Teenage Author Seyifunmi Kolawole Launches Four Books, Wins Praise from Ekiti Leaders

Teenage author and personal development advocate, Seyifunmi Omoyeni Kolawole, on Saturday launched four books in Ado-Ekiti, drawing commendation from senior government officials, legal practitioners, academics and religious leaders, who described her work as a timely contribution to leadership, personal growth and nation-building.

The books, unveiled at the Afe Babalola Bar Centre, High Court Complex, formed the centrepiece of an event themed, “Quadrant of Power: A Framework for International Growth and Lasting Influence.” The gathering attracted professionals, students, public servants and book enthusiasts from within and outside Ekiti State.

Delivering the keynote address, Pastor Ayokunle Ojo urged participants to turn inspiration into action, stressing that influence should not depend on age, position or public recognition.

“The very first thing I want to mention is that she has been inspired, and inspiration does not expire. Inspiration is an investment. Whenever we have the opportunity to be inspired, we must ensure that we use that inspiration,” he said.

Mr Ojo said every individual possesses the capacity to shape lives and communities, noting that genuine influence begins with intentional living.

“If a madman can have followers, then you have no excuse not to inspire someone. Influence is affecting the lives of others. You can shape people’s attitudes, behaviour, character and development,” he said.

Drawing from the Scriptures, he compared influence to the sun, which governs the day, and challenged participants to maximise their gifts for the benefit of society.

He also encouraged aspiring writers to document their knowledge, describing books as one of the most enduring legacies anyone can leave behind.

“You do not need a title or political office before you can lead or influence people. You don’t need anybody’s validation. If you cannot write a book, let your life become the content of one,” he added.

Reviewing one of the books, the Ekiti State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Olapeju Babafemi, described the publication as practical, relatable and engaging.

She said she completed the book within three hours because of its conversational style and compelling presentation.

“I finished it within three hours, not because I was compelled to do so, but because it felt like I was engaging with my best friend. It was so interesting that I sat in my sitting room without any distraction,” she said.

Mrs Babafemi said the seven-chapter publication explores themes including self-awareness, identity, purpose, resilience, courage and continuous personal development, while drawing insights from respected leadership authors, including Robin Sharma.

Quoting one of the book’s central messages, she said, “The beginning of all growth is awareness.”

She also applauded the author’s emphasis on authenticity, urging readers to build lives and careers around personal values instead of borrowed opinions.

Speaking during the launch, Miss Kolawole thanked God, her parents, mentors and supporters for standing with her throughout the writing process.

She disclosed that although three of the books had previously been released virtually, she wanted a physical launch to give readers an opportunity to engage directly with the publications.

The teenage author recounted losing the first chapter of one of her manuscripts and rewriting it from scratch, describing the setback as one of several moments that tested her determination.

“There were days I questioned myself. There were days I was tired. I even lost the first chapter of my first book and had to rewrite it. Looking back now, I believe the second version came out even stronger,” she said.

Miss Kolawole said she completed the four books within one and a half years, adding that each title addresses real-life challenges.

According to her, The Growth Process focuses on intentional personal development, The Art of Communication equips readers with practical communication skills, The Author’s Launchpad guides aspiring writers through the publishing journey, while Modern-Day Social Media examines both the opportunities and distractions created by digital platforms.

Explaining the inspiration behind the social media title, she said today’s generation enjoys unprecedented connectivity but often struggles with distraction and the absence of meaningful relationships.

“We are the most connected generation in history, yet many people have never been more distracted. We have information everywhere, but wisdom often seems scarce. That became a conversation I knew we needed to have,” she said.

She said the books emerged from a desire to solve problems rather than pursue recognition.

“These books were never really about writing; they were about solving problems. They came from questions, conversations and moments when I chose to believe. Every challenge was worth it because purpose is not always convenient, but it is always worth pursuing,” she said.

The event also featured goodwill messages, networking sessions and the public presentation of the four publications.

Among dignitaries present were the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Budget and Planning, Barrister Sola Akinluyi; the Acting Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Gbenga Adaramola, SAN (Designate); the Clerk of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Barrister Opeyemi Ajibola; Hon. Iyabo Okeimen, who represented the Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Stephen Aribasoye; the General Manager of BSES, Olu Popoola; the Permanent Secretary, Cabinet Office, Mrs Oyeyemi Kayode Ojo; and the Registrar of Ekiti State Polytechnic, Mrs Abimbola Adewumi.