Okey Ndibe
@OkeyNdibe
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Author of novels Foreign Gods, Inc.; Arrows of Rain; and memoir, Never Look an American in the Eye. Essayist; columnist; storyteller; despiser of cant & thieves
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Joined April 2011
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Ngugi wa Thiong’o, one of literature’s greatest stars and a generous, ebullient spirit, is 85 today. May he enjoy many more years of creative power and joy.
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Nigeria officially has an undisputed crook-in-chief!
Just got hold of the written copy of yesterday's deposition and...yeah
@ChicagoState
is in just as much trouble as Pablo Ecowas.
Apart from confirming that the certificate submitted to INEC is a forgery, they also confirmed that they have no way of knowing that "Bola A. Tinubu"
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My family and I wish all of our relatives, friends and others a year filled with joy and adventures.
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I found a special woman and wed her thrice—before the law, in church, and according to the rites of tradition. Today is the anniversary of my traditional marriage to Sheri. The love remains grows stronger by the day.
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Delighted that “Never Look an American in the Eye” won nonfiction category in CT Book Center Award.
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What a delight to meet the intrepid
@ruffydfire
, the “most dangerous man on Nigerian television”.
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Nigeria’s eloquent Vice President Yemi Osibanjo wants to send an all-black team of astronauts to moon. How about just giving Nigerians regular electric power?
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At a time as tense as this one in Nigeria, I'd like to re-share my essay on the Nigerian civil war. It's a...
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Wole Soyinka is 87 today! I celebrate this champion of human rights who taught me that “justice is the first condition of humanity.”
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I'm delighted that Housatonic College has chosen my memoir, "Never Look an American in the Eye", as its "One Book, One College" selection:
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The presidential election petition court needed nearly 13 hours to sell Nigerians the fiction that black is white, INEC was diligent, and BAT won the presidency licitly!
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Thrilled to touch the galley of my forthcoming memoir, to be published Oct. 11, 2016.
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Nothing short of dehumanizing—this practice of flinging currency notes at impoverished, desperate people. Nothing ennobling or admirable here.
Seyi Vibez went back to the streets to give his people money and show them love.
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A magnificent writer; a deserving winner of the 2022 AKO Caine Prize for African writing. Congrats!
Kenya’s Idza Luhumyo wins the 2022 AKO
@CainePrize
for African Writing for her short story “Five Years Next Sunday,” described by the judges as “an incandescent story.” She's the 5th Kenyan to win the prize & goes home with $10,000. Congrats Idza! 🍾🥂🎇
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I call for prayers for my mother, Elizabeth Ndibe, who’s in hospital.
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Why Chinua Achebe is one of the world's most important modern writers
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Many a Nigerian politician dreads being interviewed by Arise TV’s
@ruffydfire
—because Oseni unmasks liars:
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On this, the anniversary of the declaration of Biafra, I once again share my reminiscences.
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To friends and relatives concerned about news that security agents at Lagos airport tried to stop me from traveling out to US base: I’m now at Heathrow and fine. Thanks, all. Fear is a choice; I’ve chosen NOT to fear.
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I'm teaming up with a few kindred spirits from Africa and its Diaspora to launch New African Commentary, an online magazine focused on the political, economic,...
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Buhari is a disastrous president. Atiku is a disaster-in-waiting. Moghalu is the most compelling choice for president:
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David Koren’s 80 today. This extraordinary man. 54 years ago, he helped bring food and hope to me and millions of other starving Biafran kids. Let’s celebrate greatness!
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Nigerian newspaper, Punch, features Sheri and me discussing how we met, the evolution of our relationship, what has sustained us, etc, etc:
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It’s a special year for books by African writers. Kasimma’s enchanting book, “All Shades of Iberibe”, is published today. I celebrate this witty, effervescent book by a writer to watch!
