Mabel Segun: A Trailblazer in African Storytelling, Sports, Education
Mabel Segun: A Trailblazer in African Storytelling, Sports, Education
Nigeria’s beloved children’s literary icon, Mabel Segun, passed away on Thursday, March 8, 2025, at the age of 95. A revolutionary figure in African literature, Segun transformed the landscape of children’s storytelling by breaking away from colonial traditions and creating works that authentically reflected African culture and experiences.
Born on February 13, 1930, in Ondo State, Segun attended CMS Girls’ School in Lagos and later earned a degree in English, Latin, and History from the University of Ibadan. During her time at Ibadan, she excelled both as a writer and a sportswoman, winning the inaugural Nigerian Festival of the Arts Literature Prize in her final year.
Pioneering African Literature for Children
Before Segun, African children’s literature was dominated by European classics like Alice in Wonderland and Treasure Island. Segun challenged this narrative by writing books such as My Father’s Daughter (1965), which resonated deeply with African children. Her works marked a shift from colonial influences to stories that celebrated African identity and culture.
Segun collaborated with the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) to reform Nigeria’s school curriculum, ensuring that Nigerian-authored books were included in schools.
She also championed literature in indigenous languages, encouraging children to read in Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo, and other African languages. Her efforts significantly improved the reading culture among young Nigerians.
Empowering Women Through Literature and Sports
Segun’s contributions extended beyond literature. She introduced strong female protagonists in her works, such as in My Father’s Daughter, which inspired young African girls to see themselves represented in stories. Her groundbreaking work paved the way for prominent female authors like Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, and Sefi Atta.
In addition to her literary achievements, Segun was a trailblazer in sports. A table tennis champion in her youth, she became one of Nigeria’s first recognized female sports writers. At a time when female athletes were often overlooked, Segun used her platform to highlight women in sports, encouraging greater participation and recognition for women in the field.
A Legacy of Resilience and Advocacy
Segun’s life was marked by resilience. In a 1998 interview, she revealed how her first husband burned her unpublished novel to prevent her from gaining fame. Fortunately, a British judge dissolved the marriage, allowing her to continue her literary journey.
Mabel Segun’s legacy lives on through her transformative contributions to African literature, education, and sports. Her work not only reshaped how African children see themselves in stories but also inspired generations of writers and athletes to embrace their cultural heritage and strive for excellence.
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