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Tag: Mabel Segun

  • Mabel Segun’s last interview with The Nation: “…What is killing us in Nigeria”

    Mabel Segun’s last interview with The Nation: “…What is killing us in Nigeria”

    Mabel Dorothy Segun is 90. At 90, she was still very vocal. Born in 1930 in Ondo town, Ondo state, she comes from a literary family of Sabongida Ora in Edo State. Her father, Reverend Isaiah Aigbovbioise Imoukhuede (Aig-Imoukhuede), wrote the first Ora Primer and more. Regarded as a doyen of Nigerian Literature, she is a versatile woman whose outstanding achievements in the fields of literature, broadcasting and sports have won her local and international recognition. In this last interview EVELYN OSAGIE had with her, the doyen of children literature recounts her voyage into the world of writing and more.

    Clocking 90

    I feel okay except that a few days ago I ate something that disagreed with me and I thought I was going to die before my birthday. But at 90, retirement to be precise is when you are free to write whatever you like.

    I decided that as soon as I retired from the Civil Service, that I would spend my time writing. Unless you overdo it, writing doesn’t kill you. You should not stress yourself in order to please people.

    So, that has been my attitude. And I have done a lot of writing after I retired. And I have enjoyed myself thoroughly writing what I like – not writing to please anybody but myself.

    When you are 90, the only thing needed is discipline. You must have discipline. Some feel they should answer every call: people would always ask you to do this and do that because you have done that in the past.

    But when you are growing old, you would have to say, ‘No’, to those things otherwise you would just drop dead.

    My writing in recent years

    If I don’t write, I won’t be alive, I still write. But it is painful when what you wanted to do is being interrupted so many times. It’s this humor and satire in Nigerian literature In recent times, I have dealt mostly with unfinished work or revision. I like to revise my work all the time so that it can be as near perfect as possible. I don’t like things that are not well done. I am translating a story by Femi Jeboda, entitled: Olowo Laye Mo. I finished writing it, gave it to some people to read and they have pointed out one or two errors, but I am reading through the whole thing again.

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    Sometimes, some books take a long time to produce, like my cultural cookery book that took me 18 years to produce. I have unfinished works and hope I can finish them before I go. I am working on finishing my book on humor and satire of Nigeria literature.

    The feeling of being writer at 90 

    Looking back, I feel fulfilled as a writer. I have written for children. And I have written poetry. Right now somebody is doing a PhD on my early poetry. I wrote poetry, and later I got diverted to children’s books because I wanted to raise the genre. I felt that it was a neglected genre. It’s gone down again. People can’t write for children anymore.

    Children don’t even read anymore. Omowunmi is trying to take over to see what can be done about it. People don’t seem to know how important children’s books are except the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA). ANA has been awake to the importance of children’s literature.

    In this country, people think they don’t have to bother with it. So those who are not qualified are writing for children, in that some of them don’t even have the experience of children or talk to children. The reason you’d find that Cyprian Ekwensi, for example, could write for children was that he could talk to children. I remember when we were at Nairobi airport; there was a child of three running around the place. And when he got near Cyprian, he called him and they started chatting with each other. And I thought no wonder he could write for children. But tell my honorable Wole Soyinka to try talking to a child or writing for children… (Laughs.)

     Books closest to my heart

    Well, I have enjoyed writing everything.

    Challenges of writing children’s books/On writing for children

    Some think children’s literature is easy to write. They don’t know it’s more difficult than adult literature. This is because you have to go into their minds. To write for children, you have to write for different ages and that’s why it’s difficult. You have to study their psychology. Some write as if children are measured with one flat stick.

    For example, I can’t write for teenagers because I don’t know them or what they think about. You have to study the different ages of children. You have to know the children, what they consider important and what’s on their minds. You also have to find out their attention span.

    Being a writer in my days

    It was easy in those days to get your book published. Now, most people are self-publishing. I don’t think that’s good enough. It’s not encouraging at all. Why should you spend your money? In those days, African University Press (AUP) published my books, such as “My father’s daughter,” which became what most young people read.

