A 13-year-old student of the Federal Government College in Ijanikin area of Lagos State, Chimamanda Umeh has released her first book titled, ‘The Twins of Ihazi’.
Umeh, who spoke in an interview with the press, said she was inspired by Nigeria’s literary icon, Chimamanda Adichie from whom she had drawn the inspiration to embark on her first literary voyage.
She expressing hope to build on the initiative, until she attains God’s desired heights in her pursuits.
“I am the first child in a family of five, and I must say that I began to grow interested in literary works even from my nursery school.
“I remember that even as a nursery school pupil, I would recite my nursery rhymes from home till I got to school and even create my own lines different from what I was taught.
“My mother will often laugh at my remix of popular poetry but the truth is that I love literature including all its genres and I thank God for helping me realise my first work” she said.
On her admiration for Adichie she said, “First, my mother named me after the respected Chimamanda Adichie and she made this known to me while I was in primary school because she had noticed my love for poetry, and anything drama
“As a child, I had not seen Adichie’s photo before, but when I finished my primary education and got into junior secondary, I came in contact with one of her novels, “We should all be feminists” in my mum’s library
“I read the book and I felt happy that I did, but my mum didn’t know that I read the book until I mentioned some lines in the book to her amazement,” she said.
Umeh further said she had also watched Adichie deliver speeches on television, exemplifying bravery, adding that she also hopes to make a big footprint like her idol.
“Well, we all have people who motivate us one way or the other, and I can proudly say that I am motivated and inspired by Adichie and I desire to meet this idol someday,” she added.
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