New Literary Voice Emerges as Goodness Adebolu Prepares to Launch ‘A Woman’s War'

 

NEW LITERARY VOICE EMERGES AS GOODNESS ADEBOLU PREPARES TO LAUNCH ‘A WOMAN’S WAR’

 

By Wole Adedoyin

All is set for the much-anticipated public unveiling of A Woman’s War, a compelling new title by Goodness Adebolu, popularly known by her pen name, Ola Chi. The book launch event is scheduled to hold tomorrow, Saturday, May 17th, 2025, at 3PM at Alliance Française, Seventh Day Adventist Road, Iyaganku, Ibadan.

A Woman’s War is a bold and evocative literary work that explores the strength, struggles, and inner battles faced by women in a society where their voices are often muffled. Blending powerful storytelling with a deep understanding of gender dynamics, Adebolu’s newest offering promises to ignite conversation and provoke thought.

Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Goodness Adebolu developed her love for literature early in life, thanks to the influence of her mother’s reading habits and her father’s thoughtful gift of books during school holidays. Her storytelling journey started in childhood, eventually evolving into a rich writing career that spans short fiction, blogging, and playwriting.

The author first gained literary recognition in 2019 when her short story Adizah was named third runner-up in the Princewill Okigbo Short Story Prize. Since then, she has continued to captivate readers, with another work titled The News now available on Amazon.

Goodness Adebolu wears many hats: she is an international English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher, a committed blogger, a budding playwright, and an emerging voice in African literature. She is also a member of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Oyo State Chapter, and a teacher trainee with the British Council.

In anticipation of the launch, Adebolu stated, “A Woman’s War is more than a play; it is a tribute to the silent battles women fight every day. I wrote this book for every woman who has had to rise, resist, and reclaim her space in the world.” The event promises to be an inspiring gathering of literature lovers, feminists, educators, and creatives.

Guests attending the launch will enjoy readings from the book, an interactive Q&A session with the author, book signings, and light refreshments. The event is open to the public, and attendees are encouraged to arrive early to secure their seats.

Those interested in supporting the launch through sponsorship or seeking further information are invited to call Goodness directly on 07039825167 or send an email to goodnessadebolu@gmail.com.

With A Woman’s War, Goodness Adebolu cements her place as a rising literary voice in Nigeria. This launch event promises not just a celebration of a new book, but a reaffirmation of literature’s power to reflect, challenge, and heal.

 

 

LIMAH Promotes Mental Health Awareness Through Creative Arts at Yinbol College

 **LIMAH PROMOTES MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS THROUGH CREATIVE ARTS AT YINBOL COLLEGE**

By Wole Adedoyin 

As part of its ongoing initiative to promote mental health awareness through the creative arts, the Lit Media and Arts Hub (LIMAH) recently held a sensitization program at Yinbol College, located in Orogun, Akinyele Local Government Area of Oyo State. 

The one-hour event, which took place in one of the school’s classrooms, commenced at exactly 11 a.m. and focused on demystifying mental health challenges among teenagers using advocacy, literature, and role play.

Mrs. Oluwasola Rauf, a seasoned social advocate, delivered a powerful and enlightening address to the students. Her presentation centered on myths and misconceptions surrounding mental health. She emphasized the dangerous effects of isolation, particularly in cases of depression, and urged the students to embrace open conversations as a tool to combat mental health issues.

Highlighting that mental health is as important as physical health, Mrs. Rauf debunked common stigmas and encouraged the students to seek help when needed. She stressed the importance of creating safe spaces within schools where students can express their feelings and concerns without judgment or fear.

Also featured in the event was Mr. Akinola Sesan, a poet, performing playwright, and passionate mental health advocate. He engaged the students through bibliotherapy by reading excerpts from his debut creative work titled *The Grief Anibala*. The book explores the depths of grief and mental struggle, and Mr. Sesan invited students to participate in role-playing sessions to enhance their emotional literacy and understanding.

Through the dramatized reading and interaction, students were able to reflect on personal and shared experiences, while also developing empathy and resilience. The literary engagement underscored how storytelling can be an effective tool in emotional healing and mental health education.

During the session, Mrs. Rauf further advocated for the institutionalization of school counselors in educational settings, emphasizing that having mental health professionals in schools is critical to early detection and intervention. Her statement resonated strongly with both students and staff present.

A critical moment during the event arose when a teacher shared concerns about a case of child sexual abuse and its impact on the mental wellbeing of the victim. In response, both Mrs. Rauf and Mr. Sesan took swift action by providing the contact details of the Child Protection Network and relevant human rights organizations, ensuring appropriate support could be accessed.

The event came to a close at exactly 12 p.m., with LIMAH presenting the school with donations of books, educational materials, Educare Trust’s monthly breast examination posters, and other relevant mental health literature. These resources are expected to enhance the school’s capacity to promote mental wellness among its students.

