Aduke Gomez
Aduke utilises her legal and advisory skills to assist in business and creative development. Commencing her career in legal practice with the law firm of Udo Udoma & Belo-Osagie, she later worked for many years in various leadership roles within Ecobank Nigeria Ltd and Leadway Pensure PFA. Aduke was appointed to the Governor Fashola Administration of Lagos State in the role of Senior Special Assistant/Secretary to the Lagos State Hotel Licensing Authority in 2011. She was also appointed to serve as a member of the Lagos State History Committee and as a member of the Lagos Carnival Committee, where she headed the Junior Carnival Sub-Committee.
Aduke is regularly called to speak and moderate on topics related to her interest in history and culture and these have included sessions at Cornell University, The Institute of Africa and Diaspora Studies at the University of Lagos, the Lagos State Record and Archive Bureau, the annual conference of the Lagos Studies Association, the Ake Festival and the Lagos Book and Art Festival(LABAF) amongst others.
Aduke’s published collection of poems have featured as festival books for both the LABAF and the Ake Festival. And her children's books have also featured at previous editions of LABAF and Akada Children's Book Festival.
She is currently the Chair of the Steering Committee of Art4Life – an initiative of the Lagos State Ministry of Health established to introduce art and the practice of art into the entire healthcare process. She is a member of the Advisory Board of Open House Lagos as well as the Advisory Board of Lagos Biennial. She volunteers on the Board of Child Life Line - an NGO established for the welfare of street children.
Atinuke
Atinuke is the author of over 30 children's books. Her books are mostly set in Nigeria where she lived as a child. They have won many awards in both the UK and the US and are translated into 7 different languages. The much loved "Anna Hibiscus" series and "Baby Goes To Market" picture book are best sellers in both the UK and the US.
Ayo Oyeku
Ayo Oyeku is a contributor to World Kid Lit. He is an Ebedi International Residency Fellow and a Humanitarian Leadership Fellow. His first children's book, First among Equals (2004), was selected by World Bank (Nigeria) for distribution across schools and libraries in Nigeria. In 2015, his young adult novel, Tears of the Lonely, won the Ezenwa Ohaeto Prize for Fiction, by the Society of Young Nigerian Writers. He was a finalist for the Golden Baobab Prize in 2016 and 2018 consecutively.
In 2019, he won the Association of Nigerian Authors Prize for Children's Literature for his chapter book, Mafoya and the Finish Line. Same year, he was selected by the United States Consulate General to attend a program on Afrofuturism and Science Fiction. He is the founder of the creative publishing firm, Eleventh House.
Deborah Akerele
Deborah Akerele is an educator who is passionate about SDGs 4 and 5(Quality Education and Gender equality). A graduate of the prestigious University Of Lagos. She is the founder of the Valouree Foundation, an NGO set up to reach out to teens in the community.
She has over time reached out to teens within and outside Lagos.
She is also the author of several books for children, which include: Financial Intelligence for Children, Etiquette: A Guide to Good Morals for Children, My Faith Confessions, Daddy Loves His Girl, Coloring Fruits Book for Children, The Adventure, Tinuke, and Timi: Save the Planet Earth, and upcoming book, Purpose and Clarity Book for Children.
She is also the founder of Valouree Academy. She also educates children on financial literacy and the benefits of having a financial saving plan and an investment. She is also a volunteer who has contributed her quota in the community by rendering her service through volunteering. She is a Climate activist who is passionate about the environment.
Dunni Olatunde
Dunni Olatunde is an author of educational books and Christian fiction. Although she studied accounting, her interest in enhancing the literacy skills of students has led to writing several textbooks and story books for both primary and secondary schools. She has also written a novel, Lilies Among Thorns.
Farida Tukur Bello
Farida Tukur Bello is a hardworking and resilient upcoming children’s book author who intentionally makes little changes that are often ignored in society. She has a deep love for learning and personal development. She strongly believes that the world would be better if everyone is intentional with their words, actions, and reactions.
She is loving, meticulous, and passionate about raising righteous kids and believes that the future would be better if stronger values are instilled in children while they are young. She is generous and passionate about helping the needy. She desires to leave a legacy for the next generations through her work.
Farida is a Public Servant working currently with a Nigerian Federal Government Agency.
She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and a Master’s Degree in Political Economy & Development Studies. She is an HR Specialist certified by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), USA. In her leisure time, she channels her creativity towards different causes such as volunteering for a few Non-profit Organisations geared towards humanitarian services, writing, fashion designing, and exploring healthy and indulgent food recipes, amongst others.
