By Damiete Braide
The Julius Berger Hall at the University of Lagos, last week, became the epicenter of intellectual discourse and celebration, as the Institute of Management and Professional Studies (MIMPS) partnered with Prowess University, USA, to host a prestigious ceremony honouring excellence in leadership, governance and societal welfare.
The event, which focused on the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), also conferred honourary doctorate degrees, fellowships and memberships on distinguished individuals. Among them was Dr. Olatunbosun Taofeek, the chairman of the Lagos State chapter of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), who was honoured with “Ambassador of Culture to Nigeria.”
For Dr. Taofeek, this recognition is a testament to his lifelong commitment to preserving and promoting Nigerian culture through literature. Reflecting on what the title means to him personally and professionally, he explained that his work as a cultural ambassador went beyond formal expectations.
Rather than adhering to conventional definitions of a cultural envoy, his approach has been shaped by a deep ethnographic interest in Nigerian life and traditions. In his writings, he has explored cultural issues and values from a unique perspective, driven by a desire to understand the world through the lens of his heritage. His creative endeavours place cultural interpretation above other academic dispositions, making him a true custodian of Nigeria’s rich cultural legacy.
However, Dr. Taofeek’s vision for preserving Nigeria’s culture extends beyond literary pursuits. He dreams of establishing a National Centre for Biographical Studies, a facility that would immortalise iconic Nigerian figures across various cultures and document their contributions to society.
He laments the lack of institutional efforts in Nigeria to preserve the stories of its cultural legends, noting that many African heroes with significant historical and metaphysical relevance remain undocumented and uncelebrated. According to him, immortalisation is a conscious effort that requires both institutions and people to preserve and honour the legacies of those who have shaped the nation’s history.
Dr. Taofeek draws parallels between Nigeria’s underinvestment in its cultural heritage and the Western world’s historical reliance on ancient knowledge. He cites ancient Egyptian philosophies as a foundation for many modern advancements and argues that if Nigeria fails to preserve its own cultural materials, it risks losing invaluable insights that could contribute to future scientific and intellectual growth. For him, literature is a powerful tool for cultural preservation and reinvention, a billion-dollar venture waiting to be harnessed.
As Chairman of ANA Lagos, Dr. Taofeek has been working tirelessly to elevate Nigerian literature and nurture a new generation of writers. He acknowledges the challenges faced by writers in contemporary Nigeria, where materialism and a desire for instant gratification overshadow intellectual pursuits. Despite these obstacles, he remains committed to his mission, likening his role to that of historical figures such as William Shakespeare, Hippocrates, and Plato. He believes that the contributions of writers are often better appreciated posthumously and that true literary works are created for future generations, not the present.
One of Dr. Taofeek’s key initiatives is the Lagos International Writers Conference, which aims to bring writers from across the world to Lagos for critical discussions on literature. He is also working on establishing a Lagos Writers Village, a space dedicated to fostering literary talent and creativity. His vision is to make Lagos a global hub for writers, much like the city has become for the music industry. By creating platforms for writers to connect, share ideas, and collaborate, he hopes to strengthen Nigeria’s literary landscape and promote the country’s cultural identity on the global stage.
When asked about the role of literature and the arts in fostering national development, Dr. Taofeek passionately argues that literature has been one of Nigeria’s most significant contributions to the global cultural space. He highlights that Nigeria’s only Nobel Prize was awarded in literature, and he believes that with more investment, Nigerian writers can achieve even greater global recognition. He contends that literature has the unique power to make a city, town, or country memorable for centuries. While songs and technological inventions may fade with time, books endure, preserving stories and ideas for future generations.