By Victor Obong

On March 20th 2025, ZODML hosted Ms. Achalugo Chioma llozumba for the Senior Secondary School Book Talk Programme. Seventeen students from Akande Dahunsi Senior Memorial College and seventeen from Ilado Community Senior Secondary School joined the author to discuss her book ‘The Penguin Club’.

Erife, Emiene, and Enenu are siblings and best friends who have to navigate the tumultuous waters of family and friendship. They are constantly at odds yet inseparable. But when events at home and at school take a turn for the worse, they must unite, drawing strength and lessons from their mother, who is caught up in the worsening conditions at home. 

In a world filled with betrayal, prejudice, and hatred, their bond is tested, teaching them the true power of love and loyalty. 

The author read her favourite passages from the book and engaged the students in a lively discussion. Students asked various questions about the story, and Ms. Achalugo Chioma llozumba responded thoughtfully to each one. She also shared valuable writing tips with the students, including:

1. Characterization 

2. They need to be good observers.  

3. Constant practice of the story to enable improvement.  

4. The students should read widely.

Mrs. Ayo Obe, a member of ZODML’s board of trustees, read out the top five alternate endings written by the students, after which voting commenced. The winners of the competition were:

1. First Prize – Jubril Princess Afuede (Ilado Community Senior Secondary School)  

2. First Prize Prize – Awesu Alimat (Akande Dahunsi Senior Memorial College)  

3. Third Prize – Akande Amirat (Ilado Community Senior Secondary School)

4. Third Prize – Nwanebu Oliver Bright (Ilado Community Senior Secondary School)  

5. Fifth Prize – Yagyi Maltida (Ilado Community Senior Secondary School)  

Other key moments from the event included the opening prayers which were led by Ugba Olamide; and the introduction of the author which was done by Jubril Princess Afuede. The vote of thanks was shared by Amoo Abdulsamad while the closing prayer was led by Jubril Princess Ikpemeshime.

To conclude the event, Ms. Achalugo Chioma llozumba signed books for all the students present, and the programme came to a close.