Eneji Stephen Toluwalashe( Public Speaker, Author & Entrepreneur)

Author's Hangout With Zizi

Eneji Stephen Toluwalashe, popularly known as Soul’e Rhymez; is a Modern Educator,  Lecturer, Entrepreneur, Professional Public Speaker, Author and Philosopher. He is a specialist in Self-discovery And Development, which has been regarded as the soul of basic formal education. 

Born in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria in the late 20th century, he grew up in his state of origin, Kogi State where he had his secondary school education in Titcombe College, Egbe, before crossing to Lagos in the year 2008.

He got admission to UNILAG to study English Language in 2014 but opted out as he could not find the type of education he desired in a school.

Soul’e Rhymez discovered a lot of loopholes in the system of education and spent more than 8 years doing research that led to the creation of what he thought was the missing link in the system of education: Self Discovery And Development. He then created the solution: Science of Self-discovery And Development (SOSAD). which comes in three different categories and has 8 faculties, each accompanied by a course. 

He has authored many books such as “How to Become a Genius through Sex”, Single & Smart Man, Single & Smart Lady, “How We Became Narcissists” and many more.

He is also the CEO of Soul of Life Enterprise, out of which, Soul of Life Academy, where vital courses such as Science of Self-discovery and Development (SOSAD) and many other special courses are being offered. He is also the founder and CEO of Soul of Life Capacity Builders and Soul of Life Publishers, both of which are subsidiaries of Soul of Life Enterprise.

Soul’e Rhymez is the founder of the Soul of Life Foundation, which is dedicated to two things, namely, the Self-Discovery And Development of adolescents and the integration of sex education into schools and colleges through his books, also with a focus on adolescents.

     Who is Eneji Stephen Toluwalashe and what are your philosophies?

I have a lot of philosophies that I live by, but the best of them is “live and let others live”, which is the same as “do unto others as you will like them to do to you.” It is the same reason I follow Jesus Christ. He is the author of the quote. About the philosophies I created, the next generation will talk about them

     How did come up with the name the Soul’e Rhymez?

I coined it when I was in Secondary school. Soul’e was coined from my surname “Sule” while the Rhymez came from people saying I resemble Busta Rhymes an American rapper. So, I chose to be Soul’e Rhymez, instead of Busta Rhymez.

    What inspired you to choose writing?

I never liked writing. I was notorious for not writing notes when I was in secondary school. I hated writing, but as time went on in my life, I had to write. My desire to know more about myself through self-discovery and development and eventually make the world a better place than I met inspired me to write. I did not plan to become a writer; it was just the easiest way to express myself at a time. But now, I have authored more than 20 books

  Is there any author or book that influenced you in any way growing up or as an adult?

The personality of Jesus Christ inspired me a lot. I fell in love with him. It was sincerely not about religion. I did not care about religion because as far as I am concerned Jesus Christ did not create a religion. In fact, religious people went against him all his life. They killed him too. Another person who inspired me was Napoleon Hill. I have the audio version of his book Think & Grow Rich. I would have listened to it more than 5000 times over the last 7 years. Another person I love to listen to is Les Brown.

    How will you describe yourself and your writings?

The Evidence of God’s Supremacy. The stupid thing that God uses to confound the wise.

    You have an academy that encompasses a lot of training in writing, and leadership roles. What are people’s responses to it?

That is Soul’e Rhymez Leadership Academy (SRLA), formally Soul of Life Academy (SoLA). It has been great. The response has been fantastic. We have trained 100s of people in the different departments of self-discovery and development and leadership over the years. We are still growing.

   How/where do you get information or ideas for your books?

Searches and research. I search for the truth. I keep searching until I find them. If I cannot find them, I look within.

   How did you become so knowledgeable about sex and relationship issues? 

It has been explained in the previous question. I search for the truth until I find them. If I cannot find them, I look within. HOW TO BECOME A GENIUS THROUGH SEX took me more than 6 years to begin and complete. If I just wanted to write to make money or cause controversy, it would not take me two months to complete the same book. But I needed to know the truth and let people have it. That book is currently the best book on adult sex education. It can compete with any book of its nature anywhere in the world. If anyone feels otherwise, they should put the knowledge in that book to the test.

   Do you have any training as a relationship coach or is it all self-discovery?