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Excited that Bookcraft Africa has published a fine Nigerian edition of my debut novel, “Arrows of Rain”. Please join Toni Kan and me as we discuss the book May 14 at Roving Heights bookstore. I’ll also present at the Nigerian International Book Festival.
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@BallouxFrancois
@johnmchanning
@joerogan
I’d like to see you or some other scientist debate Malone (who has a huge audience). If he’s wrong, unmask him in a public debate. But DON’T censor!
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Soyinka has been a seminal influence in my work. In this book, I explore some of the ways:
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There’s no language to capture the scale of impunity that played out last Saturday in Lagos. Unprincipled power merchants nudged the state toward unspeakable HORROR!
Imagine having to shout “i’m not igbo” so you’ll be allowed to vote. Do you know how dangerous that is?
Any leader that permits this for their own selfish ambition hates Nigerians
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The versatile, inimitable Ngugi wa Thiong’o is 84 today. I celebrate this magnificent literary talent. If you’ve never read his novels, treat yourself—today!
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I've published two novels--Arrows of Rain; Foreign Gods, Inc.--and a memoir, Never Look an American in the Eye. I've been fortunate to receive critical acclaim and find a sizable readership in many parts of the world.
#SyncityNGLLL
We have a few minutes to go but before we do, tell us about your books and some of the accolades they have brought you.
Do conclude with last words of encouragement for writers.
@OkeyNdibe
#SyncityNGLLL
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Bayo, cursed be the day you, a man I used to respect, entertained and posted this ignorant, hateful and contemptible tweet. You do know, don’t you, that Yoruba folks vote in different parts of Nigeria, including the southeast.
Let 2023 be the last time of Igbo interference in Lagos politics. Let there be no repeat in 2027. Lagos is like Anambra, Imo, any Nigerian state. It is not No Man’s Land, not Federal Capital Territory. It is Yoruba land. Mind your business.
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Proud to be at Yale tonight as the marvelous Jennifer Makumbi and seven other writers—another novelist, two poets, two playwrights and two nonfiction authors—received the 2018 Windham-Campbell awards.
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If you’re in Lagos today, come let’s talk literature, life, and politics.
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I'm not allergic to money. Still, the accumulation of riches is the least reason I write. I respond to a passion, a fever inside of me to use fiction to wrestle with difficult questions. It's marvelous some money comes from the activity.
#SyncityNGLLL
@OkeyNdibe
sire, do you find your writing rewarding, especially financially?
Cc:
@SynCityNG
#SyncityNGLLL
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I’m a huge fan of the range, energy and provocative power of Victor Ehikhamenor’s art.
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Nigeria's General Buratai has the wrong job. He should be mentoring Warren Buffett on real estate investment in Dubai.
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Political criminals walk free in Nigeria; their critics are hounded. Time to push back against this absurdity:
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Nigeria’s a paradox. I'm happiest when in that space. There's the sunniness, humor, drama. I'm also most dispirited there: on account of the country's aborted dreams, politicians’ festering greed, collective acceptance of mediocrity, the anything-goesness of ethical values!
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@aonanuga1956
Bayo, cursed be the day you, a man I used to respect, entertained and posted this ignorant, hateful and contemptible tweet. You do know, don’t you, that Yoruba folks vote in different parts of Nigeria, including the southeast.
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In her quiet but significant way, Buchi Emecheta was a visionary writer, an irrepressible spirit, and a creative...
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Two greats, Harry Belafonte and Peter Enahoro (the irrepressible satirist who went by the pen name Peter Pan), have danced their last dance and left our mortal space. The world is a dimmer place for their exits. Still, they live on!
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My mother on her childhood, life with Father, greedy Nigerian politicians, faith etc. A blessing to have this mom:
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During my recent visit to Nigeria, Chíómá Nkém of the BBC Igbo Service interviewed me on several issues, including my childhood memories of the Biafran War. I must apologize for letting a few English words slip into my Igbo. My...
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Today is publication date of my new book. Please grab your copy today!
