Highly talented upcoming spoken word poetess shares her writing experience

 Interviewed by Blessed Adjekpagbon

In this interview with Bulkybon News, a highly gifted Nigerian upcoming poetess, Peace Ileleji shares information about her background in the field of writing, says “I started writing poems at the age of 10”

Qst: What is your discipline or area of study and which school did you attend?

Ans: I'm a graduate of English and Literary Studies from the Delta State University, Abraka.

Qst: Which genres of literature do you specialize in?

Ans: Poetry and prose.

Qst: When did you start writing and what gives you the inspiration to write?

Ans: I started writing poems at the age of 10 after discovering my talent for poetry at age 7. However, reading the Book of Psalms and performing Prof. Patrick Lumumba's powerful piece, 'If Kwame Nkrumah and Patrice Lumumba were to rise up' at my secondary school's Graduation and Prize Giving Day ignited my passion to craft verses that inspire and uplift. What gives me inspiration is reading and touring because it stirs me up to fill a gap in knowledge via my words.

Qst: Have you written any published creative work either as a book or featured in a newspaper?

Ans: Not yet but soon.

Qst: Are you a member of any writers’ association in Nigeria or outside Nigeria?

Ans: Yes, the Creative Writer's Workshop (CWW).

Qst: Have you attended any writers conference or convention before?

Ans: Yes, last year I attended the Southcosels '23 in Bayelsa State.

Qst: Are you interested in meeting other writers to perform your spoken words with them?

Ans: Yes it will be my utmost pleasure.

 Qst: Will you encourage any of your children (if you are already married or in future) to do what you are creatively involved in now?

Ans: Yes I will because I see life in Word Art. It cultivates critical thinking, creative expression and effective communication.

Qst: Who is your idol in in the field of creativity that you have decided to showcase your skills in?

Qst: Ib Quake.

Qst: What is motivating you to do what you are doing (promoting Nigerian culture through spoken words) now in the present tough situation Nigerians are facing?

Qst: Well, the contemporary Nigeria society is experiencing a silent exodus of her citizens popularly called 'japa' and my daily interactions with youths and teens as a Teens Coordinator in my church, let me into the life of young people and their constant fears about the fate of the remaining citizens of a 'japad' (deserted by many citizens for greener pastures abroad) nation. I recently went on a tour to six different states where I saw the true beauty of nature in Nigeria. So, I believe as we are blessed with these resources, there is definitely hope for a better future.

Qst: How many languages among the many languages in Nigeria do you speak? What is your state of origin?

Qst: I speak Igbo (not perfect though but beginner's level). I'm from Delta State and Urhobo by tribe.

Qst: How do you spend your free time and what is your favourite meal?

Qst: I love spending time with my family and close friends. Also, travelling, reading books, cooking and listening to music uplifts me. Lastly, my favourite meal is Naija jollof and fried plantain.

END

Calculus College sets pace for academic excellence, sports

 

Written by Blessed Adjekpagbon

Mr. Ifeanyi Egenti,
Calculus College proprietor.

It was a very entertaining sight penultimate week ago when the junior (JSS) and senior (SSS) students of Calculus College played two rounds of football matches to showcase their mastery of football skills, at the Aiyedere Sports Ground, Ketu, Lagos.
While the SSS team was captained by Femi Animashaun, the JSS side was led by Victor Nwagwu. The first round match ended in favour of the senior team who trounced the junior side with seven goals against the junior who scored only two. However, during the second round, the junior team who might have gone to consult the god of soccer during the interval of rest, came back smoking with tactical skills that made their seniors' jaws drop in awe.
During the second round, the junior showcased great technical depth that the senior team had no rival antidote for. At the end of proceedings, the match ended with six goals in favour of the junior team while the seniors managed to score only two.

Nonetheless, during a chat with Bulkybon News, the proprietor of Calculus College, Mr. Ifeanyi Egenti, popularly known as Mr. Solution gave insight about the school's background and why he encourages his students to engage in sporting activities coupled with academic orientation.
He said "I have been a tutorial center owner since 2012, preparing people for external exams such as the WAEC, JAMB, SAT and TOEFL. My motivation for delving into the educational sector is to educate and transform dull students to excellent students."
When asked why he is called Mr. Solution, he informs that "The name of my tutorial centre is Solution Tutorial College. I chose the name 'Solution' because l believe l am a problem - solver, especially in Mathematics, as l am a specialist in the field."

