Matriarch of Nigerian Literature, Mabel Segun, Passes Away at 95

Renowned Nigerian writer, poet, and playwright Mabel Segun has passed away at the age of 95. Her death was announced by her family, who expressed gratitude for a life dedicated to excellence in literature, broadcasting, and sports.

Mabel Segun was a pioneer of children’s literature in Nigeria and had written, co-authored, and edited 11 children’s books, including the classic autobiography “My Father’s Daughter” and its sequel, “My Mother’s Daughter.” Her stories and poems have been published in over 30 anthologies in Nigeria and abroad.

At her 90th birthday celebration, Mabel Segun reflected on her life, saying, “When I wrote ‘My Father’s Daughter,’ some people said it was too good to be true; but it couldn’t be too good to be true, because if you set your mind in good things, you will do good things.”

Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka paid tribute to Mabel Segun at her 95th birthday celebration, saying, “While some are busy looking for a ladder to climb over the wall and retrieve the ball… one of you had already climbed over the wall, retrieved the ball, tossed it back to your yard and followed the game by the same route. That person would be Aunty Mabel.”

Professor Niyi Osundare also paid tribute to Mabel Segun, emphasizing her immense impact on Nigerian literature and society. He noted that she was a crucial female voice in a predominantly male-dominated literary landscape.

President Bola Tinubu expressed sorrow over Mabel Segun’s passing, describing her as an illustrious writer who made significant contributions to Nigeria’s literary landscape. He acknowledged her immense influence on generations of writers and students, emphasizing that her works would continue to inspire literary excellence in Nigeria and beyond.