48 STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN OGUN SCHOOL POETRY ANTHOLOGY

Peaceville International Academy, Ogun State, has published its maiden poetry anthology, Echoes of Experiences, featuring literary works by 48 students as part of efforts to encourage creative writing and help learners express their thoughts and experiences through poetry.

The anthology, unveiled on the school’s premises along Pa Akindayomi Way, Redemption City, Ogun State, on Saturday, captures the experiences, thoughts and reflections of students in Years 7 to 11 during the school’s first three years.

Speaking with Journa, Head of School, Ms Dolapo Fatoki, said the idea for the anthology emerged after she noticed many students writing down their thoughts and experiences.

“I am not a writer, but I appreciate good writing. As time went on, I realised that this generation likes to journal and write about their experiences. I kept seeing pieces of paper with their writings around the school and thought we could do something more with them,” she said.

According to Fatoki, the anthology reflects the school’s yearly themes since its establishment, with students writing poems inspired by “The Journey,” “Legacy in the Making,” and “Pressing Forward.”

She explained that teachers later compiled and edited the works, while students also produced the artwork featured on the book’s cover and inside pages.

Fatoki added that the anthology would not be published annually but once every three years to give every learner the opportunity to contribute before graduating.

“We decided it would come out every three years so that within the lifetime of every child in the school, they will have the opportunity to write something that can be published,” she said.

One of the contributors, a Year 10 student, Oluwadamife Omojola, who wrote four poems in the anthology, said her work was inspired by the bond she shared with her classmates as a member of the school’s pioneer set.

“My poems were about when we first came into the school and the memories we created together. Writing them made me emotional because I had to think back to those early days. I even cried while writing one of the poems because it meant so much to me,” she said.

Omojola expressed gratitude to the school’s management for giving students the opportunity to publish their work, adding that she hopes to become a published author before completing secondary school.

“I will continue writing. Even before I finish school, I want to publish a book of my own,” she added.

The Father of the Year 2026/2027, Mr Adebiyi Ogunsiji, in an interview with our correspondent, described the anthology as evidence that investments in children’s education would yield lasting rewards.

He also urged schools to create more opportunities for students to develop their creative abilities.

“If you encourage young people to think and express themselves, there are no limits to the good things that can come out of it,” he said.

The event featured poetry performances by students, a review of the anthology, the official unveiling of the book and the acknowledgement of learners whose artworks were featured in the publication.

The launch also attracted donations from guests and supporters, including Pastor Oluwagbemileke Adeboye, son of the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, making a donation of N1m towards the publication.