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The Boy Who Had a Dream

The Nigerian literary community and academia gathered in large numbers at the Department of English, University of Lagos, on the 5th of August, to celebrate the official book launch of “The Boy Who Had a Dream.”

The highly anticipated new release by Awwal Owolabi, a final year student of the department drew a diverse audience of literature enthusiasts, veteran journalists, and academics.

The newly released book is a deeply personal narrative and a poignant exploration of resilience, self-discovery, and the relentless pursuit of an education. It chronicles the author’s grueling 15-year journey to earn a university degree after graduating from secondary school in 2011.

Through gripping storytelling, the book details how the writer navigated devastating family breakdowns, crushing poverty, and intense societal pressures. The powerful memoir culminates in his triumphant upcoming graduation in 2026, where he will be departing the UNILAG Department of English as one of its best students.

The grand event was chaired by Mrs. Atinuke Akintan-Adeyemi, a distinguished diplomat who has served as the Counsellor (Consular) at the Embassy of Nigeria in Stockholm, Sweden. In her opening remarks, Mrs. Akintan-Adeyemi seamlessly wove her vast diplomatic and administrative experience into a touching tribute to her mentee.

She praised Owolabi’s sheer tenacity and described the book as a necessary beacon of hope for youths facing similar socio-economic hurdles. She also contributed a glowing blurb to the book, drawing on her years of international relations to highlight the universal themes of determination and grit found in Owolabi’s story.

The faculty of the UNILAG Department of English turned out in full force to support their star student. The Head of Department, Prof. Austin Nwagbara, delivered a stirring speech commending Owolabi’s academic excellence and creative brilliance. The Staff Adviser, Dr. Nurayn Alimi, who had read the book beforehand, provided a profound reflection and review of the work, simultaneously praising the author’s exemplary character and unwavering dedication to his studies.

The University of Lagos Department of English Alumni were also prominently represented by Dr. Carol Anyagwa, who is a respected lecturer within the department. Furthermore, the presence of renowned literary scholars and award-winning writers from the faculty, including Dr. Lola Akande and Prof. Abosede Afolayan, added immense prestige to the gathering.

Their attendance underscored the high literary merit of Owolabi’s debut offering and validated his transition from student to published author.

Beyond the live event, the book has already garnered significant early praise from notable figures across the literary and academic landscape who provided blurbs for the publication.

Dr. Ademola Adesola, an Assistant Professor in the Department of English, Languages, and Cultures at Mount Royal University in Canada, provided a compelling endorsement. Dr. Adesola, whose scholarly expertise spans postcolonial literatures, African diaspora literatures, and human rights issues, commended the narrative depth and authenticity of Owolabi’s memoir.

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Similarly, Taofeek Ayeyemi, a Nigerian lawyer and award-winning poet, endorsed the book. Ayeyemi is celebrated for his haiku and senryu chapbook “Across the Full Moon” and is a Pushcart Prize nominee. He praised the poetic undertones of the prose and the raw emotional honesty of the protagonist’s journey.

A major highlight of the launch occurred when the author took the stage to read compelling excerpts from the book. The reading allowed the audience to experience the vivid imagery and emotional weight of the prose firsthand. This was immediately followed by a highly engaging question and answer session, where attendees interacted directly with Owolabi about his life experiences, his writing process, and his advice for aspiring scholars.

The launch also served as a moment of profound gratitude to the philanthropic organizations that supported Owolabi’s academic journey. The Reverend Tony Akinyemi Scholarship Foundation and the First-Class Muslim Foundation, both of which count the author as a proud beneficiary, were properly represented at the event.

Representatives from both foundations expressed immense pride in Owolabi’s accomplishments, citing his success as a prime example of why educational funding for resilient youths is critical. Copies of “The Boy Who Had a Dream” are now officially released for public purchase and are available in major bookstores nationwide.

The Traffic NG
Awwal Owolabi The Boy Who Had a Dream
Amarachi Ihesiulo
The Traffic NG

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