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This, here, are evil "lawmakers" in Nigeria mocking the poor. History will mock them. May they reap the whirlwind in due course.
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Let's face it, President Buhari's appointments suggest a troubling sectional mindset:...
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Bessie Head’s story, a staggering literary talent disinherited by a rogue agent, was—to one degree or another—the fate of many an African writer/artist of her generation. And yet she soared as a creative woman.
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Many Nigerians are allergic to history, a habit that threatens to eclipse memories of the Nigerian (un)civil war. As a child of the Biafran struggle, to date the most important political event in...
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Taken keener interest in President Buhari's appointments since inauguration. Does he even recognize there are women in Nigeria?
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Part of my recipe for sanity in these misshapen Covid19 times: rereading longtime favorite books.
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The world needs to turn the page to joy in 2022. A brilliant New Year to friends, family, all women and men of goodwill!
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"Ndibe’s...writing can induce the sort of laughter that make the ribs ache. He explores the discrepancy between...
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Glad to be in the company of my sister and brothers, cousins and numerous friends as we prepare for our beloved mother’s funeral tomorrow:
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There's an immediacy to writing opinion for a newspaper. A book--whether fiction or nonfiction--is a marathon, and demands a different kind of energy. But journalism teaches many useful skills to the fiction writer.
#SyncityNGLLL
Well said.
@OkeyNdibe
You know, I first encountered your writing in newspapers. How different is writing an opinion piece from a full length novel and how can writers make this switch effectively?
#SyncityNGLLL
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Long overdue, but it’s heartening that a judge has ordered the DSS to release Sowore. I’m headed to New York to lend my voice to calls for his full freedom:...
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Writers are great in different ways. Achebe's genius lay in the economy of his language; Toni Morrison in her alchemy of history and stories; Soyinka in his range and ethical acreage; Marquez in casting spells.
#SyncityNGLLL
There is no perfect writer but if you were to crown a writer as great, who would it be?
@OkeyNdibe
#SyncityNGLLL
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Ainehi Edoro, founder of
@brittlepaper
, begins a measured overview of the feud between Chimamanda Adichie and Akwaeke Emezi:
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My novel, Foreign Gods, Inc., explores the theft and sale of deities and other sacred objects. Here, life imitates my fiction:
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Sad to witness firsthand yesterday’s mockery of elections in Nigeria. Brazen vote buying, seizure of ballot papers, abduction of INEC officials, fraud by police, military and election officials, and widespread violence—were the disorders of the day.
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Debut novels by several African authors--Achebe, Adichie, Gyasi, Imbolo Mbue, Okparanta, Chigozie Obioma, moi,...
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The inimitable stylist, Obi Nwakanma, writes a celebration of Pius Adesanmi, his friend for close to three decades:
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For the 2018 Nobel Peace Prize I nominate the brave ones who rescued the Thai soccer kids and their coach. True heroes, especially the rescuer who gave his life.
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Nigerians ought to heed Chidi Odinkalu's warning here about the dangers of a new NGO bill being considered by the...
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My conversation earlier today with the inimitable Ngugi wa Thiong’o on his work as a writer, knowledge producer, advocate for literature in African languages:
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A writer of any generation must be prepared. You need to master the tools of any genre you wish to explore. You need to understand your subject. And a writer who doesn't read other writers is an impostor, trust me.
#SyncityNGLLL
What problems would you say writers of this generation need to solve if they plan to get their works out to a larger audience?
@OkeyNdibe
#SyncityNGLLL
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To Sheri, friend, best friend, my portrait of love, confidant, wife: I wish you a joy-rich birthday.
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My childhood memories of the Biafran War:
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If you’re in Anambra State, please come to my reading tomorrow. Let’s talk literature, life and (a bit of) politics.
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It's a bumper harvest year for writing by African authors, especially new voices. I can't wait for this one:
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The PDP and APC have represented nothing but disaster for Nigeria. So why are Nigerians casting their lots, once again, with one or the other party? My column in New African Commentary proposes a...
