Unveiling of literary talents at Ibadan Young Writers Summit

New literary stars were ‘christened’ and ‘unleashed’ on the world stage at the well-attended final of the Ibadan Young Writers Summit 2017 inside the iconic bowl of Trenchard Hall, University of Ibadan, on August 8, 2017. It was a colourful, inspiring and befittingly entertaining event graced by literati, educationists, school proprietors and administrators, publishers, educational support services providers, financial institutions, parents, members of the press and the general public.

The fresh stars of literary and creative writing were drawn from among about 500 participants at the preliminary stage, which took place in May 2017. It was possibly the largest gathering of young literary talents in one spot. At the preliminaries, these creative buds were exposed to the craftsmanship behind fine prose, poetry, drama and songwriting. Finalists were drawn from the best entries of writing assignments given them at the end of their training.

By all means, objectives of the summit, which included discovery of new literary talents, production of next generation of literary stars and the creation of a supportive, non-competitive environment where teenage writers can work together as artistes, were well achieved. The award-winning columnist, poet, novelist and Chairman, Editorial Board of The Nation newspaper, Mr. Sam Omatseye, delivered an inspiring keynote address that literally lit up the faces of the students.

Overall, Miss Williams Neyen of Livingstone College emerged winner of the 2017 edition of the Ibadan Young Writers Literary Challenge. First runner-up is Oyedemi Idowu of Oba Akinyele High School and Bassey Karen of All Soul’s College was second runner-up. In the Junior category (Poetry), Iyeoluwa Adejumo-Bello of Kinderville College won, whilst Omobowale Jesusurefunmi of Christ The King College won in the Senior Category. Various cash prizes, medal, certificate and books were awarded all finalists and overall winners. Automatic qualification for the forthcoming Odu’a International Literary Challenge was also granted the finalists.
Inauguration of Ibadan Young Writers Academy crowned an enchanting evening.