At just 10 years old, Osaivbie Izedonmwen has accomplished a remarkable literary feat—reading 200 books in a single year. Inspired by his love for storytelling, he announced his ambitious goal in February 2024 and completed it on 18 December 2024, finishing The Penguin Club by Achalugo Chioma Ilozumba.
Throughout his reading journey, Osaivbie delved into a diverse range of books, from children’s classics to educational works. His collection included The Secret Seven by Enid Blyton and several of Roald Dahl’s bestsellers, including Matilda, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The BFG, and Danny, the Champion of the World. Beyond fiction, he explored insightful non-fiction books such as Boom Boom by Jude Idada, which focuses on sickle cell disease, and El Deafo by Cece Bell, a memoir about coping with deafness.
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One of the most profound lessons he took from his reading challenge came from My Animal Friends by Dick King-Smith, a book that reinforced values such as patience, respect, and the importance of caring for nature.
Osaivbie’s passion for books stands in contrast to the declining reading culture among young people, many of whom are more drawn to digital entertainment. His mission is to inspire others to embrace reading, setting an example with his own commitment. Remarkably, his interest in books began at just three years old—years before Indian-born Charvi Dora, recognised as the “youngest person to read the most books”, who started reading at seven.
“I started reading at three years old,” Osaivbie said. “I read different books, and I can say that reading as a hobby has improved my knowledge and thinking. This is why I am encouraging other children to embrace reading too.”
Beyond reading, he has also shared his literary experiences by reviewing books on Instagram, an account managed by his mother, Taiye Osayi-Izedonmwen. His father, Osayi, the founder of Teesas Education and an advocate of Franklin Covey’s Leader in Me programme, has also played a significant role in shaping his mindset.
“Charity begins at home,” Osayi said. “We cannot encourage other children to inculcate the Seven Habits of Happy Kids, which teaches self-leadership, without first teaching our children those principles. That Osaivbie read 200 books in one year is a testament that we practise what we preach.”
Osaivbie’s commitment to literacy extends beyond personal achievement. Last April, shortly after starting his reading challenge, he donated 100 books to children in a church in Lagos, demonstrating his desire to spread the love of reading. Now, he is setting his sights even higher, planning to launch a global campaign to promote reading among young people.