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You heard it here first: if Hushpuppi serves time, but comes out with some cash, he can count on Ibori-like hero’s welcome in Nigeria, a hoard of chieftaincy titles, and chairmanship of APC or PDP!
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My advice to aspirant writers is simple: Dig in! Writing requires its own muscle. It demands stamina. Eschew the easy road. Don't settle for a mediocre draft when you can nourish a work to greater vibrancy.
#SyncityNGLLL
We have a few minutes to go but before we do, tell us about your books and some of the accolades they have brought you.
Do conclude with last words of encouragement for writers.
@OkeyNdibe
#SyncityNGLLL
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Nigeria’s security agencies could have arrested tons of INEC officers who fostered fraud. Or hordes of thugs who threatened voters and carted off or destroyed ballot papers. Or security personnel who gave cover to criminals. Instead, they nabbed
@chude__
. Absurdity, Inc.!
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Oluwole Coker examines a dimension of my creative work and life:
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I left Nigeria thirty years ago, but my heart's still there. That comes across in my literary production and journalism. But wish I never left? That puts it too strongly.
#SyncityNGLLL
Glad to have you with us here, sir. It's indeed an honour.
Let's begin.
@OkeyNdibe
There is a certain nostalgia for Nigeria in your works. Do you have any confessions to make? Do you wish you never left the shores of Nigeria?
#SyncityNGLLL
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I had another irritating encounter with the SSS at Murtala Mohammed Airport Lagos. I told the officers who took...
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I wish all my Christian friends a blessed Easter; my Jewish friends a blessed Passover; to all others, a marvelous week.
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I'm near-speechless, nothing short of devastated to learn that the ever-ebullient, effervescent, larger-than-life scholar, gadfly and kindred spirit, Pius Adesanmi (right in the photo), died in the Ethiopian Airline...
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Tinubu and INEC, business partners.
JUST IN: It’s official, Chicago State University says Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu presented forged certificate to INEC
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It strikes me as vulgar to discuss football misfortunes in a country where hundreds of humans are slaughtered as if they were inferior to cattle. One feels nothing but shame—even a sense of relief that football...
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I celebrate Wole Soyinka on this, his 89th birthday. I wish him more years of creative productivity.
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Finally, UK friends & family, I'm coming your way with my memoir. Let's make it a marvelous literary date in...
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The deaths within the same week of two friends, Pius Adesanmi and Okwui Enwezor, have been a sort of education for me--and, I hope, for many of us. One lesson is that we should hold fast to friends and family, find...
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Nine years ago today, agents of senseless violence killed Kofi Awoonor, poet, novelist, scholar and diplomat. The man lives on in his work, and in many fans’ hearts.
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President Buhari's response to Boko Haram's decapitation of 43 people in Borno State is to declare himself "hurt"! How many more corpses before he admits to his abject cluelessness and resigns?
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Another shocker: A friend in Athens, Greece just wrote to inform me about the death, today, of Okwui Enwezor, one of the most prominent art curators of our time. Indeed, the last time...
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Channels TV just released a teaser from my five-hour plus interview with Wole Soyinka. The full conversation will be part of my forthcoming book on the Nobel laureate.
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Buhari's regime has been impervious to reason and constitutional norms. Perhaps the domestic and international pressure is finally registering:
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I’m proud of these shortlisted writers for the 2022 AKO Caine Prize.
📣Today we have the pleasure of announcing the shortlist for the 2022 AKO Caine Prize for African Writing.
Our shortlisted writers are:
Joshua Chizoma
Nana-Ama Danquah
Hannah Giorgis
Idza Luhumyo
Billie McTernan
Congratulations to all!
#AKOCainePrize
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Emperor Buhari slumbers away after unleashing his rabid soldiers on unarmed protesters. This man and his coterie are not leaders; they're a curse on Nigeria!
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