An author and founder of a non-governmental organisation (NGO), Mentoring Assistance for Youth and Entrepreneurs Initiative (MAYEIN), Edem Ossai, has called on children and younger people to learn from the inspirational stories of some Nigerian heroes by reading books.
Ossai emphasised that the stories of the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala; Nobel laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka; first female professor of History in Nigeria, Bolanle Awe; the founder of Global Infrastructure Partners, Adebayo Ogunlesi, now a board member at OpenAI ; the Super Eagles legend and ex-African Footballer of the Year, Kanu Nwankwo, and others are treasures for children to read in order to achieve their dreams.
Ossai, a lawyer and child advocate, made the call during the presentation of her book titled: “Role Models Series for African Children Vol. 1’’ , and the commissioning of a new Library and Digital Centre in commemoration of the World Book and Copyright Day in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
Students from various secondary schools in the state participated in the programme. The book was reviewed by Mr. Bolaji Oladepo, an ace broadcaster. A renowned linguist from the University of Ibadan, Prof. Francis Egbohkare was the chairman, while Tobi Moody was the keynote speaker. There was a panel session, which was moderated by Kawthar Arinola Omisore. The panel had Ebun Feludu, and Edmund Obilo as panelists.
The author documents life stories of Okonjo-Iweala, Soyinka, Awe, Ogunlesi and Kanu Nwankwo for young and old people to read and develop rare qualities like hard work, perseverance, vision-driven, and honesty.
The author said: “This book captures the incredible journeys of some of the inspiring achievers in Africa, and brings it within the reach of children in story book format in a way that they can enjoy and digest. It also captures principles that will guide children in their own journey to greatness.”
The author called on children to pick a book and read it in order to transform their lives.
She said: ‘’My message to the children is : pick up a book and change your life, and to achieve whatever dream you desire. The power of a book is that it tells you it’s possible. There are many things in your environment that tell you that it is not possible. Start reading books today because you will have an invisible person with you in the room, reminding you that those ideas you have are possible and realisable’’.
Ossai also urged parents to give books for their children to read.
‘’My second message is to parents – put a book in the hands of your child today. That child is their opportunity to make a difference. Children are a blessing. When you put a book in the hands of your child, you are breaking cycles, and patterns in your family history. That is the power of books that people don’t understand’’, the author said.
A former Vice Chancellor, University of Ibadan (UI), Prof Olufemi Bamiro; renowned linguist in UI, Prof. Francis Egbokhare; a literary critic, Prof. Niyi Osundare; the Public Affairs Officer, United States Consulate, Julie Mckay; and an ace broadcaster, Oladepo, were among the speakers of the occasion, who urged Nigerian and African youths to pick the heroes as their role models, especially in becoming global top achievers.
Bamiro said he was happy that a young lady like Edem Ossai could write a book towards making a difference in the lives of children.
Also speaking but virtually, Prof. Niyi Osundare, commended Ossai ‘s effort in reducing the menace of out-of-school children.
On his part, Egbokhare said the book is the celebration of the library, saying: ‘’There are heroes and heroines in Nigeria and Africa’’. He described Ossai as an enigma, who put 12 years of consistent practice into writing.
McKay of the US Consulate said a single book could be powerful, pointing out that: ‘’It shapes imagination and creativity. It is a powerful tool for inspiration’’. She lauded Ossai for mentoring the next generation of change makers.
Also speaking, an educationist, Mrs. Funsho Adegbola, noted that it is extremely important to read books. She said: ‘’No one can truly succeed without being a reader. It takes us to the next level. A book can change lives’’.
The book reviewer lauded the creativity and efforts of Ossai for making the book a reality.
The book publisher, Adejoke Oyekan, of Purplebloom, noted that the book series brings to life the journeys of five outstanding Nigerians both men and women, whose names carry weight across the globe, but whose stories remain rooted in the African soil.
Mrs. Deborah Adejobi from the Lead City University, Ibadan, Pastor Francis Madejomu, Ronke Giwa-Onafuwa of Dominion Radio and Television, and others were present at the event.
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