The Okocha sisters

The Okocha sisters Renee and Zara Okocha, founders of an NGO called “ I am the future of Nigeria youth initiative" are young authors and illustrators of over 14 NERDC approved foundational books, phonics pads, flash cards and apps aimed for any first reader. They are kids writing for kids and as such; they understand the power of using colourful picture illustrated books to get the attention of any child to read. The girls were worried after reading an article stated by the Executive secretary of UBEC Dr. Hammid Bobboyi, in a Nigerian National Newspapers, that 13.5 million kids are out of school. Being very passionate to make a change in Nigeria, they decided to start up a National literacy campaign called Book-a-shelf Nigeria Campaign. The campaign spearheaded by the Okocha sisters, combines the strength of Families, like their Uncle Jay jay Okocha, their Cousin Alex Iwobi, Nigeria celebrities like the first lady of Niger State, Dr Amina Abubakar Bello, Musicians like Davido, Reekado Banks, Sound Sultan,Comedians like Ali Baba, Philanthropists, schools, public and private sectors all committed to the reading success of the country’s youngest learners by Pledging and donating classroom bookshelves in all corners of Nigeria. This campaign is to create awareness and change, which is needed in order to eradicate child illiteracy in Nigeria by 2030. The targeted group for this campaign is children age 3 to 6 years and first readers. These bookshelves are targeted to be in every pre-school and primary 1 classroom, kiddie’s sections in hospitals, churches. Mosques, embassies and every community, in order to give first readers easy access to these colourful bookshelves and books. They have featured in national TV stations like NTA show called Bridges and AIT weekend show, Ray power, FM Lagos and Enugu for this campaign. Please to read more visit their websites called www.iamthefutureofnigeria.com and also www.bookashelf.org and see the amazing things these two young sisters are doing to create change in Nigeria.