AREWA BOOK CLUB MOURNS THE PASSING OF LITERARY ICON, LABO YARI
The Arewa Book Club, a literary organization founded by the Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW) based in Northern Nigeria has expressed deep sadness over the death of Labo Yari, a distinguished literary icon and one of the founding members of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA). Labo Yari passed away on Saturday, March 18, 2023, at the Federal Medical Centre in Katsina, where he had been receiving treatment for an illness that lasted for over five years. He was 81 years old at the time of his death.
In a statement issued by the Coordinator and Secretary of the Arewa Book Club, Mukhtar Musa Karami and Abdullahi Lawal Kangala described Labo Yari as a renowned author who made significant contributions to Nigerian literature, particularly in the Northern region of the country. He is best known for his novel, Climate of Corruption, which was published in 1978 and remains one of the most popular works of literature in the Hausa/Fulani language. The novel, which explores themes of corruption, power, and greed, was a groundbreaking work in its time, and it earned Labo Yari widespread acclaim and recognition.
In addition to Climate of Corruption, Labo Yari also wrote several other books that showcase his mastery of the written word. These include A House in the Dark, a collection of short stories; Man of the Moment, a novel; A Day Without Cockcrow, another collection of short stories; Emir of Katsina Muhammad Dikko and His Times, a biography; and Awaiting Gozo, an unpublished novel. These works demonstrate Labo Yari's versatility as a writer and his commitment to exploring different genres and themes.
As a founding member of the ANA and a member of its Board of Trustees, Labo Yari played a crucial role in the development and promotion of Nigerian literature. He was a mentor and inspiration to many young writers, and his contributions to the literary community will be sorely missed. Labo Yari was also an advocate for cultural preservation and worked tirelessly to promote and preserve the Hausa/Fulani language and culture.
Labo Yari's passing is a great loss not only to the literary community but also to the Northern region of Nigeria and the country as a whole. He was a cultural icon who used his writing to educate, entertain, and inspire generations of Nigerians. His legacy will continue to live on through his works, which remain relevant and impactful to this day.
The Arewa Book Club extends its deepest condolences to Labo Yari's family, friends, and the entire literary community. The club mourned the loss of a great writer and cultural ambassador, and pledged to continue to promote and celebrate his works and legacy.
ABC called on the government and other stakeholders in the literary community to honor Labo Yari's memory by investing in the development and promotion of Nigerian literature, particularly in the Northern region of the country where he made such a significant impact. The club also also urge young writers to emulate Labo Yari's commitment to excellence and his dedication to the craft of writing.
The passing of Labo Yari is a reminder of the fragility of life and the need to appreciate and celebrate the contributions of our cultural icons while they are still with us.
Labo Yari's contributions to Nigerian literature will not be forgotten, and his works will continue to inspire generations of readers and writers to come. His passing is a great loss, but his legacy will continue to live on through his words and the impact he made on the literary community and Nigerian culture as a whole.
May Labo Yari's soul rest in peace, and may his family find comfort in the knowledge that he lived a life of great significance and impact.
