Malik, Adeleye, others to headline literary reading in Ibadan

The Ibadan Readers Roundtable remains one of the flagship programmes of the Ibadan Book Club. Designed as an interactive literary forum, the Roundtable provides a vibrant space where writers, readers, critics, and aspiring authors engage in meaningful dialogue about books, creativity, publishing, and the evolving literary culture in Nigeria. Over time, it has grown into a respected platform for nurturing talents and strengthening Ibadan's reputation as a city of letters.

In a statement released to the press, Wole Adedoyin, Founder of the Ibadan Book Club, noted that the February edition reflects the Club's continued commitment to celebrating emerging and established voices within the literary community. He emphasized that the inclusion of diverse perspectives—across gender, genre, and generation—remains central to the vision of the Roundtable.

One of the headline guests, Lekan Malik, is a Nigerian author, poet, and teacher. A native of Ikorodu in Lagos State, he is the President of Citadel of the Literati and also serves as the Coordinator of the Creative Writers' Association of Nigeria (CWAN), Lagos State Chapter. A devoted Christian and family man, Malik is widely respected for his commitment to literary mentorship and community-based creative initiatives.

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Also headlining the event is Asmaa A. Adeleye, a poet, creative writer, and avid reader whose passion for literature is both innate and deeply cultivated. A fourth-year student of the University of Ibadan, she continues to refine her voice and literary expression. Her works explore themes of personal development, wellness, religion, and life's broader perceptions, offering reflective and thought-provoking insights.

Asmaa serves with the Queen Elizabeth II Hall Press under the poetry desk, where she actively contributes to the literary community. Her writings, known for their skillful use of literary devices and imaginative depth, appear across social media platforms, magazines, and digital publishing spaces such as Medium and Substack, reaching a growing global audience.

Jedidah Temitope, another distinguished guest for the session, is a Communication and Language Arts student at the University of Ibadan. She is the author of More Than Just a Freshman, a campus memoir released on April 3rd, which chronicles the pressures, growth, and defining experiences of her 100-level journey. The book has reached over 1,000 readers within Nigeria and abroad, resonating strongly with young people navigating similar transitions.

Beyond her debut publication, Jedidah writes poetry and reflective essays, drawing from personal experiences to tell honest and compelling stories. Currently working on new creative projects, she views writing as a means of preserving memories, expressing truth, and creating meaningful impact.

The Ibadan Book Club also extended special appreciation to Mrs. Awele Ilusanmi, FANA, President of the Literary Authors Cooperative Multipurpose Society of Nigeria and Founder of Book Marketing Class Africa (BMACA), for her unwavering monthly support to the Club. The Club expressed profound gratitude for her immense contributions and support throughout the previous year, describing her as a pillar of encouragement to the Ibadan literary community.

The Ibadan Book Club encourages literature enthusiasts, writers, students, and members of the public to attend this enriching edition of the Ibadan Readers Roundtable, promising an afternoon of stimulating conversations, creative inspiration, and community bonding within Ibadan's vibrant literary space.