SYNW hails Dr Obari Gomba
The Society of Young Nigerian Writers has felicitated with Dr Obari Gomba, on the occasion of his birthday.
In a statement by the President of the Society of Young Nigerian Writers Wole Adedoyin, said Dr Gomba, a distinguished literary figure, educator, and advocate for human capital development, has consistently contributed to the enrichment of Nigerian literature and creative writing.
According to SYNW’s statement, Gomba, who holds a PhD and servs as a faculty member at the University of Port Harcourt, has been a guiding light in the literary community. His book “Length of Eyes” secured a spot on the longlist for the Nigeria Prize for Literature in 2013, showcasing his exceptional storytelling prowess and deep understanding of human emotions.
The statement partly read, “Renowned for his commitment to nurturing literary talent, Dr. Gomba facilitated creative writing workshops during UNESCO’s World Book Capital event in Port Harcourt back in 2014. His dedication to literary education was further recognised when he was awarded the PAWA Prize for African Poetry and appointed the 2021 TORCH Global South Visiting Professor at the prestigious University of Oxford.”
Among his notable works are “The Ascent Stone” and “For Every Homeland,” which exemplify his unique perspective on various aspects of the human experience. Dr Gomba’s multifaceted involvement spans beyond teaching, including roles as a moderator, facilitator, and panelist at esteemed literary events such as the International Writing Program’s MOOC, the Iowa Book Festival, and the Lagos International Poetry Festival.
As a judge for events like the Port Harcourt Carnival and Bayelsa State ANA, and a resource person for advocacy to the Ministry of Economic Planning of Delta State in conjunction with ODA/UNDP, Dr Gomba emphasised the importance of a knowledge-based society for sustainable development in the 21st century.
The Society of Young Nigerian Writers commended Gomba for his remarkable contributions to literature, education, and societal progress.
“On this special day, we join the literary community and well-wishers in celebrating his achievements and wishing him a birthday filled with joy and inspiration,” the statement added.