LIMAH extended heartfelt gratitude to Educare Trust and other concerned individuals who supported the success of the outreach program. Their contributions were instrumental in making the initiative impactful and memorable.

With this program, LIMAH reaffirms its commitment to using literature and the arts as transformative tools to promote mental health awareness and foster a more empathetic, informed, and supportive society.

The Lit Media and Arts Hub Advocates for Mental Health Awareness in Schools

 

THE LIT MEDIA AND ARTS HUB ADVOCATES FOR MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS IN SCHOOLS

 

As part of its ongoing advocacy campaign to promote mental health awareness, The Lit Media and Arts Hub visited Juvenile Palace Academy in the Ojoo area of the Akinyele Local Government Area of Oyo State on Friday, January 17, 2025. The impactful program, held in the school's hall, commenced at 12:00 PM and lasted for about an hour, addressing crucial topics on mental health and demystifying prevalent myths and misconceptions.

Mrs. Oluwasola Rauf, a seasoned social advocate, highlighted the importance of integrating school counselors into educational institutions. Responding to a question posed by the school principal on how schools can advance mental health advocacy, Mrs. Rauf emphasized that counselors play a critical role in providing emotional support and guidance to students who may be dealing with various challenges.

The convener of the Lit Media and Arts Hub, Mr. Akinola Sesan, also graced the occasion. A renowned poet, mental health advocate, and performing playwright, Mr. Sesan emphasized the significance of literature in fostering mental health awareness. He presented the school with copies of his debut poetry collection, The Grief of Anibala, a groundbreaking contribution to mental health literature. He also donated writing materials, additional mental health literature, and Educare Trust's Monthly Breast Exam (MBE) posters, further enriching the students' learning environment.

Mr. Sesan commended Educare Trust, a prominent non-governmental organization dedicated to societal development, for sponsoring and supporting the campaign. He expressed gratitude for their continuous contributions to advancing mental health education in Nigerian schools and communities.

During the event, students and teachers actively participated in discussions on mental health, sharing personal experiences and exploring ways to foster a supportive environment within the school. The program shed light on the critical need to address stigma and encourage open conversations about mental health challenges among young people.

The school principal expressed deep appreciation for the initiative, describing it as timely and impactful. He acknowledged that the resources provided by The Lit Media and Arts Hub would not only benefit the students but also equip teachers with valuable tools to support their students’ emotional well-being.

Staff members also commended the Hub for its innovative approach to combining literature, advocacy, and community engagement in raising awareness about mental health. They pledged their commitment to implementing some of the insights gained during the session to improve the school's overall mental health culture.

The students were particularly inspired by Mr. Sesan's personal stories and the excerpts he shared from The Grief of Anibala. Many expressed interest in reading the book and learning more about mental health through literature and other educational materials provided during the program.

As the session drew to a close, the school management thanked The Lit Media and Arts Hub for its thoughtful contributions to the students’ development. They expressed their hope that more schools across the state would benefit from such impactful advocacy campaigns.

The Lit Media and Arts Hub reaffirmed its dedication to promoting mental health awareness and pledged to extend its reach to more schools and communities in the future, ensuring that young people have access to the resources and support they need to thrive emotionally and academically.

 

Ogbomoso Community Foundation Advocates Enhanced Resources at Zonal Library Visit

 

OGBOMOSO COMMUNITY FOUNDATION ADVOCATES ENHANCED RESOURCES AT ZONAL LIBRARY VISIT

 

By Wole Adedoyin

The Ogbomoso Community Foundation (OCF), led by its Leader, Major General Oladayo Popoola (rtd.), embarked on a significant visit to the Oyo State Library Board’s Zonal Library at Sunsun, Ogbomoso South Local Government, on Friday, December 20, 2024. The visit aimed to assess the current state of the library facilities, explore opportunities for enhancement, and strengthen support for the library’s role in the community.

Upon arrival, the delegation was warmly received by the Director of Public Library Services, Alhaja Sekinat Akanbi, who represented the Chairman of the Oyo State Library Board, Hon. Yemi Taiwo. During the visit, the library's operations and its services to the local community were highlighted through a detailed presentation.

In his remarks, Major General Oladayo Popoola (rtd.) reiterated the Foundation's commitment to improving educational resources in Ogbomoso. He emphasized that libraries are crucial pillars of community development, serving as hubs of knowledge, learning, and empowerment. "Our goal is to ensure that libraries in Ogbomoso are equipped to inspire and educate the next generation," he stated.

Prof. Segun Ajiboye, another prominent member of the Foundation, encouraged the Zonal Librarian, Mrs. Ayano Kehinde, to create promotional materials to increase community awareness about the library’s resources. He stressed the need for the library to reach a wider audience, particularly nearby institutions and schools, to ensure maximum utilization of the available resources.

