Dr. Sheu-Usman Oladipo Akanbi, an award-winning writer from Kwara state, owns one of the two writers’ residencies in the countries. He tells AWAAL GATA why he established it.
Even though there is no financial motivations in literary ventures in Nigeria, you established a residency; what inspired you? How would you manage Imodoye Writers Residency financially?
Imodoye Writers Residency is a brain work of literary enthusiasts with huge interest in literary advancement and development within the society. It is however, important to note that such idea cannot be achieved by self-sponsorship alone, but partnership with international, national and local organizations.
Do you have any plan for promising residents after completing their time at Imodoye?
Yes, we do. There is need to promote all residents.
How conducive is the space?
It is very conducive for hosting writers. A that a writer needs to thrive in writing are available. The environment is serene and the facilities are state-of-the-art.
Do have plans to expand the activities and funding for Imodoye? Is there a blueprint on the ground for expansion?
The plan is to expand and elaborate with support from partners and philanthropists.
It seems the residents are a mixture of male and female. Do you think the cohesiveness of both genders wouldn’t be a problem?
We are conscious of the need to be gender sensitive, so, the place planned for both sexes. While it was been built, the fact that both sexes would be hosted the same time was factored.
How are the residents contributing to the local community?
They always come with exposure, new ideas, adventures and local contents.
Do you think lack of money in the Literature is the cause of fading love and seriousness for the work of Literature in the country?
Of course, it could be. With every passion for art, money in the bank makes it better. Imodoye needs external support from everywhere possible.
How many months interval do you intend to have between sets of residents?
Well it all depends on availability of funds, but in the least, we will have one session yearly.
Would there be a time when the residents would convene for symposium craft discussion among themselves?
Yes. This is set for the last week of the residency programme.
If a writer wants to apply to Imodoye Writers Residency, what does he need to do?
Calls for applications are advertised for suitable residents, yearly. About 17 participants for this maiden edition responded to this year’s call for application. Though, we intend to have just two persons but after some consideration, four residents have been considered.
Being the first in the North, what would Imodoye do differently from the Ebedi?
Honestly, we are drawing our inspiration from Ebedi Residency which was founded by Dr. Wale Okediran, a former President of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) and currently the Secretary General of Pan-African Writers Association (PAWA). He has been of tremendous support. He initiated Ebedi residency which has now gained International status. We also organize monthly hangouts for writers based in Kwara State. Periodically, we also organie writing clinics for budding/emerging writers, particularly, for teenagers who have inclinations towards creative arts.