The question is – who trains people in romantic relationships? In which Government school is it taught? If I saw one, I would have gone there to be certified. I became a Love Life Coach through self-education. I combine experience, with observations, and studies to become a Love Life Coach. If tomorrow, I need certification to perform, I will acquire it, but it will be just about that. Certification!

  In your School of Sex, what do you teach your students? Is it having an impact on their lives?

Sex Education. About impact, yes, it does. Sex covers 95% of our lives. And anyone who controls people’s sex education can control 95% of their lives. With that, they will drop the rest 5% for the person. If you think the foregoing statement is not true, then why do nearly all religions consider what they refer to as sexual sins as some of the worst sins?

It is a conspiracy! It is about power play. They know what they are doing. Once you hear about immorality in the realm of Christianity, do not think about murder, stealing, or killing, they are talking about what they refer to as Sexual Sins. Why is that? If you look for the answer, then you will find out that what I said is true.

  In your SOLF-Soul of Life Foundation, are people imbibing your teaching on Self-Discovery and Development?

Soul of Life Foundation is about service to humanity, not necessarily about my teachings only. It is to make self-discovery and development courses available to those who cannot afford to pay for them. Activities are currently on hold, but we will resume soon when we have enough weapons in our arsenal.

 How does one get into any of your academies? Any criteria?

The basic criterion is the willingness to learn and improve one’s life. Other criteria are the ability to read and write, hear, speak, and pay the token demanded as registration and tuition fees.

 How do you contend with your critiques on some of your ideas on sex and relationships?

I respond angrily many times because I am irritated about people’s contentious ignorance. I respond very harshly, and as time goes on, I realize that the best way to do it is to ask them intelligent questions to tackle their criticisms; that has never failed me. When they cannot answer my questions, they keep quiet.

Enjoy Sex and Miss Hell and How To Become A Genius Through Sex, are titles of some of your books on relationships. What is your concept of premarital sex?

Did you mean what is my take on premarital sex? My take is simple – if your religion is against pre-marital sex, then avoid it! One of the cores of my sex teaching, Sex Transmutation, helps people to stay off sex until they are married, so I am not against it. None of my teachings induces or forces people to engage in premarital sex.

I tell people what I found out about it, and it is up to them to take it or leave it. Religion is man-made and one of the best ways to control people is to do so through strict laws on sex. Nearly all the religious leaders in the world know this and this is why they have a uniform stance – prohibition and silence.

You’re always bashing women. Can you tell us why?

Correction – I am not always bashing women. I only do my job as a self-help specialist. I expose women’s weaknesses and call on them to work on them. People call me a misogynist for it, even today. Someone called me a misogynist, but it does not matter. I will do my job. I understand why it happens.

I am a straight man; which means I am getting married to a woman. How can I want to get married to a woman if I hate women? I do not hate women; I love women, but women do not love themselves. This is why they think I hate them. I have written more books and organized more seminars for women than men. How can a man who hates women do that?

I wrote a book titled HOW TO MAKE ANY MAN EMPTY HIS WALLET FOR YOU. How can a misogynist write such a book?  The only thing I do not do is to pet women for their weaknesses instead of helping them to correct these weaknesses. Men before men do that, but I will not!

I have seen the damage it did to my ancestors; I have seen many men lose their lives for this. I will not make the same mistake. A woman who wants to live with me must be willing to accept she has weaknesses and be willing to work on them. Not feel attacked when I point out her weaknesses that need to be worked on.

I do not bash women, I just expose women’s weaknesses, which they use as weapons to destroy men while playing the victims, and I am not about to stop. Watch out for my book titled WOMEN'S WEAPONS OF MEN’S DESTRUCTION. I will expose many of these weaknesses through which a lot of great men have died because they did not want to be seen as misogynists by pointing them out to be corrected.

What do you consider your best accomplishment as a writer?

Being able to solve problems that many people who came before me can’t solve. Being able to say the truth when other folks prefer to be silent. I learned that from Christ. Through my writings, a lot of my followers now know the following.

·       The difference between schooling and education.

·       The difference between religion and godliness

·       The difference between greatness and mediocrity.

Being able to do these means the world to me; I feel accomplished when I hear people’s feedback. They are worth more than money and awards to me.

 How many books have you written? Any fafavourit end why?

