Nigerian writer and Republic’s business and economics editor, Osione Oseni-Elamah, says it is disheartening that many people still refuse to listen to the communities most affected by climate change: ‘I came across an article about the Niger Delta floods in which residents attributed rising water levels to climate change and pollution. Disturbingly, several commenters dismissed these claims, questioning how villagers could understand climate change.’
First Draft is our interview column, featuring authors and other prominent figures on books, reading, and writing.
Our questions are italicized.
What books or kinds of books did you read growing up?
Growing up, I read everything I could get my hands on. My parents and school encouraged a strong reading culture. My primary school participated in a scholastic reading club, and every month, my parents allowed my sister and me choose a book each to share. My uncle also sent us boxes of books from the US during the summer, ensuring I always had something new to dive into. Enid Blyton’s works, particularly The Famous Five and The Secret Seven, were staples. These stories fuelled my imagination, and I often reenacted my own adventures while visiting my village. I also remember reading classics like Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart and George Orwell’s Animal Farm before the age of ten. Though I didn’t grasp their broader meanings at the time, they opened avenues for me to engage in more adult conversations with my parents. I would say I was more of an avid reader as a child than I am now. Today, I mostly read romance novels for fiction and focus on academic papers or news articles.
If your life so far was a series of texts, which text (fiction or non-fiction) represents you at this moment?
At the moment, I feel most connected to Maame, the protagonist in Jessica George’s debut novel, Maame. While our life circumstances differ, I deeply relate to her journey of self-discovery in her 20s, navigating the complexities of independence and identity.
What’s the last thing you read and disagreed with?
I read a lot of news and often browse through the comments to gauge public sentiment. Recently, I came across an article about the Niger Delta floods in which residents attributed rising water levels to climate change and pollution. Disturbingly, several commenters dismissed these claims, questioning how villagers could understand climate change. It is disheartening to see so many people still deny climate change and refuse to listen to the communities most affected by it.
No single book can provide a complete understanding of the Nigerian economy, but I’d recommend A History of Nigeria by Toyin Falola and Matthew Heaton as a foundational read.
What’s the last thing you read that changed your mind about something?
I recently read an article on ‘The Peter Principle’, which posits that people are often promoted based on their current competence until they reach a role in which they are no longer effective. Initially, I believed that young people frequently switch jobs due to companies not providing enough upward mobility or incentives for loyalty, making job-hopping seem like a rational choice. What I appreciated most about the article was how it shifted my perspective. It explained that businesses might hesitate to promote employees because moving them up the ladder could lead to inefficiencies if their skills don’t match the demands of a higher role. This made me reconsider why some companies might avoid traditional promotions—they are trying to avoid these mismatches. The author’s suggestion of creating incentives that don’t necessarily involve promotions really resonated with me. By offering horizontal moves, skill development, or other forms of recognition, companies can reward employees without pushing them into unsuitable roles. This felt like a smart, balanced way to retain talent and foster loyalty.
Which writer or piece of writing inspired you to pursue a career in journalism?
I wouldn’t say that any single writer pushed me to journalism per se, but several authors have influenced my career path. My love for John Grisham’s novels motivated me to study law. Although legal work is not as dramatic as depicted in the books! My legal studies introduced me to the TWAIL scholarship (Third World Approaches to International Law) particularly the works of scholars such as Anthony Anghie, Makau Wa Mutua, James Thuo Gathii, Obiora Okafor and many others. Their critiques of the colonial tendencies of international law and its role in the exploitation of the Global South inspired me to contribute to African scholarship, which eventually led me to write.
What is your writing process: edit as you write or draft first, then edit?
I am a draft first, then edit person. Like many writers, I find my initial drafts cringe-worthy, and getting words on the page can be daunting. Writing the draft first allows me to pour out all my thoughts before going back to fine-tune. If I edited as I wrote, I would get hyper-focused on specific details and lose momentum. That said, I always write in sections guided by a detailed outline. So, I’ll draft a full section first, then edit, and the cycle goes on.
What was your process for writing your essay ‘Building Blocks: The Challenging Realities of African Economic Integration’?
This essay was written in response to a call for submissions for The Republic’s print issue titled Pan-African Dreams. The topic of African integration had always resonated with me, and I had been doing a lot of research on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) at the time. So, I saw this as an opportunity to share my interests and view on a broader scale.
