For the author of Water Baby, Chioma Okereke, it is expedient to tell stories that provoke empathy and drive social change, hence, the essence of writing her new work titled, Water Baby.
The exciting and captivating story, set in Makoko, interrogate the life of a young lady trying to ‘japa’ from her community, in search of greener pastures abroad.
Speaking at a book reading session held in Lagos, Okereke said she hopes to inspire change for the Makoko settlement and encourage Nigerians to contribute meaningfully in changing narratives and driving societal change.
To the author, “I want my work to generate healthy conversation and provoke positive actions that will make our world a better place.”
She disclosed, “my writing is a reflection of my belief in the power of literature to effect change. It’s an invitation to readers to join me in envisioning a world where social responsibility and compassion guide our actions. I hope that the book encourages readers to look beyond their immediate surroundings and recognise the interconnectedness of our global community.
“By bringing attention to Makoko and similar under-resourced and often overlooked communities, I hope to inspire a sense of empathy and a desire for social justice. My goal is to use storytelling as a vehicle for change, to spark conversations, and motivate individuals to contribute to meaningful solutions.”
The UK/Nigerian writer and author of Bitter Leaf, speaking on the motivation for writing the novel, said: “I was watching a food programme, which held within the community and was fascinated by the setting that is just so atmospheric: Watching this American chef navigate Makoko in a way that I had never thought to do as a Nigerian. So I guess confronted with my ignorance, I went and researched the community. Again, while watching that programme, I had this snapshot of a character, which was Baby. And so I knew I had to write her story, whatever her story was going to be.”
Speaking further, Okereke added: “I think sometimes we don’t think about people that live in that community. I hope that by humanising Baby’s story and the other stories in that, you see them as real people navigating the world just much like yourself. I hope that it inspires the government to see that there are real changes that can be made to allow people to live more comfortably and also that improve Nigeria as a whole because Makoko is part of Lagos whether you like it or not.”
In conclusion, she added, “having gone to the community to ensure that I did write something accurately, I was moved by what I saw with my own eyes, and so I knew I couldn’t just leave it as a novel. I am happy that it may shed some awareness and spread some light, and people who don’t know about the Makoko community may learn a little bit more.”
Set primarily in Makoko, a floating slum off mainland Lagos, the novel features a descriptive and engaging writing style, focusing on themes of aspiration and identity. The protagonist, Baby, is a determined young woman with dreams beyond her community.
The story also explores other issues such as climate change and resettlement. Okereke has established Makoko Pearls, primarily aimed at improving the lives of Makoko’s inhabitants.