She is a mother of three beautiful children who constantly inspire her with their innocent curiosity, wit, and rapid growth. She is the author of ‘Terrified Not’ a children’s fiction story book which is her first publication.
Funmilayo Braithwaite
Mrs Funmilayo Braithwaite is a renowned Publicist, Creative Writer and an Award Winning Author ,who has demonstrated excellence in Management, Business Development, Executive Marketing,Public Relations Management and Administration.
With twenty nine years of cooperate experience in Banking, Finance, Administration, Customer Care Services and Communications, Funmilayo has served as a Branch Management and Business Development Manager, in banking institutions across Nigeria, including Ecobank Nigeria Plc, Intercontinental Bank and Access Bank Plc. Funmilayo is a graduate of Agriculture, but she has an unflinching flair for writing and the literacy world. She continues to engage in training and educational activities towards honing and developing her creative writing skills.
Funmilayo has eight published books namely: The Golden Rules, For The Love of My Country, Politicrisis, Echoes of Yesteryears, #EndMalaria, The Path of Fate,Bonds of Destiny and The Fisherman’s Son. Her book “Echoes of Yesteryears” is a past winner of the Association of Nigerian Authors(ANA) / Spectrum prize for literature. Also her book “Politicrisis” was approved by the Lagos State Government, Ministry of Education for Junior Secondary Schools 1-3 between 2020-2023 and was selected for the Basic Education Certificate Examination(BECE) in Lagos State.
As a Veteran writer, Funmilayo served as the Executive Director for Africa EchoesAfrica, a United States based Magazine. She also maintained a column called “Adventures of Lammy” as a creative writer with Ovation international Magazine for over five years. Her amazing storytelling prowess has been demonstrated in various articles published in newsprint and she has also organized and participated in several Read-A-thon programmes in Nigeria and the Diaspora.
Funmilayo Braithwaite is the President /Founder of Talented Young African Writers Foundation- A foundation set up to promote and nurture talented young writers and encourage young adults to embrace the art of reading and writing.
Itseme Akede
Itseme has always had a passion for writing with her earliest memories involving writing stories in notebooks which her classmates took turns reading in high school. Her first book was released in 2021 - a trio of short stories titled Party of One.
Whilst at uni, Itseme was heavily involved in various creative writing projects such as being the recipient of the Loughborough Creative Arts Writing Scholarship which included receiving an award, cash prize and a mentorship opportunity.
She has written over 100 short stories, many of which she shares with subscribers of her newsletter 'Letters From I' and on her Instagram page (Itseme_a).
Her most recent venture, which was released in May of 2023, is a children's book entitled All His Beautiful Creations. She hopes to write even many more children's books in the future. She currently writes screenplays and is excited for all she'd get up to.
Jacqueline Agweh
Jacqueline U. Agweh is an author with a passion for children and young adult literature. Her book, The Colour of my Tears, was shortlisted for the NDDC Flora Nwapa prize for Women's Writing in 2010, while another, A Place for Every Girl, made the judges' list for the NLNG Masters Class for Children’s’ Literature in 2015. Her third book, A Pelican of the Wilderness (Prestige Books), won the Association of Nigerian Authours (ANA) second place prize in 2015, and was selected in 2019 by the Channels Book Club as part of an essay writing competition for secondary school students to qualify to attend the Bouchercon Book Fair in Dallas, USA. Jimi’s Birthday Treat and other tales is self - published as an ebook on Amazon. A School Trip Like No Other was published by Kachifo Limited under its Prestige imprint in 2022.
She is currently working on a collection of short stories. She is a fellow of the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria and lives with her family in Lagos, Nigeria.
Kayode Valentine
Dr. Kayode Olamide Sinmidele Valentine is an MBBS graduate of LAUTECH Ogbomosho, an ardent Child's Specialist and a quick - witted Author. Currrently a double Fellow of the West African College of Physicians and Nigerian Postgraduate Medical College (Paediatrics); Dr Kayode hails from Ondo West local government in Ondo state, Nigeria.
He is the 2019 Winner of the Adeoye and Adedayo Adeniyi National Postgraduate College Prize in Clinical Research in Paediatrics in Nigeria. And When not doing Neonatal Medicine and general Paediatrics, Dr Kayode spends his leisure times creating fictional stories for the children; he also employs relatable stories to pass medically inclined theme to adult readers. Calling Dr Kayode A Medical thriller /Creative Writer may better describe this Child's doctor and astute Author!
