Delta approves ‘Distortion’ by Ejiro Umukoro as literature textbook for schools

LightRay! Media, a leading name in media, journalism and publishing, has announced the approval of the ground-breaking book Distortion by acclaimed international multi-award-winning communications specialist, writer, journalist, trainer and facilitator, Ejiro ‘LadyE’ Umukoro. 

Umukoro, a recipient of the Distinguished Changemaker Award from the United States Agency for Global Media (USAGM), has penned a compelling narrative in Distortion that transcends borders and resonates with readers worldwide.

Listed on the recommended textbooks for Senior Secondary Schools (SS1-3) for literature in English for the first term, the book was signed by the Director of Education Research Centre, Kelly N. Kentoa, under the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Asaba, Delta State.

A captivating work, it delves into the human mind and challenges taboos around the Osu caste system, widowhood, baby-making factories, child trafficking, gender-based violence and the issues of mental health in a society that does not protect its own.

Set against the backdrop of Nigeria’s rich cultural belief systems, politics, religion and family values, Distortion, which weaves together narratives of the individual against the state, a society verging on dysfunctionality and strewn with landmines, and ultimately the determination and quest for personal survival and self-fulfilment, is based on Umukoro’s experiences as an investigative journalist and media mentor. Her prose, style and depth of subject matter invite readers to explore global themes of mental wellbeing, belief systems and choices in the pursuit of happiness, wealth and relevance.

The Delta State Ministry of Education’s endorsement marks a significant milestone for Umukoro, the Delta-born award-winning investigative journalist, whose literary prowess has come to the fore with this novel. As part of the approved curriculum for secondary school students across Nigeria, this literary gem will inspire a generation of young minds to become critical thinkers who are empowered with knowledge on how to critique and not become victims of other people’s whims and manipulation. This approval and inclusion in the school curriculum also reflect the ministry’s commitment to fostering awareness on issues of gender-based violence, child rights, human rights, and the global awareness of these and more among students.

In a statement, Umukoro expresses gratitude, saying, “I was humbled and thrilled by the recognition and honoured that my work will now reach Nigerian classrooms. Children’s voices matter. They are an important demographic that deserves to be recognised, protected, and inspired to greatness.”

It was through Ejiro Umukoro’s investigative report and exposè on how female students in Delta State were being aggressively recruited by cultists that inspired the Delta State Government’s Ministry of Education to declare a state of emergency on the growing menace of cultism. With the proactive support of St. Patrick’s Church and principals in secondary schools across Delta State, alongside Umukoro, they were able to save over 150 teenagers, ages 11 to 17 years, from being recruited into cultism while ensuring that the young girls targeted are not used as rape victims for initiation rites.  

Umukoro explains, “Growing up I experienced how literature of wide varieties can inspire thinking, ignite conversations, challenge prejudices, biases, intolerance, and stereotypes. It is my hope that ‘Distortion’ empowers students and adults alike to know that they have the power to say ‘No’ when they’re uncomfortable and have the courage to walk away from circumstances that diminish their worth as individuals.”

LightRay! Media through its LightRay! Books and Literary Society invites educators, parents and students to explore this remarkable literary achievement, whether in the classroom, in buses, on the train, at work, travelling by air or sea or during leisure times to enjoy reading every page of ‘Distortion’. The book will certainly ignite minds and alert hearts. It’s a worthy addition to Nigeria’s ever growing literary tradition of expanding the boundaries of thought.