I have written and published 23 books, or more. My favorite is HOW TO BECOME A GENIUS THROUGH SEX. I love the knowledge it conveys; no one will read that book and not have a mind shift in the right direction. It contains more than sex education. Like I said, sex consists of 95% of our lives. So, when one has the right sex education, that person has taken 95% control of his life. Once that is done, the rest 5% will be easy to retrieve if it has been handed over to people already.

 What are the most important lessons you’ve learned as a writer?

That life is controlled by popular ideologies. Those who speak the truth will remain hidden, but they will be valued from one generation to another as they are discovered.

 What are the challenges of being a writer in Nigeria?

The number one challenge from day one has been that Nigerians in Nigeria do not like reading to learn. This is not the same as people do not like reading. Nigerians read, in fact, they read a lot, but for entertainment. When it comes to reading to learn, you can hide a secret in a book and keep it in Nigeria. It will be hidden forever unless the Government recommends it for schools.

For this reason, investors are sceptical about investing in books and it affects our sales and standard of living. We have to diversify into speaking and creating courses to pay our bills and keep things going. We are doing well, whether Nigerians read or not.

 What are your other interests outside reading and writing? 

Oratory! I am a fantastic orator. In fact, I write to have the opportunity to speak. One day, the world will know how great I am as a speaker. That day is dawning and it will be a dream come true for me.

How do you relax?

Play video games, and I have added seeing movies recently. And sometimes, I sleep as a way to relax and regain lost energy to go again.

You can also connect with him for more of his works by clicking on this link: link:https://www.facebook.com/groups/schooloflifeacademy/ to join his Facebook group.

ODE TO AN AUTHOR NGOZI EBUBEDIKE... by Dr. Dream

Ode to Ngozi Ebubedike, the Wordsmith Extraordinaire

Oh, Ngozi Ebubedike, a creator of poetic ecstasy,

With the stroke of your pen, you dance with the divine.

Your words ignite worlds, your verses set souls free,

Dear author, your brilliance forever shall shine.

In each chapter you weave, a new tale is born,

Characters spring to life, their stories come alive,

With lyrical grace, you unveil worlds torn,

Guiding us through emotions, both tender and thrive.

Your prose, like a symphony, resonates in our minds,

Melodies of truth, wrapped in the garments of art.

Through your stories, wisdom and beauty bind,

As we immerse ourselves in the depths of your heart.

With every word you write, your power unfolds,

Painting pictures with phrases, bringing dreams to light.

Your pen, a magic wand, transforming the old,

Oh, Ngozi Ebubedike, a champion of the write!

What worlds we have explored, thanks to your quill,

From distant lands to mystical realms unknown.

You invite us into your tales, hearts trembling, hearts still,

Taking us on journeys that are uniquely our own.

Your voice, like a whisper, echoes through the pages,

Whispering truths that leave us forever changed.

In your words, we find solace, like ancient sages,

A sanctuary of knowledge, beautifully arranged.

Ngozi Ebubedike, your words are a gift,

A symphony of emotions, a window to the soul.

Through your stories, our spirits you uplift,

In each word and verse, you make us whole.

So, dear author, we raise our pens in tribute,

To a literary genius, bringing light to our days.

Your words, like ink, forever cherished, absolute,

Ngozi Ebubedike, your legacy forever stays.

By Dr. Dream... literature review...

Review of Secret and Deception, books by Remi Togun-Akinola

The Secret is the heartwarming story of Dr. Teniola and Adeife's journey to love and marriage. However, the book starts with the love story of Adeife’s parents, Lucas and Princess Tife. Their romance begins at the University of Ibadan and ends in marriage after obtaining their Master's Degree in Finance. Adeife is their only child and was raised in a controlled academic environment because his father was grooming him to take over his multimillion-naira realtor's business.

The story shifted to the parents of Teniola, Ambassador Jaiyeoba, a retired Nigerian Ambassador to France and his French wife Susan, who died later in the story. Teniola got pregnant at fourteen while still in SS2. They withdrew her from school and flew her abroad to have the baby.

Twelve years later, she became Dr. Teniola, a General Practitioner at Rubik Medical Centre at Lekki. It was at this medical facility that she crossed paths with Adeife, who had come in for a routine checkup. Her compassionate care towards him served as the catalyst for their connection, and their love blossomed. Their families were delighted with their union, realising that they had been longtime friends.