Once I picked a sub-category, I worked on creating a topic that would effectively showcase the pan-African origins of the AfCFTA. I then created a list of questions flowing from that overarching topic and a preliminary outline which helped guide my research process. Given the academic nature of the essay, I spent considerable time gathering materials before diving into analysis. Research is my favourite part of writing, and I create meticulous notes with references for every source. I would describe myself as more of a researcher than a writer. As I researched, I used that to inform the refinement of my outline. Once I felt confident enough about the topic, I read all my research notes, reformulated my thesis, created a detailed outline and then started writing. The bulk of the work happened before any writing was done, and from there, I wrote the first draft in a couple of days. Then I had to give myself some distance from the essay before coming back to edit.
How did your approach change in writing your essay, ‘Pelumi Nubi’s Solo Drive’?
My general approach stayed the same as I have created a writing process that works for me, but the research process differed. Since the essay centred on Pelumi Nubi’s remarkable solo expedition across Africa, I first had to immerse myself in her story. I listened to extensive podcast interviews she’d given and combined that with research on African free movement and economic integration.
Research is my favourite part of writing, and I create meticulous notes with references for every source. I would describe myself as more of a researcher than a writer.
What inspired this story and what drew you to Nubi’s expedition?
As a pan-Africanist, I’m always looking for stories about African integration. Nubi’s expedition stood out to me for its boldness and symbolic resonance. Solo travel is a daunting experience for many, and I found her determination inspiring. Through her Instagram updates, she not only showcased the beauty of diverse African cultures but also highlighted the challenges, which resonated with me. Her journey sparked timely conversations about free movement within Africa, making it a story worth exploring.
What’s the most interesting reaction/feedback you’ve had about your writing?
One of the most interesting reactions I’ve received was when a person outside my LinkedIn network shared one of my pieces on his profile and sent me a message saying it was an excellent read. The comment itself wasn’t particularly extravagant, but what made it memorable was the fact that this person, whom I had no prior connection with, had read my work almost immediately after it was published—without any promotion on my part. I am used to receiving feedback first from my immediate circle, so it was fascinating and validating to see my work resonate with a broader audience so quickly.
What is the most meaningful piece of writing advice you’ve ever received?
‘Perfect is the enemy of good—or done.’ This advice came from my undergraduate dissertation supervisor. At the time, I was writing an essay on holding multinational corporations accountable in their home states for human and environmental rights abuses abroad, using experiences within the Niger Delta as a case study. While I have always been a very opinionated person who is not afraid to express what she feels, I have found it quite hard to do that in writing. I struggled with perfectionism and felt that I wasn’t qualified enough to write on such a heavy topic. My supervisor’s words reminded me that no piece of writing is ever truly perfect, but striving for perfection can stop you from finishing anything at all. Since then, I’ve embraced the idea that producing something good—and continuously improving—is far more valuable than fixating on flawlessness.
Lola Shoneyin’s The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives is a strong contender for future classic status. Its vibrant characters and exploration of polygamy in Nigerian society are compelling, but the universal themes of love, betrayal, and resilience will likely resonate for generations to come.
You are the Business and Economics editor at The Republic. What is the most important contribution an editor makes to a piece of writing?
I think an editor’s most important contribution is ensuring that the writer’s message is communicated clearly and effectively. Writers have the creativity and ideas, but editors help refine these into something that resonates with the audience. My goal as an editor is to help authors find the best way to express their messages, ensuring it has the desired impact. I hope that my edits not only enhance the piece but also provide guidance that strengthens the writer’s future work.
What makes a great story?
A great story hinges on a clear central narrative. Whether fiction or non-fiction, it needs to have a core message or takeaway. Readers should be able to walk away with a clear understanding of what the story is trying to convey. Still, beyond just having a central message, a great story also leaves room for readers to form their own interpretations and think more deeply about the themes presented.
As an editor, what’s more important to you: the story or how it is written?
This is a very tough question. Despite my previous answer, I have to play the field and say that both are essential. I see the story as an idea or concept and how it is written as its execution. A compelling story or idea can easily be lost if it’s not communicated well, but no amount of beautiful prose can save a story without a solid core. If a piece has a strong narrative and the writer can communicate it clearly, I can help refine it into something impactful.
Which books should we read to better understand the Nigerian economy today?
No single book can provide a complete understanding of the Nigerian economy, but I’d recommend A History of Nigeria by Toyin Falola and Matthew Heaton as a foundational read. For a more contemporary look, Economic Diversification in Nigeria: The Politics of Building a Post-Oil Economy by Zainab Usman is essential. It discusses Nigeria’s over-reliance on oil and the ongoing efforts to build a more diversified economy.
Who is the most compelling character you’ve ever encountered in a book, and what makes them memorable?
