Aditu Ede and Nnika Publishing Unveil Monads, a Collaborative Poetry Anthology in Ibadan.
The Book titled MONADS: Many Voices, One Literary Pulse. When different minds meet, poetry does not scatter; it erupts, like mantle magma breaking through the earth’s crust of words, cooling into a single, enduring rock. That rock is Monads.
Monads is a poetry anthology born from collaboration, gathering diverse voices into one coherent literary body. True to its name, the book represents a convergence of styles, perspectives, and poetic temperaments, many independent creative units coexisting within a single artistic vision. It celebrates plurality without dilution and individuality without isolation.
At its core, Monads is driven by a vibrant literary community made up of poets, writers, editors, and creative thinkers united by a shared respect for language and meaning.
Each poem stands confidently on its own while contributing to the broader rhythm of the collection, creating a textured and immersive reading experience.
The project is initiated under Aditu Ede, with its curatorial leadership held by Babarinde Gbemisola Iqmatullahi, while the publishing direction is shaped by Nnika Publishing, led by Omobolaji Olofinika. Together, their leadership defines both the philosophical and artistic direction of the anthology. Under this guidance, Monads reflects a deliberate literary attitude, one that values craft, critical thought, and the continuous evolution of poetic expression.
Published through Nnika Publishing, the anthology benefits from careful editorial structure and intentional presentation. The production process involved coordinated efforts from editors and literary professionals, ensuring the work is not only conceptually rich but also refined in form.
The poems in Monads emerged from an open call for submissions, drawing responses from poets across the literary space.
Contributors such as Halima Alimi, Ojetola Oyinlola Elizabeth, Mojolaoluwa Major, Babarinde Gbemisola Iqmatullahi, Aliu Gomez, Mutiat Olayemi Sokunbi, Fasasi Abdulhakeem (Fasco), Ayeni Ireti Adewale, Oluwatosin Solaru, Omobolaji Olofinika, Oluwanifemi Aishat Adegoke, Folashade Olajuwon, Olajide B.O.Y, Theresa Obila Ogar, and others brought distinct textures and voices to the collection.
Their contributions reinforce the anthology as a true coalition rather than a single poetic direction.Monads was officially unveiled on December 10, 2025, at the Tunde Odunlade Art Gallery, Aare Bodija, Ibadan, in an event that drew creatives, scholars, and literary enthusiasts from across Oyo State.
The launch featured poetry readings, premiere presentations, and moments of shared reflection, creating an atmosphere of affirmation and creative fulfillment.
The event was graced by notable cultural figures, including Prince Adeyemi and Professor Tunde Odunlade, Founder and CEO of the gallery, whose presence highlighted the intersection of literary and visual arts.Beyond its launch, the relevance of Monads has continued to grow. On January 24, the anthology was the highlight of a book reading event, where several performances and interpretations were drawn directly from its pages.
Its impact was further underscored by its commercial success: all copies available on the day of the premiere were sold out, with continued demand in the days that followed.
Now available through Nnika Publishing in Ibadan, Nigeria, Monads stands as a compelling testament to the power of collaboration in contemporary poetry.
Written by Mojolaoluwa Major and Babatunde Adekanmbi.