    It was easy for us to write because the teachers we had were people who influenced us and our childhood. They had deep feelings about writing. For example, I became interested in poetry because there was one teacher we had, Ms. Ore Cole, who made poetry come alive so much.

    She read a poem to us, “Sea Fever”, that talks about the sea and how it felt to be on a boat on the sea. It influenced me a lot that I wanted to become a sailor. We could see the lagoon and the ships on the sea. The poem really appealed to me. That is how a good teacher can influence you. I never forgot her all my life. That is why I have always advocated that the role of the teachers in education cannot be overemphasised. They are influencers.

     Conducive environment for writers – then versus now

    Creating a good environment for people, who want to be creative, like writers, also has an impact on education. We are living in a most unnatural condition. In the old days, we used lamps; but those were in the early years of the country. And nowadays there is no excuse at all. But we have gone back to it.  In fact, I was telling my daughter that I wished we had not given away our oil lamps. We gave them away because they were taking up space.

  • Mabel Segun (1930 -2025)

    Mabel Segun (1930 -2025)

    •An educationist, author and literary giant dies at 95

    As a writer, the high point of her writing life was co-winning the Nigeria Prize for Literature in 2007. Sponsored by Nigeria Liquified Natural Gas (NLNG) company, the prize is rated as the biggest literary award in Africa and among the richest literary awards in the world. Her winning work, which was children’s literature titled ‘Readers’ Theatre: Twelve Plays for Young People,’ further cemented her reputation in the genre.

    “I got diverted to children’s books because I wanted to raise the genre. I felt that it was a neglected genre,” she said in a 2020 interview to mark her 90th birthday. According to her, “Some think children’s literature is easy to write. They don’t know it’s more difficult than adult literature. This is because you have to go into their minds. To write for children, you have to write for different ages and that’s why it’s difficult.”

    Mabel Segun, who died on March 6, aged 95, founded the Children’s Literature Association of Nigeria in 1978 and the Children’s Literature Documentation and Research Centre in 1990 in Ibadan, to promote children-related creative writing and encourage reading among children. She was recognised for her influence on African children’s literature and her role in “the deconstruction of colonial children’s literature for African youth.”

    She won her first literary prize in 1954 – the first Nigerian Festival of the Arts Literature Prize. Her winning short story was titled ‘The Surrender’ and published after her university education. She was said to have written, co-authored or edited 12 children’s books, including ‘My Father’s Daughter’ (1965), which was used as a literature text in schools all over the world. She also published poetry for children. 

    Her body of work includes five books for adults, including a poetry collection, ‘Conflict and Other Poems,’ a collection of short stories, and a selection of her radio talks. Her books have been translated into German, Danish, Norwegian and Greek, and her work is included in the anthology ‘Daughters of Africa’ (1992). She was a founding member of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), established in 1981.

    In another interview, she ranked herself within Nigeria’s literary history, saying she was ‘the second Nigerian female to be published abroad.” To buttress her claim, she explained that, in 1954, three poems she wrote were translated into German and published in a German anthology. She had contributed short stories, poems and essays to the Ibadan University College magazine, the ‘University Herald’ (1950-54).

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    Her path to prominence as a writer was a tough one. “My first husband burnt my first yet-to-be-published novel because he did not want me to become famous. Luckily for me, it was a white judge while we were in England who presided over the case. He dissolved the marriage,” she said in an interview in 1998.

    Born in Ondo, in present-day Ondo State, she studied English, Latin and History at the University College, Ibadan, and graduated in 1953. She later trained as an editor and public relations practitioner in the United Kingdom and America.

    She had stints in the country’s public and private sectors and was Chief Federal Inspector of Education in 1982 and Senior Research Fellow, Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan, from 1982 to 1989. She did various jobs, but her writing was constant.

    In 2009, she received the Nigerian National Order of Merit Award (NNOM) for lifetime achievements. Her selection for the prestigious award, the highest academic award in the country given by the Nigerian government, spoke volumes about her outstanding contributions.

