By Damiete Braide
Excitement filled the air at the Zaccheus Onumba Dibiaegwu Memorial Library (ZODML), Ikoyi, Lagos, on Thursday, June 19, 2025, as students gathered for a special book reading and writing competition featuring Dr. Taofeek Olatunbosun’s acclaimed novel, The Children at the IDP Camp. The event was part of an ongoing initiative to promote reading and creative writing among Nigerian youths.
The programme, a collaboration between ZODML and Dr. Olatunbosun, brought together secondary school students from various parts of Lagos. Students were not only treated to a reading from the book by the author himself but also participated in an engaging writing competition that asked them to write an alternate ending or “part two” to the story.
From the many entries submitted, five finalists were shortlisted. Their stories were read anonymously to the audience by Mrs. Ayo Obe, a board member of ZODML, after which students and guests cast votes for their favorite piece. The voting process was transparent and immediate, adding excitement to the day’s activities.
When the votes were counted, Ogunde Jeremiah, a student of Government Junior Model College, Maroko, was declared the winner. Brimming with joy, Jeremiah expressed gratitude and reflected on the lessons the book had taught him. “I feel very happy winning the first prize,” he said. “This book showed me the importance of kindness and how people should help others. I’ll use what I’ve learned to help others as well. I encourage everyone to read this book because it teaches powerful lessons about life.”
Farida Abdulrazaq, a student of Akande Dahunsi Memorial High School, Osborne, Ikoyi, was named first runner-up. Speaking after receiving her prize, she said, “This award will encourage me to read more and become a better writer. The book made me realize that some children go through real hardship, and it inspired me to think more deeply and write stories of my own.”
Dr. Taofeek Olatunbosun, the author of The Children at the IDP Camp, expressed his delight at the students’ responses and their creative reimaginings of his book. “Today’s session was very engaging and inspiring,” he said. “The questions asked by the students showed they truly read and understood the story. Some of the alternate endings they wrote added whole new perspectives. It’s like they created a sequel.”
The author emphasized the importance of encouraging reading at a young age. “When children read, it shapes their mindset early,” he said. “This helps reduce the number of misinformed, vulnerable youths who might otherwise fall into crime or drug abuse. It’s hard to fix people when they’re already adults. But when you start early, you’re building a better future for society.”
Olatunbosun also praised the organizers and sponsors of the programme. “What ZODML is doing is highly commendable. In a society that values profit above community development, this kind of effort stands out. They are sowing into the future by investing in children,” he said.
He also announced that he would be depositing all his published works with ZODML so readers across Nigeria could access them. “If anyone is searching for my books in hard copy, ZODML will have them,” he declared. He added that copies of The Children at the IDP Camp had already made their way into the libraries of international institutions such as Stanford University and the Library of Congress, often through individual donations. “That my book has reached places I haven’t even visited shows there’s a real promise for the future.”
During the reading session, Dr. Olatunbosun read selected passages from the book and shared personal insights into the story’s development. He encouraged students to learn languages beyond their mother tongue. “Learning new languages gives you a wider worldview and helps you connect with more people in your journey through life,” he advised.
He also offered writing tips to the young audience: “First, be a reader. You can’t write what you don’t know. Second, pay attention to detail. Many people hear things, but writers observe and understand. Third, be open-minded. Don’t be afraid to write about what comes to your mind. Writing is not just a personal gift, it’s a service to your society, your country, and your continent.”
Mrs. Ego Mbagwu, Chief Executive Officer of ZODML, commended the students for their efforts. “You have done well by engaging with the book and bringing your own ideas to life through writing. This is how great writers are made,” she said.
The event closed with the presentation of prizes to the top five students, followed by a vote of thanks and a book signing session with Dr. Olatunbosun. The day left a lasting impression on the students, sparking imagination, courage, and a love for literature that promises to grow in years to come.
