My book was reviewed by Sola Balogun in the Daily Sun news paper on Thursday the 29th of July 2010, p. 41. A copy of the review is below. Enjoy reading it!
Making Nigeria a Wonderland
By Sola Balogun
For the past 15 years, a patriotic Nigerian Olaboludele Simoyan, nursed a dream in favour of her country, the idea first came as a graphic novelty, but it soon grew into an irresistible passion. And less than five years into the project, she discovered her mission: "To create a new vision for Nigeria, to set up goals for achieving that vision and to have a great deal of fun in the process of nation building."
And with singular effort, the author in her book of wonders, symbolically entitled The8th Wonder of the world – Made In Nigeria was born. The book however is a two-in-one publication, as the author uses her architectural background to present the second book whenever the reader turns the original upside down. The title of the 'second book' is just as the first; The 8th wonder of the world Made in Naiga.
But what a crazy idea in a noble mission! The author who started by compiling hundreds of monologues, articles, books and anecdotes about Nigeria thus emerged with a book of many parts and of many messages. She came up with a dialogue with her kinsmen in form of letters, proverbs, graphics, pictures and words, driving home her points about the imperatives of changing Nigeria for the better.
One interesting thing is Simoyan's focus on the youth. She speaks directly to the younger generation in her book of two volumes. She urges them to sit up and help rescue the nation from the brink of destruction. Her words: "We all need to take responsibility for transforming our country. It cannot and should not be left to the government alone. Every Nigerian can make positive contributions regardless of your age, political leanings, tribe, religion or social, economic circumstances." While urging the youth to act promptly and positively, the author quotes Orison S. Marden: "Our destiny changes with our thoughts; we shall become what we wish to become, do what we wish to do, when our habitual thought corresponds with our desire."
With subtle persuasion and prayer, the author urges the youth to do something fast to change the status quo. She tasks younger Nigerians to act now in order to create a safer Nigeria for all. Most importantly, she reminds her readers on the sacrifices to be made, such as obeying the laws of the land and engaging in legitimate things no matter the circumstances.
And to support the author's views former ambassador, Dr Christopher Kolade in his foreword sees a ray of hope in Simoyan's book. He is confident that the two-in-one book is the blueprint for all Nigerians to redesign the country and by thereby, reshape the future of the people. His words: "Everyone of us, especially the generation of emerging leaders should read this work. We should not only read but also create frequent opportunities for coming together to consider the author's suggestions and solutions;
and finding practical ways of implementing them. Each one of us should be keen to take personal hand in the building project of creating in Nigeria, "The 8th Wonder of the world".
Meanwhile, the author reaffirms that the task of rebuilding Nigeria cannot be the job of one person. She insists it has to be a collective effort by all, particularly those who believe in her dream. No wonder she quotes other writers who share her thought for teamwork and concludes "What can we do to prevent evil from triumphing on Nigeria? What little things can individual Nigerians do on a daily basis to create positive social change in Nigeria? Thanks you (readers) for believing in a new Nigeria and for helping to create it!"
The 8th Wonder of the world – Made in NIGERIA
By Olaboludele Simoyan,
Ore Publishers Limited,
Lagos, 2010
September 10th, 2010
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