    Segun also made history as the first Nigerian female table tennis player in 1951. She played table tennis at university and national levels, and also played badminton. Her triumphs included silver medal, first ever ladies singles, Lagos, 1954; gold medal, national women’s doubles and mixed doubles, Enugu, 1963; gold medal, women’s team event, West African Games, Cotonou, 1964; and bronze medal, first all-Nigerian badminton women’s singles, Lagos.

    In recognition of her various contributions, the Nigerian government, in 2004, conferred on her the national honour, Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR).

    She will be remembered as a populariser of children’s literature and for her contribution to literary enterprise in the country.

  • Tinubu mourns literary icon Mabel Segun

    Tinubu mourns literary icon Mabel Segun

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed condolences over the passing of renowned Nigerian writer, Mabel Segun, who died on Thursday, just a month after celebrating her 95th birthday.

    In a statement on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu extended sympathies to Segun’s family, as well as members of the literary community, her friends and admirers across the country.

    “Mabel Segun’s extraordinary and enduring impact on Nigeria’s literary landscape over decades is undeniable,” the President said, acknowledging her pioneering contributions to children’s literature and her influence on generations of writers.

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    Born in 1930, Segun was a poet, playwright and writer of short stories and children’s books. 

    She was instrumental to promoting children’s literature in Nigeria, founding the Children’s Literature Association of Nigeria in 1978 and establishing the Children’s Documentation and Research Centre in Ibadan in 1990.

    Her debut book, My Father’s daughter, published in 1965, gained global recognition and remains an inspiration for aspiring writers, students, and literary enthusiasts.

    Tinubu described her as an “illustrious writer”, whose legacy will continue to shape Nigeria’s literary heritage. 

    He prayed for the repose of her soul and for divine comfort for her loved ones.

  • Tributes flow for Mabel Segun at 95

    Tributes flow for Mabel Segun at 95

    Mabel Segun turns 95, and the literary world, led by Nobel laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka and Prof. Niyi Osundare, gathered to celebrate the matriarch of Nigerian literature. The day was filled with tributes, heartfelt memories and reunions, marking a milestone for a woman whose contributions continue to shape the literary landscape. EVELYN OSAGIE reports

    Mabel Segun’s 95th birthday celebration was a profound reflection of her rich and multifaceted life—a true gathering of reverence, recognition and reflection. The event drew respected figures from Nigeria’s literary and academic circles, including Nobel laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka, renowned poet Prof. Niyi Osundare, and Dr. Wale Okediran, the General Secretary of the Pan African Writers Association.

    Born in 1930 into the family of Reverend Isaiah Aigbovbioise Imoukhuede, Mabel Segun’s journey has been one of ground-breaking achievements. A woman of many firsts, she forged a path that inspired future generations. From literature to broadcasting to sports, she has excelled and garnered international acclaim. Her exceptional contributions to children’s literature and sports, particularly as a trailblazer in table tennis, are widely celebrated.

    The two-day event, themed ‘The Multifaceted Artistry of Mabel Segun,’ featured a range of activities designed to honour her enduring legacy. The celebration also featured a wide range of activities reflecting her various passions, including a children’s writing workshop inspired by her work in children’s literature, a mock table tennis tournament in honour of her sports legacy, and an exhibition that captured Mabel Segun’s World of Excellence. As part of the event, the official launch of the Mabel Segun Foundation was also announced, ensuring that her impact would continue to resonate for generations to come.

    A colloquium of tributes, organised by the Committee for Relevant Art (CORA), alongside her family, was a central feature of the celebration. It was here that those who had been touched by her work—friends, colleagues and family members—took turns to praise her influence. Among the most moving speeches was that of her younger brother, Frank Aig-Imoukhuede, who shared fond memories of their shared upbringing. He spoke of how their father’s influence shaped both of their paths, recalling the deep bond he shared with his sister and highlighting a special moment when she selflessly gave back a scholarship refund that had been given to him. Aig-Imoukhuede concluded that this small act spoke volumes about her character: generous, thoughtful, and always placing the needs of others before her own.

