Why Stories?

Because every child deserves to be the hero.

My heart beats for stories that center African voices. Not because it’s “trendy,” but because every child deserves to see themselves as the hero of their own tale—coily hair, pidgin English, jollof rice cravings, and all.

I write the stories I didn’t know I wanted while growing up. Stories like The Greatest Animal in the Jungle (featuring a mouse, an owl, a lion and an elephant …what could go wrong?), The African Princess (because you don’t need a crown to know your worth) co-written with Makayla Malaka and Riddle Riddle (an adventure through featuring other worlds, riddles and sibling tolerance).

But writing books isn’t enough. 70% of Nigerian 10-year-olds can’t read a simple sentence. Let that sink in. 70%. So, I’ll keep hustling to make stories accessible—because literacy isn’t a privilege.

The KLF Origin Story

In 2024, I launched The Kid Lit Foundation—an NGO to make literature accessible to every child. Was it the “perfect” time? Absolutely not. Nigeria’s economy was a rollercoaster ride that I’m still woozy from: inflation climbed up to 33%, the naira bounced up and down like a possessed yo-yo, and businesses switched to full-on survival mode with zero interest in supporting a new initiative they’d never heard of. Forget perfect – it was the absolute worst time to put my money into a new, capital-intensive endeavour.

No way I thought. I can’t do this! But God had been sending me more than a few signs to get my act together and get this show on the road, so with a step of faith, I did it anyway. 

And then God showed me what can happen when you obey.

3 Bold Lessons from Building in a Storm

1. Imperfect Action Beats Endless Planning
   When kids can’t read, waiting for stability is a luxury we don’t have. We launched with a shoestring budget, a prayer, and a team of stubborn optimists.
2. Community Is Your Superpower
   The number of people that showed up for us and donated their time, skills, and effort still boggles my mind. But they did. We called on everyone we could to make this event happen. When we called, they answered.
3. Chaos Breeds Creativity
   When the naira crashed, we innovated our way out of a budget deficit – we brought contributors in virtually instead of physically, turned paper flyers into e-flyers, and made sure every naira we spent pulled double duty.
4. And here’s a bonus lesson that I learn anew every day—trust God in everything.

So, What’s Next? 

This year feels like a turning point. I just finished the first book in my middle-grade series (cue the confetti), and I’m diving into a YA novel that feels like The One—the story that’s been tap-dancing on my soul for years. It’s equal parts thrilling and terrifying, like riding a keke downhill with no brakes.

Beyond writing, here’s what you can expect from me (and this blog):

KLF Updates: We’re putting box libraries for children in hospitals, convening continuous workshops, planning our next mentorship program and of course, the next edition of The KidLit Fest (bigger, bolder, and 200% more of everything great)!

Behind-the-Scenes of my life: Bathtub drafting sessions, midnight K-drama rambles, and my quest to silence my dogs’ opera rehearsals at 5 a.m.

Your role? Co-Conspirator. You’re not just a reader—you’re part of this story. Got thoughts? Questions? A hot take on the jollof rice debate? Meet me in the comments. Let’s make this a conversation, not a monologue.

A final thought for Fellow Storm-Chasers

• Progress is messy.
• Perfection is a myth.
• Showing up is bravery.

So here’s to embracing the chaos, laughing at the plot twists, and remembering that even in the wildest storms, stories are lifelines.

Thank you for believing in this work. Let’s make magic—one story and one child at a time

—Shopsy