Folashade Adebayo

Aside from being a Nigerian and sharing the first name with former President Goodluck Jonathan, there is nothing yet in the horizon to link seven year-old Goodluck Bankole to the Aso Rock Villa, the country’s seat of government.

But in his book, If I am (sic) the President and other Stories,  the Grade 3 pupil of Ronik International School, Lagos, let readers know that being the number one citizen of Nigeria  can as well be his biggest aspiration.

Bankole details what his days, projects and priorities will look like as president. The book, written with the mindset of a child, however, shows that observing their environment is second nature to children.

For instance, the author discloses that his first assignment in office is “ to build a centre that would bring about a positive religious interaction. It would be a centre of learning. In it, religious leaders would discuss peace. It would help to end religious hatred.’’

Interestingly, the author seems to prioritise interventions in the health and housing sectors.

He writes “I would build hospitals. I would develop the health sector by building more hospitals and make sure to take good care of doctors, nurses and all those who are part of the health sector. Thirdly, I would engage in large housing projects. I would build several homes for both the high and low income earners in the country.’’

Although the book, If I am (sic) the President and other Stories, is written for a young audience, it is glaring that the issues highlighted by Bankole are generic, affecting both the old and the young.

In another part of the book, he writes, “Ï would fight corruption through the courts. If anyone spent money on something other than what the money was meant for, I would make them face the necessary punishments.’’

Other short stories in the book include, The Wolf, the Fox and the Fisherman, The Lazy Man who became a Hardworking Man, and others.

Meanwhile, in the next edition of the book were should replace am in the title.

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