Author of Corals of Youth, Mrs Margaret Olele, said her book, addresses the troubling phenomenon of Nigeria’s shrinking middle class.
She added that the book would give readers a nostalgic feeling of the strong values of family life, the middle-class family situation, the economy in the 70s to the 90s, and the deep core ethics of African parenting.
The term “middle class” generally refers to a social class between the upper and lower classes, characterised by moderate income, education, and occupational status.
She said these during an interview at the Landmark event center, where her book launch took place.
Olele decried the disappearing middle class, declining interest in history and knowledge, erosion of culture, and the near-absence of communal family life in present-day Nigeria.
“Corals of Youth is a communal memo of my life’s journey in Ibadan, Oyo state; Ibusa, the Enuani region of Delta State and even the North where my mom was born.
“It details changes in the economy at the time, with a strong theme on family life, pinpointing the values family and the unity of the different ethnic groups that mixed and were not different.
“With its universal themes of courage and resilience, friendship, love and family, and relatable characters, Corals of Youth is a story that will resonate with readers from all walks of life,” she said.
During the interview, Olele expressed that Corals of Youth represented the fulfillment of her long-held dream of becoming a writer, a passion she nurtured even while working in the corporate sector.
she added, “We are witnessing a situation where Nigeria’s middle class is gradually being wiped out, as many struggle to make ends meet.
“The narrative takes us back to the early 90s, which is when the story truly focuses.”
Olele noted that the once-vibrant middle class fostered significant interactions among individuals from various social strata, leading to frequent connections and challenges for those navigating that environment.
She mentioned that the strong themes of family, culture, and historical understanding permeated her work.
Reflecting on her upbringing, Olele lamented the scarcity of literature that explores the opportunities available from the 1970s to the early 90s.
“There are very few books that capture that period, leaving readers without a nostalgic glimpse into how life in Lagos was during that time,” she stated.
Olele encouraged women to tap into their potential and strive for success, sharing a personal anecdote about her mother, who advanced to a top managerial position in a prominent company while her husband worked as a secondary school teacher.
She urged everyone to read her book, asserting that it offered valuable insights into Nigeria’s socioeconomic landscape and health issues.
Veteran actress and director, Mrs Joke Silva, commended the book, ‘Corals of Youth,’ saying it captured the essence of a bygone era and explores the intersection of family, parenting, culture, traditions, and identity.
She said, “It gives you an idea of how things have changed. Reading it reminds me of how we used to raise children and the traditions our parents instilled in us things that we can’t even replicate with today’s children.”
Silva also explained that the book provided a unique perspective for young readers eager to understand Nigeria’s past, as well as for older generations reflecting on the country’s progress.
She described it as a must-read for anyone curious about growing up in a city where tradition meets modernity, blending the past and present seamlessly.