Ambitious Teenager Launches Maiden Book

Sarah Agbamuche

A 16-year-old graduating student of High Grade Secondary Schools, Lagos, Miss Aisha Ibrahim Kaoje, has launched her first published book, ‘The Girl Who Loves Her City’. Speaking during the book launch, at the valedictory ceremony organised for the class of 2017 of the school recently in Lagos, Kaoje who aspires to be a Pharmacist, said she was inspired by series of events happening in Nigeria. The book according to her, teaches how to curb corruption from the grassroots level, build self-respect and discipline to become a better leader of tomorrow. Through the book, she advised people to strive to achieve greatness by building love, enthusiasm, honour, and self-respect, urging children, youths, young adults and parents to work together and never give up in whatever situation.

“In our society, some people are on the high side while some are suffering. I want to encourage those who are on the verge of giving up not to do so. I get inspirations from everywhere for example when the Ebola disease struck in Nigeria, medical practitioners came together to see that it was put to an end. Also when the Chibok Girls went missing, many concerned Nigerians came together to rescue them,” Kaoje said.

Mother of the young author, Hajiya Saadatu Kaoje, said the family inspired her to do more by giving her all the support she needed to write, advising other children with talent in writing to always respect their parents and feel free to share their dreams with them without fear.

First printed in 2015 and formally published in 2016 by Grandeur International Communication Ventures, the book has been approved by the National Library of Nigeria where copies of the book can also be accessed. It is currently waiting for approval by the Lagos State Ministry of Education to be used in schools throughout the state and included in its curriculum.

Young Kaoje, daughter of Deputy Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ibrahim Sani Kaoje, Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (FSARS) Lagos, was ones featured in a Book Reading Programme organised by Kids and Teen Read Group on March 18, 2017, and was also interviewed on Channels Television Book Club Programme also in March same year.