For Koko Kalango, book activist and Director, Port Harcourt World Book Capital 2014, all things are bright and beautiful as she launched her memoir. For almost two decades, Kalango has been at the forefront of promoting reading and writers in Nigeria through the Rainbow Book Club, which she founded in 2005. Now she tells her story in her book All Things Bright and Beautiful: A Personal Journey of Faith.
The book was launched at a well-attended and memorable event in Ikoyi, Lagos at Alliance Francaise inside Mike Adenuga Centre. Media personality Nicole Chikwe and actor Adeolu Adefarasin reviewed the book while the author was interviewed by Pastor Tolu Odukoya-Ijogun and Femi Taiwo. The highlight of the two-hour event was an enchanting engagement with the author in which the audience were taken through her fascinating and relatable life journey as a child and an adult whose conviction and belief in God has remained unshaken through thick and thin.
Joke Silva, Koko Kalango and Nicole Chikwe at the Lagos launch of the book
The Lagos book launch, which coincided with the author’s birthday, was attended by prominent figures from various industries including Nollywood veteran actress Joke Silva; former Head of the Nigeria Ports Authority Dakuku Peterside, former chair, First Bank board Ibukun Awosika, former Managing Director Union Bank, Emeka Okonkwo, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo, Aniola Durosimi-Etti, Pastor Nkoyo Rapu and Mrs Eme Akenzua (her sisters). The chief host was her husband, Arayam Kalango.
In his contribution, Pastor Ituah described the book was an easy read and a testament to the faithfulness of God, when we trust Him. Ndidi Nwuneli also described the book as simple and yet captivating, proving God’s faithfulness in small and big things.
The London book launch was held in August, at the Hendon Town Hall. Here, the book was reviewed by Onome Ogbebor while Kalango was interviewed by Seun Onamusi and Osarhieme Giwa-Osagie. The audience, mainly young Nigerian professionals and the author challenged them to put God first as they plan for their future. In attendance was also Afolabi Andu, Chairman of the Nigerian-British Business Forum, and Pastor Chieme Okuzu and his wife, Stella.
The author revealed the inspiration behind the book: “I wrote it so from my story people can know God is real, God is alive, and God is at work today. I want people to know God and commit to Him so they can live a purposeful and fulfilling life. I want people to know that the Rainbow is a sign of God’s promise to us as recorded in Genesis chapter 9:12-17.”
Kalango is the author of six books, including— ‘ONE LOVE: Over 100 Years of Jamaicans Contributing to Nigeria’s Development’, ‘See What The Lord Has Done: Amazing Stories of God at Work Today (vol.1, 2 & 3)’, ‘Colours of Life: A devotional’, and ‘This is Pastor Adeboye’, a biography.
