Alliance Francaise Ikoyi buzzed with excitement as Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, the globally acclaimed writer, unveiled her inaugural children’s book, “Mama’s Sleeping Scarf.”
Distinguished Guests at Chimamanda’s Children’s Book Unveiling
The event, a vibrant celebration of storytelling and the significance of reading drew a diverse crowd, including political figures, business leaders, celebrities, writers, and art enthusiasts, all gathering to honour Adichie’s venture into children’s literature.
Prominent figures such as Former Nigerian President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Labour Party’s presidential candidate Peter Obi, and others graced the occasion. Chimamanda emphasized the vital role parents play in cultivating a reading culture among children, stating, “Your children are not reading because you’re not reading.” She underscored the decline in critical thinking in the country and urged everyone to prioritize reading.
Fmr. Pres. Obasanjo’s Call To Action: Reigniting Nigeria’s Reading Culture.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the need to revive the reading culture in Nigeria. He highlighted the saying, “If you want to hide something, put it in a book,” to illustrate the nation’s lack of emphasis on reading. Obasanjo urged Nigerians to read for internalizing wisdom and continual personal growth.
Prof. Yemi Osinbajo Acknowledges Chimamanda’s Impact on Young Minds
In a pre-recorded telecast, former Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo praised Chimamanda’s foray into children’s literature, emphasizing the profound impact of early reading on a child’s development. The event, skillfully hosted by Kunle Kasumu, featured a Q&A session, book signing, and a designated area for children to participate in “read & play” activities.
Attendees, both young and old, left with gifts from Santa and autographed copies of “Mama’s Sleeping Scarf,” creating cherished memories of a night that celebrated the magic of storytelling and the enduring importance of reading.