Dr Olamide is 12th - time Successful Published Author with genre of books ranging from Creative non - fiction to many fictional works and children's books like: Pearls and Pebbles 1 and 2; The Void; Ejire Aladuke - An Epic Story; Karounwi of Red oil and Blood Bath - a book about Neurodevelopmental challenges in a Nigerian School. Other books by the same Author are the King's Buddy Hunter: ISOLA ADUNBAARIN; How To Raise a Book Champion, Kenechi and The Glowing Fish; Obafemi Alákàrà and the Bush babies among many other literary works.
One of his medical education series was Mothering Without Murdering - a book about SAFETY in caring for the newborns by the new Parents. Most of his books had received so many recommendations locally and internationally. In addition, Dr Kayode is the Convener of "Read-a-Book" School club meetings also known as " LEAP AND BE MORE: A school - based initiative he founded - where he goes to Schools to read to the pupils and encourages the School Children to #Leave Excessive Screen Devices And Be Physically Active; thus making efforts to reduce Toxic Screen time and effects on the school pupils.
Every Summer and Christmas holidays, Dr Kayode organizes online Book Writing and Reading Club meetings where he trains scores of Nigerian children in Nigeria, United Kingdom, USA and beyond on how to be a Book Champion!
His latest books The King's Buddy Hunter: Isola ADUNBAARIN Obafemi Alákàrà and the Bush Babies, Kenechi and the Glowing Fish have received great commendations from readers globally.
Expectedly, Dr Kayode O. Sìnmídélé Valentine is honoured and thrilled to have been selected as the Yoruba Themed Lead Author and Speaker for "Alo o, Alo" session in the forthcoming 6th Edition of the admirable Akada Children's Book Festival 2024.
Koko Kalango
Koko Kalango is the founder of the Rainbow Book Club, whose work in promoting reading amongst young people was instrumental in Port Harcourt being UNESCO World Book Capital 2014.
Koko has directed several important projects including Africa 39, a collaboration with Hay Festival that selected and celebrated 39 of Africa’s most important
writers under the age of 40, culminating in the publishing of the Africa 39
anthology by Bloomsbury, the establishment of a 350-seater library in PortHarcourt, sponsored by SHELL, the annual Port Harcourt Book Festival (formerly the Garden City Literary Festival) and the year-long Port Harcourt World Book Capital tenure.
Her passionate and creative work in the book industry has been recognised with
several honours including the Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) in 2014,
the Sun Newspaper Creative Personality of the Year in 2014, and WIMBIZ Female Achiever in 2012.
A graduate of the Columbia Publishing Course, Koko holds an MA in international relations and strategic studies from Lancaster University and a BA in French from University of Benin. The author of several books, she also hosts the faith-based Colours of Life show.
Koko is married to Aranyam Kalango and together they have a daughter and son.
Lola Odeyale Ayo-Fashida
Dr. Lola Odeyale Ayo-Fashida, though graduated as a Microbiologist, is a multiple award winning Nigerian based Finance and Management Consultant, a multi-talented professional, an author with four books (I've seen God, Broken, My Pot of Gold, Bisola visits her grandma), Inspirational Leader, transformational and life coach whose passion is in life improvement, leadership development and financial advancement.
She has a PhD in Personnel Psychology from the University of Ibadan. She has over two decades work experience in different industries. She is a Fellow with several professional institutions, FITD, FCILRMN, FCIMCN, etc. She is a mentor and coach on several prestigious platforms locally and internationally. She is concerned with children enlightenment, youth development and women empowerment.
She is the convener of Finance and Investment South West Summit and Children Praise and Pray. She is a lover of music with two albums, presents on radio and TV. She serves as the President of Outpour of fragrances initiative, a not-for-profit organization and a board member of six enterprises.
May 2024, she was appointed as an Ambassador of Girls/ Women Speak for UN Women 1000 Peace Ambassadors to advocate against domestic violence, genital mutilation and other vices. Dr. Lola, aka, Icon of Fragrance is happily married and blessed with lovely children.
Ngozi Iloka
Ms Ngozi Iloka is a 21st century educator with over 15 years teaching experience. Serving in capacities such as Creative writing teacher, classroom teacher, Head of Nursery and Head of school. With several education qualifications under her belt, she's committed to making students discover their talent and passion. She is also a teacher-trainer. She contributed some poems and short stories to the work, "Rhythms In Adventure".
Nnenna Ochiche
Nnenna Ochiche is the author of Captain of Aster, Adaeze The True Princess, Ginika’s Adventures (which was on the longlist for the NLNG Prize for Literature) and Queen Moremi & The Scary Monsters. She is a medical doctor, a screen writer and movie producer, as well as a parenting coach.
