Ebedi Writers Residency (forwarded email)

The official opening ceremony of the first Writers Residency in Nigeria, The Ebedi International Writers Residency in Iseyin, Oyo State of Nigeria has been fixed for Wednesday September 1 2010 at the premises of the Resort at the Barracks area in Iseyin.

To declare the Resort open is his Royal Highness, Kabiyesi Dr Abdul Ganiyu Adekunle Salau, the Aseyin of Iseyin who is also an experienced Veterinary Surgeon who has contributed a lot to the human and cultural development of his domain.

The Chairman of the occasion is the erudite playwright, author and former National President of the Association of Nigerian Authors, Prof Femi Osofisan who would be supported by other veteran writers,members of the Board of Governors, community leaders among others.

Highlights of the opening ceremony are, welcome speeches,presentations by the current residents, as well as students from the Iseyin community who have been tutored by the residents during the course of their four out of the six weeks stay. Also on the programme are poetry renditions, cultural displays and an interactive session between the residents and journalists.

The Ebedi International Residency is an initiative to provide writers with a serene and condusive environment with which to complete their on going literary efforts. It is open to writers from all over the world who have working manuscripts in any literary genre.

Selection for residents is through applications and based on an assessment of applicants CV as well as the literary work at hand by members of the Board of Governors. Selected writers who are expected to spend between 4 to 6 weeks in residence are provided with free accommodation, writing and recreational facilities as well as a decent allowance for the duration of their stay.

In turn, residents are expected to spend at least two hours a week with selected secondary school students in the town to whom they will impart some of their literary experience.

The next session of the residency is expected to commence in October 2010. Interested writers can send their applications to the secretary, Alkasim Abdulkadir at [email protected] or visit the website www.ebediwritersresort.com for more details.