By Stephen Adeleye.
A non governmental organization, Flip Path Hub, has marked a significant milestone by launching a maiden edition of public speaking competition and unveiling five new books aimed at addressing crucial needs in the community.
The event was organized on Wednesday in Lokoja, to commemorate the World Book Day which coincided with William Shakespeare’s birthday – a great writer of all times.
In her welcome address, the founder of Flip Path Hub, Barr. Ajuma Lilian Okolo, highlighted her commitment to empowering young people through education and literature.
According to her, the books, with the “Amazing You” series, cater to both parents and children, covering topics such as sex education, comprehensive parenting guidance, and age-appropriate literature for young readers.
Okolo expressed gratitude to parents, volunteers, and partners who have supported CENFARLD’s initiatives, including a weekend reading club that provides a sanctuary for learning and growth.
She commended the Kogi State Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Josiah Majebi for gracing the occasion, and appreciated Hon. Justice Ojoma Haruna for encouraging her to expand her initial plan of publishing two books to five, which have since become bestsellers.
Okolo emphasized the importance of community and collective effort in creating opportunities for young people and strengthening community fabric.
The event also featured a call to action for continued support, with Okolo renewing her commitment to the cause and inviting parents to enroll their children in the reading club.
She noted that the initiative aims to expand its programs, develop comprehensive resources, and build partnerships to create platforms for young people’s voices to influence positive change.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Education, Hon. Wemi Jones, commended the founder for the initiative and reaffimed the commitment of Gov. Ahmed Ododo’s administration to prioritising quality education in the state.
Jones, who was represented by the Director, Kogi State Library Board, Mrs Theresa Apama, thanked the Governor for his commitment to the renovation of the State Library to give it a face lift towards effective service delivery to users.
Also speaking, the Kogi State Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Josiah Majebi, commended the founder for her laudable efforts in impacting the younger generation with reading culture, saying, “readers always become leaders”.
The Chief Judge, who was represented by Justice Bamidele Rotimi Aina, encouraged children to always read far and wide, and develop confidence in themselves.
“Always be ready to speak out so as to make the difference in the society. Once children are set on the trajectory of reading their future is secured,” he said.
On her part, Hon. Justice Ojoma Haruna, who was one of the Books’ Reviewers, commended the author for the initiative and for her compassion for growth and development, and urged participants to emulate her.
She admonished the people to strive to make positive and lasting impacts in their immediate environment by contributing to the development of the people in the society.
The highlight of the occasion was the unveiling of the five books, authored by the founder of Flip Path Hub, Barr. Ajuma Lilian Okolo, as well as children’s participation in a maiden public speaking competition.
The titles include: “Diamond in the Rough: Parenting in Harmony: Nurturing Bonds”; “From Diapers to Dating: Breaking the Ice on Sex on Education”; “The Amazing You: A Boys’ Guide on Adolescence”; “The Amazing You: A Girls Guide on Adolescence”; and “The Amazing You: Growing Up With Ease”.
The books’ reviewers were: Mr Patrick Edogbanya, Ag State Director, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Kogi State, Dr Joe Wealth, Mrs Eunice Abimbola Agbogun, Executive Director, Challenged Parenthood Initiative (CPI).
They all commended the author for the initiative and encouraged every parent to get the copies of the books for themselves as well for their children, while urging government to make copies available in schools.
With the launch of these books and the speaking competition, Flip Path Hub is poised to make a lasting impact on the community, fostering a love of reading, critical thinking, and public speaking skills among young people.
