Kola Onadipe: who was he?
Kola Onadipe, a prolific and well-known Nigerian author best known for his educational children’s books, was born Nathaniel Kolawole Onadipe on July 14, 1922 in the peaceful town of Ijebu-Ode.
In 1949, he pursued a legal education at the University of London, and in 1952, he and Abraham Adesanya, a friend, founded a legal practice. Later, Kola Onadipe decided against practicing law and instead decided to become a teacher. In Ijebu-Ode, his hometown, he was appointed Principal of Olu-Iwa College. He was regarded during his lifetime as a fair-minded, strict disciplinarian.
Sugar Girl.
With his superbly written books, Kola Onadipe won the hearts of all Nigerian children in the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s. He spent the majority of his life writing books for children and spreading joy to them. Over 20 of his books are taught in schools across Nigeria.
The adventures of Souza (1963); The boy slave (1966); Koku Baboni (1965); Sugar girl (1964); The magic land of the shadows (1970); The forest is our playground (1972); and others are among the books by Kola Onadipe.
Dark Magical Land.
Seven boys and eight girls were among the fifteen children Kola Onidipe had in a happy marriage. On December 4, 1988, he suffered a stroke and passed away at the age of 66. He was laid to rest at his home in Ogbogbo, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.
Kola Onadipe was a legend whose influence on Nigerian literature and education cannot under any circumstances be forgotten. He and other authors of his caliber, such as Onuora Nzekwu (the author of Eze Goes to School), have had an impact on the childhood of many Nigerians and have contributed to the growth of a society of morally upright people
Here is what some Nigerians who were interviewed had to say about Kola Onadipe.
In one way or another, Kola Onadipe contributed to the shaping of a piece of our childhood. Even the non-readers in our playgroup at the time read “Ralia the Sugar Girl” because they couldn’t bear to miss out on joining us for the song. Kola Onadipe is/was a literary pot from which kids drank words gladly.
Rhamah Raji.
In addition to fostering my imagination, Sugar Girl taught me valuable life lessons, one of which was the importance of respecting authority figures.
Alani Adams.
Kólá nádpè was a person who had a great love for children’s literature. He writes with a straightforward and genuine dexterity. To make his ideas simpler for kids to understand, he condenses them.
Dámilólá ké.
Kola Onadipe was once a brilliant writer, and because of his writing prowess and skills, we kids back then missed the mark in terms of improving our reading knowledge and skills.
Kayode Ayobami Ahmad.
The books by Kola Onadipe are extraordinary. My early years were greatly influenced by them. Because I read Sugar Girl in elementary school, I received two promotions. It was excellent.
Omipidan Sa’ed.
As children, Kola Onadipe’s books gave us a window into a larger perspective. His books are edifying, historical works that impart morals. Not all of these contemporary novels, but just this is what kids need to read.
Bamidele Oluwaseun.
The writing style of Kola Onadipe allows children to easily picture his stories in their minds because his works are simple to understand. Kola Onadipe is a god when it comes to children’s literature.
Oliverekan Azeez Oriola.
The early books by Kola Onadipe really did show children what they were made of.
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