“Your children are not reading because you’re not reading”,
…said Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie during her brief remarks, emphasising the importance of reading.
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She emphasised the crucial role of books in fostering critical thinking, an essential skill highly demanded in today’s evolving world.
Speaking on the theme “Why Reading Matters”, Former President Olusegun Obasanjo emphasised the necessity of revitalising the reading culture in the nation, emphasising that,
“We must read to internalize and gain wisdom.”
In a pre-recorded telecast, former Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo commended Chimamanda for her venture into children’s literature, emphasising that,
“getting children to read early is possibly the most priceless thing one could ever do for a child.”
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The event, hosted by book reviewer and Channels Book Club host Kunle Kasumu, featured a dynamic Q&A session with Chimamanda. During this session, she took the time to respond to guests’ questions, which were randomly selected from a lucky dip by the event anchor.
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The event featured a fun zone where younger guests enjoyed engaging in various “read & play” activities, including dancing with Santa, bouncy castle sessions, and collectively painting a giant sketch of “Mama’s Sleeping Scarf.”. The children presented the artwork to Chimamanda as a heartfelt gift at the event’s conclusion.
Attendees, both young and old, left with cherished autographed copies of “Mama’s Sleeping Scarf” and received gifts. They also had the opportunity to interact with the beloved author, taking photos to commemorate the special occasion.
Tomi Juice and Black Stallion Energy Drink generously supported the event by providing drinks for all guests. Individual contributions from VFD Group and Casava Insurance, which donated 100 copies of the book each, ensured that children from less privileged schools and communities would have their copies of “Mama’s Sleeping Scarf.”
Additionally, some children were transported to and from the event, allowing them to partake in the fantastic activities.
The night transcended a mere book launch, evolving into a cultural celebration that echoed Chimamanda’s belief in the transformative power of storytelling and reading.