MBARI SERIES: APRIL EDITION HOLDS TOMORROW IN HONOUR OF LABO YARI, FORMER ANA TRUSTEE
By: Wole Adedoyin
The Mbari Series April Edition, which is set to hold tomorrow, 29th April 2023, in honour of the Late Labo Yari, a former ANA Trustee, promises to be an enlightening event for writers and literature enthusiasts. The theme of the event is “The Writer in a Climate of Corruption”, and it will be discussed by five distinguished writers: Denja Abdulahi, Prof. Tess Onwueme, Lindsay Barret, Rahama Jibril, Mallam Ibrahim Sheme. The event will be moderated by Sumaila Umaisha and Dr. John Oji, with Prof. Udenta O. Udenta as the host. The event will take place at the Femi Osofisan Secretariat, Chinua Achebe Int’l Conference Centre, Mamman Vatsa Writers Village, KM 2, Mpape Rd., Abuja, starting from 11:00AM.
The choice of theme for the event is timely and relevant in Nigeria’s current socio-political climate. Corruption has eaten deep into the fabric of the society, and writers are not immune to its effects. The event will provide an opportunity for writers to discuss how corruption affects their work and the role writers can play in the fight against corruption. It will also be an opportunity to reflect on the life and legacy of Labo Yari, a former ANA Trustee who was known for his commitment to promoting literature.
Denja Abdulahi, one of the discussants, is a seasoned writer and cultural administrator. He is the immediate past President of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) and has contributed immensely to the development of literature in Nigeria. His experience and insights will be valuable in the discussion of the theme.
Prof. Tess Onwueme, the other discussant, is a renowned playwright, poet, and essayist. She has won several awards for her works, including the prestigious Nigerian National Merit Award. Her works often explore themes of power, gender, and politics, and her contributions to the discussion on the theme will be insightful.
The moderators, Sumaila Umaisha and Dr. John Oji, are both experienced writers and scholars. Their role is to ensure that the discussion is focused and productive, and that all participants have an opportunity to contribute.
The host of the event, Prof. Udenta O. Udenta, is a renowned scholar and writer. He has authored several books and articles on literature, politics, and society, and is known for his incisive analysis of Nigerian politics. He will be responsible for setting the tone for the event and ensuring that the discussion remains on track.
The event will provide an opportunity for writers and literature enthusiasts to network and exchange ideas. The Femi Osofisan Secretariat, where the event will take place, is a hub for literary activities in Abuja. Participants will have an opportunity to meet and interact with other writers and literary organizations.
The event is also an opportunity to celebrate the life and legacy of Labo Yari, a former ANA Trustee who was a champion of literature and a fighter against corruption. He was a mentor to many writers and played a pivotal role in the development of literature in Nigeria. The event will provide an opportunity for participants to reflect on his contributions and to honor his memory.

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