EKO POEMS
EKO POEMS is a groundbreaking anthology of nursery rhymes edited by Ola Awakan, featuring original poems written by 33 pupils from Lagos State public primary schools, aged 9 to 15.
The Concept
The anthology was conceived to replace foreign nursery rhymes with locally relevant content. Over 300 poems were submitted, with 63 selected for the collection. The poems capture Lagos through the eyes of its children—its beauty, diversity, vibrancy, and yes, even its traffic and infrastructure challenges.
Themes & Content
· Pride in heritage: Poems express love for Lagos and Nigeria
· Everyday Lagos life: From the bustle of the city to its landmarks
· Cultural values: Honesty, integrity, perseverance
· Contemporary realities: Children write about teachers, parents, traffic, and the environment
Significance
Prof. Niyi Osundare praised it as "a worthy step in the journey towards cultural and literary authenticity". The collection provides young Lagosians with poems that speak to their own history, culture, and environment—ending the dominance of foreign nursery rhymes in Nigerian schools.
EKO POEMS is a groundbreaking anthology of nursery rhymes edited by Ola Awakan, featuring original poems written by 33 pupils from Lagos State public primary schools, aged 9 to 15.
The Concept
The anthology was conceived to replace foreign nursery rhymes with locally relevant content. Over 300 poems were submitted, with 63 selected for the collection. The poems capture Lagos through the eyes of its children—its beauty, diversity, vibrancy, and yes, even its traffic and infrastructure challenges.
Themes & Content
· Pride in heritage: Poems express love for Lagos and Nigeria
· Everyday Lagos life: From the bustle of the city to its landmarks
· Cultural values: Honesty, integrity, perseverance
· Contemporary realities: Children write about teachers, parents, traffic, and the environment
Significance
Prof. Niyi Osundare praised it as "a worthy step in the journey towards cultural and literary authenticity". The collection provides young Lagosians with poems that speak to their own history, culture, and environment—ending the dominance of foreign nursery rhymes in Nigerian schools.
