Nigerian-British author and gender equality advocate Chinwe Enyinna is set to launch her new book, My Garden of Thorny Roses, at an invite-only event scheduled for Saturday at Alliance Française, Ikoyi, Lagos. According to the organizers, the gathering will bring together professionals from the legal, business, public health, and advocacy sectors to engage in discussions about healing, resilience, and personal transformation.
Event Highlights
Actress and broadcaster Layole Oyatogun will host the event, which will feature a fireside conversation between Ms. Enyinna and the host, delving into the themes explored in the book. A panel discussion titled “Breaking the Stigma: Uncomfortable Conversations Women Have” will examine issues related to mindset transformation, legal advocacy, and financial autonomy.
Panelists and Speakers
Speakers for the panel include psychologist Lauretta Ogbum, executive coach Ehi Ade-Mabo, and legal practitioner Obianuju Okafor. The session will be moderated by Glory Edozien, founder of 9to5Chick and Ascent Club Global. The programme will also feature reflections by entrepreneur Winihin Jemide and live readings from selected chapters of the book. Guest readers include legal practitioner Chinyere Okorocha, performance strategist Abiola Salami, and relationship counsellor Amaka Chika-Mbonu.
About the Author
Ms. Enyinna is a public health professional, registered nurse, and advocate against gender-based violence. She serves as the UK Country Chair of the Anti-GBV Wing of the G100 Club and is the founder of D’ Survivor Hub Nigeria. The organizers note that the initiative has supported over 500 survivors of domestic abuse through trauma-informed healing and empowerment programmes.
Context of Gender-Based Violence
The book’s themes are particularly relevant given ongoing concerns about gender-based violence in Nigeria. Premium Times previously reported that Lagos State recorded 8,692 cases of domestic and sexual violence between August 2024 and July 2025, with domestic violence accounting for 3,685 of those cases.
Author's Motivation
Speaking about the book, Ms. Enyinna said she was motivated to write after hearing similar experiences from women who felt unable to speak openly about their situations. “I realised my experience could help other women who quietly shared similar stories with me during conversations,” she said. “Many of them felt trapped in silence. Writing this book became a responsibility. I wanted women to know they are not alone.”
Book Readings and Conclusion
Selected chapters from the book will be read by legal practitioner Chinyere Okorocha, performance strategist Abiola Salami, and relationship counsellor Amaka Chika-Mbonu. The event will conclude with a reception and book-signing session. My Garden of Thorny Roses is available for purchase globally on Selar. The event will be held on Saturday at Alliance Française, Ikoyi, Lagos.
