By Emeka Nwokocha
The Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Asaba, Delta State, has listed a popular novel “Distortion” among the recommended literature in English textbooks for senior secondary schools (SS1-3) in the first term academic curriculum.
The approval of the book was signed by the Director of Education Research Centre, Kelly N. Kentoa, under the Delta State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education.
LightRay Media, a leading name in media, journalism and publishing made this known to journalists.
It described the book “Distortion” as a ground-breaking literal work by Ejiro Umukoro, an acclaimed international multi-award winning communications specialist, writer, journalist, trainer and facilitator.
LightRay Media added, “Ejiro ‘LadyE’ Umukoro is a recipient of the Distinguished Changemaker Award from the United States Agency for Global Media (USAGM),” saying, “She has penned a compelling narrative in ‘Distortion’ that transcends borders and resonates with readers worldwide.”
It said, “The book ‘Distortion’ is a captivating work that delves into the human mind and challenges taboos around the Osu caste system, widowhood, baby-making factories, child trafficking, gender-based violence and the issues of mental health in a society that does not protect its own.”
LightRay Media continued, “Set against the backdrop of Nigeria’s rich cultural belief systems, politics, religion, and family values, ‘Distortion’ is based on Umukoro’s experience as an investigative journalist and media mentor. ‘Distortion’ weaves together narratives of the individual against the state, a society verging on dysfunctionality and strewn with landmines, and ultimately the determination and quest for personal survival and self-fulfilment.”
It further stated, “Umukoro’s prose, style, and depth of subject matter invite readers to explore global themes of mental wellbeing, belief systems, and choices in the pursuit of happiness, wealth, and relevance.”
As the clarion call for improved standard of education in Nigeria drums loud, the Delta State Ministry of Education’s endorsement of ‘Distortion’ marks a significant milestone for Umukoro, the Delta-born award-winning investigative journalist, whose literary prowess has come to the fore with this novel.
Also, having her literary work prominently feature as part of the approved curriculum for secondary school students across Nigeria, this literary gem ‘Ejiro Umukoro’ will inspire a generation of young minds to become critical thinkers who are empowered with knowledge on how to critique and not become victims of other people’s whims and manipulation.
In the same vein, the approval and inclusion of Umukoro’s book in the school curriculum also reflects the ministry’s commitment to fostering awareness on issues of gender-based violence, child rights, human rights among students.
Umukoro, a seasoned journalist, policy advocate, and storyteller, infuses every page in ‘Distortion’ with authenticity and depth that are rarely seen, which readers will find inspiring and also a call to action.
Reacting to the endorsement of ‘Distortion’ by Delta State Ministry of Education, Umukoro expressed gratitude, saying, “I was humbled and thrilled by the recognition and honoured that my work will now reach Nigerian classrooms.”
She described the feat as a literary triumph for women in media, and journalism.
Umukoro added, “Children’s voices matter. They are an important demographic that deserves to be recognised, protected, and inspired to greatness.”
It would be recalled that it was through Ejiro Umukoro’s investigative report and exposè on how Female Students in Delta State were been aggressively recruited by cultists, that inspired the Delta State Government’s Ministry of Education to declare a state of emergency on the growing menace.
Subsequently, with the proactive support from St. Patrick’s Church and Principals in secondary schools across Delta State alongside Umukoro, they were able to save over 150 teenagers ages 11 to 17 years from being recruited into cultism and ensuring that the young girls targeted are not used as rape victims for initiation rites.
Reminiscing her literary expedition, Umukoro said, “Growing up, I experienced how literature of wide varieties can inspire thinking, ignite conversations, challenge prejudices, biases, intolerance, and stereotypes.
“It is my hope that ‘Distortion’ empowers students and adults alike to know that they have the power to say ‘No’ when they’re uncomfortable and have the courage to walk away from circumstances that diminish their worth as individuals.”
LightRay! Media through its LightRay! Books and Literary Society enjoins educators, parents and students to explore this remarkable literary achievement, whether in the classroom, in buses, on the train, at work, travelling by air or sea or during leisure times to enjoy reading every page of ‘Distortion’.
It added, “The book will certainly ignite minds and alert hearts. It’s a worthy addition to Nigeria’s ever growing literary tradition of expanding the boundaries of thought.”
Brief Profile of Ejiro ‘LadyE’ Umukoro
‘LadyE’ Ejiro Umukoro is a United States Agency for Global Media ChangeMaker Award Winner, a Pulitzer Centre recognised Investigative Journalist, Fellow of African Women in Journalism Programme (ICFJ’s), Fellow, WanaData Code Africa South-South Champion, Fellow of Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (REWON), and a multi-award winning broadcaster, veteran journalist, cultural leader, trainer, mentor, communications expert (first and only Nigerian to win the British Council International Communications Entrepreneur Awards), and pioneer of Civic Intelligence in Nigeria.
Umukoro is also the Executive Director and Publisher of LightRay Media, President of LightRay Books and Literary Society and Convener of LightRay Women in Media Leadership Summit for LightRay Media and Foundation Advocacy Initiative.
About LightRay!
Light Ray Media is a cutting-edge multimedia production and publishing company dedicated to crafting immersive digital experiences, literary works, distinctive journalism, media, and comms academy that captivate audiences worldwide. With a focus on innovation, creativity, and technical expertise, it strives to push the boundaries of visual storytelling across various platforms.
