By Humble Olaitan
In a statement made by Kukogho Iruesiri Samson, the Editor-In-Chief of Words Rhymes & Rhythm and CỌ́N-SCÌÒ Magazine on the 21st day of September, 2020, he announced that 10 debut chapbooks published by Authorpedia Publishers are forthcoming by corresponding 10 young Nigerian writers on the 25th day of September, 2020. He confirmed this on Facebook after series of awareness created via his timeline.
Over the time, the Nigerian literary scene has witnessed some really breathtaking turns that have proven beneficial to not just literati but other interested individuals alike. From the pioneers to the contemporaries, the goal of taking arts and humanities—literature fastidiously—to the next level comes top priority. One of the principal lacking in contemporary African literary scene is inadequate funding or allocation of resources to the sector. Africa could make a really outstanding industry out of exploration of arts if proper management arises.
The extent of what Nigerian creatives can produce knows no bound as this feat is testamental to that. Not only are they writing good literature, they also are trying to create a platform that will make good literature accessible to the masses by presenting it with rich and captivating content.
One of the thrilling things about the impending publication is that Mr Kukogho “embarked on a mission to publish 10 young writers for FREE,” stated in his announcement. This mission is one which cost 3 months and by September 25th, 2020, the following debut chapbooks will be electronically published:
I TRIED TO SPELL YOU IN CLOUDS AND THEIR WATERS by Chukwudalu Abugu
DECEMBER BEGINS THE NEW YEAR by BillyhadiatTaophyqoh Alaye
A BEAUTIFUL PLACE TO BE BORN by Divine Inyang Titus
ICEBREAKER by Ehi Ogwiji
SONGS WE SING BEFORE WE SLEEP by Iliya KambaiDennis
MY GRIEF IN A NUTSHELL by Korede Debruyne-llahiKakaaki
A SHEAF OF WHISPERING LEAVES by Martins GheneroDeep
EVERGREEN by Naimah Abdullahi
REOPENING OF WOUNDS by Samuel Samba
REBIRTH by Sarafadeen Ibrahim
Worthy of note is that these chapbooks will apparently only be available for download in digital format. Thanking the editors in person of: Jide Badmus, Adedayo Adeyemi Agarau, ShittuFowora and Mahe Salihu, Mr Kukogho extended his congratulations himself, the authors, Authorpedia Publishers and “all of us because it is a win for Nigerian literature.”
