The talented Nigerian writer, Chimamanda Adichie, barely needs an introduction. She is the author of literary masterpieces like ‘Purple Hibiscus,’ ‘Americanah,’ ‘The Thing Around Your Neck’ and ‘Half Of A Yellow Sun.’
In an X (formerly Twitter) post earlier this year, she announced that she was excited to be writing her first-ever children’s book. A debut picture book from one of the most important voices in literature today! The book titled “Mama’s Sleeping Scarf” was officially published in September 2023 and just on Friday, it was launched.
Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi was in attendance and shared some photos from the events on his X page on Saturday. The children’s book launch was incorporated into an event tagged ‘Christmas Magic’ in Lagos.
According to Peter Obi, the event was well attended by notable Nigerians, in the likes of Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Dr Datti Baba-Ahmed, Prof Hakeem Bello-Osagie, Dr Oby Ezekwesili, Bella Disu, Ndidi Nwuneli, Chimamanda’s husband, Ivara Esege, and others.
Obi lauded Chimamanda Adichie for her new book, especially as it is aimed at improving the reading culture of Nigerian children. Mama’s Sleeping Scarf is a delightful children’s fantasy book that is written and illustrated for children of all ages. Thanks to the elaborate and beautiful pictures, younger children who have not learned to read fluently do not have to worry about missing out on the fun.
Chimamanda has once again proven that her pen is a beacon illuminating the path to a richer, more vibrant literary landscape for generations to come. In his tweet, Obi particularly applauds this while reiterating some of his dreams for a new Nigeria.
“Reading will help the youths to build their critical thinking analytical ability to succeed in an ever-complex world. I thank Chimamanda for organizing this wonderful event, and for consistently advancing the cause of our society through her literary works”, he said, summarizing the post.
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