    Soyinka’s tribute to Mabel Segun beautifully captures her pioneering spirit and the way she shattered barriers long before the term “feminism” was widely used. Reflecting on their time at the University of Ibadan, he recalled how Mabel embodied the essence of equality. He compared her to a player in a soccer game, saying, “While some are busy looking for a ladder to climb over the wall and retrieve the ball… one of you had already climbed over the wall, retrieved the ball, tossed it back to your yard and followed the game by the same route. That person would be Aunty Mabel.” For Soyinka, Mabel was the person who acted decisively and paved the way for others, setting an example of what true equality looked like.

    Though soccer was not her favourite sport, Mabel’s true passion lay in table tennis, where she was a national champion. She competed internationally, representing Nigeria at the Commonwealth Games and other global events, often beating even the top male players. Beyond sports, Mabel’s impact was felt in literature and academia. She was a vibrant part of her university community, writing poetry, engaging in debates, and contributing to children’s literature. Soyinka’s tribute highlights Mabel Segun’s legacy as a woman who led by example, breaking down gender barriers in every field she entered. His heartfelt toast to her wishes for more healthy years, acknowledging the lasting influence she continues to have.

    In Prof. Osundare’s tribute to Mabel Segun, he emphasises her immense impact on Nigerian literature and society, highlighting her pioneering role as a female voice in a predominantly male-dominated literary landscape. He begins by congratulating Mabel, referring to her as “our Matriarch,” and expressing his wish for her to continue being a guiding presence for even longer. Osundare recalls first hearing her name during his high school years in the 1960s, but it was during his undergraduate years at the University of Ibadan that he truly began to engage with her works, particularly her poetry.

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    He notes that while iconic male figures like Soyinka, Christopher Okigbo, JP Clark, and Gabriel Okara dominated the literary scene, Mabel Segun was a crucial female voice among them. He says, “Fortunately there was a female voice around them – and that was our own Mrs Segun.” This underscores the unique and vital role Mabel played in enriching Nigerian literature with her distinct perspective, especially during a time when the literary world was largely male-dominated. Osundare also highlights Mabel’s role as a trailblazer, noting that she was often the only woman in the company of influential male writers.

    He reflects on how this experience may have shaped her, saying, “Maybe this is what has strengthened her too and given her a kind of independence spirit you don’t find in others.” For Osundare, Mabel’s strength and sense of independence were key traits that set her apart and allowed her to face challenges with courage. Further, Osundare emphasises Mabel’s moral authority as a writer, describing her as not just a skilled wordsmith, but a “moral writer.” He also fondly recalls her involvement in the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) in 1981, recognising her dedication to the literary community and her role in shaping the direction of Nigerian literature.

    Dr. Okediran’s tribute to Mabel Segun on her 95th birthday is a heartfelt reflection on their long-standing relationship and the profound influence she has had on his life and career. He begins by expressing his honour and privilege in paying tribute to her, noting that “I consider it a great honour and privilege to give this tribute to Mama Segun on her 95th birthday.” Okediran shares that he has known Mabel for over 40 years, with their first connection being through her renowned book, My Father’s Daughter, which he read as a school text during his secondary school days. This book was a formative part of his early literary experience, as it was for many in his generation. From that point, their relationship continued to grow, particularly within literary circles like the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), where they both actively contributed to the growth and development of Nigerian literature.

    The tribute also highlights their professional collaboration on various literary projects, including the Encyclopaedia of Post-Colonial Literatures in English, published by Routledge. Okediran contributed entries on “African Authors” and “Literary Associations”, working alongside Mabel on this significant resource. As Mabel Segun celebrates her 95th birthday, Okediran joins the many people who have been mentored, inspired, and shaped by her. He concludes by wishing her “many happy returns of the day in good health and happiness,” a sentiment that resonates with all who have had the privilege of knowing and working with this remarkable woman. In Okediran’s words, Mabel Segun’s influence extends far beyond her literary contributions, touching the lives of all who have had the honour of working with her over the years.

