Nigeria’s culture community celebrates literary icon Mabel Segun @95 February 17

By Godwin Okondo

NIGERIA’S culture community is gearing up to celebrate pioneer of children’s literature, champion of youth literacy, and the country’s first female table tennis champion, Mabel Segun, as she turns 95. The two-day celebration, themed ‘The Multifaceted Artistry of Mabel Segun’, will take place on February 17 and 18, 2025, at J. Randle Hall, Onikan, Lagos.

The event will highlight Segun’s extraordinary contributions to literature, education and sports, culminating in the launch of the Mabel Segun Foundation, an initiative aimed at promoting literacy, children’s literature and cultural preservation. Among the key highlights of the event is a special tribute by longtime friend and associate, Professor Wole Soyinka.

Born in 1930 in Ondo City, Segun has been at the forefront of Nigeria’s literary scene for over seven decades. A graduate of the University College, Ibadan (1953), where she studied English, Latin and History, Segun quickly established herself as a writer, teacher, broadcaster and cultural advocate.

Segun’s first book, My Father’s Daughter (1965) remains one of Nigeria’s most influential children’s books. The semi-autobiographical novel, which has been translated into German, Danish, and Greek, introduced young readers to strong female protagonists and emphasized values such as resilience and self-discovery. She went on to write and co-author 11 children’s books, including Olu and the Broken Statue (1985) and The Twins and the Tree Spirits (1990), which blend folklore with moral lessons.

Her commitment to children’s literature led her to found the Children’s Literature Association of Nigeria (1978) and establish the Children’s Documentation and Research Centre in Ibadan (1990).

While Segun is best known for her literary contributions, she also made history in sports. In the 1950s, she became Nigeria’s first female table tennis champion, breaking gender barriers at a time when few women competed in professional sports. Her sporting success was complemented by a distinguished career in broadcasting and cultural advocacy. In 1977, she was named Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation’s Artiste of the Year, recognizing her role in promoting Nigerian literature and arts through radio and television.

Beyond children’s literature, Segun has made significant contributions to Nigerian cultural studies. Her 2007 book, Rhapsody: A Celebration of Nigerian Cooking and Food Culture is widely regarded as a cultural masterpiece. Combining traditional recipes with historical anecdotes and proverbs, the book serves as both a cookbook and a documentation of Nigeria’s diverse food heritage.

Her impact on Nigerian literature was further recognized in 2007 when her collection of plays, Readers’ Theatre, jointly won The Nigeria Prize for Literature, the country’s most prestigious literary award, sponsored by Nigeria LNG Ltd.

Over the years, Segun has received numerous awards for her contributions to literature and education. In 2009, she was honoured with the Nigerian National Order of Merit (NNOM) Award, the country’s highest academic honour. She is also a founding member of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), alongside literary giants such as the founder, Chinua Achebe.

Her influence extends beyond Nigeria, inspiring writers and educators worldwide. Celebrated author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie acknowledges Segun’s impact on her own writing journey, citing her “clarity and courage” as defining qualities.

The upcoming Mabel Segun @95 celebration will be attended by prominent figures in literature, education, and culture. The two-day event will feature panel discussions, storytelling sessions and reflections on Segun’s contributions.

The first day, Monday, February 17, will be dedicated to children, with storytelling, poetry readings and interactive sessions designed to engage young readers. The second day, Tuesday, February 18, will focus on Segun’s broader literary and cultural contributions, with tributes from writers, scholars and dignitaries. Both events will commence at 9:00 a.m. daily.

As the celebration approaches, organizers have encouraged the public to participate in honouring a woman whose legacy has shaped Nigeria’s literary and cultural landscape. With a career spanning over seven decades, Mabel Segun remains a beacon of creativity, resilience and cultural pride. As Nigeria celebrates this milestone, her legacy as a writer, educator, and champion of the arts continues to inspire future generations.