Lola shoneyin biography for kids

Her first Novel “The Secret Lives Of Baba Segi’s Wives”  which she was initially titled "Serpent’s Tail" was launched in the Uk in May 2010 and has been translated into 7 Languages and published in Italian as "Prudenti come Serpenti". She has in addition to her books written for newspapers, including The Scotsman.

She was born and raised in Ogun State by her parents, Chief Tinuoye Shoneyin and Mrs Yetunde Shoneyin (née Okupe).

Her maternal grandfather, Abraham Olayinka Okupe (1896–1966), who served as the traditional ruler of Iperu Remo and had five wives, had a profound impact on Shoneyin’s life and career, which provided material on polygamy for her debut novel.

After her father was detained by the previous military administration, she returned to Nigeria and attended Abadina College to finish her secondary education. “For me this is an act of resistance.”

With its vivid visuals, accessible storytelling, and emotional depth, Tunde Onakoya: The Chess Champion is already being hailed as an essential addition to Nigerian children’s literature.

Later, in 1994/95, she graduated with a BA (Hons) from Ogun State University. He was crowned in 1938 and passed away in 1976.

She began attending boarding school in the UK when she was six years old, where she attended Fettes Junior School in Edinburgh, Cargilfield School in Edinburgh, and The Collegiate School in Winterbourne, Bristol.

But I am glad that some part of it has been, in some sense, made into this book.”

Shoneyin, author of the award-winning novel The Secret Lives of Baba-Segi’s Wives, explained her motivation for writing the book as an effort to spotlight inspiring role models for children.

In August 1999, she travelled to Iowa, USA, for the famed Iowa International Writers Program.

Lola Shoneyin Early Life

When Shoneyin was 6 years old, her parents sent her to boarding school in the United Kingdom called Cargilfield School in Edinburgh. She returned to Nigeria after her father was imprisoned by the then military government and completed her secondary education at Abadina College, Ibadan and later proceeded to study English at Ogun State University, although her father wanted her to study law.

The 60-page book, featuring a cover and illustrations by artists K. R. Onimole, was released to coincide Children’s Day.

The book tells the remarkable story of Onakoya’s journey from a childhood in the slums of Lagos to becoming a Guinness World Record holder for the longest chess marathon. Brittle Paper named ACBF our 2023 Literary Platform of the Year for “championing children’s literature in Nigeria and fostering a safe and inspiring space for children to explore books and ideas.”

Since its first edition in 2019, ACBF has grown into a powerful force in the Nigerian literary scene, providing a platform for indigenous authors and connecting readers and writers.

Thank you also to @tunde_onakoya for giving me such an extraordinary story,” she wrote.

Published by Ouida Books and launched on May 27, 2025, to coincide with Children’s Day, the 60-page book introduces young readers to Onakoya’s remarkable journey: from discovering chess in a barber’s shop to founding Chess in Slums Africa in 2021, a nonprofit that now mentors thousands of children.

“No matter where you start from, there is always a place to rise and achieve greatness.”

Despite health and financial challenges, Onakoya not only learned the game but mastered it. “This book is filled with dreams that will make you laugh, think and begin to feel like a champion.”

The biography traces Onakoya’s journey from humble beginnings.

He spoke movingly of his mother’s sacrifices, saying, “She told me a proverb, ‘I want you to be able to speak among your peers.’ I never understood until now. “I can’t wait for the book to be in the hands of children, dreamers like me,” Onakoya said at the launch, “so they know that whatever magic they have, whatever talent, there is a place for them in the world.”

Check out a video of the book launch: