Poets in Nigeria names new board, set for 10th anniversary celebration in Lagos
By Editor
IN a bid to reposition Poets in Nigeria (PIN) for the effective delivery of poetry performances in the future, and to serve the interests of poets across the country, new board members have been named to boost the profile of the foremost poetry organisation. The decision was reached at PIN’s last meeting, with the new board tasked to help the founder, poet and Pidgin English exponent Sir Eriata Oribhabor in his mission of nurturing young poets and further deepening the impact of poetry and making it a way of life among the populace. The board appointment comes in as the poetry body prepares to celebrate PIN @10 in October with a feast of poetry performances and celebration of culture scheduled for Freedom Park, Lagos Island and Eriata Heights at Ikorodu.
The Executive Secretary, Mr. Olanrewaju Freedom Kolade has been renamed as co-founder alongside Sir Oribhabor and still retains his role as executive secretary. Kolade has been part of PIN since inception and officially unveiled PIN at a formal presentation on October, 24 2015 in Surulere, Lagos. Kolade is a seasoned editor, writer and arts administrator who has moderated some notable literary initiatives, including the Nigerian Students Poetry Prize (NSPP) and PIN Chapbook Series. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communication and Language Arts from the University of Ibadan where he served as the founding editor of the Association of Faculty of Arts Students (AFAS) Review (2016). His literary works have appeared in Malimbe Magazine, ANA Review, Twist of Fate, The Year of the Poet, Female First, The Guardian newspaper, Pulse NG and elsewhere. As a publishing expert, Kolade has worked on high-profile publications from several publishing houses including Premium Times Books, Pan-Atlantic University Press and Bowen University Press respectively.
A celebrated development practitioner, gender advocate and cultural visionary with a deep passion for poetry and community transformation Dr. Chinemerem Mary Anyi has also joined PIN. She is the founder of Global Sisterhood Alliance, Lead Director of Relief Pitch Initiative, Convener of Nwanyị bụ Ife Festival and President of the Ụmụada Awgu Progressive Association. She also serves as Director of Programmes to Enugu PDP State Women’s Leader and was recently appointed Executive Director of the 3rd International Meeting of Africa’s Afro-descendants and Diasporan Women. With advanced degrees in Education and Development Studies, Dr. Anyi blends academic insight with grassroots experience, having led transformative initiatives in women’s empowerment, rural development, and cultural preservation. Her work has earned her multiple national and international recognitions for excellence in leadership and community service.
PIN founder Sir Eriata Oribhabor (left) and co-founder Freedom Olanrewaju Kolade
Poet and founder of Aj. House of Poetry, a platform for mentoring new minds into the poetic field, Comrade Segun Ajayi (popularly known as Aj. Dagga Tolar) is the General Secretary of the Movement for a Socialist Alternative and has been active in over three decades in the struggle for improvement of the living conditions of the working masses. He is a teacher and trade unionist, and previously served as Chairman of the Association of the Nigeria Authors, Lagos Chapter and also as Secretary of PEN Nigeria Centre. As author, to his credit are several titles including Daggering Boots (1993), Season of Struggle (1997), This Country is not a Poem (2005), Darkwaters Drunkard (2007), etc. He also has to his credit musical works and albums such as Social Revolution (1998), Underground Uprising (2021), Impossible People (2022), Revolution (2023) and Stain (2023). They are all on YouTube and in major online music distribution platforms.
A prolific storyteller, performance poet, literary coach, Creative Director at House of Phoebe and a member of Poets In Nigeria Initiative, Shola Phebian Adekunle-Oguntoyinbo is celebrated for her deep passion in guiding aspiring poets and empowering the girl-child. With years of experience in both the craft and teaching of poetry, she has helped numerous budding writers discover their voice, hone their skills and master poetic techniques. Known for her insightful critiques and personalized coaching methods, Adekunle-Oguntoyinbo nurtures young creative minds while ensuring her mentees understand the intricacies of form, meter, and expression.
Also, Basira Rabiu Idris has been named National Coordinator of Cross Country Poetry Celebration (CCPC). Idris is a spoken-word poet, public speaker, and community leader from Kebbi State. Founder of Zapoetryhouse, she uses art to promote social change and amplify marginalized voices. As national coordinator of Cross Country Poetry Celebration, Idris has moderated national events, hosted CCPC in Kebbi twice, and led Kebbi to win Most Outstanding Location Award twice.
