Dr. Wale Okediran Embarks on UK Reading Tour for “Madagali”
Award-winning author and Secretary General of the Pan African Writers Association (PAWA), Dr. Wale Okediran, is set to embark on a significant three-venue reading tour across the United Kingdom. The tour will centre around his critically acclaimed novel, “Madagali,” a powerful fictional exploration of the Boko Haram insurgency. These events promise to offer audiences a unique opportunity to connect directly with the author and delve into the complex themes of his latest work. Each reading session will be enhanced by interactive question-and-answer segments, allowing for a dynamic exchange between Dr. Okediran and his readers.
The literary journey commences on Thursday, December 18, 2025, with the inaugural reading taking place at Yemi Edun, London Property Acquisition, located at 10 Balfe Street, London. This session will be thoughtfully moderated by Kelvin Kellman, a respected writer, poet, and public commentator, who will guide the discussion and facilitate engagement with the audience.
Following the London event, the tour continues the next day, Friday, December 19, 2025, at The African Centre, situated at 66 Great Suffolk Street, London. Presiding over this second reading will be Dr. Sola Adeyemi, Head of Theatre Studies at the University of East Anglia, bringing his academic expertise and insightful perspective to the proceedings.
The final leg of Dr. Okediran’s UK tour is scheduled for Friday, December 26, 2025, in Swansea, Wales. While the specific venue in Swansea is yet to be confirmed, the event promises to be a fitting conclusion to the tour, bringing the author’s powerful narrative to a new audience.
About the Author and His Work
Dr. Wale Okediran is a distinguished figure in African literature and beyond. A trained medical doctor by profession, he has also served as a former member of the Federal House of Representatives in Nigeria, bringing a unique blend of practical experience and literary talent to his writing. His prolific career has seen him author over a dozen books, encompassing a diverse range of genres, including engaging children’s novels. His contributions to literature have been recognized with multiple prestigious awards, solidifying his position as a leading voice in contemporary African writing.
“Madagali”: A Deep Dive into Insurgency
Published in 2022 by Evans Publishers Plc, “Madagali” is a compelling novel that transports readers to the heart of Northeast Nigeria, a region profoundly affected by the protracted war against the Boko Haram insurgency. The narrative intricately weaves a tale that sheds light on the human cost of conflict, the resilience of the human spirit, and the complexities of a nation grappling with internal strife.
Reviewers have lauded “Madagali” for its authenticity and impact. Tega Oghenechovwen, in a glowing review, highlighted the novel’s strengths, stating: “Madagali’s is simple and uncluttered storytelling, and it is sauced with far-fetched knowledge of the Nigerian condition. A unique strength of the novel is its exploration of the friendship, stoicism, and solidarity between soldiers braving rugged times.” This sentiment underscores the novel’s ability to capture the nuanced relationships and unwavering courage of those on the front lines.
Furthermore, Oghenechovwen described “Madagali” as: “A daring work of contemporary African writing, Madagali’s light penetrates the darkness concealing the malfeasance that ensures that the insurgency is unwinnable.” This powerful endorsement points to the novel’s courage in confronting difficult truths and its ambition to illuminate the underlying issues that perpetuate conflict, offering a critical perspective on the ongoing struggle. The author’s ability to blend meticulous research with evocative storytelling makes “Madagali” a significant contribution to the literary discourse on conflict and its enduring consequences.
The reading tour represents an important opportunity for UK audiences to gain a deeper understanding of the Nigerian experience and the devastating impact of the Boko Haram insurgency, as interpreted through the insightful lens of Dr. Wale Okediran. His presence and the discussions surrounding “Madagali” are expected to foster greater awareness and empathy for the people and the nation grappling with these immense challenges.
