Udenta@60: A Short Profile of Prof Udenta O. Udenta

 

UDENTA@60: A SHORT PROFILE OF PROF UDENTA O. UDENTA

 

By Wole Adedoyin

Professor Udenta O. Udenta is a distinguished scholar renowned for his expertise in African and comparative literature, cultural studies, and aesthetic theory. Presently, he holds the esteemed position of Professor of Cultural Studies and Creative Writing while serving as the Director General of the African Writers Institute located in Abuja.

Having ascended to the role of Senior Research Fellow in African Studies and Senior Lecturer at the School of Humanities at Abia State University, Uturu in 1996, Professor Udenta O. Udenta's academic journey has been marked by notable achievements. Over the span of 2001 to 2008, he underwent specialized training in various institutions such as the University of Bradford (UK), University of Melbourne (Australia), Massey University (New Zealand), Singapore Mediation Centre, United States Institute for Peace (USIP), Inter-Governmental Agency on Development (IGAD), and the Institute of Security Studies (South Africa). These endeavors equipped him with proficiencies in conflict indicators, early warning signals, alternative dispute resolution strategies—particularly restorative justice—and post-conflict reconstruction and development modalities.

Professor Udenta O. Udenta boasts a substantial literary output comprising more than 21 authored and edited books. His influence extends to over 100 papers presented at both national and international conferences, seminars, workshops, and expert gatherings. Noteworthy among his works is a comprehensive collection encompassing his formative fictional, dramatic, poetic, philosophical, and cultural creations across six volumes. His scholarly contributions span various themes, including "Crisis of Theory in Contemporary Nigerian Literature and the Possibilities of New Materialist Direction," "Revolutionary Aesthetics and the African Literary Process," and "Heroism and Critical Consciousness in African Literature," among others.

Beyond his academic achievements, Professor Udenta O. Udenta has played pivotal roles in organizations such as the Centre for Alternative Policy Perspectives and Strategy (CAPPS) as the Director of Strategy and Communications. He also serves as a Distinguished Fellow at the Abuja School of Social and Political Thought. In his consulting capacity, he has lent his expertise to international institutions including the World Bank, DFID, UNDP, EU Nigeria Mission, USAID, and numerous others, addressing matters ranging from culture and development to conflict mitigation strategies, democratic institution strengthening, and organizational capacity building.

Professor Udenta O. Udenta has been a prominent advocate for pro-democracy and civil rights causes in Nigeria. He was actively involved in the resistance movement against the autocratic regime of General Sani Abacha, demonstrating his commitment to democratic ideals under the banners of Eastern Mandate Union (EMU) and NADECO. His activism led to several arrests and detentions, culminating in a significant period of confinement in June 1998. Following General Abacha's demise, he was released by General Abdulsalami Abubakar and assumed the role of National Secretary of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) during Nigeria's transition to the Fourth Republic.

His influence reaches beyond Nigeria, as he participated in international leadership programs and addressed global audiences on political, strategic, and leadership matters. Notably, he presented before the National Leadership Councils of prominent organizations including the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), National Republican Institute (IRI), International Foundation for Election Systems (IFES), and the National Democratic Institute (NDI) in Washington DC in August 1999.

Professor Udenta O. Udenta hails from Mgbowo in Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State, Nigeria. He is married to Princess Vivian Udenta and is the proud father of two sons, Chidera and Chinweikem.

 

SYNW Congratulates Prof. Udenta Udenta on his 60th Birthday

 

SYNW CONGRATULATES PROF. UDENTA UDENTA ON HIS 60TH BIRTHDAY

 

The Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW) has extended its heartfelt congratulations to Prof. Udenta Udenta on the auspicious occasion of his 60th birthday.

In a press statement by the President of the Society, Wole Adedoyin said, Prof. Udenta's remarkable contributions to academia, literature, and public discourse have left an indelible mark on the Nigerian intellectual landscape.

A distinguished scholar, writer, and public intellectual, Prof. Udenta Udenta has consistently demonstrated a commitment to fostering critical thinking and advancing the frontiers of knowledge. His insightful analyses and thought-provoking writings have enriched national conversations on politics, culture, and society.

SYNW acknowledged his unwavering dedication to intellectual rigor and his invaluable role in shaping the intellectual discourse in Nigeria.

Throughout his illustrious career, Prof. Udenta has been a guiding light to aspiring writers and scholars. His mentorship and guidance have paved the way for many young minds to explore the depths of their creativity and intellectual potential.

Via the press statement, SYNW recognized and appreciated his efforts in nurturing the next generation of thinkers and thought leaders.

