Tell us about yourself.:
From a young age, I battled contradictions within myself, which led me into solitary corners where I had to confront my thoughts, alone. I started writing to make sense of my heart and mind and fell in love with poetry in high school. I proceeded however to study Law at the University of Lagos, Nigeria partly fulfilling my father’s dream, partly following through with my love for proving a point and winning arguments. I subsequently acquired three law degrees, partly because I like to finish everything I start, partly because I thought acquiring additional qualifications would increase my earning potential.
These days, I write not only for myself but for others and for money. But I do not do poetry for money, I do it for reasons which once used to be clear but now isn’t. I used to write to bleed on paper, writing was once self purgation. These days, however, I write because I cannot stop writing. I have done it for far too long that it has become second nature.
I have written three collections of poems titled, “The rise and fall of rhymes and rhythms” (2025), “A tale of being, of green and of ing” (2019) and Voices: A collection of poems that tell stories (2016).
My poems have appeared in Clay Literary, Trampset, Galleyway, Afritondo, Shuf Poetry, The Open Culture Collective, Lumiere Review, Dipity Magazine, The Unconventional Courier, The Agam Agenda, The Creative Zine, Konya Shamsrumi, Sevhage, Moremi Review, Tampered Press, Nightingale and Sparrow, Versopolis, Auvert Magazine, Panocha Zine, Visual Verse, Pride Magazine, The Dirigible Balloon, The BeZine, Outside the box Poetry, Spirits Magazine, Unheard Stories Magazine, Genre: Urban Arts Magazine, Unclear Magazine, Broots Magazine , Beyond the Quill, Wayf Journal and elsewhere.
Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?:
I grew up in Lagos, Nigeria, however my earliest poems were not about Nigeria. They were about love, loss and belonging. Then the themes grew darker, I started to write about trauma, and grief after the loss of my father.
When my first work was published in 2016, I was battling poverty induced by underemployment which spiraled into depression. Dark themes seemed to permeate the body of work.
Later I was influenced by the philosophy of being vs becoming and evolved as a poet- armchair philosopher. It was for my second book that I reached deep within to communicate and interpret the full essence of being and what it means being Nigerian.
My third collection was inspired by my daughter and is dedicated to children everywhere. I was inspired by a need to speak to the next generation, communicating lessons acquired over three decades.
My writing is not only inspired by place, it is also inspired by people and lived experience. It is also inspired by philosophy and a leaving behind.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
No I do not have unusual writing habits. I write when inspired, I write when I feel like writing, I also write when I do not feel like writing. However, when faced with writers block, I step away from writing to engage fully in the art of living. I return to the page when the words call or find me again.
What authors have influenced you?
I grew up in Lagos, Nigeria, however my earliest poems were not about Nigeria. They were about love, loss and belonging. Then the themes grew darker, I started to write about trauma, and grief after the loss of my father.
When my first work was published in 2016, I was battling poverty induced by underemployment which spiraled into depression. Dark themes seemed to permeate the body of work.
Later I was influenced by the philosophy of being vs becoming and evolved as a poet- armchair philosopher. It was for my second book that I reached deep within to communicate and interpret the full essence of being and what it means being Nigerian.
My third collection was inspired by my daughter and is dedicated to children everywhere. I was inspired by a need to speak to the next generation, communicating lessons acquired over three decades.
My writing is not only inspired by place, it is also inspired by people and lived experience. It is also inspired by philosophy and a leaving behind.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Writing is not a sprint but a marathon. It will literally outlive you. Learn to be patient with yourself as you navigate this complex and beautiful career. Learn to be patient with yourself when there is no inspiration to write, when there is no recognition for your efforts, when readership is low. Write, because your life depends on it.
What is the best advice you have ever been given?
“Every first draft is perfect because all the first draft has to do is exist. It’s perfect in its existence. The only way it could be imperfect would be to NOT exist” – Jane Smiley
Ultimately, the goal of the first draft is not to be perfect. The goal of the first draft is to exist. You cannot edit a blank page.
What are you reading now?
Nothing.
What’s your biggest weakness?
I think of myself a lot, but life events such as career, marriage and motherhood have helped to create balance and altruism.
What is your favorite book of all time?
The Holy Bible
When you’re not writing, how do you like to spend your time?
I like to spend my time working and caring for my family – cooking, cleaning, nurturing.
Do you remember the first story you ever read, and the impact it had on you?
I cannot remember the first story I read but stories have a great impact on me.
What has inspired you and your writing style?
I have been heavily influenced by African writers and poets. The works of Wole Soyinka, Chinua Achebe, Buchi Emecheta, Cyprian Ekwensi, Femi Osofisan to mention but a few. These writers and more have shaped my writing and were a great inspiration for me while growing up.
What are you working on now?
I am currently working on releasing two chapbooks in the near future, a break from full length poetry collections.
What is your favorite method for promoting your work?
What works best for me is X (formerly Twitter). X boasts of a vibrant writing and creative community. I have found success promoting my books on X.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I am currently in the process of book promotion and marketing in a bid to get the word out on my recent release. I am also simultaneously writing two chapbooks. Wish me luck!
How well do you work under pressure?
I used to think I worked well under pressure until I was hospitalized for stress and burnout. I do not advise prolonged periods of working under pressure, the tendency to cave in and break is high.
These days pressure is far from me, I even take afternoon naps daily as an adult.
How do you decide what tone to use with a particular piece of writing?
When writing for children, I deliberately soften the tone and refrain from using harsh words or writing about complex things. When writing for children I write with a measured hand. However when the target audience is adults, its a no-holds-barred style and tone.
If you could share one thing with your fans, what would that be?
My most recent collection of poems titled, “The rise and fall of rhymes and rhythms” is now out. I will like for everyone reading this to get a copy of the book. You can get it for yourself or for a loved one or for a child in your neighborhood.
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