Fausat Omolara Arilewola, popularly known as Fausat Omolara Ayinla, is a passionate advocate for African storytelling. Her works draw extensively from Yoruba history, mythology, folklore, and contemporary experiences. Ayinla's passion is driven by a desire to create stories that connect readers with characters while reflecting on the issues and experiences woven into the narratives. Her stories aim to inspire children and young people to tell their own stories. With a wide range of creative works, Ayinla is making a significant impact in the literary world. Her approach to storytelling is multifaceted and engaging.
One of Ayinla's notable works, Atinukẹ́, explores the fall of the Old Oyo Empire through the experiences of individuals confronted by war, displacement, and the struggle for survival. The story was expanded into other creative forms, including an original soundtrack and sand art portraying a traditional Yoruba home and characters from the novel. This work showcases Ayinla's ability to adapt her stories to various formats, making them more accessible and engaging for different audiences. Atinukẹ́ is a testament to Ayinla's creativity and innovative approach to storytelling. The work has been well-received by readers and critics alike.
Ayinla's other work, Àtupa: The Narrative, is rooted in Yoruba mythology and African folklore. The story tells the tale of Àṣàkẹ́, who embarks on a perilous journey to save a prince and the kingdom of Iledu from a devastating curse. The story was adapted into an audiobook, narrated by Rafiat Akinwande, further demonstrating Ayinla's approach to taking African narratives beyond the conventional printed page. This work highlights Ayinla's ability to draw from traditional sources and create engaging stories. Àtupa: The Narrative is a captivating tale that explores themes of courage and determination.
Ayinla's interest in children's storytelling began with bedtime stories she created for her son. What started as a family activity eventually evolved into Adventures of Bobo and Friends, a series centred on Bobo, a six-year-old Nigerian boy navigating friendship, curiosity, mistakes, and everyday experiences. The series aims to inspire children to develop a love for reading and storytelling. Ayinla's approach to children's storytelling is engaging and interactive. The Adventures of Bobo and Friends series has been well-received by children and parents alike.
Determined to move children from being mere consumers of stories to becoming creators, Ayinla developed the Storytelling Advantage Framework. This methodology is designed to help children and adults build confidence, find their voice, and develop a stronger sense of community through storytelling. The framework consists of six stages: Read, Think, Discuss, Create, Improve, and Publish. The process encourages young readers to engage with stories, think critically, and ultimately develop and share their own narratives. The Storytelling Advantage Framework is a valuable tool for children and adults.
In 2026, Ayinla began applying the framework through the Storytelling Advantage Programme, taking her advocacy beyond her books and into educational and community spaces. She delivered a virtual session, From Idea to Story, for Leaf for Good Africa's Rooted and Rising programme in Nigeria. Ayinla also held a My First Story session for children at Leicester Central Library in the United Kingdom. These initiatives demonstrate Ayinla's commitment to promoting African storytelling and empowering children and young people. Her work is making a positive impact on the literary world.
Through her initiatives, Ayinla is demonstrating that African storytelling can serve not only as a means of preserving cultural heritage but also as a powerful tool for nurturing creativity, confidence, and self-expression among children and young people. Her body of work highlights the versatility of storytelling, showing how a single narrative can move from a book to an audiobook, soundtrack, visual artwork, or classroom activity while retaining its ability to connect people with culture, imagination, and identity. Ayinla's work is a testament to the power of storytelling.
Key points
- Fausat Omolara Arilewola is championing African storytelling through books, audiobooks, music, and visual art.
- Ayinla developed the Storytelling Advantage Framework to help children and adults build confidence and develop a stronger sense of community through storytelling.
- Ayinla's work is making a positive impact on the literary world, promoting African storytelling and empowering children and young people.
