Nigeria- American poet, playwright, philosopher, Akinyemi Cash Onadele Aiyeko-ooto, has donated some of his 109 titles and endowed a yearly literature prize in the sum of N1 million at Loyola College, Ibadan, his alma mata.

The book donation and endowment event held earlier in the week at the Oluwarotimi Akeredolu Hall at Loyola College and was attended by the author’s father Chief S.A Onadele, members of the ’LOCOBA 79 set, principal, teachers and students of Loyola College, Ibadan.

Speaking at the event, Akinyemi Cash Onadele, who is chairman of the school’s 1979 Old Boys, stated that he was not only giving back to the secondary school he attended but promoting better understanding and appreciation of literature in English and Yoruba languages.

According to him, “my return here comes with a strong feeling of nostalgia to donate some of my works to the school library. It is not only ironic but instructive that during my time at Loyola and in my further education, i was a science scholar but today i am back here as a literary arts practitioner with over 109 titles in subjects that were not my favourites.

“My admonition, therefore, to you current students is not to foreclose or discountenance anything in life as life presents all kinds of opportunities in the most unlikely places. Today, I’m back to give back in an area, which I lacked during my time here.”

Responding, the school principal, Akinade Akinlayo, appreciated Onadele for the gesture, disclosing that literature in Yoruba and English were the two subjects with the lowest grades and overall performance at the final school leaving examinations in the state.

In his words, “the books donation to the school library and the yearly Aiyeko-ooto Youth Literature One Million Naira Endowment will assist greatly in improving the performance of our students in Yoruba and English literature. This will also motivate the teachers who are going to be incorporated as an integral part of the endowment. So, it is a win-win to all of us at Loyola College Ibadan.”

Onadele is in the country to participate in the 25th edition of the Lagos Book and Art Festival and will be showcasing his works and engaging the literary community. Tomorrow, he will present his latest publications and engage audience on his works and thoughts during Author’s showcase at the Kongi’s Harvest Gallery.

The US-based poet, playwright and philosopher ‘Aiyeko-Ooto will later be in Conversation @Kongi’s Harvest Gallery from 4.00pm. The interactive session with audience will be on his writings, society and humanity in general.