Prof. Ernest Emenyonu Pays Tribute to Late Joop Berkhout

 

PROF. ERNEST EMENYONU PAYS TRIBUTE TO LATE JOOP BERKHOUT

 

By Wole Adedoyin

Professor Ernest Nneji Emenyonu, Emeritus Professor of Africana Studies at the University of Michigan-Flint, has paid a heartfelt tribute to the late Joop Berkhout, a significant figure in the world of Nigerian literature and publishing. Emenyonu, who is regarded as one of the foremost scholars on African literature globally, shared his deep admiration and personal connection with Berkhout, highlighting their longstanding friendship and professional collaboration.

Emenyonu fondly recalled his close relationship with Joop Berkhout, noting that they remained in constant communication up until Berkhout’s passing. "We were talking about the autobiography of Cyprian Ekwensi as late as 2020. Cyprian and I visited Joop Berkhout many times over the years," Emenyonu remarked. "His contribution to the world of literature, particularly Nigerian literature, is immeasurable, and he will be greatly missed."

Professor Emenyonu, who is known for his groundbreaking work on African literature, including his celebrated biography of Chinua Achebe and The Rise of the Igbo Novel, emphasized Berkhout’s crucial role in the promotion and publication of Nigerian authors. He noted that Berkhout’s impact went beyond simply publishing books; his efforts helped shape the future of Nigerian literature on the global stage.

Berkhout, who lived in Nigeria for over 54 years, played a key role in the careers of several Nigerian writers, including Chinua Achebe, Cyprian Ekwensi, and many others. Emenyonu explained that Berkhout was instrumental in publishing landmark works such as Jaguar Nana and Divided We Stand: A Novel of the Nigerian Civil War, helping to bring these significant narratives to a global audience.

During a time when many foreign publishers were withdrawing from the Nigerian market, Berkhout remained steadfast. He was pivotal in the transition from Evans Publishers to Spectrum and later to Safari Publishers. Emenyonu credited Berkhout with being a pillar in the Nigerian publishing industry during a critical period. His resilience in the face of adversity helped sustain a growing literary culture that continues to thrive today.

Emenyonu’s deep respect for Berkhout was rooted in his firsthand experience of the publisher’s dedication. He recounted how Berkhout always made time for writers, offering both guidance and practical support. "Joop didn’t just stay because of the business; he stayed because he believed in the power of Nigerian literature to influence the world. He helped so many Nigerian writers get their voices heard," Emenyonu said.

The late Joop Berkhout’s legacy will continue to live on through the countless writers, publishers, and scholars he supported during his time in Nigeria. Emenyonu emphasized that Berkhout’s work is now an indelible part of the history of Nigerian literature, ensuring that his influence will be felt for generations to come.

"In remembering Joop, we are reminded of the immense contributions of those who dedicate their lives to the preservation and promotion of culture. Joop Berkhout was one such person, and Nigerian literature owes much of its global visibility to him," Emenyonu concluded.

 

Judges Unveiled for Wale Okediran @ 70 National Poetry Competition

 

JUDGES UNVEILED FOR WALE OKEDIRAN @ 70 NATIONAL POETRY COMPETITION

 

The organizers of the Wale Okediran @ 70 National Poetry Competition have announced the esteemed panel of judges who will assess entries for the ongoing contest. Launched to celebrate the 70th birthday of renowned author and medical doctor, Dr. Wale Okediran, the competition is designed to spotlight emerging literary talent in Nigeria and honor the enduring legacy of one of Nigeria’s most prolific writers.

Targeted at young and emerging poets aged 25 years or younger, the poetry competition aims to provide a platform for creativity and literary expression. It seeks to encourage young writers to explore the art of poetry while contributing to the growing richness of Nigerian literature. This initiative also offers participants an opportunity to gain national recognition for their work, further strengthening the future of poetry in the country.

The jury, consisting of three distinguished figures in the literary and arts community, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the competition. Leading the panel is Professor Mabel Evwierhoma, a Nigerian Professor of Theatre Arts at the University of Abuja. An expert in dramatic theory, criticism, gender studies, and cultural studies, Professor Evwierhoma has held notable positions, including Dean of the Faculty of Arts at the University of Abuja and Director of the Centre for Gender Security Studies and Youth Advancement.

