By Damiete Braide
From a young age, Ayo Oyeku had a gift for storytelling. Born with a vivid imagination and an innate desire to inspire, he began writing stories for children at the tender age of 13.
Today, he stands as one of Nigeria’s most notable writers in children’s literature, with a career spanning over two decades. His latest work, The Magic Jalabiya, earned him a place on the longlist for the 2024 The Nigeria Prize for Literature, a prestigious recognition in the literary world. For Oyeku, writing has always been more than just creating stories; it is a means of empowering children, offering them hope, and nurturing their dreams.
Oyeku’s journey as a writer began with a simple love for books. Growing up, he was fascinated by stories that transported him to other worlds, and he wanted to give that same experience to other children.
At 17, he signed his first book deal, and, by 19, he had already published two books. Today, with 10 books to his name, Oyeku’s writing career continues to flourish. His work spans across different genres of children’s literature, including picture books, chapter books, middle grade stories, and young adult fiction. While he professionally ghostwrites and edits books in other genres, his heart remains firmly rooted in writing for children.
The Magic Jalabiya is a story that captures the essence of Oyeku’s philosophy on writing for children. It is a magical adventure that transports readers to a world where anything is possible. But beneath the enchanting narrative lies a deeper purpose.
Oyeku’s goal is to offer Nigerian children a vision of a better future, one that they can actively shape through imagination, creativity, and problem-solving skills. The book incorporates the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) curriculum, showing children how these fields can be used to address real-world challenges. The central theme of The Magic Jalabiya is hope, something Oyeku believes is crucial for children, especially in today’s world. “Some say it’s ‘renewed hope,’ I say it’s ‘reimagined hope,’” Oyeku explains. Through the magical journey of the characters, children are encouraged to envision the future they want for themselves and for Nigeria. The story reminds them that even the smallest dreams can lead to significant achievements, fostering a sense of possibility in the minds of young readers.
ements in Oyeku’s storytelling. In The Magic Jalabiya, a child with a disability is portrayed as a figure of strength, and characters from different cultural backgrounds come together, celebrating the beauty of their diversity. This representation is important, Oyeku emphasises, because children’s literature today must reflect the world as it is a world where differences are not just tolerated but celebrated. He believes that by showing children characters they can relate to, literature can help build empathy and understanding in young readers.
Oyeku’s passion for writing extends beyond the creative process. In 2018, he founded Eleventh House, a publishing house dedicated to producing quality books for children. Through this platform, he not only writes but also helps other writers and creatives bring their stories to life. His commitment to children’s literature is unwavering, and he continues to explore new ways to engage and inspire his young audience.
When The Magic Jalabiya made the longlist for The Nigeria Prize for Literature, Oyeku was surprised, but deeply grateful. “The good news reminded me once again that ‘the writer’s dream is valid,” he says. It was a milestone in a journey that has been filled with both challenges and triumphs.
For Oyeku, writing has opened doors he never imagined, taking him to literary panels, residencies, and award stages. Yet he remains grounded in his mission to write for children, to uplift their spirits, and to give them stories that fill their minds with magic and possibility.
One of the reasons The Magic Jalabiya resonates with readers is the way it balances reality with fantasy. Oyeku does not shy away from addressing the harsh realities that many Nigerian children face, such as poverty, child labour, and trafficking. His characters come from difficult backgrounds, begging on the streets, hawking goods, and enduring hardships that are all too familiar in the Nigerian context. However, rather than dwelling on these struggles, Oyeku offers his readers a sense of escape and inspiration. Through the magical adventures of his characters, children are reminded that even in the face of adversity, there is always room for hope.
“Children’s literature is about empowering children’s minds, giving them hope, and sprinkling showers of happiness into their lives,” Oyeku asserts. He believes that stories should serve as a refuge for young readers, a place where they can find comfort and joy, even if only for a moment. While some may argue that children’s literature should reflect the difficult realities of life, Oyeku feels it is important to balance those stories with narratives that inspire happiness and optimism. After all, childhood is a time for wonder, and children need magic in their lives to help them dream of a better future.
Looking ahead, Oyeku is excited about the future of children’s literature in Nigeria. For Oyeku, the greatest reward is knowing that his stories have touched the lives of young readers, giving them the tools they need to dream, imagine, and create.
In Oyeku’s world, no dream is too small, and no child is insignificant. Through his writing, he continues to sprinkle showers of magic into the lives of children, reminding them that they, too, can shape the future they want to see.