Book Presentation: Saraki, Wife, Ali Ahmad, Others Endorse Daughter of a Thousand Fathers

The President of the 8th Senate and Chairman of the 8th National Assembly, HE Abubakar Bukola Saraki has endorsed the book, Daughter of a Thousand Fathers, authored by Issa Mutolib Ayobami and Yusuf Taibat Temitope.

The couple who presented a copy of the book to Saraki, stated that the book was written to advocate for the education and protection of the rights of the girl-child and create communal consciousness about gender-based violence.

HE Dr. Bukola Saraki expressed elation with the partnership between the couple towards jointly publishing the book, stressing that couples should cultivate the habit and spirit of partnership in all their endeavours.

They included that their ultimate goal is to get the book across to as many as possible girl child around the world. Saraki who is himself an advocate of the girl child stated that he is happy to receive the authors and described the book as a laudable project that should be supported by all.

Rt. Hon. Ali Ahmad who was earlier presented with a copy of the book was also present, and was full of encomiums for the rationale behind writing the book. He added that the book is coming at the right time.

Also present were Sen. Rafiu Ibrahim, Alh. Kawu Baraje, Comrade Bisi Fakayode, and other prominent Kwarans, who all pledged their support.

According to the former first lady of Kwara State, HE Toyin Ojora-Saraki who wrote the foreword to the book, she said "The girl-child is to be loved, the girl-child is to be protected and the girl-child is to be empowered. As a global advocate for the health and wellbeing of women and children over the past two decades, I have worked tirelessly through the direct impact projects implemented by the Wellbeing Foundation Africa, which I founded in 2004 to promote structural changes in our society that put girls and women at a disadvantage and championing a renewed focus on systemic equity and equality at an international, national and subnational level.

"The onus is on us as well meaning citizens of this world to raise our voices and speak up against all forms of injustice, inequality and structural deficiencies in our societies, communities and homes. 

“Daughter of a Thousand Fathers”, within its captivating narratives and conscientious chapters fearlessly challenges these ills of our society and the plight of the girl-child which is often discussed in hushed tones and without the collective significance it deserves. 

"The book brings into the light real life experiences which have so often been kept in the darkness such as single-parenthood, sexual abuse, inter-tribal marriage and the gender complexties within religion.

"The penmanship and storytelling ability of the authors Issa Mutolib Ayobami and Yusuf Taibat Temitope is the work of true advocates whose timely literary contribution helps to remind us

that the journey of Ajike and Safiyyah from victimhood to emotional and physical independence is one that can be achieved for all girls and women.

"The time is now to turn the clock forward on the civil liberties and freedoms of the girl-child and women. 

"The immense value of challenging gender inequality, and the importance of embracing gender equity will have a transformative impact on our societies and communities for the betterment of Nigeria, Africa and throughout the world", she added.