Kingsley Ibe from Adaobi Tricia Nwaubani’s I Do Not Come to You by Chance is one of the most compelling characters I’ve encountered. He is a brilliant young man thrust into the role of family breadwinner after his father’s illness and death. Despite his intelligence and degree in chemical engineering, Kingsley’s life takes a turn when he becomes involved in online scams after successive failures to secure a good-paying job. His story reflects the difficult choices many Nigerians face—between living in poverty or resorting to illicit means. While I don’t agree with his decisions, the character’s complexity and his moral dilemmas make him memorable.
Which contemporary books do you think will become classics in the future?
Lola Shoneyin’s The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives is a strong contender for future classic status. Its vibrant characters and exploration of polygamy in Nigerian society are compelling, but the universal themes of love, betrayal, and resilience will likely resonate for generations to come. You can buy this book from our online store here.
What’s your literary pet peeve?
Sentences that begin with conjunctions like ‘and’ or ‘but’ really bother me. While I understand it can be used for stylistic effect, it is a pet peeve of mine, especially in formal writing.
At the moment, I feel most connected to Maame, the protagonist in Jessica George’s debut novel, Maame.
Who are the Nigerian writers you’re most excited about today (and why?)
I am particularly excited about Abubakar Adam Ibrahim, the author of When We Were Fireflies. His ability to weave serious themes into engaging narratives is remarkable. For example, the protagonist in When We Were Fireflies, Yatima Lalo embarks on a journey to uncover stories from his past lives and seek closure. Ibrahim’s exploration of themes like love, death, and memory makes his writing both profound and entertaining. I have a fear of death and anxiety over what happens when we die, so Ibrahim’s work offers a fresh perspective on death which possibly has some beauty within it.
Imagine you’re starting a book club. Which three writers would you invite (and why)?
I think we need to keep African romance fiction alive. I know people sometimes don’t see romance as serious reading, but I really think it can be and should not be looked down on. Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice is a renowned classic and it is most definitely a romance novel. So, my book club would be focused on African romance fiction and funny light-hearted stories. A third space dedicated to love and laughs, to escape from the troubles of the world and the Nigerian economy. I would invite Damilare Kuku for her perfect blend of humour and romance. She has a way of capturing readers with eye-catching titles and witty dialogue. Tolulope Popoola defies the stereotypical boy-meets-girl trope in her romance writing. Then, as cliché as it is, Chimamanda Ngozi Adicihie. She’s a literary giant for a reason. From encountering her through Purple Hibiscus in my teens till now, she perfectly captures the experiences of female protagonists at different stages of life and would deepen any book club discussion.
What is your favourite topic to write or read about these days?
I am currently reading about some of Nigeria’s heroes. I think their stories give us greater insight into Nigeria and we can also learn lessons from their experiences. I would recommend, I Am Because We Are by Chidiogo Akunyili Parr. It is an inspiring memoir that tells the story of her mother, Professor Dora Akunyili, who is undeniably one of the most remarkable and renowned women in Nigeria’s post-independence history. While Akunyili is famous for her relentless fight against counterfeit drugs and food products as the head of NAFDAC, this story gives her more of a human face, detailing her work in community building, her struggles to remain steadfast in Nigeria’s misogynistic society and its impact on her family. I am also working my way through My Watch, which is a three-part memoir of Olusegun Obasanjo, the first civilian president of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic (1999 till date).
I think we need to keep African romance fiction alive. I know people sometimes don’t see romance as serious reading, but I really think it can be and should not be looked down on.
What are you currently working on?
I am currently working on an essay exploring Nigeria’s quest for economic independence in the 1970s. Look out for it soon on The Republic. (First Draft editor’s note: This essay has now been published and you can read it here.)
Question from Oyindamola Depo-Oyedokun: What book or story do you wish you had beaten its writer to writing because you resonated so deeply with it?
Honestly, I can’t think of a specific book. In creative work, there are no truly new ideas—everything depends on the writer’s unique perspective. Moreover, I write mostly non-fiction, where the main purpose is to add to discourse on a topic, where multiple writers can explore the same subject, each bringing their own argument to the table. So, I never feel as though it is too late to contribute to a conversation.
Bonus: Please suggest a question for a future author’s First Draft
If you could choose one book from your own works to be adapted into a different medium (e.g., film, TV series, video game), which would it be and why? What changes or additions would you like to see in the adaptation?
Who do you think we should interview next?
Abubakar Adam Ibrahim. I am fascinated by his storytelling⎈
We want to hear what you think about this interview. Submit a letter to the editors by writing to editors@republic.com.ng.
