Mabel Dorothy Okanima Segun, one of Nigeria’s most accomplished literary figures and a trailblazer in broadcasting and sports, has passed away at the age of 95.
Her family announced that she died peacefully in the early hours of March 6, 2025.
“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 (nee Aig-Imoukhuede) in the early hours of the 6th of March 2025. She was 95 years old. Funeral arrangements will be published in due course.” the statement read.
Born in 1930, Mabel Segun’s extraordinary life spanned decades of pioneering contributions to Nigerian literature, children’s writing, broadcasting, and sports. A woman of remarkable versatility, Segun’s works include poetry, plays, essays, and children’s literature. Her groundbreaking debut, My Father’s Daughter, published in 1965, remains a classic in Nigerian literature.
Beyond her literary achievements, Segun also made her mark in broadcasting, serving as one of the early female voices on Nigerian radio.
In sports, she was an accomplished table tennis player, representing Nigeria at international tournaments — a testament to her multifaceted talent and dedication to excellence.
Mabel Segun’s contributions earned her numerous accolades, including the Nigerian National Order of Merit (NNOM) in the Humanities, Nigeria’s highest honour for intellectual achievement, and the UNESCO Prize for Literature in the Service of Tolerance.
She was predeceased by her son, Femi Segun, a well-known broadcaster and diplomat. She is survived by her children — Gbenga Segun and Omowunmi Segun, her grandchildren, including Rolari Segun, Damilola Segun, Ayomide Segun, and Fikemi Femi-Segun, as well as her great-grandchildren.
Mabel Segun’s passing marks the end of an era — but her legacy as a literary matriarch, cultural ambassador, and role model for generations of Nigerian writers and creatives will endure.