Nnenna believes stories make the world go round, which is why she uses storytelling to take children on a magical journey of self-discovery. She lives in Lagos, Nigeria with her husband Simeon and her four children.
Olunosen Louisa Ibhaze
Olunosen Louisa Ibhaze writes for both children and adults. She set up "The Melanin Djali Project" to educate children about Africa's diverse cultures and history through great stories. Her work includes 4 bilingual children's books, 2 novels and a free verse collection. She holds a Master's degree in Globalization and Development, a Second Master's degree in Medical Sociology and a Bachelors in Sociology and Anthropology.
She loves history, music, and photography and is inspired by everyday life and human experiences and also enjoys creating memorable characters in all her stories. She has worked as a Consultant Literary Series Advisor for Penguin Books and worked in Higher Education and the Non-Profit Sector. She is the founder and host of The Ottawa Black Book Club, The Djali's Bookshelf Podcast and the Simple Esan Girl Initiative. She has lived in Nigeria, the United Kingdom and Canada and is a Champion for Anti-racism, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility.
Oluwafunke Akinlosotu
Oluwafunke C. Akinlosotu is a graduate of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering from the prestigious Obafemi Awolowo University. In her pursuit of purpose, she discovered her strong passion to impact and educate children which led her to obtain a Montessori Diploma Certification from The Royal Master's Montessori Centre. She is currently working as a certified Montessori Educator at Pershing Hills Elementary.
She is the Creative Director at Tender Hugs Crochet Nigeria, a growing handmade children clothing brand that makes crochet outfits specifically for newborns, infants and toddlers.
She believes that children shouldn't only aspire for academic excellence but should be groomed in every other area which includes being taught good morals as that will help shape the kind of adults they turn out to be.
Omolara Cookey
Omolara Cookey is an innovative designer, fine artist, and award-winning entrepreneur who has recently turned her creative talents to the world of children's literature. With a BA Honours degree in Interior Architecture and a background in product design, Omolara's work seamlessly blends ancient craftsmanship with modern innovation.
Her debut children's book, "Toru and the Mango Seed," is a delightful tale inspired by real events in her family life. The story explores themes of love for nature and strong family bonds, while highlighting Nigerian culture through local foods and traditional names. Targeted at young children, the book is both a heartfelt celebration of family and a gentle invitation for parents to read with their children.
Omolara's journey as an author was encouraged by her son, who believed in her ability to excel in digital drawing—a self taught skill she has skillfully used to bring "Toru and the Mango Seed" to life with her own illustrations. Beyond her writing, she is the founder of Noji, a distinguished gifting company, and an active trustee at The Nucleus Early Childhood Development Centre.
Omotorera Agun
Agun Omotorera Oluwafikemi is a 12-year-old creative with a passion for storytelling. She published her first book, The Marvellous Cat and Other Stories, at just 10 years old, shortly after completing primary school. Now a junior secondary school student, Omotorera is preparing to publish her second book.
In addition to writing, she enjoys singing and has recently discovered a love for drawing, particularly anime. With her vibrant imagination and artistic talents, Omotorera is excited to pursue a future in the creative field.
Precious Osikha
Precious Osikha began writing at the age of eight. Although her mother insists she started at six, her memories from that age are a bit hazy. Nevertheless, she still has her journals and diaries from when she was eight, which serve as a reminder of her early passion for writing. Born and raised in Edo State, Nigeria, her stories explore the broken interconnectedness of cultural diversity, identity and social injustice, amid intriguing and compelling storylines that will keep you at the edge of your seat.
She is a Legal Practitioner and founder of Precious Pen Kreations: Africa's Number 1 Writing and Business Solution Company for professionals, celebrities and leaders across the globe. Through her Kids Writing Academy, she teaches children how to write and publish books while her School of Writing has helped adults within and outside the shores of Nigeria to birth their intellectual properties and published assets.
She is a K-creator (K-Influencer and Honorary Reporter) for the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, South Korea as well as a member of the Guild of African Thriller Authors. She is an award-winning author, screenwriter, book trailer creator, visual/video artist, voiceover artist, entertainer, and a bundle of talents.
Seyi Odewoye
Yewande Amusan
Yewande Amusan is a former banker and Commissioner for Culture and Tourisim in Ogun State. She has worked and continues to work closely with the indigeneous Adire producers in Ogun State by promoting the conservation of the Traditional Adire Making process and Cultural Heritage in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
