What inspired you to become a writer?
Growing up as a child, I was exposed to different literatures so I acquired an unquenchable thirst for books, especially fiction, but then I had never tried my hands in writing until I became an adolescent.
I was also inspired to be a writer by other writers and the paucity of literary materials from my society also motivated me to pick my pen and creatively document our socio-cultural experience, at least from my perspective. I used to read fantastic stories by Chinua Achebe, Cyprian Ekwensi, Sidney Sheldon, and John Grisham (my favourite).
How would you score writing among the youth today?
Many youth today are eager to be labelled as writers and some even dare to include it on their social media profiles. Yet they have nothing to show for it. The key to better writing is reading vastly. Sadly, most Nigerian youth happen to be short-distance readers. This partly accounts for the enormous time they spend on social media reading brief posts and writing short ones and then calling themselves writers. Many youth are into writing, but only few are sophisticated and doing exceptionally well. These exceptional cases are our consolation. Nonetheless, in a scale of 1 to 10, I will give writing among youth in Nigeria 4 point score.
How can good writing skills be revived in Nigeria?
I think it is easier to stimulate reading among youth than writing. I say so because reading, like listening, does not require any peculiar skill aside the basics. However, writing, like speaking, requires talent in addition to the skill. That is why everyone can talk, but not everyone is an orator. Likewise, everyone can write, but not everyone is a writer. However, what you can do is to help them explore their gifts and the ones who are called to become writers will follow the path to their destiny. For the avoidance of doubt, writing is an art; just like music, visual arts and dancing. Therefore, unless someone is innately endowed with the skill, including a good measure of zeal, he/she would not succeed at it.
How has your works affected lives?
I will tell you about my works, but the impact is not really for me to determine. I released King of the Jungle (a novel) and Echoes of the Plateau (a collection of poems) simultaneously on the 5th of December, 2014. Many people have walked up to me to say that my novel has inspired a poem, play, song or something in them. I thank God because I didn’t know my writing will be warmly accepted at home and abroad.
Do you think books authored by young writers can enhance youth empowerment?
Certainly! No one understands the youth of today better than themselves. I strongly believe that the certain trends and vices such as drug abuse, prostitution and violence can be aggressively reversed through writing. What needs to be done is just to find ways to stimulate those youth to read and their behaviour can certainly be modified. I believe in the popular saying that ‘you are what you read’.
For instance, I am currently spearheading a team, Plateau Authors Group (PLAG), on an anthology project. We collected stories and are about to go to press. This is because we strongly feel that our writings can foster peace and instigate meaningful development.
Who are the young authors that inspire you?
The first on my list should be Dike Chukwumerije. He always has his signature on his writings. I bet I could tell if a ghost writer impersonates him. Next would be Abubakar Adam Ibrahim; his writing seems to glide seamlessly. Abidemi Sanusi, Helon Habila, Doug Kaze, Su’eddie Agema, Lengshak Gomwalk, Richard Ali, Toni Khan, Saddiq Dzukogi and Ahmed Maiwada all inspire me with their works.
What is your advice to upcoming authors?
Read, read, read and read. And then write. That is how to become a good writer/author. Also delay publishing a bit to ensure you have quality stuff that can stand you on a sound literary footings before you attempt publishing your book or writings as the case might be.
