The Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW) through its initiative Fagunwa Society started Fagunwa Day in 2011.
This event was formerly known as Fagunwa Night, and it was created to celebrate the life and works of Late D.O. Fagunwa, a renowned Nigerian writer who authored several books in the Yoruba language.
During Fagunwa Day, students were tested in Yoruba writing and reading skills. The event also featured impromptu competitions in Yoruba poetry, prose, and drama. In addition, Fagunwa Memorial Lecture was part of the event. This lecture was delivered by renowned scholars who shared their knowledge and experience on Yoruba literature.
The first D.O. Fagunwa Memorial Lecture was delivered by Dr. Bayo Adebowa, Founder of the African Heritage Research Library and Cultural Centre at Adeyipo, Ibadan. The second Fagunwa Lecture was delivered by Prof. Dotun Ogundeji, while the third edition of D.O. Fagunwa Memorial Lecture was delivered by Mr. Jare Ajayi.
Fagunwa Literature Prize (https://fagunwaday.wordpress.com/2014/03/29/fagunwa-literature-prize/) was also inaugurated, and winners were awarded cash prizes and certificates. The event was sponsored by various organizations, including Fagunwa Foundation, Nelson Publishers, University of Ibadan Press, among others.
The annual event ran from 2011 to 2017, and it has published over 200 Yoruba teen authors. Fagunwa Day was an avenue of testing the Yoruba writing and reading skills of secondary school students. It was a platform that promoted Yoruba language and culture among young Nigerians.
The event also attracted two of the children of Late D.O Fagunwa, Mrs. Diwura Fagunwa and Mr. Diipo Fagunwa. It also attracted important personalities like the Late Prof. Akinwumi Isola, Late Chief Supo Kosemani, Late Dr. Adebayo Faleti, Prof. Dotun Ogundeji, Late Remi Adedokun, Mr. Jare Ajayi, Akin Bello, to mention but a few.
The total of 50 schools had so far participated in the event before it stopped. Wole Adedoyin is the Coordinator of the event. The event created a platform for secondary school students to showcase their talents and improve their Yoruba language skills. The Fagunwa Day was a unique opportunity for young Nigerians to learn and appreciate Yoruba literature.
Unfortunately, Fagunwa Day stopped after the 7th edition due to lack of sponsorship. The event was costly to organize, and it required a significant amount of funds to run. Despite efforts to attract sponsors, the event could not secure enough funding to continue.
The Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW) appreciates the support of all sponsors, partners, and participants who made the event a success. We also extend our gratitude to all the distinguished scholars and personalities who delivered the Fagunwa Memorial Lectures and graced the events with their presence.
The Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW) remains committed to promoting Yoruba language and culture. We will continue to create platforms that celebrate Yoruba literature and provide opportunities for young Nigerians to learn and showcase their talents. We call on well-meaning individuals and organizations to support us in this endeavor.
Credit: Wole Adedoyin, President of the Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW)
