World Book Day 2025: A Glimpse of Girl-Child Education, Others in Ifeoma Theodore Jnr’s E-books

Yinka Olatunbosun

Organised by the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the World Book Day is an annual worldwide movement celebrating the world of books and reading. Observed in more than 100 countries, it is marked on April 23rd. The theme for this World Book Day follows the message “You Are a Reader,” with a focus on reaching children from disadvantaged backgrounds. For the Nigerian author, Ifeoma Theodore Jnr, issues that tug at the heart of children and the youths in general constitute a writer’s burden of truth.

Trapped in Oblivion, the flagship novel of Ifeoma Theodore Jnr. E, has been very impactful for the younger generation. It addresses societal issues which for the most parts had been blindsided by certain cultures and traditions.

Through the characters, the author places a spotlight on societal structures and the inherent threats to these. Through her literary effort, the author stirs the reader through these issues like, teen pregnancy, cyber bullying, child molestation, STDs, pedophilia and more. The impact of lack of creating awareness due to societal gag was also highlighted in her plot development.

For her, there’s no shying away from difficult subject matters because in the Western society, issues of such significance are never swept under the carpet. Hence, the writer deployed several literary devices and imagery to convey her message, which creates a more realistic view of the story. For instance, the characters are structured to reflect the norm in most homes, and the inward battle and turmoil most teens face in their journey of self-awareness and transition to adulthood.

Nnenna- Protagonist. The different characters in the story, are seen through her eyes. She portrays a picture of an innocent teenager, discovering herself, but was desperate for guidance which her mum denied her. Hence, she had to settle for her friends, sister and her love interest, Kunle to help maneuver her through life experiences. She’s a pure soul, kind and considerate and inquisitive about life.

Kunle is respectful, kind, considerate, extremely smart and intelligent. A son any mother would be proud of. His mannerisms and dialogue say it all. He’s a far cry from the general perception that all boys want from girls is sex. All he wanted was pure unadulterated friendship with Nnenna. Being misunderstood by Nnenna’s mum led them on a path of no return.

Sade, Kunle’s younger sister and Nnenna’s friend, played a key role in getting Kunle and Nnenna together. Well informed about matters regarding sex, and societal vices, Sade is strong, witty and resourceful and a complete opposite of her brother; ready to go to battle at the drop of a hat.

Meanwhile, Sandra- Nnenna and Sade’s friend- is also well informed about societal vices. A good example of how a teenager should relate with their mum, she is calm and supportive. Segun- Kunle’s best friend and confidant, is cunning, sly disrespectful, pretentious, dangerous and a complete opposite of everything Kunle stands for. Kunle’s nemesis.

Nonso, Nnenna’s younger brother represents a new generation of teenager that the society owes to do right by, after failing Nnenna and Kunle who were bright and promising teenagers, due to failing societal norms and traditions. These characters all have their individual uniqueness and are important to the trajectory of the story.

Nnenna is indeed the voice over, that carries these characters which are interwoven through the full cycle of the story. From her personal experiences, to the experiences of the rape victim, domestic violence victim, teen pregnancy, child molestation victim, suicide victim, consequences of social media, HIV/AIDS, and the role the society played in creating a failed structure.

The bright light at the end of this tunnel is that the book Trapped in Oblivion has made an impression of educational authorities in Nigeria and has been approved by the Nigerian Ministry of Education to be read in schools. It’s also been endorsed by UK Aid, UNICEF, and NACA.

Trapped in Oblivion, reviewed by Publishers Weekly, is stated as a book which addresses critical issues, and a reader will definitely come out feeling overwhelmed. Indeed, Ifeoma Theodore Jnr, E. took the bull by the horn, and stepped in where angels fear to tread. A novel which was released in 2013, a period when certain conversations were not encouraged, is a trailblazer of sorts.

On the other hand, My daughters and I, is more of a self-help book that portrays a deep understanding to the transition period a female adolescent or teenager goes through. This transition is both physical and mental. It takes the reader through this transition from puberty, boys, sexual awareness/ STDS, social media, parental communication and more.

The writer communicates this message in a direct, yet subtle, full of understanding sort of way. She brings in her own experience, connecting with her readers so that they don’t feel alone in this transition. Her voice is full of knowledge, warmth, understanding, yet bearer of bad tidings, when she speaks of the negative result of not adhering to the advice she gives. This she conveys by using literary devices thus, creating the awareness that ignorance causes more harm than good. Therefore, one should be adequately informed when going through this transition from childhood to adolescence.

The writer focuses on how if adequately informed, the girl-child can control the outcome of her well-being. She also admonishes the culture of not adequately preparing the girl child on what to expect during puberty. A lot of parents and guardians find it uncomfortable to have these discussions which, in most cases result in negative outcomes.

My daughters and I, a beautifully written piece, is a material that is much needed to help chart a new and positive outcome into transitioning from childhood to puberty.