Joel Ajayi
The National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCRMI) has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting reading culture and improving access to education among internally displaced children across Nigeria.
The Honourable Federal Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, Tijani Aliyu Ahmed, represented by the Director of Human Resource Management, Mallam Bello M. Bello, stated this on Monday in Abuja while speaking at the launch of two children’s books authored by Mrs. Teresa Oyibo Ameh, a staff member of the Commission.
Mallam Bello expressed the Commission’s pride in Mrs. Ameh as she unveiled her ninth and tenth children’s books, describing her as a dedicated public servant with exceptional talents beyond her official duties.
The newly launched books include The Rise of the Phoenix, which offers hope and healing to children affected by war and trauma, and Mariamo and the Bowl of Cashews, which addresses violence and emotional pain.
Mallam Bello noted that the Federal Commissioner was particularly delighted to learn that Mrs. Ameh is a prolific children’s author with numerous awards across different fields.
He explained that although she is widely known within the Commission as a highly efficient administrator who transformed the Strategic Communications Department into a productive and innovative unit, many staff members were previously unaware of her long-standing literary career, which dates back to 2005.
According to him, the Commission was proud to associate with the book launch, not only because of its focus on children, but also because it celebrates the achievements of a committed staff member who continues to make meaningful contributions both within and outside public service.
Mallam Bello emphasized the importance of children to national development, noting that they should not merely be regarded as leaders of tomorrow, but as leaders of today.
“If we say children are the leaders of tomorrow, then why tomorrow? Today is the tomorrow of yesterday,” he said.
He assured Mrs. Ameh of the Commission’s full support and goodwill in her literary endeavours. Commission Backs IDP Education, Girl-Child Welfare.
In her remarks, the Director at the National Commission for Internally Displaced Persons, Refugees and Migrants, Mrs. Fatima Daura, disclosed that the Commission actively supports initiatives that provide books and learning materials for children in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps.
She said such interventions are critical to restoring hope and improving the welfare of vulnerable children, particularly the girl-child.
Daura explained that the Commission established Transitional Learning Centres in 2020 in states with high populations of displaced persons.
According to her, the centres are designed to deliver accelerated learning programmes that enhance literacy and numeracy skills, while preparing children for integration into formal intervention schools.
“We currently have transitional learning centres in Wasa IDP, Kaduna, Bauchi, Zamfara, Cross River and Imo States, and we hope to expand to more locations as resources become available,” she said.
She noted that children’s books written by Nigerian authors play a vital role in shaping positive values and aspirations among displaced children, describing such initiatives as relatable and inspirational.
“This is important because it is written by a Nigerian author who also works with the refugee commission. It gives our girls a role model — someone they can look up to and say, ‘I can also write for children,’” she stated.
Daura affirmed the Commission’s readiness to extend similar programmes nationwide to cover displaced persons, refugees and migrants.
“We want to be everywhere there are displaced persons or persons of concern. That is the work we do,” she said.
Addressing concerns about moral decline despite the availability of children’s books focused on values, she stressed that books alone are not sufficient, calling for a holistic approach involving families, schools, religious institutions and traditional leaders.
“Books are complementary. Reorientation starts from the home. Schools and books only support what is already instilled within the family,” she added.
Amid growing digital distractions, the founder of the Aunty Talatu Reads Foundation, Mrs. Teresa Oyibo Ameh, said her mission remains to inspire children to read, appreciate culture and find hope through books.
Speaking at the launch, Ameh explained that her writing philosophy is rooted in understanding children’s psychology, interests and attention span.
With over 20 years of experience in children’s literature, she said her books are intentionally colourful, engaging and concise to sustain children’s interest.
“I don’t write for adults; I write for children. Their attention span is short, so the books must meet their needs,” she said.
Ameh attributed her success to her background in child psychology, which she studied as an elective at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), noting that writing for children requires training, research and sensitivity.
On the declining relevance of school libraries, she called for stronger media involvement to promote reading culture, adding that her books place strong emphasis on Nigerian culture and identity.
She cited The Freedom Day Party as an example of how cultural pride can inspire children and open opportunities.
Responding to questions on writing for adults, Ameh maintained that her focus remains on children, stressing that adults who do not read today are products of poor reading habits formed in childhood.
On addressing trauma and gender-based violence through children’s literature, she disclosed that The Thorn Petal tackles emotional pain, while The Rise of the Phoenix offers hope and healing to children affected by war and trauma.
“No matter what you have been through, there is hope. With the right support, a child can still rise and thrive,” she said.
Through the Aunty Talatu Reads Foundation, Ameh has donated libraries to orphanage homes in Gwarimpa, Abuja, awarded scholarships, sponsored reading and spelling competitions, and donated books to schools and book clubs.
In 2025, the Foundation launched the “500 Books for 500 Children” initiative, reaching students at Dominican College, Abuja, and St. Clement College, Lokoja.
A civil servant and Kogi State indigene, Ameh is a former two-term Chairman of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Abuja Chapter, Nigerian President of the 1000 African Women Network, and a member of the FCT Basketball Caretaker Committee.
She has received several awards, including the CSW Award (2023) for promoting gender equality and a Trailblazer Award in Educational Development at the 2025 African Women Conference in Accra, Ghana. She was inducted into the Igala Noble Women Initiative (INWI) Hall of Fame in 2019.
