Author advocates more attention to children’s development
By Oluwafunke Ishola
An advocacy expert, Mrs Margaret Olele, says the cultural, moral and ethical values in children are fast degenerating, calling on parents to pay more attention to their children’s development.
Olele said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lagos, while discussing her debut book – Corals of Youth.
According to her, in the past, Nigerian parents pride themselves in being able to inculcate strong ethical values which shaped the growth of children from childhood to adulthood.
“Parents adopt various methods to train their children, including storytelling, extended family relationships, religious beliefs, love and attention from both parents.”
She said that poor parenting and peer pressure were driving the deterioration of ethical values and breeding social vices among youths.
Olele further called for improvement in the nation’s educational system, saying this was critical to shaping the future generations.
“One thing that was common back then was parents bringing their children from outside the country to schools in Nigeria.
“Nigerian schools then, both secondary and university, were highly rated.
“It’s a pity how the tables turned and Nigerians now spend millions of dollars to ensuring that their children have the best education,” she said.
According to her, people have sold their cars and houses and gone into great debt to achieve this.
NAN reports that in “Corals of Youth”, Olele masterfully weaves a narrative that follows a young protagonist’s journey as she navigates the challenges of adolescence and grapples with her cultural identity.
The book captures the essence of what it means to be young and female, to be unique, and to find one’s place in the world.
Olele said the book explores the intersection of cultures, traditions, including the role of women and identities, illuminating the universal challenges and joy of growing up.
She said the book would be launched at the Africa Creative Market, from Sept. 17 to Sept. 20, at the Landmark Event Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos. (NAN)
Edited by Benson Ezugwu/Vivian Ihechu
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