NAL Inducts Ayakoroma and 25 Others into the Academy

 By Perekeme Odon

The Nigerian Academy of Letters (NAL), the foremost body in the arts and humanities in Nigeria, comprising esteemed professors from both national and international spheres, convened its 26th convocation and investiture ceremony of new fellows and members as well as awards of excellence in humanistic practice, with the theme, "Demagoguery and Democracy."

Professor Barclays F. Ayakoroma

The event, held on Thursday, August 8, 2024, at the J.F. Ade-Ajayi Auditorium, University of Lagos, Akoka, Yaba, Lagos State, witnessed the induction of 25 new members and the bestowal of fellowships to 14 distinguished individuals. This occasion also included the presentation of awards recognising excellence in humanistic practice.

 

In his address, Professor Sola Akinrinade, the President of the Nigerian Academy of Letters (NAL), emphatically declared that high-level corruption is obstructing the nation’s growth and development.

 

Professor Akinrinade said: “Nigeria has had a chequered history with democratic practice. The Fourth Republic has witnessed 25 years of continuous experience with civilian governance. However, it is difficult to assert that the nation has successfully built democratic resilience given the constant manifestation of anti-democratic practices and lack of respect for the rule of law by various administrations since 1999.”

Executive Member, Nigerian Academy of Letters

The NAL President described democracy as fair representation, rule of law, and accountability, contrasting this with demagoguery, a manipulative approach to politics based on emotions and prejudices, and adding that the academy has a vital role in critical sectors of the country's national life.

 

“Our interventions during the year have revolved around the theme of democratic development in the country and the role of the humanities in the process. A principal question we have asked ourselves is this: Has democracy, as practiced in this country during the past 25 years, benefited the lives of Nigerians?” The president stated.

NAL President,Prof. Akinrinade & Prof Barclays Ayakoroma

In the convocation lecture, titled “The Challenge of Nigerian Democracy: Problem of the System or Its Managers," Professor Alkasum Abba, MNAL, underscored the necessity for Nigerians to hold their leaders accountable. He decried the pervasive corruption within various sectors of the nation since 1999 and provided valuable insights to foster robust thoughts on the government's capital and recurrent expenditure, budgetary allocations, infrastructure, and investments.

Prof Abba expressed dismay at the way successive governments cover up for their predecessors, leading to a dead end: no fuel, no power, no jobs, no security, and no food. He therefore enjoined Nigerians to focus on the failures of the elected officials running our governments.

NAL Induction Procession

“We need to demand accountability from them and stop diverting our attention on this crucial issue. Those people have denied our country electricity, good roads, and a vibrant economy, which are the essential ingredients for economic development, by betraying our trust. They must be made to refund all monies stolen over the past 23 years.”

 

Professor Barclays Foubiri Ayakoroma, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), University of Africa, Toru-Orua, Bayelsa State, who is an exceptionally accomplished film scholar, playwright and theatre, cultural and broadcast administrator, was among the 25 members inducted into the Academy. 

 

Prof Ayakoroma expressed absolute delight at his induction as a member of the esteemed Nigerian Academy of Letters (NAL) and commended the Academy for its significant transformation and influence over the past few decades, acknowledging its substantial contributions to the development of the arts and humanity narratives in the Nigerian nation.

Filmmaker Zeb Ejiro OON & Prof Barclays Ayakororma

The distinguished scholars honoured with the Regular Fellows and Awards of Excellence and Humanistic Practice are Prof. Asabe Kabir Usman, Prof. Florence Orabueze, Prof. Olukoya Ogen, Prof. Olatunji Oyeshile, Prof. Olusanjo Daramola, Prof. Emmanuel Emasealu, Prof. Cecilia Eme, Prof. Lendzemo Yuka, Prof. Abiodun Salawu, Prof. Anthony Afejuku, Prof. Hakeem Tijani, and Prof. Afis Oladosu.

The Overseas Honorary Fellowships and Awards of Excellence in Humanistic Practice were conferred upon Prof. Abiodun Salawu, Prof. Emerita Omofolabo A. Ajayi-Soyinka, and Prof. Hakeem Ibikunle Tijani.

 

The Academy also bestowed its highest honour, the Honorary Fellowship Award, on non-members who have made substantial national contributions to the advancement of the arts and humanities in the country.

(l-r) Prof Azeez, Prof Dandaura, Prof Ayakoroma, Prof Ododo& Prof Emasealu

Dr. Bukar Usman, OON, founder of the Dr. Bukar Usman Foundation and President of the Nigerian Folklore Society, and Dr. Wale Okediran, Secretary-General of the Pan African Writers Association (PAWA), were recipients of the Honorary Fellow awards, while the esteemed Nollywood filmmaker, Chief Zeb Ejiro, OON, was honoured with the NAL Award of Excellence in Humanistic Practice.

Speaking on behalf of the honorary fellows, Dr. Bukar Usman applauded the academy's rigorous screening process that led to their selection. He emphasised the profound interconnection between the two academies—lliterature and science, emphasising the burgeoning emergence of writers from scientific backgrounds. Dr. Afejuku also thanked the Academy for the honour, stating that it unequivocally validated the principle that diligence yields positive outcomes.

Prof. Duro Oni & Prof. Barclays F. Ayakoroma

The Nigerian Academy of Letters serves as the premier national academy and foremost authority in the domains of arts and the humanities in Nigeria. Established in 1974, it stands as an autonomous, scholarly, and nonpartisan state institution, whose primary objective is to advance scholarly pursuits and cultivate public interest in the humanities at the most elevated level within Nigeria.

Prof. Barclays Ayakoroma & Comrade Regent Youmor

The President of the Nigerian Academy of Letters, Professor Sola Akinrinade (FNAL), expressed his gratitude to the guests and all those who tirelessly contributed to the realisation of the event, emphasising that their steadfast support and dedication were deeply appreciated and had played a pivotal role in making the event a success.

A Group Section of NAL Members and Fellows