In anticipation of Dr. Wale Okediran’s 70th birthday in April 2025, a book project has been announced to honour the renowned Nigerian physician-writer’s multifaceted career and contributions to literature, medicine, and social justice.
The “Medicine and Literature Without Borders: Health, Humanities and Social Justice in the Writings of Wale Okediran” project aims to explore the rich tapestry of Okediran’s work across various disciplines. This initiative is a testament to Okediran’s impact on Nigerian and African literature, medical humanities, and cultural administration.
Dr. Okediran has carved a unique niche for himself at the intersection of medicine, literature, and politics. His career trajectory mirrors that of the Russian physician-writer Anton Chekhov, who famously declared, “Medicine is my lawful, wedded wife and literature is my mistress.” Okediran has similarly navigated these dual passions with remarkable success.

As a prolific author, Okediran has penned numerous novels, short story collections, children’s literature, biographies, and travelogues. His works have garnered prestigious accolades, including the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) prizes and the Wole Soyinka Prize for Literature. Notably, his political thriller “Tenants of the House,” inspired by his tenure as a member of the Nigerian parliament from 2003 to 2007, was adapted into a film directed by renowned filmmaker Kunle Afolayan and is now available on Netflix.
Beyond his creative pursuits, Okediran has established himself as a formidable force in literary administration. He has held various leadership positions within the Association of Nigerian Authors, including State Chairman, Treasurer, General Secretary, and President. His influence extends beyond Nigeria’s borders, as he currently serves as the Secretary-General of the Pan-African Writers’ Association (PAWA), headquartered in Accra, Ghana.
Okediran’s commitment to nurturing literary talent is evident in his founding of the Ebedi International Writers Residency in Iseyin, Oyo State. This initiative has played a crucial role in fostering creativity and providing a supportive environment for writers to hone their craft.
The upcoming book project seeks to delve into various aspects of Okediran’s work and life, including his social vision, exploration of medical ethics, contributions to medical humanities, political engagement, and role in promoting reading culture. The call for papers invites scholars and writers to contribute chapters on various topics, from the analysis of Okediran’s short stories and children’s literature to his travelogues and biographical writings.
The first Professor of Literature and Medicine in Nigeria, Professor Emmanuel Babatunde Omobowale, highlighted Okediran’s work in his 2001 PhD thesis on Nigerian physician-writers. This upcoming book project aims to further cement Okediran’s place in the canon of African literature and medical humanities.
The editors of the project, Denja Abdullahi and Dr. Stephen Kekeghe, bring a wealth of experience to the table. Abdullahi, a former President of the Association of Nigerian Authors and former Director of the National Council for Arts and Culture, is currently associated with the Centre for Creative Writing at the University of Abuja. Dr. Kekeghe is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of English and Literary Studies at Delta State University, Abraka.
Interested contributors are invited to submit well-researched chapters adhering to the MLA 9th edition style guide. Essays should range from 5,000 to 7,000 words and be submitted by December 31, 2024. The editors are also welcoming personal tribute essays that focus on specific aspects of Okediran’s multifaceted career.
The project will not only celebrate his achievements but also highlight the important intersections between medicine, literature, and social justice in the African context.
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