OZORO/Nigeria: The South South Writers Forum (SOSOWFO) has initiated plans for collaboration with Southern Delta University (SDU), Ozoro, following a courtesy visit by members of the association to the institution’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Sunny Awhefeada.
The visit, held on Monday, July 6, 2026, brought together leaders of the forum, members of its Board of Trustees, students and other stakeholders in the literary and media community from across the South-South region.
Speaking during the meeting, President of the forum, Chief Alaska Ekele, described Prof. Awhefeada as a respected figure in the fields of literature, media, culture and communication, saying the association considered it important to engage him as it expands its activities within the region.
Ekele said the forum was established to provide a platform for writers, journalists, literary enthusiasts, academics and other communication professionals to interact, share ideas and promote literary development across the South-South.
He disclosed that SOSOWFO was registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) in 2024 and currently operates student, associate and full membership categories, adding that membership is open to individuals with an interest in writing, literature, journalism, culture and related professions.
According to him, the association is also exploring partnerships with academic institutions and other organisations to advance literary development and capacity building within the region.
The forum’s president further announced that Prof. Awhefeada had been selected as one of the patrons of the association, noting that a formal investiture ceremony would be held at a later date.
Responding, the Vice-Chancellor commended the formation of the forum and described the initiative as a positive step toward strengthening literary and creative engagement in the South-South.
Awhefeada said professional collaboration among writers, academics and media practitioners would contribute to the growth of the creative sector, adding that universities have an important role to play in supporting such initiatives.
He particularly welcomed the inclusion of students in the association, saying their participation would help nurture a new generation of writers while creating opportunities for mentorship and skills development.
The Vice-Chancellor expressed the university’s readiness to collaborate with the forum on programmes that align with its academic and literary objectives and thanked the association for naming him a patron.
The meeting also featured discussions on areas of mutual interest, with both the university and the writers’ forum expressing optimism about future engagements aimed at promoting literary scholarship, creative writing and professional development across the South-South region.
