Nollywood actor Fatai Odu a, popularly known as Lalude, urged Yoruba writers to be more creative with the pen during an event marking the Annual Mother Language Celebration Day at the BNI Youth Centre, University of Ibadan. Speaking on the importance of creativity in Yoruba literature, he emphasized that innovative writing can promote culture and improve the quality of Yoruba stories in Nollywood.
The event, organized by the Atelewo Cultural Initiative over the weekend, celebrated Yoruba language and culture. It featured the launch of a 45‑minute documentary on the life of the late Pa Gabriel Onibonoje, a veteran Yoruba literary icon, and the announcement of the winners of the third edition of the Atelewo Prize for Yoruba Literature. Lalude praised the cultural group’s efforts in promoting the language through the “Ogbontarigi Docuseries Project” and the Atelewo Prize, and he congratulated the prize winners, encouraging them to continue pursuing excellence.
The literature prize winners were announced at the ceremony. Mr. Babatunde Shittu was declared the overall winner for his drama entry “Láàdì,” receiving a cash prize of N250,000. Runners‑up included Jimoh Aderoju for his manuscript “Àròfọ̀ Àsìkò,” Alimi Omosalewa for her Yoruba translation of Prof. Femi Osofisan’s “Women of Owu” titled “Awon Obinrin Owu,” and Rasheed Adeniyi for his manuscript “Nǹkán Yan,” each receiving N100,000.
Lalude also highlighted the responsibility of Yoruba writers to preserve and promote the language and culture through literature. He called on them to be more innovative, noting that creative works enrich Yoruba storytelling and help the culture thrive. The documentary on Pa Onibonoje’s life provided insight into his birth, early beginnings, the launch of his publishing empire, the challenges he faced, his successes, and his contributions to indigenous publishing before his retirement.
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