The book was officially presented to the public at the Freedom Gate Auditorium in Lagos on May 27, 2023, coinciding with this year's Children's Day celebration. During the presentation, Osaro shared her motivation behind writing 'The Price of Pride' and the message she aimed to convey, particularly to teenagers who struggle with pride.
According to Osaro, pride always carries consequences, ranging from death and embarrassment to tarnished reputations. She emphasized the story's protagonist, Ada, who tragically lost her life due to her prideful nature. Osaro's intention was to highlight the importance of receiving guidance and correction to avoid such dire circumstances.
Expressing her gratitude, Osaro acknowledged God for inspiring her to bring this idea to life. She also thanked her family, particularly her father, who played a pivotal role in encouraging, teaching, and motivating her throughout the journey of making her book a reality.
Furthermore, Osaro drew inspiration from two renowned Nigerian authors, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Chinua Achebe. Adichie, known for her novels such as 'Purple Hibiscus' and 'Half of a Yellow Sun', and Achebe, Africa's foremost novelist famous for works like 'Things Fall Apart' and 'Arrow of God', served as role models for Osaro's writing aspirations since her early childhood.
The book launch event garnered praise from attendees who commended Osaro's determination and courage to become an author at such a young age. Mrs. Abolanle Ajibade, the proprietress of Hopewell Group of Schools in Lagos, expressed her excitement and lauded Osaro for her educational and informative book, 'The Price of Pride'. Having read the book herself, she affirmed its value and considered it a shining example of following one's dreams regardless of age.
Ajibade emphasised that Osaro's accomplishment should inspire teenagers to start pursuing their dreams now rather than waiting for tomorrow. She encouraged them to understand that their leadership roles in the future begin with taking action in the present. By highlighting Osaro's journey, Ajibade reiterated the importance of laying a solid foundation for future success.
Anwuli Ojogwu, Co-founder of Narrative Landscape Press Limited, praised 'The Price of Pride' as an impressive debut, describing it as a moral story that explores the rewards of good behavior. She appreciated Osaro's ability to effectively communicate her ideas through simple and concise sentences, recognizing it as a hallmark of well-written literature. Ojogwu encouraged Osaro to continue investing in her passion by reading extensively and writing consistently, as this would contribute to her becoming one of the influential voices in African literature in the future.
In his closing remarks, Peter Osaro Ehigiator, the proud father of the young author, urged parents to nurture and support their children's abilities and talents. He emphasized that every child possesses the potential for greatness, requiring only guidance and encouragement to unleash their full potential. Ehigiator reflected on the collaborative process with his daughter, from reviewing her manuscript and providing guidance on structuring the story into chapters to assisting her with typing the final draft. He expressed gratitude to God for enabling him to fulfill his promise of releasing the book in honor of Osaro's 14th birthday on November 8, 2022. Additionally, he revealed that Osaro has already written three other books, which they are currently working on together.
Precious Esosa Osaro's remarkable achievement in publishing 'The Price of Pride' serves as a testament to the power of determination and perseverance. Her story inspires young people to overcome distractions, pursue their passions, and achieve their dreams. As Osaro continues to hone her skills and embark on future literary endeavors, her journey promises to contribute significantly to the rich tapestry of African literature.