Who was Kola Onadipe?
Kola Onadipe, born Nathaniel Kolawole Onadipe on the 14th of July, 1922 in the serene town of Ijebu-Ode was a prolific and renowned Nigerian writer popularly known for his didactic children’s books.
He studied Law at the University of London in 1949 and later established a Law firm with one of his friends named Abraham Adesanya. Kola Onadipe later dropped his law profession and ventured into teaching. He became the Principal of Olu-Iwa College in Ijebu-Ode, his hometown. During his days, he was known to be a disciplinarian who believed in fairness…Click Here To Continue Reading>> …Click Here To Continue Reading>>
Kola Onadipe won the heart of every Nigerian child in the 60s, 70s and 80s with his exceptionally written books. He dedicated most of his life to writing children’s books and making children happy as well. He authored over 20 books used in schools all over Nigeria.
Kola Onadipe’s books include: 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 more.
Kola Onidipe was happily married with fifteen children, seven boys and eight girls. He died from stroke on December 4, 1988, at the age of 66. He was buried at his residence in Ogbogbo, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.
Kola Onadipe was an icon whose impact cannot in any way be forgotten in the history of Nigerian literature and education. He and other writers of his kind, the likes of Onuora Nzekwu (author of Eze Goes to School), have impacted the childhood of many Nigerians and have helped to develop a society of morally upright people.
OldNaija interviewed a few Nigerians and here is what the said about Kola Onadipe.
Kola Onadipe helped mould a fragment of our childhood one way or the other. Back then, even those in our playgroup that hated reading read ‘Ralia the Sugar Girl’ because they couldn’t afford to be left out while we sang the song in it. Kola Onadipe is/was a literary pot from which children drank words with pleasure.
Rahmah Raji
Sugar girl besides expanding my imagination also thought me a moral lesson – one of them was to listen to your elders.
Aweni Adams
Kólá Ònádípè was a man who had an immense passion for children literature. His level of dexterity in his writings is simple and real. He narrows down his thoughts for easy comprehension for children.
Dámilólá Òké READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>
Kola Onadipe used to be a brilliant writer in which his writing prowess and skills put we children back then off our mark to develop our reading abilities and skills.
Kayode Ayobami Ahmad
Kola Onadipe’s books are so exceptional. They have a great impact on my childhood. I got a double promotion in my primary school for reading Sugar Girl. It was great.
Sa’ed Omipidan
Kola Onadipe’s books gave us an insight as a kid into a view of the wider world. His books teach morals, they are historical and edifying. It’s just what kids need to read not all these modern novels.
Bamidele Oluwaseun
Kola Onadipe’s works are easy to comprehend and he writes in such a way that children can easily visualize his stories with the mind. When it comes to children’s literature, Kola Onadipe is a god.
Olalekan Azeez Oriola
Kola Onadipe’s books really did unveil human nature to kids at early ages.
Olanrewaju Adetoye
You can add yours in the comment section. Thanks for reading
