President Bola Tinubu has expressed sorrow over the passing of renowned Nigerian writer, poet, and playwright Mabel Segun, who died on Thursday at 95.
In a statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President extended his condolences to the family of the literary icon, as well as to members of the literary community, friends, and admirers of the late author.
“The President also commiserates with members of the literary community, friends, and fans of the renowned writer,” Onanuga said.
Segun, a pioneer of children’s literature in Nigeria, dedicated her life to 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, received global
acclaim and remains a reference for aspiring writers and literary enthusiasts.
Mourning her loss, Tinubu paid tribute to her contributions to Nigerian literature, describing her impact as “extraordinary and enduring.”
“President Tinubu mourns the illustrious writer and describes her extraordinary and enduring impact on Nigeria’s literary landscape over decades,” Onanuga stated.
The President acknowledged Segun’s immense influence on generations of writers and students, emphasising that her works would continue to inspire literary excellence in Nigeria and beyond.
“President Tinubu prays for the repose of the literary icon’s soul and divine comfort for her family,” the statement concluded.
