Lead photo: Mabogunje and her interlocutor during the session, Aduke Gomez, the poet-social activist, listening to Chairman of CORA, Chief Aderinokun at the close of the session.
Mabogunje, flanked by her husband, Seun, autographing a copy of the book for Naija Times’ Publisher/EiC, Ehi Braimah, at the event
MEMBER of the NaijaTimes Editorial Advisory Board, Toki Mabogunje was the featured author at the 8th CORA BookTrek on Thursday, August 15, at the Kongi’s Harvest Art Gallery, Freedom Park, Lagos Island.
Mabogunje’s latest book, “This is not a Discoteke: Vignettes from the Life of a Young Lawyer” was the focus of the BookTrek, a monthly session of book reading and conversations around a chosen text. It is organised by the Committee for Relevant Art, CORA, a 33-year-old frontline culture advocacy organisation founded in 1991 by Geologist turned journalist and art connoisseur, Toyin Akinosho, and a few friends.
Anchored by NaijaTimes Editorial Director, Jahman Anikulapo, who is Programme Chair of CORA, the highly successful event, was well attended by arts and culture enthusiasts, writers, journalists, singers, songwriters, and family and friends and colleagues of the author, a trained lawyer and former President of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industries, LCCI.
The session moderated by the poet, literary and social activist, Aduke Gomez, saw Mabogunje, sharing episodes from her fascinating journeys through her divergent careers and, life in general.
Kayode Aderinokun, poet-businessman, and chairman of CORA charged the guests in attendance to “write books to revive our reading culture.” The guests also included associates, and former schoolmates of Mrs. Mabogunje at the event f in an atmosphere of cheerful friendliness.
“During the reading, Madam Toki spoke with her mellifluous voice that filled the hall with a distinct diction that characterised the grand cadence of her prose,” noted Naija Times’s Publisher/Editor-in-Chief, who was a special guest at the event.
Mabogunje, among other caps she wears, is also the Principal Consultant, Toki Mabogunje & Co (TMC) and Vice Chairman, Africa, World Chamber Federation [WCF].
The full house audience
Cross section of the audience, including 3rd from left, the author’s husband, Seun, NaijaTimes Publisher/EiC, Braimah, and Dr Olaokun Soyinka, a literary enthusiast, and former Commissioner for Health, Ogun State
STARTED in 1996, the CORA BookTrek has become a favourite haunt for authors and literary enthusiasts to share ideas on books and related matters relevant to contemporary experiences. It has in the past featured a coterie of renowned authors and leaders in political, business, and cultural life, including the Nobel laureate, Wole Soyinka; veteran journalist, and former governor of Ogun State. Chief Segun Osoba; oil and gas executive, Austin Avuru; journalist and former Presidential media aide, Femi Adesina, as well as novelists, poets, and dramatists, among others.
The idea is to enrich the public’s understanding and appreciation of literature by fostering intellectual engagement as a way of contributing to the education, enlightenment, and empowerment of the public.
Mabogunje with the Naija Times’ Publisher/EiC, Braimah
Mabogunje with the famous Broadcaster and writer, Bimbo Oloyede
Mabogunje flanked by the founder of Poets in Nigeria, PIN, Eriata Oribhabor, with the Naija Times’ Publisher/EiC, Ehi Braimah
Founder of Poets in Nigeria, PIN, Eriata Oribhabor, asking a question from the author at the event
Mabogunje with the anchor/director of the programme, Jahman Anikulapo
