The just concluded Farafina Trust Literary Evening with writers and intellectuals such as Chimamanda Adichie, Jumoke Verissimo, Odia Ofeimun, Eghosa Imasuen, to mention a few, is still making the news. Below is an excerpt of a write up by Bunmi Ajiboye of Next.

The Farafina Trust Literary Evening, an event which also doubles as a closing ceremony for the annual Writers’ Workshop, held on July 2 at the Eko Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

It was a gathering of writers, intellectuals, and those with more than a passing interest in the arts. Among those in attendance were: Nicolaas Vervelde, MD of Nigerian Breweries which has sponsored the workshop since inception, award-winning writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, pioneer Creative Director of Farafina Trust; and her publisher, Muhtar Bakare.

The workshop facilitators included: special guest Njabulo Ndebele, author of ‘The Cry of Winnie Mandela’; Tash Aw; Faith Adiele; Caine Prize winner Binyavanga Wainaina and Adewale Maja-Pearce.

The 20 workshop participants were to be awarded certificates for their participation, while a select group of Nigerian writers – Jumoke Verissimo, Odia Ofeimun and Eghosa Imasuen – were read from their works.

Why we are here

In his opening address, Bakare said, “The workshop is meant to assist writers who want to hone their talents and make a career out of writing. What we try to do on the last day is a celebration of literature and culture.” Read more