Pick a book and read, it might just change your life. Because in every turning page lies the secret lives of moving mortals, and sometimes, all it takes is one story to inspire a thousand dreams.
An author and child advocate Edem Ossai is urging Nigerians, especially the young, to rediscover the life-changing power of literature. As the founder of the Mentoring Assistance for Youth and Entrepreneurs Initiative (MAYEIN), Ossai believes books are powerful tools that can shape futures, fuel ambition, and break cycles.
Her latest work, Role Models Series for African Children Vol. 1, brings the stories of Nigerian trailblazers into the hands of children. During its official launch in Ibadan to mark World Book and Copyright Day, Ossai called on children, teenagers, and parents alike to embrace reading.
“There are many voices in your environment telling you it’s not possible,” she said. “But when you read, there’s an invisible person in the room with you, reminding you that your dreams are valid, real, and achievable.”
The book captures the journeys of notable Nigerians like WTO Director-General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Nobel laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka, Nigeria’s first female History professor Bolanle Awe, investment powerhouse Adebayo Ogunlesi, and football icon Kanu Nwankwo. These are figures whose global acclaim is rooted in values like hard work, perseverance, and vision qualities Ossai wants young readers to embrace.
At the book launch, secondary school students gathered to celebrate literature and legacy. Renowned linguist Prof. Francis Egbokhare chaired the event. Tobi Moody delivered the keynote, and a panel session moderated by Kawthar Arinola Omisore featured respected voices like Ebun Feludu and Edmund Obilo.
The book reviewer, veteran broadcaster Bolaji Oladepo, praised Ossai’s work for its insight and inspiration. “This is more than a book it’s a roadmap for greatness,” he said.
Other speakers echoed the call to action. Former UI Vice Chancellor Prof. Olufemi Bamiro praised Ossai for using storytelling to spark transformation. Virtually, Prof. Niyi Osundare commended her commitment to reducing the number of out-of-school children. Egbokhare hailed the book as a celebration of the library, calling Ossai “an enigma who put 12 years of passion into this.”
Julie McKay of the U.S. Consulate described books as “powerful tools for inspiration and creativity,” and educationist Funsho Adegbola emphasized that true success begins with reading. “No one becomes great without it,” she said. “Books take us further.”
Adejoke Oyekan, the publisher at Purplebloom, said the book brings the legacies of five African role models to life, reminding readers that greatness can emerge from familiar soil.
And so, the message remains: to the children—pick up a book. To the parents—put one in your child’s hand. A single book might just break generational barriers and set a young soul on the path to greatness.
Books indeed hold secrets.
Congratulations to the author,Edem Ossai, for the successful launch of the book, Role Model Series for African Children.
In view of the poor reading culture that is very prevalent in our society, I wish to appeal to the educated elites in our society to voluntarily adopt some school children to be mentored and motivated to imbibe reading culture. We should give more attention to the public primary and secondary school children. This is one of the ways to prepare the children for the future. If they are not well prepared for the future we should not expect anything different from what we are experiencing from today’s leaders. Today’s children are the leaders of tomorrow and they can’t give what they don’t have. Good readers will grow to become good leaders. Let’s reach out to these children for mentorship in the interest of the future of our country.
Thank you.