As an organization that celebrates literary excellence and intellectual achievements, SYNW recognized the significance of Prof. Udenta's scholarly contributions. His extensive body of works, including research papers, essays, and books, reflects a profound understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society. His dedication to the pursuit of knowledge has inspired countless individuals within and beyond the academic community.

Prof. Udenta Udenta's impact transcends disciplinary boundaries. His insights into politics, philosophy, and social dynamics have provided fresh perspectives that have stimulated meaningful conversations across diverse platforms. SYNW commended his ability to bridge gaps between different fields of thought, fostering a holistic approach to understanding the challenges and opportunities facing Nigeria.

As Prof. Udenta reaches this significant milestone, SYNW joined the chorus of voices celebrating his achievements and contributions. His intellectual legacy serves as a source of inspiration to SYNW members and the broader Nigerian youth. The Society acknowledged his tireless advocacy for societal improvement and his commitment to using knowledge as a force for positive change.

In recognizing Prof. Udenta's 60th birthday, SYNW reaffirmed its commitment to promoting intellectualism, creativity, and critical thinking among young Nigerians. The Society looks forward to the continued impact of Prof. Udenta Udenta's scholarship and wishes him good health, happiness, and continued success in all his endeavors.

African Human Rights Spoken Words Contest: IHRAF Calls For Entries

 

AFRICAN HUMAN RIGHTS SPOKEN WORDS CONTEST: IHRAF CALLS FOR ENTRIES

 

The African Secretariat of the International Human Rights Art Festival proudly announces the launch of the "African Human Rights Spoken Words Contest." This innovative contest aims to provide a platform for poets, artists, and activists across the African continent to creatively express their perspectives on critical human rights issues. With a deadline set for October 30th, 2023, this contest calls upon all passionate advocates of social justice, environmental sustainability, and gender equality to make their voices heard.

In a statement by the Director of IHRAF in Africa, Wole Adedoyin said the African Human Rights Spoken Words Contest serves as an essential opportunity for marginalized voices to rise and be heard. By channeling the power of spoken word, participants are invited to explore and confront pressing concerns such as climate change, immigration, police brutality, gender inequality, and more. This artistic initiative seeks to engage individuals in meaningful dialogue and encourage positive change through creative expression.

In the spirit of fostering a more just and equitable society, the contest offers attractive prizes for outstanding contributions. The first-place winner will be awarded $100, the second-place winner will receive $75, and the third-place winner will be granted $50. Additionally, five honorable mentions will be acknowledged for their exceptional submissions.

Selected entries that rise above the rest will also take center stage at the esteemed International Human Rights Art Festival, scheduled to take place from December 4th to 10th, 2023. These thought-provoking pieces will be showcased, celebrating the impactful role of spoken word in advocating for human rights and fostering positive change.

In alignment with its commitment to fostering inclusive dialogue, the contest invites entries from individuals worldwide, provided that their submissions address human rights issues specific to Africa. Entries are expected to reflect the intrinsic values of human rights, offering innovative perspectives on themes such as government violations, gender inequality, terrorism, and more.

Participation in the contest is as simple as submitting a captivating 1-minute video showcasing an original spoken word poem. Entrants are encouraged to create unique pieces that delve into their chosen human rights theme while adhering to contest guidelines. These include filming in a quiet environment, ensuring stable camera work, and submitting original, previously unpublished content.

The African Human Rights Spoken Words Contest underscores its commitment to nurturing emerging talents by awarding Certificates of Participation to all entrants, and Certificates of Excellence to shortlisted participants. Furthermore, the contest invites diverse, untraditional, and unheard voices to join the conversation and contribute their unique perspectives.

Entries can be submitted via email to ihrafafrica@ihraf.org, with the subject line "AFRICAN HUMAN SPOKEN WORDS CONTEST." Alongside the 1-minute video, entrants are requested to provide their name, age, gender, country, address, phone number, and a brief profile. It is essential to confirm the originality of submitted work and accept the Conditions of Entry as outlined by IHRAF.

For more information and inquiries, interested parties can contact: Wole Adedoyin at +2348072673852 or woleadedoyin@gmail.com.

The African Human Rights Spoken Words Contest is an initiative of the International Human Rights Art Festival (IHRAF), USA, dedicated to amplifying voices, sparking dialogue, and promoting the realization of human rights across the African continent.

 

Call for Entries: African Human Rights Spoken Words Contest

 

CALL FOR ENTRIES: AFRICAN HUMAN RIGHTS SPOKEN WORDS CONTEST:

DEADLINE: 30TH OCTOBER, 2023

 

The African Secretariat of the International Human Rights Art Festival is proud to announce the upcoming "African Human Rights Spoken Words Contest," a transformative platform that harnesses the power of spoken word artistry to address pressing human rights issues. The contest aims to bring together poets, artists, and activists from across the African continent to creatively express their thoughts and perspectives on critical matters such as social justice, climate change, women's empowerment, immigration, human trafficking, police brutality, and violence against women.

