19th December, 2017
Jennifer Okundia
”Tales of an uber minor in college” a book written by Nkechinyere Chidi-Ogbolu was today launched at the Muson centre, Lagos Island, Lagos. According to the author, the book was put together from her everyday experience and greatly influenced by her environment and her mum who gave her all the encouragement and support she needed. Embedded in the book is information about scholarship, mentorship and parent -child relationship, it inspires people of all backgrounds to reach for the stars, helps young people make informed decisions about life while also promoting reading culture amongst the people.
A Chemical Engineering graduate from Howard University at 18 and presently a PhD student at the university of California, Davis, Nkechi as she is fondly called is not just beauty and brains alone, she is multi talented as well. She charmed her audience with her eloquence while delivering a speech on her journey into writing her first book, sang and swayed her almost perfect body to songs from Kiss Daniel, Simi and Falz who she called her baby boo and mentor as well as ”Fire on the mountain” by Asa whose lyrics and personality she says greatly impacted her writing.
As the guest speaker at the occasion, the Senior Advocate of Nigeria Femi Falana [SAN] commended Nkechi’s good work and urged parents to give their children all the support needed to succeed in their chosen career path. He also said beginning from January 2018, he will petition the Lagos state government to enforce Child Rights Acts, where primary and secondary school education will be made compulsory to reduce the rate of child hawking and molestation in the society and to encourage young people to build their dreams. This he said Nkechi inspired him to do.
The event had in attendance Special Adviser to the president Babafemi Ojudu, Nij Provost Gbemiga Ogunleye, comedian Ali Baba’s wife Mary Akpobome, PM News Executive Editor Kunle Ajibade, Inspiration FM OAPs who reviewed the book and a host of others. There was also dance performance and music to entertain guests during the event.
Pictures: Ayodele Efunla