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Mabel Segun

NNOM
Mabel Segun, 1983 (cropped).jpg
Segun in Strasbourg, 1983
Born (1930-02-13)13 February 1930
Ondo City, Colony and Protectorate of Nigeria
Died 6 March 2025(2025-03-06) (aged 95)
Nationality Nigerian
Education University of Ibadan
Occupation
  • Poet
  • playwright
  • children's writer
  • broadcaster
Notable work
My Father's Daughter (1965)
Awards Nigeria Prize for Literature

Mabel Segun (born February 13, 1930, died March 6, 2025) was a famous Nigerian writer. She wrote poems, plays, and stories, especially for children. She was also a teacher, a broadcaster, and even a sportswoman! She received the NNOM, which is a very high honor in Nigeria.

About Mabel Segun

Mabel Segun was born in Ondo City, Nigeria. She went to secondary school at CMS Girls' School Lagos. Later, she studied at the University of Ibadan. In 1953, she earned a degree in English, Latin, and History.

Her Teaching Career

After college, Mabel Segun taught these subjects in schools across Nigeria. She became a leader in education. She was the Head of the English and Social Studies Department. She also served as the Vice-Principal at the National Technical Teachers' College in Yaba. This college is now known as Yaba College of Technology.

Her Books and Stories

Mabel Segun's first book was My Father's Daughter. It was published in 1965. This book became very popular. It was used as a literature textbook in schools around the world. Her books have been translated into many languages. These include German, Danish, Norwegian, and Greek. Her writing was also featured in a special collection called Daughters of Africa in 1992.

Helping Young Readers

Mabel Segun cared a lot about children's books in Nigeria. She worked hard to make sure kids had great stories to read. In 1978, she started the Children's Literature Association of Nigeria. This group helps promote books for young people. She also set up the Children's Documentation and Research Centre in 1990. This center is located in Ibadan. It helps collect and share information about children's literature. She was also a special member of the International Youth Library in Munich, Germany.

Joining Other Writers

Mabel Segun was a founding member of the Association of Nigerian Authors. This important group was started by the famous writer Chinua Achebe in 1981. She passed away on March 6, 2025, at the age of 95.

Awards and Special Honors

Mabel Segun received many awards for her amazing work.

Broadcasting Award

As a broadcaster, she was recognized for her talent. She won the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation 1977 Artiste of the Year award. This showed how much people appreciated her work on radio and TV.

National Recognition

In 2009, Mabel Segun received the Nigerian National Order of Merit Award (NNOM). This is one of the highest honors in Nigeria. It is given to people who have made great achievements throughout their lives.

Literary Society

In 2015, a group called the Society of Young Nigerian Writers created something special. They founded the Mabel Segun Literary Society. This society helps to promote and encourage the reading of Mabel Segun's works.

Prestigious Literature Prize

In 2007, Mabel Segun was awarded the LNG Nigeria Prize for Literature. This is a very important award for writers in Nigeria. It celebrates excellent writing.

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