In an era where dialogue and advocacy hold the key to positive change, the contest seeks to amplify the voices of those often marginalized and unheard. Through the art of spoken word, participants will have the opportunity to shed light on the urgent need for social justice, a sustainable environment, and equal rights for women. The African Human Rights Spoken Words Contest will serve as a powerful catalyst for awareness, empathy, and action, encouraging participants to delve into these multifaceted issues and inspire others to do the same.

The African Human Rights Spoken Words Contest is set to unleash a wave of creative expression, advocacy, and solidarity across the African continent. Poets, spoken word artists, and all individuals passionate about human rights are encouraged to participate and contribute to this vital dialogue. Together, we can harness the power of spoken words to pave the way towards a more just, equitable, and compassionate future.

Submit a captivating 1-minute video where you passionately recite a unique and artistic poem crafted by you. This is your opportunity to shine and potentially be showcased on our vibrant social media platforms.

Demonstrate and elucidate the potent utilization of spoken language as a catalyst for the advancement and bolstering of human rights across the African continent. To merit rightful acknowledgment, submissions should inherently encapsulate the essence of human rights.

PRIZE(S)

·         First Prize - $100

·         Second Prize - $75

·         Third Prize - $50

·         Five honorable mentions

 

The selected works that emerge victorious will take center stage at the International Human Rights Art Festival, set to unfold between December 4th and 10th, 2023.

OTHER BENEFITS

· Award of Certificates of Participation to all Entrants.
· Award of Certificates of Excellence to only the shortlisted entrants.

GUIDELINES

1.      Upload a 1-minute video of yourself reciting your original poem of not less than 20MB.

2.      Entries are welcomed from anywhere in the world, but must address human rights issues in Africa

3.      Stories must have Human Rights at heart.

4.      Only one Video per entrant

5.      Your video can explore any of the following human rights themes: Freedom of Expression, Government Violations, Police Brutality, corruption, forced Eviction, terrorism, Gender Inequality, LGBT Rights, Child Labour, Child Marriage, Domestic Violence, violence and discrimination against women; child abuse; female genital mutilation, ethnic, regional, and religious discrimination, child trafficking etc.

6.      Record yourself in a quiet place (no music or background noise). Listen to your audio before you upload to make sure we can hear you well. No other persons are allowed in the video.

7.      Make sure the video is not shaky, the camera must be still while filming.

8.      Ensure your video is artistic, original, and creative. Videos must not have been previously published or used for a commercial purpose such as private sale or used in monetized platforms. All content to be used must be original, including any music.

9.      Do not add any graphics, text, or captions. If you need to perform your poem in sign language, you are welcome to do so.

10.  Film in landscape mode.

11.  We strongly encourage diverse, untraditional, and unheard voices to enter this competition

12.   The 1-minute Video must be a new and original piece of work. The Story must not have been published in any form or awarded previously.

13.  Deadline for submissions is 30th October, 2023

14.  Winners will be announced on the November 25th, 2023

15.  Any signs of plagiarism will disqualify the contestant.

16.  IHRAF reserves the right to withdraw and reclaim the financial value of the contest if it is discovered that a Spoken Word Artist has fabricated any information in their submission. 

17.  Organizers’ decision is final

18.  All entrants agree to offer IHRAF first world rights, with the right to upload selected videos on its media and streaming platforms.

19.  All entries must be submitted to: ihrafafrica@ihraf.org

20.  Title of your mail should be addressed as “AFRICAN HUMAN SPOKEN WORDS CONTEST”

21.  Entrants are advised to send the following information alongside their entries

22.  Name, Age, Gender, Country, Address, Phone Number, Where you heard about the Contest, Short Profile about yourself, Name of school or university if any

23.  It is your responsibility to ensure that your submission is eligible for the Contest. By entering your work for the Contest you are confirming to us that the work that you are submitting is your own original work, and that you have read and agreed to the Conditions of Entry of the Contest.  

24.  We will write to everyone who entered for the Contest and inform them of the outcome of their application once the judging process has concluded. 

 African Human Rights Spoken Words Contest is an initiative of the International Human Rights Art Festival (IHRAF), USA aimed at promoting and supporting the realization of human rights in Africa.

 

For more enquiries contact: Wole Adedoyin +2348072673852 (woleadedoyin@gmail.com)