Mabel Segun, a trailblazing writer, broadcaster, and sportswoman, leaves behind a legacy of excellence in Nigerian literature
By Cyril Ehis
Death came calling, but it at least allowed the literary matriarch to be well celebrated on her 95th birthday before she was called into ancestry.
The demise of the renowned writer, novelist, tennis champion, broadcaster, and diplomat, Mrs Mabel Segun, was announced by her family in a statement in February, barely a few days after her 95th birthday.
According to the statement, Segun, a retired administrator, died in the early hours of Thursday, February 27.
The statement added that her funeral arrangements would be announced later by the family.
“A life dedicated to literature, broadcasting, and sports is a life truly well spent.”
“It is with gratitude to God for a life well spent in the pursuit of excellence in literature, broadcasting, and sports that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Mabel Dorothy Okanima Segun (née Aig-Imoukhuede),” the statement read.
The novelist left behind a legacy of remarkable achievements and contributions to Nigerian society.
Born on February 18, 1930, Segun was a true pioneer, breaking barriers throughout her illustrious career.
Segun attended university in Nigeria, graduating from University College Ibadan (now the University of Ibadan) in 1953 with a degree in English Literature, Latin, and History.
This achievement marked the beginning of a distinguished academic and professional career that took her across Nigeria and beyond.
