To Adesuwa Ehinome Iluobe, words are powerful, and the ability to wield those words and harness their power is a useful skill that can be used to change the world for the better.
In this eelive.ng edition of Book People, we take a deep dive into Iluobe’s sojourn in the literary world and how she’s used her innovations to foster reading culture in Nigeria, inspire other young writers to find their voices, and use their superpower to launch out into the industry and succeed.
Novel Beginnings
Her interest in poetry and love for books began with her parents, who owned a lot of books when she was growing up. “I had a sheltered childhood; my favourite recourse was to books. As early as five years old, I was already a voracious reader. Then, at six years old, I was reading books and novels meant for primary six students,” she tells eelive.ng’s Chidirim Ndeche in an interview.
Her dad often gifted her books and she read from the many novels her mother owned. By the early age of six, Iluobe began to create comics. A few years later, she graduated to writing short stories. She stopped drawing comics while at the university.
“Courage is Never the Absence of Fear; Just Do it.”
Iluobe founded an organisation called Satayaa Africa on July 21, 2017, to help readers and writers succeed by exposing them to invaluable resources. “I enjoy helping writers find their voice and style of writing.” At her virtual community, Satayaa, readers and writers can learn to improve on their writing and learn extensive reading.
Satayaa Africa began because of the issues Iluobe had to grapple with in her journey as a writer, and the lack of a creative space to drive her. Satayaa is a pseudonym for ‘Satire’. “At school, it used to be hard for us to pronounce it, so Satayaa. Everything we do in Satayaa Africa gets its roots from us being Satirists to change the world for the better.”
A year later, in 2018, Satayaa started a programme themed Stories After School Hours (SASH) that aimed to teach children in local communities to read and write their stories. “We believe that developmental issues are mostly considered from the viewpoints of adults and authorities. Our studies show that not much consideration is paid to the viewpoints of children, in decision making yet they have very profound insights we keep missing out, ” she told eelive.ng
So far, the programme has published two anthologies authored by children – United Hearts (2020) and Souls of a Kingdom (2019). She explains further that her organisation is “currently working with children in a community called Kapwa in Lugbe Abuja to implement the SASH programme, and we are enjoying the journey. We are also working with an organisation called Creative Culture to set up mobile libraries in Government secondary schools.”
“The Farm and Other Stories”
Iluobe launched her first book, The Farm, in July 2017. The book is a collection of five fictional short stories which serve as metaphors for Nigeria and her dynamic experiences. It satirises issues like activities on baby factories, terrorism and discrimination. The anthology contains stories Iluobe initially submitted for various competitions she ended up not winning. Then, as a self-challenge, she chose to have them published to test readers’ reactions to her style of writing.
The Farm, the titular story, is set in a rustic part of Nigeria where an unusual farm records uncommon success and productivity in its operations. It talks about Moremi, a young girl flung into an unfamiliar world that is highly expectant of her. Amidst fatal changes, bizarre alliances, a quest for wealth and love, she finds an unlikely friend in Ugonna. With each choice they make, their lives unfold before them until they stumble upon a shattering revelation that unsettles what little balance there is at the farm.
Ever since, she has written another book – still unpublished – titled “When He Comes”. Set in Southern Kaduna, the book centres around the theme of love. It was inspired by her visit to Birnin Gwari, a town frequently which suffers attacks and killings, a day after an attack in 2017.
Writing is a journey, and Iluobe opines that the most important elements of any well-written work are memorable characters, great plots and resolutions. To test the extent to which her readers connect with her stories, the satirist often hides secrets in her work that inspire varying, deep thoughts on certain subjects.
“Nigerians Don’t Read?”
You have probably heard the famous saying that “Nigerians don’t read”, in reference to the seemingly poor reading culture of people in this region. Iluobe, whose organisation is directly affected by this, begs to differ. “We do not work from that viewpoint. We believe people read what interests them. So part of what we do is to help readers realise that some books may not interest one, and that is fine.”
Every creative in the literary world needs a safe space to thrive, and a community where they can learn from and inspire one another. Iluobe says, “I know how magical it is to meet others who have read diverse books as well, but there is hardly that space for readers to come together to deeply discuss issues gleaned from books, reward readers, relate lessons learned to society, and even foster positive changes through solutions harvested from books. In my mind, these go beyond book clubs, and we have started building and designing such a community.”
One way in which Iluobe feels the reading culture in Nigeria and Africa as a whole can improve is by rewarding readers. “Writers need to learn to engage more with readers and find ways to reward them. Also, the editorial space could become more creative and viable. That is for us creatives to do.”
“I Do Not Believe Anyone Was Created to Do Only One Thing.”
Miss Iluobe studied Law at the University of Abuja and then got called to the Nigerian Bar in 2011. She has an MBA from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and became a chartered secretary and administrator in 2015. Now, she is a writer, lawyer, innovator and fashion designer. She started a fashion line called Seams Clothiers in 2012.
In addition to her work, Iluobe is a pro-earth and anti-climate change enthusiast. She also works as a business strategist and loves to cook up new ideas and career-changing solutions. She loves great music, working with children, dancing to high life music and plantain.
Adesuwa Iluobe does not consider writing as a job. Her career as an HR personnel and administrator makes up her day job. She constantly births new ideas and assisting businesses in strategising. The young writer also has big dreams of being a voice to be reckoned with in Nigeria’s political sphere.
“Follow Your Dreams, No Matter What”
Iluobe believes there is never going to be a perfect time to go after your dreams. Her philosophy is: “Give your dreams time, hard work and consistency, this will birth growth in time. Do not compare with others; learn from them and do what rocks your boat. The world awaits you.”
She advises writers to note that there is nothing like a perfect story or an ideal time to write. Her final counsel is: “Do not die with your stories; write them and share.”
If you need constructive reviews you can send mails to hello@satayaa.com. Engage with with them on our Instagram pages @satayaafrica and @storiesafterschoolhours, send a mail to satayaapress@gmail.com. You can also visit the official website satayaa.com.”