The Lagos State Government on Thursday launched EKO Poems, an Anthology of Nursery Rhymes for public primary schools.
The Executive Chairman, Lagos State State Universal Basic Education Board (LASUBEB), Mr Wahab Alawiye-King, at the launch in Lagos described the literary work as a great feat.
“It is remarkable to note that this great compilation of literary work was done by our pupils, for our pupils and for generations yet unborn. I must also proudly say that this project is the first of its kind in Nigeria.
“This modest effort is part of the resolve of the Lagos State Government to continually foster creative thinking among pupils, by providing a platform for them to express themselves through rhymes that they can call their own.
“The era of having only nursery rhymes that depicts foreign nuances is gradually phasing out with collection of poems that challenges our children to reflect on our society, local values and character,” Alawiye-King said.
According to him, EKO Poems is a product of thoroughly selected writings from hundreds of entries received across all public primary schools in the state.
Alawiye -King said it was selected at the maiden edition of the Primary Schools Poetry Festival in 2020.
He said that the work would open up the minds of young ones to literary expressions.
Alawiye-King commended the Creative Director of Artwax Communications, Mr Ola Awakan and his team, for their immense contributions toward the success of the project.
He also commended the co-curricular department of LASUBEB for the successful planning and execution of the project.
Alawiye-King also appreciated the education secretaries, head teachers and teachers for ensuring the awareness and participation of all schools in the state.
“I encourage you to continue to dream and express yourself through words. I wish you greater success and achievements,” he added.
Commenting on the EKO Poems, Prof. Niyi Osundare, a literary poet, said the contents had given a complex image of Lagos as a diversity state, yet for everyone and for all race.
Osundare expressed delight that the diversities that characterised Nigeria were represented through the young children between nine and 15 years that contributed to the book.
” I am delighted to see Igbo names, Yoruba, Hausa, Efik, Tiv, Idoma, Christian, Muslim, male, female and African indigenous names being what Nigeria is and what I have seen.
” I applaud Mr Awakan and his team for this extremely initiative because I know what it takes, the efforts and the importance of coming up with poems, I have written some too.” he added.
Also speaking, Mr Ola Awakan, the initiator of the EKO Poems, said the project was one of the many efforts encouraged by Gov. Babajide Sanwo-olu, through his THEMES agenda to support collaborations between government and stakeholders in different spheres of endeavours.
Awakan said the journey from conception to execution of the project, which started many years ago as an undergraduate, took over 15 years.
“As a young student who is blessed with many ideas geared toward development, putting together poems for young creative minds was one of the many that got a space in my diary,” he said.
Awakan commended LASUBEB chairman for embracing the innovation and contributed to the success after more than 15 years of conception.
“My early involvement in the creative world has helped me so far and I know from this book many literary giants will be born.
“These young poets have already got the blessings of the erudite professor of African Poetry, Professor Niyi Osundare, whom many of us read his works at a time in literature classes.
‘This is another opportunity to start grooming the next generation of Prof Niyi Osundare, Prof. Wole Soyinka, Odia Ofiemun, Akeem Lasisi and the late John Pepper Clark,” Awakan said. (NAN)
