August 2024 LRF Monthly Book Reading

The Literary Renaissance Foundation (LRF) monthly Book reading took place on the Zoom platform at about 5 pm on Sunday, 4th August 2024. The participants introduced themselves as requested by Chukwuma Adekunle, the MC for the day.

Babatunde Oladele, the Executive Director of LRF, explained to the participants the purpose of the LRF book reading. He mentioned that LRF is an initiative that began in  2018 with a few friends who were burdened by the dwindling reading culture in the country. Oladele expressed his concern that interest in reading had significantly declined, exacerbated by the advent of mobile phone technology, which has shifted focus away from serious reading to what he referred to as    “mental candies.”

In response to this worrying trend, the group of friends decided to create the Literary Renaissance  Foundation, aiming to rekindle the love for reading across the country. One of their early efforts involved visiting schools to encourage children to develop consistent reading habits.

“Our nation,” Oladele remarked, “was founded by intellectuals. Our founding fathers were men and women of letters. Yet, over time, we have deviated from the core values that once defined us. Through LRF, we aim to revive these values by reigniting the passion for reading.”

He further highlighted another pressing issue: the alarming statistic that over 23 million Nigerian children are currently out of school.  This crisis prompted LRF to broaden its mission beyond promoting a reading culture to also include initiatives aimed at returning children to school. “Education is the bedrock of national development and personal growth,” Oladele stressed. “Therefore, we felt compelled to do something about getting children back into education, while simultaneously promoting a reading culture as part of our core ideals.”

The monthly book reading sessions are a crucial aspect of this mission. According to Oladele, these gatherings serve as a platform to bring authors from around the world to discuss their works. Participants then listen, engage in constructive criticism, and offer suggestions for improvement, thus elevating the standard of communication, literature, and intellect in society. “We strive for gender balance by alternating between male and female authors each month, because intellect knows no gender—it’s a universal trait,” Oladele noted.

He expressed satisfaction with the positive feedback received from participants, both those connecting via Zoom and those following on YouTube and Facebook. As Oladele noted, the session is also streamed on these platforms, where viewership often surpasses live attendance on Zoom.

Author’s Profile

Foluke Shijuola Falayi, a prolific author, has written over 20 acclaimed books. Over the years, her works have been recommended and approved by several State Ministries of Education in Nigeria for use in the literature curriculum of primary and secondary schools. Notably, her play  The Slaves in the Palace, is currently being studied at two African universities. Many of her works, which address and critique societal issues, have been reviewed in Punch, The Guardian, and other publications.

In addition to her writing, Falayi is an active participant in the literary community. When not spending time with her family and friends, writing or reading, she’s often found speaking at events or sharpening her craft at writer’s workshops and literary conferences. She is also the convener of “Read with me on International Literacy Day,” an annual event aimed at promoting literacy. Falayi studied at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka where she completed both her undergraduate and postgraduate studies.

The Book: Flub

Flub,  published in 2014, offers a poignant exploration of contemporary Nigeria.  The book portrays a society where youths are deprived and manipulated by the wealthy and the political class, who use them as thugs and mercenaries.

Despite being a decade old, the themes of Flub remain strikingly relevant, reflecting the ongoing challenges faced by Nigerian society.  The main character, Sunday Paul, resonates with every young Nigerian, yet he stands out as an archetype of Daniel and Joseph from the Bible— unyielding in his principles and unwilling to compromise his integrity. Flub conveys a powerful message:  no condition is permanent.

During the reading, Falayi shared excerpts from Flub, after which participants engaged in a lively discussion, sharing their thoughts, questions, and recommendations.

Many commended the author for her descriptive language, which vividly brought to life the setting and characters,  making the story relatable to contemporary Nigerians. Participants also praised the title, finding it catchy and intriguing, especially for young readers.  The simplicity and accessibility of the diction were also highlighted as particularly suitable for the intended audience.

The session concluded on a high note, with participants expressing their appreciation for the opportunity to engage with Falayi and her work. Babatunde Oladele, speaking on behalf of LRF and the Board of Trustees, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to both the author and the participants.

“We look forward to seeing you again next month, on the first Sunday in September, for our next book reading.  Join our community to receive first hand information about LRF and its activities,” Oladele concluded.