With ‘ BIG Series’, Votu- Obada Inspires Culture Knowledge For Children

OLAMIDOTUN Votu- Obada, an author of children’s books, has begun a new series, which she has tagged, ‘ Be Inspired By The Greatest’ ( BIG). She said the series is aimed at retelling stories and history of inspiring African legends to children across the world.

Votu- Obada stated this recently during a virtual interview, saying her, “vision is to write stories connecting young readers to the lives of inspiring African characters so that they can see beyond the characters, learn from them and recreate the experiences of their lives.” Her picture book, ‘ Be Inspired by Me’, is a well- illustrated book, which looks at self- identity and cultural diversity, and creates awareness of personal uniqueness in a child’s mind. ‘ Be Inspired by MKO Abiola’, another book in the series, delves into the life and times of the late Chief M. K. O Abiola, who, though faced a lot of f obstacles, achieved great things in life despite his humble beginning and became a successful businessman recognised globally. She said, “the idea, for me, is to retell inspiring African stories for children. The MKO story was written in a way that a child can understand, and coincidentally, it has done so well, and was presented to the Canadian Prime Minister recently.” Another book from the series is ‘ Be eye- opening book on the first female President of Liberia.

‘ Be Inspired By Fela’ is about the great Fela, who, at a young age, developed an interest in topical political issues. He was a great musician, who used his music to speak on social issues that touched people’s lives and fight for justice and peace.

Votu- Obada said: “With permission from the estate of Fela Anikuiapo- Kuti, I have retold the Afrobeat legend’s story for children to understand. I’m not only writing Nigerian stories, there are several other characters with African heritage whose stories I am going to tell. I have retold the story of Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the first female President of Liberia, for children. At the moment, I am working on Kofi Annan, Desmond Tutu, just to mention a few.”

The author continued, “my goal is for children across the world to read stories of inspiring African people, regardless of where they are, and be proud of their heritage. She says, “for instance, in America, if you ask a seven- year- old, he will tell you about George Washington and Abraham Lincoln and their roles in their societies. But I find that a lot of African children who are in their 20s and below don’t know about their people and culture and the roles they played in the society.”

Votu- Obada mentioned that she was inspired to start writing these stories after she migrated abroad and her children began asking her questions about Nigerian and African history. “When I was younger, my parents told me many stories about our culture and history. This helped me pass this culture down to my children, and I felt I needed to do same for other African children worldwide.”

While advising parents to ensure their children are properly educated about history, Votu- Obada said it is crucial for children to know and appreciate their culture.

Speaking on her journey as an author, she said, “I have always loved to write. When I realised there was a gap in telling African stories and culture to children, I saw it as a great opportunity to take advantage of and retell these inspiring stories in a fun and educative way to children worldwide.”

Votu- Obada credits her parents, who always inspired her to read a lot of books growing up and told her stories about many inspiring and notable characters as great inspiration. She also has high words for her late father- inlaw, Major General O. E Obada, who used to constantly tell her and her children stories about the Nigerian civil war and many other stories.

She advised parents to get their children to read about African heritage and the people who shaped history. She said that we, as Africans, should be proud to tell our stories the way Indians and Chinese do so that this generation and the generation to come never forget.

Speaking about the future, she says, “I’m glad I can make these books, but I hope that in the future, the books can be turned into films for children to enjoy.”