Children’s Day: Jordan Hill celebrates young authors

Jordan Hill Creative Writing and Reading Workshop has taken time out to celebrate this year’s Children’s Day tagged: “Story Fest 2020,” a celebration of young published authors and the public presentation of their books.

The event which was held virtually was attended by young authors comprising school children between the ages of six and 13, their parents and guest speakers.

Keynote speaker and media aide to former President Goodluck Jonathan, Dr. Reuben Abati, in his speech, said that for Africa to develop and compete with the rest of the world, there should be more focus on the young generation.

He said an institution like Jordan Hill should be supported by government at all levels, especially by the ministries of education.

“Writing is very important as we live in a world of communication and reading makes a man because it forms an abundance of knowledge. Jordan Hill provides the platform for the young ones to tell their stories,” Abati surmised.

He urged parents to identify their children’s gift and continue to encourage them in the art of writing, which comes with a lot of hard work.

Chairperson of the occasion, Mrs. Adeyoyin Adesina, the chief executive officer of Corona Schools’ Trust Council, told the young authors that they can change the world with their writing.

She averred that every child is born with a gift and urged the young authors to have a dream in order to discover and bring out the gift inherent in them.

Adesina told the children to identify a problem in their immediate environment and use their idea to create a solution.

“Your creativity is built through your imagination; the world needs your solution. Remember that many children across the world have made great differences, believe in your dreams, develop relationships that can keep your dreams in line with your vision,” she said.

She also urged them not to limit themselves to school books which she said will only give them good grades, but read books about great achievers who have impacted the world.

Educational Director of Jordan Hill, Mrs. Adeola Eze, said this year’s May 27 event is not just about the celebration of children, but of talents that young children possess.

“The theme of this year’s celebration is one not just founded on truth, but it calls for great reflection – one child, one dream, one nation. 

“Its no new story that the children of today, will become our leaders of tomorrow. How are we giving them the right platforms to develop and cultivate their ideas into plans to move the country forward?” he enthused.

She urged the children not to give up on their dreams, but keep pushing at it, adding that someday, they too will be celebrated as one of the world’s greats.

“To parents also, note your children’s interest, it is better to catch them young. Do not delay in aiding them to discover their talents early and take an interest in their ideas. 

“Only then will their confidence peak and their talents shine to the ends of the earth,” she said.

The educational director urged stakeholders to join hands to transform Nigeria’s educational system into one centred on the development of the talents of future leaders.

Elena in the Woods by Mofifunolwa Atilola; Battle of the Heroes by Oluwatito Arije; Moonstones in Wolf Land by Oluwabori Arije; The Life of an Exciting and Brilliant Boy by Temiloluwa Modele; Treasures on the Run- a collection of short stories by 13 your writers were the books launched at the virtual book launch.

The highlight of the event was the launch of the maiden edition of Unleashed Magazine, the official brand of Jordan Hill.

Mrs. Eze said a lot of thought was put into the magazine, adding that all the words and ideas were developed by children and that the magazine provides the Nigerian youth with the right platform to showcase their creativity and express their passions.