He had never set foot in Nigeria before. He chose to spend his first visit reading to children.
Aaron Grandidier-Nkanang, the Paris 2024 Olympic Rugby Sevens gold medalist, made his debut trip to Nigeria on April 28 — not for a ceremony, not for a commercial, but for a series of school and community reading sessions in Lagos. He brought with him Go Akpan, his debut children’s book, and a conviction that every Nigerian child deserves to read in the language they grew up speaking.
For Aaron, who was born to a Nigerian father and raised in France, the Lagos visit was his first time in the country his father calls home and he chose to spend it with children. The tour, supported by TotalEnergies Nigeria, took him to three locations across the city: Havimar Headstart School, St. Kizito Hospital, and the French Embassy in Nigeria.
Children at Havimar Headstart School reading Go Akpan, Aaron’s debut children’s book.
Olympic Gold Medalist Aaron Grandidier-Nkanang shows his medal to students in Lagos
At each stop, Aaron read to children before sharing his personal journey to Olympic gold. He let them hold the medal. He joined them in a rugby demonstration. He signed books. And he left every room having given the children something they had never held before — not just a trophy, but a story in the language of their home.
“I am very proud of this book. It speaks about courage, determination, and perseverance — the qualities every child already has inside them. That is the message I want them to carry home.”
— Aaron Grandidier-Nkanang, Paris 2024 Olympic Gold Medalist
About Go Akpan
Go Akpan was created in partnership with NABU, a global nonprofit publisher that produces free, culturally relevant children’s books in mother-tongue languages across Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean. Inspired by Aaron’s own journey of perseverance and belonging, the book is published in six languages: English, French, Ibibio, Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba.
The inclusion of Ibibio — Aaron’s father’s language, rooted in Akwa Ibom State — makes this one of very few children’s books ever published in that language, and a direct reflection of Aaron’s personal heritage.
The Tour
Accompanied by his father, his aunt Helen, and members of his team, Aaron’s Lagos itinerary was designed to reach children across different contexts and communities:
- Havimar Headstart School — an interactive school reading session, where Aaron was welcomed by students and educators for a reading of Go Akpan, followed by a short rugby demonstration.
- Kizito Hospital — a community storytelling session where children and caregivers gathered for reading activities.
- The French Embassy in Nigeria — a special session that brought together Aaron’s career in France and his Nigerian identity, and underscored the book’s French language edition.
At each stop, children had the opportunity to hold Aaron’s Olympic gold medal — a moment that no press release can fully capture.
“We are excited to bring this story to children in Nigeria. We hope every child who reads Go Akpan feels inspired to believe in their own potential.”
— Adeola Olasewere, NABU Director of Business Development, West Africa
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What Comes Next
The Lagos visit marks the opening chapter of a larger campaign. As the initiative continues, NABU and Aaron Grandidier-Nkanang aim to:
- Translate Go Akpan into additional Nigerian languages
- Distribute free copies to schools and communities across the country
- Expand access to culturally relevant reading materials for children throughout Nigeria
A public crowdfunding campaign is currently active to support the translation, printing, and distribution effort.
SUPPORT THE CAMPAIGN: https://www.gofundme.com/f/the-champion-comes-home
READ HIS STORY ‘GO AKPAN: https://linktr.ee/aaronnabubook
About Aaron Grandidier-Nkanang
Aaron Grandidier-Nkanang is a Paris 2024 Olympic Rugby Sevens gold medalist. Born to a Nigerian father and French mother, he plays for France and is one of the most recognised names in international rugby. Go Akpan is his debut children’s book.
About NABU
NABU is a global nonprofit publisher providing free, high-quality, culturally relevant children’s books in mother-tongue languages. With over 13.8 million children reached across 41 languages and 1300+ book titles, NABU partners with local creators and global institutions to ensure every child has access to stories in the language of their home. Visit nabu.org.
About TotalEnergies Nigeria
TotalEnergies is a global multi-energy company that produces and markets energies. In Nigeria, TotalEnergies is committed to sustainable development and community investment, including education and access programmes for underserved communities.
