Matilda Omonaiye/
Mabel Dorothy Okanima Segun, renowned writer, broadcaster, poet, and sportswoman, passed away yesterday, just days after celebrating her 95th birthday.
Her passing coincided with World Book Day, a poignant tribute to her lifelong dedication to literature and education.
Born in 1930 in Ondo Town, Segun was a trailblazer who left an indelible mark on Nigerian literature and cultural development.
Her literary debut, My Father’s Daughter (1965), became an enduring classic, introducing generations of readers to vivid storytelling and inspiring a love for books.
Segun’s life was rich with achievements. She was a co-founder of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) alongside Chinua Achebe and an advocate for children’s literature, founding the Children’s Literature Association of Nigeria in 1978. Her commitment to fostering young readers was further demonstrated by the establishment of the Children’s Documentation and Research Centre in Ibadan.
Beyond literature, Segun excelled in sports, becoming the first Nigerian woman to play competitive table tennis.
Her multifaceted career also spanned broadcasting, where she earned the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation’s Artiste of the Year award in 1977.
In recognition of her contributions, she was awarded the Nigerian National Order of Merit in 2009 and the LNG Nigeria Prize for Literature in 2007.
Mabel Segun faced personal tragedies with courage. Her eldest son, Femi Segun, was married to Yeni Kuti, the daughter of Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo-Kuti. Their union ended in separation, but the family bond remained a notable chapter in her life.
Femi, a diplomat and writer like his mother, tragically died in 2014 following a motorbike accident that left him severely injured. His death deeply affected Mabel Segun, but she continued to honour his memory through her resilience and dedication to her work.
She is survived by her children, Gbenga and Omowunmi Segun; grandchildren, Rolari, Damilola, Ayomide, and Fikemi; and several great-grandchildren.
Her legacy of excellence in literature, broadcasting, and sports will continue to inspire generations.
Funeral arrangements for the literary icon will be announced in due course.
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