Proudly Nigerian

Seun Ajimobi is a twelve-year old boy lost in Libya. Thrown into a high-stakes situation, Seun must find a way out or risk never returning home or worse, losing his life. Told through the eyes of a boy abruptly cut off from the only life he has ever known, this agonizing tale of loss, isolation, family and friendship vividly captures the plight endured by those who leave home in the hope of finding greener pastures in a foreign land.

In Harmattan! and other poems, the poet pours out his thoughts as a traveller, a patriotic Nigerian, a devout Christian, and more, in this collection of laidback yet thought-provoking poems, covering his trips and observations through travel monologues, politics (both local and foreign), the ugly reality of terrorism, and the deep importance of faith to him.

He reveals his general reflections on life, the Nigerian weather/climate, aging, and Ebola/COVID; his support for the Super Eagles and for Liverpool FC; his love for his wife, his mother, and musings on Harry and Meghan’s marriage; and a reflection on rainbows, Psalm 23, and the coming of Judgement Day; all with unique observation and rhythmic mastery.

When Titilope Ojo left Nigeria for the United States over a decade ago, her mother told her that a good mother does not run from her child’s home; she always stays and fights. Those words remained fresh in her mind as events unfold in her marriage. Her husband, Tomide, is a handsome and charismatic man who she is afraid of. She spends each day anticipating his moods and lives in fear of offending him. She takes great care to try and love him just the way he wants, but worries that nothing she does will ever be enough.

As her life continues to spiral out of control, Titilope finds herself alone at a crossroads where she must choose between duty and survival.

In Chasing Butterflies, Yejide Kilanko creates a detailed and moving portrait of a difficult and harrowing marriage. She uses crystal clear prose to demonstrate the points of view of both parties and the little child caught in the crossfire of parents who are struggling to be heard and appreciated in their partnership.