    Omowunmi Segun, Mabel’s daughter, offers a deeply personal tribute that sheds light on the complexity of her mother’s character, shaped by her experiences and the influences around her. She acknowledges Mabel’s pioneering roles in both literature and sports, noting that over the years, people have described her in various ways. “Some say she’s difficult, quarrelsome and idealistic. Others refer to her as being kind, compassionate, helpful and generous with her time, but not money because that has always been a short supply.” This captures the multifaceted nature of Mabel, whose generosity and strong will coexist with a no-nonsense attitude. Omowunmi adds, “The image that comes to my mind is that of a powerful force that only manifests when roused deliberately or inadvertently.” She describes her mother as someone who has always been firm in her beliefs, “never suffering fools gladly,” and even at 95, “there is still no place for fools in her life.”

    Omowunmi reflects on the differences in personality between herself and Mabel, explaining that while Mabel may come across as timid to newcomers, her father’s influence shaped her personality, making her the strong, independent figure she became. “Her father… was a great influence in her life, even though he died when she was only eight.” Omowunmi draws parallels between her mother and her grandfather, especially after reading Mabel’s My Father’s Daughter, describing how Mabel’s father treated her no differently than a boy, reinforcing the message that no activities were reserved for boys alone. This philosophy stayed with Mabel throughout her life, and it was evident at the University College Ibadan, where she broke barriers by taking on the young men at table tennis and beating them.

    Mabel Segun’s granddaughter, Oluwafikemi, shares a heartfelt tribute, recalling how her grandmother’s literary legacy shaped her own love for reading. She fondly remembers Mabel’s books, especially Readers’ Theatre. Both tributes highlight how Mabel’s influence, transcending literature and sports, inspired her family to value independence and break boundaries.

    Kayode Aderinokun, former Chairman of the ANA Lagos Chapter, also highlighting Mabel Segun’s remarkable achievements in both literature and sports. He noted that while Omowunmi’s tribute beautifully captured her mother’s essence, Mrs. Segun’s genius shone through her works and simplicity. Aderinokun recalled her presence at a book fair, where Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu was captivated by Segun’s personality, warmth and brilliance. He celebrated her as a trailblazer in literature and sports, emphasising her significant contributions to equality and feminism. Both Ifeanyichukwu Avajah, immediate past Chairman of ANA Lagos, and Folu Agoi, former President of PEN Nigeria, joined in lauding Mabel’s role in inspiring African women, honouring her as a literary giant who exemplifies the resilience of the African spirit.

  • Mabel Segun: Iconic woman of literature, sports at 95

    Mabel Segun: Iconic woman of literature, sports at 95

    Legendary literary and sports icon, Mabel Segun is 95. Segun, who turned 95 yesterday, is a woman of remarkable talent that has continued to inspire generations through her storytelling, education and sportsmanship. She is a writer, an athlete, administrator, broadcaster, diplomat, and trailblazer for other women. At 95, Segun is celebrated for being a beacon of inspiration to the young, especially girls and women, EVELYN OSAGIE writes.

    The iconic Mabel Dorothy Segun is 95. Born in 1930 at Ondo to Venerable Isaiah Aig-Imoukhuede and Mrs Eunice Aig-Imoukhuede, she is known popularly in the world of literature as Mrs. Mabel Segun. Segun, who turned 95 yesterday, is an embodiment of many talents and a good example of an achiever worthy of emulation.

    Nigeria prides itself for having a global imprint on the world’s literary map through its founding fathers of its literature. Like Wole Soyinka, Chinua Achebe, Cyprian Ekwensi, Elechi Amadi and a host of others, the illustrious Segun has earned a prestigious spot among the greats.

    Named the “Matriarch of Literature” by the late Bola Ige, she has laid the path for succeeding generations to tread on.

    Being a trailblazer in literature, education, and sports, her life has been characterised by literary excellence and sportsmanship. She has spent a lifetime breaking barriers and inspiring generations. Now, at 95, she is celebrated for her extraordinary legacy.

    She is one woman who ventured into many fields where women before her and during her days were reluctant to go, and, in most cases, distinguished herself and earned many laurels. She is thus not only a pioneer but also a distinguished achiever in various areas of human endeavor for which she has been rewarded with both national and international recognition.  