Some of the students at Magodo
Estate swimming pool.

Calculus College students displaying 
their soccer skills.

On the reason he established Calculus College in 2014 while still operating a tutorial centre till date, the Anambra - born highly gifted Mathematician offers that "l observed that most private schools are not producing good students for academic excellence at secondary level; hence, l decided to establish Calculus College to add my quota towards improving the academic excellence of students."
He also posits that "The only challenge l have been facing is that most teachers are not willing to do their best because of the poor economic situation in the country. This makes it quite challenging to retain good teachers for a long time, because many keep engaging in other activities that can fetch them money than teaching."
In conclusion, the proprietor avers that "There is a saying that 'all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.' That is why I engage my students in sporting activities as a form of exercise and opportunity to discover their sporting talents. You can recall that many talented Nigerian footballers were discovered in the olden days during secondary schools academicals football competitions. My students practice football every Saturday every week, except on every last Saturday of every month when they engage in swimming practice at a very decent swimming pool in Magodo Estate, Ketu, Lagos." 

                                                          END

Asenyinism: Landmarks of good leadership in Isenyi

Book title: Ten Years In The Service Of His People: Oba (Dr) Abdul Ganiyu Adekunle Salau, Ajinase1

Author: Wale Okediran

Publisher: Ebedi International Writers Residency, lseyin, Oyo State, Nigeria

Year published:* 2016

Pages: 148

Reviewer:* Adjekpagbon Blessed Mudiaga

One of the best legacies any good leader can leave for posterity includes the praises he enjoys from his people during his lifetime and after his last inhalation of oxygen on earth. 

 

That is exactly what Oba (Dr) Abdul Ganiyu Adekunle Salau, Ajanise 1, the 29th Aseyin of Iseyin, Oyo State, Nigeria, accomplished before joining his ancestors, which Wale Okediran analyzes in the book titled "Ten Years In The Service Of His People: Oba (Dr) Abdul Ganiyu Adekunle Salau, Ajinase 1." It is a historical analysis of how the 29th Oba (King) of lseyin, became the Aseyin (Traditional King) of the town, on the 17th of December 2006 till his subsequent handshake with his ancestors forever. 

The King's noteworthy achievements that the author projects in the book, are what gave birth to the concept of "Aseyinism," hereby propounded by the reviewer. It simply means how to be a good Aseyin or a remarkable traditional leader.

Divided into four parts, the 148-page book digs into the footsteps of irreversible time, it excavates how the town of Iseyin came into being through a legend known as Ebedi and his followers.

Part One is titled "Historical Perspectives." It boasts subtitles such as "Facts and Figures," "Legends and History," and "Ebedi and Other Heroes." It talks about how lseyin came into being from the pre-colonial era, up till date. This portion is very enlightening too, about the mystical metamorphosis of the famous Ebedi Hill, which the reviewer recently created a record as the first Ebedi Fellow who climbed the hill to its peak, in the history of all other writers who have been accommodated at the Ebedi International Writers Residency, since it was established over a decade ago. The town's last official population figure is also stated in this section. According to the author. "The primary industry of the area is cotton-based textiles. Iseyin is the fourth largest city in Oyo, after Ibadan, Ogbomoso and Oyo town. Iseyin is also known as the 'Home of Aso Oke.' 'Aso Oke' or 'Ofi' is a popular traditional fabric mostly used for ceremonies amongst the Yoruba people of Nigeria."

Part Two is titled "The Kabiyesi." It has sub-titles such as, "Early Life and School Days," "The Ascendancy," "Achievements," "Challenges,” and "Future Plans." It is the part that discusses the life history of the 29th King of Iseyin, whose picture occupies the book's front cover. The struggles the Kabiyesi (another word for 'King' in Yoruba language) went through from childhood until God elevated him to the position of Aseyin of Iseyin, are principally punctuated in this portion. His achievements are remarkable and worth talking about at this juncture. Among many encomiums by commentators whose opinions feature in the book about the Aseyin's style of leadership, is Asiru Kamoru's, a youth of Iseyin. On page 84, he says "...The Aseyin of Iseyin is a gentleman, good ruler and an educated veterinary doctor. Also, he is kind, caring and listens to the aspirations of the people of Iseyin."