Dr. Saka Balogun proposed including the library's enhancement on the agenda of the Foundation’s next meeting. He announced plans for a fundraising initiative dedicated to addressing the library’s pressing needs, emphasizing that collaborative efforts could make a substantial difference.

During the tour of the library, the OCF delegation viewed a collection of books recently donated by Book Aid International, London. The materials, which span diverse disciplines, were highly appreciated by the visiting team, who commended the library’s efforts in providing resources that cater to varied interests and educational needs.

The visit reinforced the Foundation’s recognition of local libraries as vital instruments of community growth and education. By strengthening its partnership with the Oyo State Library Board, the OCF aims to enhance access to information and tools essential for learning and personal development among Ogbomoso residents.

The delegation also included notable figures such as Engr. Abu Salami, Dr. Tayo Alayande, Prof. Funmi Adelowo, Hon. Chief Mrs. Bimpe Martins, Prof. J.A. Aderinto, Dr. Adebayo Busari, and Elder A.A. Ladiran. Their presence underscored the significance of the visit and the collective commitment to library advocacy.

Media representatives, including Mr. Aderemi Akanmu of BCOS and Mr. Lanre Badmus of Parrot FM, accompanied the delegation to document the event. Their coverage ensures that the Foundation’s message reaches a broader audience, inspiring more stakeholders to join the cause of library enhancement in Ogbomoso.

The Ogbomoso Community Foundation’s visit marks a pivotal step in fostering a culture of reading and learning in the community, with hopes of inspiring further action to elevate the library's impact on education and literacy.

 

Ibadan Book Club Commends Oyo State Library Board for Ongoing Development

 IBADAN BOOK CLUB APPLAUDS OYO STATE LIBRARY BOARD FOR CONTINUED SUPPORT AND DEVELOPMENT

For over four years, the Ibadan Book Club has enjoyed the privilege of using the facilities of the Oyo State Library Board for its monthly literary readings and other literary engagements. This long-standing collaboration has proven invaluable in the Club’s mission to foster a vibrant reading culture in Oyo State. The partnership has contributed significantly to the literary landscape, bringing together renowned writers, publishers, and stakeholders in the book industry.

In a press statement issued by the founder of the Ibadan Book Club, Wole Adedoyin, he expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Oyo State Library Board for providing a conducive space for the Club's activities. The statement lauded the board's continued support, which has enabled the Club to host numerous workshops, seminars, and conferences that have engaged both budding and established writers. These events have further strengthened the reading culture in the state and enriched the local literary scene.

"The Oyo State Library Board has been an indispensable partner in the growth of the Ibadan Book Club, and through this collaboration, we have been able to create meaningful spaces for writers, readers, and literary enthusiasts to connect and grow," said Wole Adedoyin. He emphasized the importance of such partnerships in promoting education and intellectual discourse.

The Club commended the Oyo State Government under the political administration of His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde for its visionary leadership, which recently saw the construction of a state-of-the-art shopping complex outside the library. The development marks a significant leap toward optimizing the use of government resources. However, the ongoing construction has not disrupted any part of the library, ensuring that its activities continue to run smoothly.

"The transformation of the library's surrounding environment into a modern shopping complex is a welcome development. It not only enhances the aesthetic value of the area but also optimizes the available resources, making the library a more integral part of the community," said Adedoyin. He noted that the ongoing construction has been handled with care, ensuring that it does not interfere with the library’s operations or its valuable services to the public.

The Club also applauded the inclusion of a 200-seater Computer-Based Test (CBT) facility in the ongoing development project. The CBT center is being built as part of a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) agreement with the developer, and it is intended to serve the educational needs of the state. This facility will provide students and other residents of Oyo State with the opportunity to access computer-based tests and other educational services, thus contributing to the state's educational advancement.

"The inclusion of the CBT center within the library complex is a forward-thinking initiative. It will serve as a valuable resource for students and job seekers alike, providing them with a reliable space to take important exams and certifications," Adedoyin noted. This addition will complement the library’s existing services, further cementing the Oyo State Library Board’s role as a hub of learning and development.

The Club commended Hon. Yemi Taiwo, Chairman of the Oyo State Library Board, for his leadership and for prioritizing the growth and development of the state's library services. His contributions to the success of the board have been crucial, and his vision continues to shape the future of libraries in Oyo State.

As the Ibadan Book Club continues to thrive with the support of the Oyo State Library Board, it remains committed to expanding its impact on the literary community. Through monthly readings, workshops, and seminars, the Club aims to continue its work in shaping the intellectual landscape of Oyo State. With the ongoing development of the library and its facilities, the future looks bright for the literary community and the residents of Oyo State.