Writers celebrate Olatoun Gabi-Williams @60

By Editor

THE Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW Global) has congratulated Mrs. Olatoun Gabi-Williams on the occasion of her 60th birthday, commended her unwavering dedication to literary advocacy, child education, and cultural promotion in Nigeria and beyond. This was contained in a statement issued by the society’s president in Ibadan, Mr. Wole Adedoyin.

Adedoyin described Mrs. Gabi-Williams as “a literary visionary, a passionate advocate for children’s literacy, and a cultural ambassador whose work continues to impact lives across generations.” Gabi-Williams boasts decades of experience in the delivery of spoken and written word content that advances literary culture, education, and advocacy. Through appearances on television, radio, and public platforms, she has consistently championed the value of books and reading while advocating for child welfare and improved literacy across Nigerian institutions.

Her media contributions have spanned a wide range of respected platforms, including The Guardian, Lagos, Channels TV’s ‘Sunrise,’ NTA 2 Channel 5’s ‘AM Express,’ ‘Close Flow’ and ‘City Lace,’ as well as Smooth FM’s Book Review.’ Her dynamic presence in the media has played a critical role in shaping public discourse around books, education, and national development.

In 2014, Mrs. Gabi-Williams served as the TV host for the inaugural Nigerian Cultural Trade Show held on October 2, organized by the Nigerian-German Business Association, the AHK (Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Nigeria), Goethe Institut-Lagos, and the German Consulate in Lagos. Her role in this high-profile event demonstrated her ability to merge literature and culture with international collaboration.

Gabi-Williams represented Nigeria with distinction at the 2018 Frankfurt Book Fair, where she participated in ‘Lettres D’Afrique: Changing the Narrative’ programme. As a moderator, media panelist, and author interview host under the auspices of Agence Culturelle Africaine (Senegal), she used the platform to spotlight African stories and voices in one of the world’s most prestigious book events.

Olatoun Gabi-Williams

Aside her media and literary engagements, Mrs. Gabi-Williams is a Director at Selina Ventures Ltd and Selina Travels Ltd, and also the founder and Coordinator of Sponsor A Child Nigeria, a charitable initiative committed to enhancing literacy, education, and welfare for children in Nigerian institutions. Her work through this platform has touched countless lives across the country. She is also the visionary behind the Ambassador Schools Programme of the UN SDG Book Club African Chapter. This programme connects African students and schools with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals through curated reading experiences, nurturing a generation of conscious and informed youth. The platform can be accessed at sdgafricaambassadorschools.com.

Furthermore, she is the founder of Border Books Review on Facebook, a pan-African literary initiative dedicated to curating and promoting African literature, expanding its readership, and supporting emerging voices across the continent. Through this platform, she continues to challenge boundaries and connect readers with transformative stories.

The Society of Young Nigerian Writers concluded its statement by thanking Mrs. Gabi-Williams for her enduring service to literature and education, noting, “As she marks her 60th birthday, we celebrate a woman of vision, commitment, and courage. Her legacy remains a source of inspiration for writers, educators, and advocates around the world.”