Experts in various fields of human endeavour has called on Nigerian youths to be focused and explore their innate talents to be successful in the future.
Demola Adeyemi-Bero, CEO/managing director of First Exploration and Petroleum Development Company Limited, in his opening remarks at the reading and reviewing of Diary of a Misfit, a book authored by 16-year-old Angel Okwuosa in Lagos recently encouraged students and teachers to focus on Literature.
Adeyemi-Bero pointed out that the focus on creative literature is particularly pertinent considering the challenges facing the reading and writing culture in Nigeria, for which every hand must be on deck to find solutions that will strengthen the educational system in the country.
The reading and review of the book which is aimed at raising awareness about the need to encourage the younger generation of Nigerians to develop sound writing skills through imaginative thinking and environmental consciousness as they pass through the various life stages witnessed participation from 100 students drawn from over 20 schools in Lagos State. Engaging and endearing, Diary of a Misfit showcases the daily battles of an eighth-grader as she navigates the trials and tribulations associated with peer pressure, dealing with physical changes and, balancing academics. Written in a simple and humour-filled style, the book takes readers through the realities of a school girl’s life, most specifically, one who has been christened as a social misfit by her peers.
The book which has been tipped to resonate among academics and students vividly highlights the phases through which growing up entails, more so for the school age girl. It submits that going through puberty is not as easy as what many people think.
From dealing with school bullies who would stop at nothing to humiliate, mortify and make one’s life miserable, to the whirlwind puppy love encounters with the opposite sex, and all the way into finding the right people who share the same interests and hobbies, life as a teen or preteen is not at all a walk in the park. Nonetheless, Diary of a Misfit allows readers a glimpse of all these personal issues in a whimsical and humourous manner.
Speaking on the creative skills, Angel Okwuosa, author of the book, who is the outgoing head girl of Atlantic Hall School, Epe disclosed that she has written many unpublished poems and short stories, in expression of her love for reading, writing, poetry, singing, and dancing.
She revealed that her aspiration is to attend the prestigious Harvard University; become the best lawyer/author and play a leading role in helping Nigeria become a great nation. The author believes her maiden work will enrich academic library collections, particularly helpful in research, teaching and private study purposes, adding that apart from helping students to have a better perspective of life in school and growing up, the book will equally be a prompter of sorts to other students to recognise and develop their writing skills.
Readers of the book will be thrilled to go through the pages of this book as it paints the raw, invigorating and impulse-driven emotions, thoughts and ideas that are characteristic of the youth.
Bringing back those nostalgic memories during their school days, this work will take adults back to a memorable time in their lives. A must-read for both the young and the young at heart, the book is easy to relate to. Filled with insights on what goes on inside the mind of a social misfit in school, Diary of a Misfit is indeed a joy to read.