    Her upbringing, her inspiration

    Segun’s education started in Akure around 1942 and would take her to C.M.S. Girls’ School, Lagos, founded in 1869 where she became an avid reader. It was there, along with growing up with a father who was also a writer and translator, she learned to write. To her, they are the true “influencers”.

    Hear her: “It was easy for us to write because the teachers we had were people who influenced us. They had deep feeling about writing. For example, I became interested in poetry because there was a teacher who made poetry come alive in the way she taught it. She read a poem to us, “Sea Fever”, that talks about the Sea and how it felt to be on a boat on the Sea. It influenced me a lot that so much so I wanted to become a sailor. We could see the Sea and the ships on it. That is how a good teacher can influence you. I never forgot her all my life. That is why I have always advocated that the role of the teachers in education cannot be overemphasised. They are influencers.

    “My childhood was also a major influence on me. I come from a literary family: the Aig-Imoukhuede family of Sabongidda Ora in Edo State. My father, Venerable Aigbovbioise Imoukhuede, who adopted the surname Aig-Imoukhuede, was a writer. He influenced me and my brothers. He did lots of translations: wrote the first Ora primer, a short history of Ora and was translating the Yoruba Hymn book into Ora language when he died at the age of 39 years ago.”

    Segun later attended University College, Ibadan (UCI), which is now the University of Ibadan (UI), In 1949, and was in the second set of students.

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    Her voyage into the world of books

    At UCI, she showed early promise both as a writer and as a sportswoman. She was deputy editor and advertisement manager of the University Herald with Chinua Achebe, her classmate as editor, and contributed poems, short stories and articles to that pioneer students’ magazine. After her graduation from the university in 1953, she published her first short story The Surrender which won the first Nigerian Festival of the Arts Literature Prize in 1954.

    And even though her career was as mixed as they come – being a teacher and broadcaster at different times – her writing was constant. She says: “I have always enjoyed writing everything.” Even at 90, when this reporter interviewed her, she said she was still writing,

    “I decided that as soon as I retired from the Civil Service that I would spend my time writing. And I have done lot of writing after I retired. And I have enjoyed myself thoroughly, writing – not writing to please anybody but myself,” she says.

    Over the years, Segun has written/ co-authored/ edited several children’s books, including the classic autobiography My Father’s Daughter published in 1965, and its sequel, My Mother’s Daughter (1986), each of which has formed the subject of university theses and literary articles in Nigeria and overseas.

    As a pioneer of children’s literature in Nigeria, she has often called for support for writers of children books and conducive environment that foster learning and reading culture in children.

    She has published five books for adults including a poetry collection, Conflict and Other Poems (1986), a collection of short stories published by Longman in UK titled, The Surrender and Other Stories, and a selection of her radio talks under the title, Friends, Nigerians, Countrymen, later retitled Sorry No Vacancy. Segun’s stories and poems have been published in over 30 anthologies in Nigeria and abroad. They have been translated into German, Danish, Norwegian, Greek and Serbo Croat. Two of her children’s books have been translated into Swahili and Arabic. Her other books include: Under the Mango Tree (co-edited) (1979), Youth Day Parade (1984), Olu and the Broken Statue (1985), Ping-Pong: Twenty-Five Years of Table Tennis (1989), The First Corn (1989), The Twins and the Tree Spirits (1990), ,The Surrender and Other Stories (1995), Readers’ Theatre: Twelve Plays for Young People (2006), and Rhapsody: and A Celebration of Nigerian Cooking and Food Culture (2007). Her work is included in the anthology Daughters of Africa (1992).

    Segun, a doyen of sports

    She is a former table tennis champion. From her teens, Segun has always been athletic as far back as her days at UCI, where she was admitted in 1949. For this she was called, “tomboy”.

    The first Nigerian woman to play table tennis, she became an honorary male by entering for Men’s Singles tournaments and was awarded the University’s Table Tennis Half Colour. In 1953, she graduated with a second class London Bachelor of Arts Degree in English, Latin and History. She also was an avid sportsperson – she played table tennis at school and national levels, winning gold medal at the double’s category in 1954 and everything available in the following years.

