Wale Okediran @70: How he bankrolled the Activities of Ibadan Book Club, Read Across Nigeria, Others

 **WALE OKEDIRAN AT 70: HOW HE BANKROLLED THE ACTIVITIES OF IBADAN BOOK CLUB, READ ACROSS NIGERIA, OTHERS**

As Dr. Wale Okediran marks his 70th birthday today, tributes have poured in from across the Nigerian literary community, hailing his immense contributions to the growth of reading and literary culture in Nigeria. 

Among the most notable of these tributes is from the Founder of Ibadan Book Club and Coordinator of the Read Across Nigeria (RAN) initiative, Wole Adedoyin, who recounted how Dr. Okediran has singlehandedly supported the operations and growth of several literary initiatives, particularly in Ibadan and beyond.

According to Wole Adedoyin, Dr. Wale Okediran was instrumental in the success of Ibadan Book Club, having funded its monthly readings consistently for over two years. 

These sessions not only brought together readers and writers from across the city but also played a vital role in grooming young and emerging literary talents. 

His financial support enabled the club to secure invite guest authors, provide refreshments and literary materials for attendees.

Dr. Okediran’s commitment to promoting literacy and reading was further demonstrated through his sponsorship of the inaugural edition of the *Read Across Nigeria* project in 2016. 

This groundbreaking initiative took book readings and literary discussions to over 20 states in Nigeria, igniting the reading culture among schoolchildren, students, and the general public across diverse regions of the country.

Beyond Ibadan Book Club and Read Across Nigeria, Dr. Okediran has also made significant contributions through the Ebedi International Writers Residency in Iseyin, Oyo State. 

Over 15 members of Ibadan Book Club and other Nigerian writers have benefitted from the residency, gaining the space and time to focus on their literary projects, receive mentorship, and collaborate with fellow writers.

Thanks to his influence and network, Dr. Okediran also facilitated a strategic partnership between Ibadan Book Club and Adwinsa Publications, a renowned publishing house in Ghana. This collaboration birthed the *Read Nigeria Project*, which is aimed at promoting Nigerian literature and authors within and outside the country, and it remains active to this day.

Adedoyin emphasized that without Dr. Okediran’s vision and generosity, many of the successes recorded by Ibadan Book Club and other reading initiatives would not have been possible. “He has been our pillar, our silent supporter, and our greatest ally in the pursuit of a literate and enlightened society,” Adedoyin said.

Apart from his financial contributions, Dr. Okediran has also offered moral and professional support to young writers and literary organizers. His accessibility, humility, and readiness to mentor have made him a respected father figure in the Nigerian literary community.

As Dr. Okediran clocks 70, Wole Adedoyin and members of Ibadan Book Club have described him as a true literary hero whose life continues to inspire generations of writers, readers, and cultural advocates. They pray for his continued good health and strength to keep nurturing Nigeria’s literary heritage.

The celebrations of Dr. Okediran’s 70th birthday serve as an opportunity not just to honour a man, but to recognize a movement he helped build—one that continues to transform lives and preserve the culture of reading and writing across Nigeria.