By Nightengale Ben-Onyeukwu
At just 11 years old, Francis Chimamkpam Okenwa, a JSS2
student from Ibiasoegbe in Oru West Local Government Area, is already making
waves as a young author. A student of Shammah International Secondary School in
Orodo, Mbaitoli, Francis is not only the first son of his parents but also a
budding storyteller with a passion for inspiring others. His debut novel, Christabel the Courageous Girl,
carries a powerful message of hope, resilience, and determination.
Can you tell us a little about yourself?
My name is Francis Chimamkpam Okenwa. I am an 11-year-old boy in JSS2. I come
from Ibiasoegbe in Oru West Local Government Area. I am a student of Shammah
International Secondary School, Orodo, in Mbaitoli. I am also the first son of
my parents.
What inspired you to write Christabel
the Courageous Girl?
I observed that many young girls nowadays give up on their dreams due to
certain family challenges. This often leads them to make poor decisions, like
becoming involved in early marriages or even prostitution. I wanted to inspire
young girls to stay strong and focused on their bright futures, no matter the
circumstances they face.
When did you first start writing, and how did
you get the idea for your novel?
I started writing in 2024 after hearing my aunt’s story about her struggles as
a young lady following the loss of her parents. Despite the challenges, she
never gave up, and her resilience inspired me to create this novel.
What is Christabel
the Courageous Girl about? Can you share the
main theme or message?
Christabel the Courageous
Girl is a very inspiring novel. It tells the story of Christabel, a
young girl who never gave up despite facing numerous challenges. She stayed
focused and determined, ultimately achieving her dream of becoming a medical
doctor. The main message is that no one is inferior, and our future is bright.
No matter what difficulties we face, what truly matters is where we are
heading.
Who is your favourite character in the story,
and why?
Christabel is my favourite character because of her determination and
commitment to making her family proud.
What challenges did you face while writing
the novel, and how did you overcome them?
I faced challenges such as conducting research, dedicating time and energy to
writing, and giving less attention to other activities. I overcame these
challenges by staying focused on my goal and managing my time effectively.
Do you have a favourite part or scene in the
book? Can you tell us about it?
My favourite part is in Chapter Two when Christabel achieves her dream of
becoming a medical doctor. Despite being an orphan and facing many obstacles,
she never gave up. This moment highlights her resilience and determination.
How did your family and friends react when
you told them you were writing a novel?
My family and friends were very happy, supportive, and proud of me.
What do you enjoy most about writing stories?
I enjoy writing novels because they teach valuable lessons to readers and
inspire them to learn from the characters' experiences.
Are you planning to write more stories or
books in the future?
Yes, I am planning to write more stories.
Do you have any advice for other kids who want to write
books?
My advice to others is to stay determined, never be
discouraged, and take the first step towards their goals while keeping up their
efforts.
Francis Okenwa’s journey as a young writer proves that age is no barrier
to making a difference. Through his inspiring novel, Christabel the Courageous Girl, he encourages readers to never
give up on their dreams, no matter the challenges they face. With plans to
write more stories in the future, Francis is on his way to becoming a pillar of
hope for young writers and readers alike. His advice? Stay determined, keep
dreaming, and take the first step towards your goals.
Mrs Kogah Lydia, Principal of Shammah International
Secondary School.
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