Our History

In the heart of Africa’s literary community, a spark of change was ignited by two young women, Patience Andrew and Daisy Odey. Nestled in the vibrant landscapes of North-central Nigeria, they became acutely aware of a troubling reality: the glaring gender disparity among writers. With unwavering determination, they set out to be the champions of women writers, breathing life into their shared vision. But as their passion grew, so did their ambition. Patience and Daisy recognized that the challenges went beyond gender alone. Like explorers seeking new horizons, they ventured further, uncovering a dearth of literary opportunities in the region. And so, their cause expanded, embracing the aspiration to remedy this literary dearth.

In 2014, armed with the zeal of youth and the power of unity, Patience and Daisy gathered around them six other like-minded young women, and thus, COAL was founded. However, it wasn’t until 2017 that their vision took an official form with a formal registration. The initial days of COAL were an enchanting tale of creativity unleashed. It emerged as a vibrant literary platform. Open mic events became the canvas where poets, writers, and artists painted their souls in words, finding solace in the company of kindred spirits.

The early endeavors were infused with the spirit of independence, as COAL relied on its own passion-driven funding, with occasional support from benevolent partners who shared the dream.

As the embers of COAL’s passion spread, so did its influence. From the heart of North-central Nigeria, it radiated outward, touching the lives of writers and literary enthusiasts across the expanse of Northern Nigeria. The seeds of change they planted blossomed, and COAL became synonymous with transformation and growth. With each passing day, COAL’s tapestry of impact grew richer, weaving connections and empowering voices that had long been stifled. The hub nurtured dreams, bridging the gap between aspiration and opportunity, propelling talents towards the literary firmament