By Prisca Sam-Duru

Writing for children for author and publisher, Ayo Oyeku, is a passion nurtured since he was thirteen years old.

With ten published children’s literature to his credit, Oyeku received validation for his efforts at helping to positively shape the minds of children when his book, The Magic Jalabiya was longlisted for the prestigious Nigeria Prize for Literature in July 2024.

In an interview with Saturday Vanguard, Oyeku disclosed how ecstatic he was upon receiving the wonderful news about the longlist. “I was surprised. I aspired for this, and now it’s a dream come true. The good news reminded me once again that the writer’s dream is valid.”

The Magic Jalabiya no doubt, is an interesting book otherwise it wouldn’t have been on the Nigeria LNG-sponsored literature prize 2024 longlist. First, the apt title and alluring cover design will arrest the attention of children and even adults. As for the plot, it is educating, entertaining and most importantly, guides children on dreams for a brighter future. According to the author, “The Magic Jalabiya is a magical adventure that offers a breath of fresh air in Nigerian children’s literature. It comes from years of research and an open mind into the present and future of the Nigerian child. I wrote this book to show children some of the wonders, fun-facts and beauty of Nigeria. And above all, to offer them, hope for a better future. Some say its ‘renewed hope’, I say it’s ‘re-imagined hope’. Through this book, our children will imagine a future they want for Nigeria, and be encouraged that from their small dreams, great things can happen. This book also adopts the international requirement for children’s reading curriculum—Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM).”

Oyeku explains why he thinks the book is unique. “Like I said earlier, the book is a breath of fresh air for Nigerian children’s literature. This kind of storytelling is quite difficult to execute, but I was able to pull it off. A tiny acorn becomes a great oak. The book sows a tiny idea of a fabulous future into the minds of children. I believe it will someday become a dream come true for me, the children, and Nigerians as a whole.”

Throwing more light on what the book offers to readers, Oyeku explained that “In this book, children will see how they can use science, technology, engineering, art and maths, as problem-solving skills in our technological age. Finally, diversity and inclusion is of utmost importance in children’s literature today. In this book, a child with a disability is portrayed with strength. Children from different roots, tribes and cultures also find beauty and strength in their diversity. The Magic Jalabiya is punch packed with all the information needed for a proper representation of the Nigerian Dream.”

He shares his preference for children’s literature and other creative ventures. “I started writing children’s literature at 13. I signed my first book deal at 17. My first two books came out at 19, and till date, I have published 10 children’s book, cutting across the following genres: picture book, chapter book, middle grade and young-adult. So creatively, I only write for children. But professionally, I ghost-write and edit books across most (if not all) genres of literature. This I achieve through Eleventh House—the publishing house I founded in 2018.”

The author talks about why the heroes in his book appear disconnected from the realities undermining Nigerians. “Truth be told, children’s literature is about empowering children’s minds, giving them hope, and sprinkling showers of happiness into their lives. I think it’s cruel to let children read traumatic story—it hurts their minds and dampens their dreams. In my book, the children also had unhappy childhoods; begging for alms, hawking on the streets, being maltreated, subjected to child labour, and even child-trafficking. Rather than over-flogging these ugly experiences in the book, I offered a reading balance through a magical adventure across the six geopolitical zones here, and in the future Nigeria. This wasn’t intended as an escape from reality but an inspiration for their minds, in order to remind children (and all readers) that insignificant people can even do significant things.”

Read what writing for children has done to his career and person.

“Like I mentioned earlier, I started pretty early at 13, and the journey has brought surprises, setbacks and great expectations, too. Writing has taken my name into rooms I dare not set my foot in. I have won awards, gone on writing residencies, sat on literary panels, and currently the only African contributor to World Kid Lit. Writing is a gift that keeps giving. I’m grateful.”

The award-winning author insists that children need all the fantasy writing they can lay their hands on. “Children need all the magic they can consume in their formative years. It opens their minds and gives them the chance to think creatively. Perception, they say, is stronger than reality. Let children imagine, let them believe, and let them think creatively. At the end, they will use their hands to shape the possible-reality they want. Their futures will even be greater than they can imagine. The future is possible for those who believe.”