Joining her is Khalid Imam, a bilingual writer and multiple award-winning poet, playwright, and art administrator. Imam, who serves as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Poetry Renaissance Trust, has a prolific publishing record spanning various genres and languages, including English and Hausa. As the founder of the All Poets Network International and the pioneer Festival Director of the Nigeria Poetry Festival, Imam brings extensive experience in promoting poetry and literary culture, both locally and internationally.

The third judge is Akudo Nkemjika Okeke, a dynamic performance poet and fiction writer whose creative works resonate deeply with audiences. Known for her vibrant performances and compelling storytelling, Okeke represents the growing influence of young Nigerian poets and writers on the global literary stage.

Speaking about the competition, the Coordinator of the contest, Wole Adedoyin emphasized that the trio of judges was carefully selected to ensure fairness, integrity, and a comprehensive evaluation of all entries. They noted that the judges’ combined expertise in literary criticism, performance arts, and cultural studies would play a pivotal role in identifying and rewarding outstanding poetic talent.

The Wale Okediran @ 70 National Poetry Competition has already garnered significant interest among young writers across the country. Entries are expected to explore diverse themes, reflecting the creativity and ingenuity of Nigeria’s emerging poets.

As the deadline for submissions approaches, the organizers urge eligible poets to seize the opportunity to participate and make their voices heard. Winners will be announced at a special event commemorating Dr. Wale Okediran’s 70th birthday, further cementing his legacy as a champion of Nigerian literature.

For more information about the competition, including submission guidelines and deadlines, interested participants are encouraged to follow the organizers’ official blog @ https://waleokediranat70poetrycompetition.blogspot.com/2025/01/call-for-entries-wale-okediran-70.html.

 

Organizers Announce Wale Okediran @70 National Poetry Competition, Call for Entries

 

ORGANIZERS ANNOUNCE WALE OKEDIRAN @70 NATIONAL POETRY COMPETITION, CALL FOR ENTRIES

 

In honor of the forthcoming 70th birthday of Dr. Wale Okediran, one of Nigeria’s most celebrated literary icons, the Wale Okediran @70 National Poetry Competition has been officially launched. Dr. Okediran, a former National President of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) and the current Secretary General of the Pan African Writers Association (PAWA), has made indelible contributions to the growth of literature in Nigeria and Africa. This initiative seeks to celebrate his legacy while nurturing young literary talent in Nigeria.

The poetry competition is targeted at young and emerging poets aged 25 years or younger, providing them with a platform to showcase their creativity and contribute to the rich tapestry of Nigerian literature. It offers an opportunity for budding writers to express themselves through poetry and gain recognition on a national level.

Poets are invited to submit original works written in English. The poems must adhere to either free verse or stanza format, with a maximum of 20 lines. Submissions must be in Microsoft Word format, typed in Times New Roman, font size 12, and double-line spaced. Participants should include their name, phone number or WhatsApp contact, and email address in their submissions.

Entries should be sent via email to waleokediranpoetrycompetition@gmail.com with the subject line “WO@70.” The competition is open until February 28, 2025. For further inquiries, participants may contact the coordinator, Wole Adedoyin, via email at woleadedoyin@gmail.com.

Winners of the competition will receive monetary prizes, with ₦50,000 for first place, ₦30,000 for second place, and ₦20,000 for third place. In addition, ten honorable mentions will be recognized for their exceptional contributions. All prize winners will receive certificates of achievement, while every participant will be issued a certificate of participation.

To immortalize the competition, the top 20 outstanding entries will be compiled and published as an e-book. This initiative aims to preserve the creative works of these young poets and document the impact of the competition on the literary landscape of Nigeria.

The competition will be judged by a prestigious panel of literary experts, including: Prof. Mabel Evwierhoma – Department of Theatre Arts, University of Abuja (Chairperson), Khalid Imam – Renowned poet and arts curator, Akudo Nkemjika Okeke – Accomplished poet, scriptwriter, and screenwriter.

Speaking on the competition, Wole Adedoyin, the coordinator, emphasized that this event not only celebrates Dr. Wale Okediran’s milestone birthday but also aims to inspire young poets to explore their creative potential and contribute to Nigeria’s literary heritage.

The Wale Okediran @70 National Poetry Competition stressed the importance of literature in national development and the need to encourage young writers to excel. It provides a rare opportunity for emerging talents to gain exposure, network with literary professionals, and leave their mark in the literary community.