President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Mabel Segun, the renowned Nigerian writer, poet, and playwright, who died on Thursday at the age of 95.
In a statement released on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu extended his condolences to Segun’s family, as well as to members of the literary community, friends, and admirers of the iconic author.
“The President also commiserates with members of the literary community, friends, and fans of the renowned writer,” Onanuga said in the statement.
Mabel Segun, a trailblazer in Nigerian children’s literature, dedicated her life to the advancement of literary excellence. She founded the Children’s Literature Association of Nigeria in 1978 and the Children’s Documentation and Research Centre in 1990. Her first book, My Father’s Daughter, published in 1965, earned global recognition and remains a key reference for both aspiring writers and literary enthusiasts.
In mourning her loss, President Tinubu paid tribute to Segun’s profound contributions to Nigerian literature, describing her influence as “extraordinary and enduring.” He highlighted her remarkable impact on Nigeria’s literary landscape over several decades.
The President further acknowledged Segun’s invaluable influence on generations of writers and students, emphasizing that her works would continue to inspire literary excellence, both within Nigeria and beyond its borders.
“President Tinubu prays for the repose of the literary icon’s soul and divine comfort for her family,” the statement concluded.
