QUADRANT OF POWER: COMMISSIONER WOMEN AFFAIRS -PEJU BABAFEMI HAILS TEEN AUTHOR’S FOUR-BOOK MASTERPIECE ON GROWTH, INFLUENCE
Ekiti State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs Olapeju Babafemi, has described teenage author Seyifunmi Omoyeni Kolawole’s four books as engaging, authentic, and practical.
Reviewing one of the publications on Saturday at the Afe Babalola Bar Centre, High Court Complex, Ado-Ekiti, Babafemi revealed she devoured the book in just three hours, unable to put it down because it felt like conversing with a best friend. She commended the seven-chapter work for its exploration of personal growth, identity, purpose, and resilience, drawing inspiration from thought leaders like Robin Sharma.
The commissioner highlighted key themes across the chapters – self-awareness, purposeful growth, vision, identity, courage, purpose discovery, and continuous self-development. She noted that the book’s central message, “The beginning of all growth is awareness,” resonates deeply. Babafemi further stressed that authenticity matters, urging that every message shared must align with personal values, not borrowed opinions. She recommended the book as an essential guide for anyone pursuing intentional personal development.
Also addressing the gathering, Pastor Ayokunle Ojo delivered a keynote, insisting that inspiration is an investment that never expires. He charged participants to become agents of positive influence, reminding them that everyone possesses the capacity to shape lives regardless of age, gender, or status. According to him, if a madman can have followers, no one has an excuse not to inspire someone. Influence, he said, is about affecting attitudes, behaviour, character, and development.
Drawing from Scripture, Ojo compared influence to the sun – just as it governs the day, every individual can bring positive change. He urged attendees not to hide their talents, noting that writing books remains a timeless way to mentor future generations. He added that one does not need a title, political office, or anyone’s validation to lead – if you cannot write a book, let your life become the content of one.
Miss Kolawole, the author, expressed gratitude to God, her parents, mentors, and supporters for their unwavering backing. She admitted that although three of the books had earlier been released virtually, she craved a physical launch to allow readers to engage directly with the publications.
She recounted the hurdles she faced, including losing the first chapter of one manuscript and having to rewrite it entirely. She confessed there were days of doubt and exhaustion, but the second version emerged stronger. Kolawole revealed she wrote all four books within one and a half years, each driven by a desire to solve real problems.
“The Growth Process” teaches intentional personal development, “The Art of Communication” equips readers with effective communication skills, “The Author’s Launchpad” serves as a practical guide for aspiring writers, and “Modern-Day Social Media” examines the opportunities and distractions of today’s digital world. She explained that the social media book was born from observing that despite being the most connected generation, many people are distracted and disconnected from genuine wisdom.
Kolawole insisted that the books were products of purpose, not ambition, and every challenge encountered only strengthened her resolve. She maintained that purpose is not always convenient but always worth pursuing.
The event featured goodwill messages, networking sessions, and the public presentation of the four books.
Dignitaries present included the Speaker Ekiti State House of Assembly EKHA Rt.Hon Stephen Aribasoye represented by the clerk Hon.Iyabo Okeimen from Ilejemeje constituency,Clerk of the House Barr.Opeyemi Ajibola,
Ag. Solicitor General and PS,Gbenga Adaramola,SAN
(Designate),
Permanent Secretary, Budget and Planning, Barr. Sola Akinluyi,PS Cabinet,Mrs.Oyeyemi Kayode Ojo,
General Manager, BSES, Mr Olu Popoola and Registrar, Ekiti State Polytechnic, Mrs Abimbola Adewumi.