    Segun played badminton at the Nigerian Regional Championship and won bronze. She played table tennis seriously until she retired from organised competition at the age of 58 – after she came second at the 1988 event.

     The matriarch and her awards

    Segun’s outstanding achievements in the fields of literature, broadcasting and sports have earned her Nigeria’s national honour which she was awarded in 2004. In 2007, she was the joint winner of Africa’s prestigious literary prize, The Nigeria Prize for Literature, which is sponsored NLNG. She was awarded the prize for her children’s book, Readers’ Theatre: Twelve Plays for Young People. In 2009, her long literary and academic career was rewarded when she given the Nigerian National Order of Merit (NNOM) for intellectual and academic contributions in the humanities by then president Goodluck Jonathan. She has also won international recognition and acclaim. In 1983 she was listed in Men and Women of Distinction, published by Cambridge International Biographical Centre. On account of her devotion to the promotion of children’s literature through the Children’s Literature Association of Nigeria (CLAN) which she founded in 1978 and her expertise in various aspects of children’s literature, she was recognised as a Children’s Literature specialist in the International Directory of Children’s Literature Specialists compiled by the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) published by K. G. Saur in 1986. In 2001, she was included among 2000 outstanding writers of the 20th Century worldwide in Outstanding People of the Twentieth Century. She is a founding member and one of the registered trustees of one of Africa’s largest writers’ body the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) established by Chinua Achebe on June 27, 1981. She is also a fellow of the International Youth Library in Munich, Germany.

    Woman of many parts

    As earlier mentioned, Segun has had a varied professional career. Between 1953 and 1958 she taught in secondary and tertiary institutions, and later became Head of the Department of English and Social Studies and Vice-Principal at the National Technical Teachers’ College, Yaba.

    She also worked in various organisations as Copywriter, Editor, Broadcaster and Education Officer. As a broadcaster, she won the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation 1977 Artiste of the Year award

    In 1979, she was seconded to the Ministry of External Affairs and became Deputy Permanent Delegate of Nigeria to UNESCO, Paris. On retirement from the Federal Public Service, she became Senior Research Fellow at the Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan where she edited African Notes. She retired from public service in October 1989, after which she set up the Children’s Literature Documentation and Research Centre in Ibadan the following year where she devoted her time. At 95, and although she is now fully retired, she is being celebrated for her contributions so far. Little wonder then that the literary and sports communities gathered in Lagos to celebrate her extraordinary legacy with a two-day event, and a special tribute by Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka, yesterday,

  • Soyinka, others to celebrate writer Mabel Segun at 95 today

    Soyinka, others to celebrate writer Mabel Segun at 95 today

    • Literary icon’s foundation for launch

    The literary and sports communities will gather today in Lagos to celebrate acclaimed writer, Mabel Segun, as she turns 95.

    Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka is among literary icons expected at the event.

    The eminent writer and former table tennis champion is widely celebrated for being a pioneer of children’s literature in Nigeria.

    At 95, Segun continues to inspire generations through her storytelling, education, and sportsmanship.

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    To celebrate her achievements in the worlds of literature and sports, a two-day event will start today at the J. K. Randle Centre at Onikan on Lagos Island to showcase some of her extraordinary contributions, culminating in the launch of the Mabel Segun Foundation tomorrow.

    The event, with the theme: The Multifaceted Artistry of Mabel Segun, will begin with a writing workshop for children, inspired by her legacy in children’s literature. Today’s event will also feature a “Readers’ Theatre” and a table tennis mock tournament.

    Tomorrow’s event will feature a grand tribute for adults, featuring literary and sports enthusiasts, with a keynote by Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka.

    There will also be a seminar, with the theme: The Multifaceted Artistry of Mabel Segun, and an exhibition, with the theme: Mabel Segun’s World of Excellence. The official launch of the Mabel Segun Foundation is meant to ensure her impact continues for generations to come.