Popular Nigerian Literary Icon is Dead
Celebrated Nigerian writer, poet, and advocate for children’ s literature, Mabel Segun, has passed away at the age of 95. Her contributions to literature and education have left a lasting impact, shaping generations of readers and writers in Nigeria and beyond.
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Born on February 13, 1930, in Ondo Kingdom, Segun’ s literary career spanned several decades. She was a novelist, poet, playwright, and children’ s book author whose works explored themes of culture, identity, and societal transformation. Her debut novel, My Father’ s Daughter (1965), remains a significant work in Nigerian literature, offering insights into family traditions and social change.
Beyond writing, Segun was a strong advocate for children’ s literature in Nigeria. She played a crucial role in founding the Children’ s Literature Association of Nigeria (COLAN) and established the Children’ s Documentation and Research Centre in Ibadan, encouraging literacy and creativity among young Nigerians.
Segun’ s influence extended internationally, earning her multiple accolades throughout her career. She was named Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation’ s Artiste of the Year in 1977 and received the Nigerian National Order of Merit Award in 2009 for her lifelong contributions to literature.
Following the announcement of her passing, tributes poured in from across Nigeria. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu acknowledged her impact, stating, ” Nigeria has lost a literary giant. Mabel Segun’ s contributions to Nigerian literature will forever be cherished. ”
Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka praised Segun’ s ” prolific and insightful writing, ” while award- winning author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie described her as ” a literary pioneer whose work continues to inspire. ”
Mabel Segun’ s legacy remains deeply rooted in Nigeria’ s literary and cultural history. Her work and advocacy efforts have influenced generations, ensuring that her contributions to literature and education will be remembered for years to come.
