By Damiete Braide
Last Friday, the atmosphere at Germane Primus Tutors (GPT) in Okota, Lagos, was filled with excitement and curiosity as students preparing for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) exams gathered for a special literary outreach. Hosted by the Committee for Relevant Art (CORA), the event was part of the ongoing CORA Book Trek, an initiative designed to promote reading culture among young people, particularly students.
This edition, entitled The Ago Iteration, brought together book lovers, writers, and friends of the arts for an afternoon that proved both enlightening and empowering. At the heart of the event was a compelling conversation around the book, Mighty Mite and Golden Jewel, by journalist-writer, Henry Akubuiro. The book, which made the longlist of the 2024 Nigeria Prize for Literature, sponsored by LNG, centered on themes of bullying, disability, and self-worth, struck a deep chord with the audience. As students listened to excerpts and engaged in discussions, many found reflections of their own experiences within the pages.
A representative from CORA, in his welcome address, emphasised the role of literature in shaping young minds. He described the Book Trek as more than just a reading event, it was a movement to make books accessible and relevant to students. “Through books,” he said, “we learn courage. We become bold. We find parts of ourselves we didn’t know existed.” He urged students to seize every opportunity to participate in book readings and allow stories to transform their lives.
Henry Akubuiro took the stage next and explained his motivation for writing the book. “I write because I have something to say,” he began. “Writing is about communicating ideas, responding to social issues, and reflecting the world as it is.” He stressed that for African writers, especially those writing for young people, the responsibility was even greater. “Writers must help mold children and teens during their formative years, educating and entertaining them while fostering social awareness.”
Akubuiro explained that Mighty Mite and Golden Jewel was inspired by real-world observations rather than personal experiences. He noted that while he did not have a family member living with a disability, he had encountered many people with that, and society’s treatment of them sparked something in him.
“Every day, we see people living with disabilities begging on the streets,” he said. “Many of them have been made to feel like they don’t belong. But they have potentials, untapped talents that could contribute to society if only they were given a chance.”
The novel tells the story of Chukwueze, a boy of short stature, and Nora, an albino girl. Both face ridicule and exclusion in school. Chukwueze is denied the respect afforded to his peers, while Nora is relegated to the back of the classroom simply because of her skin coloru. Yet, through creativity and determination, both characters rise above societal judgment and become celebrated figures. Their journey is one of resilience, self-belief, and transformation, core messages Akubuiro hopes to impress on his young readers.
Dr. Ori Adedayo, another speaker at the event, echoed the importance of courage. “To be great in life,” he said, “you must conquer fear.” Addressing the students, he reminded them not to be intimidated by challenges, wealth disparities, or even the opinions of others. “You can become anything, even the president, if you hold on to your dreams and confront your fears.”
Graciano Enwere, a fellow writer, added that writers must keep telling stories no matter the odds. “We cannot allow others to write our stories for us,” he said. “Even when readership is low, the writer’s job is to document, to inspire, and to provoke thought.” He highlighted how books offer a window to the world, allowing readers to travel beyond their immediate environments.
However, many challenges face the literary community in Nigeria. Akubuiro and others discussed the growing decline in physical book readership, largely due to poverty, the high cost of publishing, and the absence of functional paper mills in the country. “In the past, with active paper mills, producing books was affordable,” Akubuiro noted. “Now, many writers are forced to publish in places like China, Dubai, or India.”
He recounted how renowned writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie responded to piracy by mass-producing her books overseas at lower costs, making it difficult for hawkers to resell pirated versions. This strategy worked, but Akubuiro emphasised that, if Nigeria had working paper mills, such drastic measures wouldn’t be necessary. “Affordable books would mean a broader audience,” he said, “and a stronger reading culture.”
The rise of e-books has provided some hope, especially among the younger generation. Still, older readers remain attached to printed copies. Beyond technological solutions, the speakers agreed that government intervention, public sensitisation, and widespread reorientation about the value of literature and inclusivity are essential.
The issue of discrimination, especially against persons with disabilities, also featured heavily in the discussion. Akubuiro and others spoke of deep-seated societal prejudices, such as the myth that a pregnant woman sitting next to a dwarf would give birth to one. “We need a mindset shift,” said one speaker. “There are laws against discrimination, but they’re not being practiced. We need awareness from religious institutions, schools, and government bodies.”
To tackle these challenges, collaboration emerged as a strong recommendation. Writers were encouraged to form partnerships with musicians, artists, and influencers who have larger audiences. “Writers are intellectuals, but musicians have the reach,” said Akubuiro. “Let’s work together to get our stories out there.”
Favour, one of the students at the event, read an excerpt from Mighty Mite and Golden Jewel and shared a personal story. She had been bullied in school and lacked the courage to respond. Reading the book, she said, would have helped her confront her bully without fear. Her testimony highlighted the immediate, personal impact literature can have on young readers.
The event ended on a high note as students received autographed copies of the book. Anote Ajeluorou, another literary advocate, encouraged them to keep diaries and document their personal journeys, something he described as “the beginning of authorship.”
Chinedu Edozie, the founder of Germane Primus Tutors, expressed his appreciation for the event. “When I heard about the Book Trek, I knew we had to host it,” he said. “This experience has opened our students’ eyes to the power of reading and storytelling.”
As the event concluded, it was clear that the CORA Book Trek had achieved its goal, not just to promote reading, but to plant seeds of confidence, awareness, and creativity in the minds of its young audience.