 

He further states, "Before he came to the throne, there was great confusion between Muslim worshippers and traditional worshippers with regards to the celebration of the Oro festival. However, upon his assumption to the throne, he was able to bring about peace between the two groups of worshippers. ...It was during his tenure as Aseyin of lseyin that there had been great developments, such as; the construction of the two-lane road passing through the town, the establishment of Saf Polytechnic and other projects. And everyone is hailing him for these development projects..." 

Kamoru's views are also corroborated by a lot of Iseyin's indigenous and non-indigenes' comments about the King's leadership style in the author's narratives. What impressed the reviewer most about the people's commendations of the King's administration, was his love for peace and the development of his people. It is quite rare in modern times to have such a good leader as described by the numerous folks’ eulogies of the Aseyin. Any visitor to Iseyin, can certainly see the landmark achievements of the said King without sentimental attachments.

Moreover, 'Part Three' which is titled "What The People Say," has sub-themes, namely;  "The Chiefs and The Baales," "The Elders," "Non-Indigenes," and "The Youths." At page 82, a non-indigene of lseyin, posits, "My name is Mrs Chuka Bridget from Ebonyi State. l have been in lseyin since December 1984. Iseyin is a peaceful town and the people are very accommodating. They love strangers....l am aware that Aseyin is a veterinary doctor, and was living in Lagos before he was chosen as the king of lseyin....He has done a lot. For instance, when the NYSC camp was being established here in lseyin, some people in the higher authority wanted it to be moved to Oyo town, but the Aseyin insisted that it must remain here in lseyin."

These, and many other testimonies are part of the unforgettable legacies the 29th Aseyin of lseyin achieved during his reign on the throne for a decade, which the author documented. They are truly achievements worth documenting by any person who appreciates good leadership, peace and progress in the annals of the town.

The last part, which is "Part Four," is titled "From the Archives." It has two sub titles, namely "Photo News" and "Two Press Clips." It contains varieties of colourful pictures of the Aseyin, some landmark structures in the urban areas of the town, different elders, youths and a market scene. An article published by the Nigerian Tribune Newspaper about the dualization of lseyin township roads, Ebedi International Writers Residency, and an interview with a cross-section of the populace in lseyin, are part of the meat and potatoes in the last part of the book.

Nonetheless, despite some typos in the contents, and a repetition of Chief Lateef Fasasi's comments about the Aseyin at page 64 and 66, the author has done a great job, by taking time to carry out such highly tasking research about his town's ancestral history. As a Historian too, the reviewer knows what it takes in terms of time, energy and money to embark on any ancient and modern historical findings, the way the author has done. 

In conclusion, the book needs an eagle eye editor and proofreader such as the reviewer, to drop all the errors in it, before reprinting new copies. The front cover picture can also be reduced to give the book title more visage. The colour of the title's text will be more visible by changing it from white to very deep blue. It is a book that all lseyin indigenes ought to have, to acquaint themselves with their historical foundations. non-indigenes can also benefit from the book, as it will help to broaden their knowledge about how to relate with lseyin's very friendly folks. There are many great business opportunities one can also venture into in the town.

Okediran, a Medical Doctor cum Iseyin's Historian, is well known for his novels, short stories and essays. He has won various literary prizes.  He was the National President of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), from 2005 to 2009. He is a native of lseyin, and the founder of the popular Ebedi International Writers Residency in lseyin, Oyo State, Nigeria. At present, he is the Secretary of Pan Africa Writers Association (PAWA), with headquarters in Ghana.

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*NOTE:* The reviewer is a prolific author, versatile reader, writer, editor and marketer of books online and offline. He is among the current Ebedi Fellows of the ongoing First Edition of 2024 Ebedi International Writers Residency programme in lseyin, Oyo State, Nigeria.

Direct call: +2348067538922

WhatsApp: +2348059265333