by Rosemary Etim Bassey
Three young Nigerian pupils have turned authors, using their stories to teach lessons about honesty, empathy, and drug abuse prevention.
The pupils, Muhammad Hamisu Abubakar, Fatima Muhammad Gumel, and Munawwarah Abubakar, are all primary school children who have written books to promote social awareness and positive behaviour among their peers.
Muhammad, a Primary Two pupil, wrote Tricky Pills, a story that warns against drug abuse. Fatima, a Primary Four pupil, authored Hurtful Deeds, which teaches empathy and kindness. Munawwarah, also in Primary Four, wrote Lies and the Dire Consequences: Pupils’ Guide, a story on the importance of honesty.
Their works were developed under the ‘Empowering Young Voices Through Writing’ initiative, led by Mrs. Khadija Raji, a certified Child Development Practitioner. The project encourages children to express themselves through creative writing while addressing social issues affecting their communities.
According to Mrs. Raji, the pupils carried out guided research and used storytelling to communicate important lessons in a relatable way. “Their books are not just entertaining; they also teach values that every child should learn,” she said.
The books will be launched at an event that will bring together education stakeholders, child development experts, and literacy advocates. The event will also feature reading sessions, school outreach activities, and an online platform for the young authors.
Ambassador Sani Muhammad Sani, one of the event organizers, described the children as “a source of pride,” adding that their creativity shows how powerful young voices can be when guided positively.
