By Our Reporter
It was a celebration of knowledge, leadership and personal development on Saturday as teenage author and personal growth advocate, Miss Seyifunmi Omoyeni Kolawole, officially launched four books at the Afe Babalola Bar Centre, High Court Complex, Ado-Ekiti.
The event, themed "Quadrant of Power: A Framework for International Growth and Lasting Influence," attracted academics, government officials, religious leaders, professionals, students and lovers of books.
Delivering a keynote message, Pastor Ayokunle Ojo described inspiration as an investment that must never be wasted, urging participants to become agents of positive influence in society.
"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.
According to him, everyone possesses the capacity to influence lives regardless of age, gender or social status.
"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 lessons from the Scriptures, Ojo likened influence to the sun, saying just as the sun governs the day, every individual has the potential to bring positive change to society.
He encouraged participants not to hide their talents, stressing that writing books remains one of the most enduring ways to mentor future generations.
"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, Mrs Olapeju Babafemi, described the publication as engaging, authentic and practical.
She disclosed that she completed the book in about three hours because of its captivating style.
"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.
Babafemi noted that the seven-chapter book carefully explores personal growth, identity, purpose and resilience while drawing from respected authors, including Robin Sharma.
She highlighted major themes across the chapters, including self-awareness, purposeful growth, vision, identity, courage, purpose discovery and continuous self-development.
Quoting one of the book's central thoughts, she said, "The beginning of all growth is awareness."
She also praised the author's emphasis on authenticity, saying every message people share should align with their personal values rather than borrowed opinions.
Recommending the book to readers, the commissioner described it as a valuable guide for anyone seeking intentional personal development.
Speaking at the launch, Miss Kolawole expressed gratitude to God, her parents, mentors and supporters for standing by her throughout the writing journey.
She revealed that although three of the books had earlier been released virtually, she desired a physical launch to enable readers to interact directly with the publications.
The author recounted several challenges encountered during the writing process, including losing the first chapter of one of her manuscripts and having to rewrite it completely.
"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.
Kolawole disclosed that she wrote four books within one and a half years, explaining that each publication was inspired by a desire to solve real-life problems.
According to her, "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, while "Modern-Day Social Media" examines the opportunities and distractions created by today's digital world.
She explained that the inspiration for the social media book came after observing that despite unprecedented connectivity, many people remain distracted and disconnected from genuine wisdom and 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.
Kolawole said the books were products of purpose rather than ambition, adding that every challenge encountered along the journey eventually strengthened her resolve.
"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 books.
Dignitaries at the event are the Permanent Secretary, Budget and Planning, Barr. Sola Akinluyi, Ag, Solicitor General and PS, Gbenga Adaramola, SAN (designate ) and the Clerk, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Barr. Opeyemi Ajibola.
Others include Hon Iyabo Okeimen representing Ilejemeje Constituency, also representing the Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, RT. Hon. Stephen Aribasoye, General Manager, BSES, Mr Olu Popoola, PS Cabinet, Mrs Oyeyemi Kayofe Ojo and
Registrar, Ekiti State Polytechnic, Mrs Abimbola Adewumi.
