The Ebedi International Writers Residency fellows for March/April 2016 are Blessing Christopher, Farida Adamu, Mariam Sule and Funke Awofeso. These four writers are currently ensconced in the lush hills of Iseyin town hopefully bringing us the next big African novel.
The Ebedi International Writer’s Residency located in Iseyin town, Oyo State Nigeria is a one of a kind on the African continent. The residence at the Ebedi Resort provides an inspiring ambience to churn out creative works away from the rigours and bustle of everyday work and life. The residency’s patron is medical doctor-turned writer, politician and former President, Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) Dr Wale Okediran. Started in 2010, the residency has hosted over 60 writers from Nigeria, Cameroun, Ghana, Uganda, South Africa and Ivory Coast. They include names like Yewande Omotoso, Doreen Baingana, Ayodele Olofintuade, Obinna Udenwe, and Jumoke Verissimo.
Blessing Christopher, a graduate of the University of Uyo, Nigeria has been published in Nigeria and around Africa, both online and in print. She is a fellow of the Baltic Centre for Writers and Translators, Gotland, Sweden. She will be spending her time in Ebedi to complete work on her novel Love is a Communicable Disease as well teach Iseyin students the art of Ibibio cuisine.
Farida Adamu who currently works with Custodians Of African Literature (COALS), in Jos, Plateau State is a graduate of Gombe State University. She hopes to complete work on her maiden novel, Zara while in Ebedi as well as teach students in Iseyin the art of Bead Making which is another of her creative talents.
From Benin City in Edo State comes Mariam Sule, a school teacher with passion for mentoring children in literary activities. During her teaching practice year at Garrick Memorial College Benin City, she organized weekly Spelling Competitions for her students. She will be spending her time in Ebedi to complete work on her maiden novel, Emike. She will also continue her mentoring activities with the students in Iseyin as part of her community service.
Funke Awodiya holds a Masters degree in Medical Sociology from the University Of Ibadan. An active member of the Association Of Nigerian Authors, (ANA) Lagos State Chapter as well as Poets In Nigeria (PIN), Funke featured as a Moderator in the just concluded Eriata Photo-Poetry Contest and has a contribution in ‘Who Shall I Make My Wife’ – a collection of food related poems published by PIN. She will be spending her time in Ebedi to complete work on her novel, Omolade as well as teach Iseyin students the basics of Public Speaking and Elocution.
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