipo Akanbi, the Founder, emphasized that the event’s purpose was to unveil and inspire talented creative writers to fulfill their ongoing projects while providing them with a writing workshop and other literature-related activities, all at no cost.
Drawing inspiration from his late father’s commitment to supporting the community, Dr. Akanbi, an Agricultural Economist, expressed his belief that the program would ignite interest in writing and establish a blueprint for the growth of literature in the state.
Mr. Opeyemi Babayemi, Chairman of the Kwara chapter of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) and the Chairman of the occasion, praised the organizers for their efforts and thanked them for the opportunity to preside over the event. He congratulated Dr. Usman Akanbi, the Founder of Imodoye Writers Enclave, for his exceptional ideas and unwavering determination to foster the development of young writers, which would undoubtedly contribute significantly to the growth of writing in Nigeria.
During the unveiling ceremony, the Founder of Imodoye Writers Enclave, Dr. Usman Oladipo Akanbi, also mentioned that the residency received generous support from sponsors who, out of humility, preferred to remain anonymous. These sponsors have graciously contributed to the success and sustainability of the program, showing their commitment to the growth and development of literature in Nigeria. Their support has been instrumental in providing the necessary resources and opportunities for the talented writers participating in the residency. The Founder expressed deep gratitude to the anonymous sponsors for their invaluable contribution, emphasizing that their support has made a significant difference in bringing to life the residency program. He further affirmed the organization’s commitment to collaborating with creative arts enthusiasts and relevant government agencies to ensure the long-term sustainability of the program.
Four talented writers were selected for the fourth cohort of Imodoye Writers Residency: AbdulBasit Abubakar from Nasarawa State, Oladele Aishat Abolanle from Osun State, Jeff Iwu from Imo State, and Isaiah Adepoju, also from Osun State.
AbdulBasit Abubakar, a passionate writer, poet, and storyteller, is devoted to creating unique works of art that express personal emotions and self-exploration. With his profound love for poetry and storytelling, Abdul Basit has been published and performed nationally at various poetry events, literary festivals, and festivals such as the Hausa International Book and Arts Festival, Kaduna Books and Arts Festival, and the More Life Poetry Concert in Port Harcourt. He has established himself as a captivating performer. At Imodoye Writers Residency, AbdulBasit will be working on his poetry collection, “This is my First Time Flying,” and developing a full poetry theatre production titled “Train Ride With AB.”
Jeff Iwu, a poet, novelist, and playwright, has had his works featured in various local and international anthologies and magazines, including the ‘Best of 2020 Anthology’ published by Inner Child Press, USA, ANA Review, Brittle Paper, The Shallow Tales Review, Tuck Magazine, and Literary World of Dr. Brajesh Kumar Gupta Mewadav (An International Anthology of Critical Views, India), among others. Some of his works have received awards. Jeff is the author of the play “Verdict of the Gods” and the novel “Files of the Heart.” Currently, he works as a researcher in the field of African Literature at the Department of English and Literary Studies, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. At Imodoye Writers Residency, Jeff intends to complete his second novel and a collection of plays.
Isaiah Adepoju, a tireless Nigerian writer, is a fellow of the Ebedi International Writers Residency and the UNDERTOW Poetry fellowship in London. His debut novel is set to be published by Abibiman UK this year. His poems have been longlisted for the 2023 Alphine Fellowship Poetry Prize and won the 2022 Lagos-London Poetry Prize. Isaiah is participating in Imodoye Writers Residency to work on his second novel.
Oladele Aishat Abolanle, a graduate of Osun State University and an enthusiast of baking, catering, and writing, is also part of the fourth cohort at Imodoye Writers Residency.
These talented writers are expected to spend three weeks at Imodoye, diligently working on their manuscripts to bring their creative visions to fruition.
The unveiling ceremony was honored by the presence of distinguished individuals representing various fields of expertise and walks of life.