Dr. Teniola and Adeife were both successful in their chosen careers. Adeife inherited his father’s realtor business while his father went abroad with his wife to enjoy their old age. Teniola also inherited her late mother’s assets worth millions of dollars. She used part of it to build a maternity hospital in honour of her mother.

They eventually get married and live happily. However, there is a dark cloud in the skyline of their marriage. Three years later, the cloud becomes denser and tears them apart. Teniola left the country back to France and stayed away for five years. A divorce letter from Adeife and the news of another woman going after her husband brought her back. On her arrival, the secret of her previous life, her concealed pregnancy, and the truth about her child was disclosed, leaving everyone, including Teniola, astounded. 

The story is a captivating narrative, full of suspense that grips the reader until the very end. While it excels as a romance tale, certain scenes lack the emotional finesse required to evoke the desired impact to help readers better understand the setting and create a more immersive experience. And some plotlines appear feeble. 

Deception

Deception is a story that captures the sad consequences of betrayal, lack of trust and acts of immaturity. Michael Johnson and Itunu Ayodele meet and fall in love and coincidentally enrol in the same school and department. Itunu got pregnant and was afraid to tell Michael because he would ask her to abort the baby since they were still in school.

Their love story takes a harrowing turn when Itunu confides in her friend. Lara, being Itunu's closest confidante, becomes privy to her pregnancy and her apprehension in revealing it to Michael, a secret entrusted solely to her. Fuelled by jealousy, Lara clandestinely betrays her friend by disclosing this secret fear to Michael. Filled with anger and betrayal, Michael abruptly terminates their four-year-long relationship.

Left emotionally shattered and carrying a three-month-old pregnancy, Itunu turns to her uncle, her sole relative and benefactor since her parent's demise. Her uncle supports her decision to keep the child and reaches out to his wife's junior sister, Dr Mrs Jones, a lecturer at Legon University in Ghana. Dr. Mrs. Jones extends her home to Itunu and facilitates her continued education in Ghana.

As Michael eventually realises his grave mistake and embarks on a quest to locate Itunu, she has already departed from the school. Itunu's uncle thwarted all Michael’s attempts to find out about his niece's whereabouts and vehemently refused to welcome him into his home. Later, through Lara, Michael learns of Itunu's tragic demise during childbirth. For years, the weight of his grief and the repercussions of his heartless actions haunt him, rendering him emotionally incapacitated and unable to pursue romantic relationships.

Meanwhile, amid Itunu's trials and tribulations, Dr. Teni Jones, her uncle's sister-in-law, adopts her as her own, renaming her Mariam Ayodele-Jones. Itunu, now Mariam, gives birth to twin boys and finds a loving home with her adopted mother.

However, fate, the master orchestrator, has more in store for these star-crossed lovers. A twist of destiny reunites Michael and Itunu when he accepts a career opportunity in Ghana through his American company, where Itunu works as an engineer. His decision is fueled by the need to reconcile his dreams with reality, aiming to extricate Itunu and their twins from his haunting past.

Their love rekindles, but Michael remains oblivious that Itunu and Mariam are the same girl he mourned as dead. On the other hand, she guards this secret closely, torn between revealing the truth and the overwhelming power of their love.

Deception is a captivating romance narrative that takes readers on an emotional odyssey of abandonment and survival. The novel reveals the intricate facets of love and the indomitable resilience of the human spirit, proving that love can defy even the most formidable odds to flourish.

The author

Remi Togun-Akinola was born in Osun State,Nigeria. She is an accomplished Educationist and Seasoned School Administrator.

She worked for the Lagos State Government as a Secondary School Teacher for almost thirty-five years and retired as a Principal and a Director.

She is also an Emotional Health Manager and Counselor.

She lives in Lagos State, Nigeria, with her husband and Children.

She is the author of Greater Love, Enduring Heart and Bittersweet.

Ifeanyi Okenwa, Poet and Copywriter

Author's Hang-Out with Zizi

If you don't give up on your dream, your dream will come to pass.

Ifeanyi Okenwa is an author, writer, copywriter, deep thinker and Poet. I followed his writings on Facebook with interest because, despite his physical disability, he churns out engaging content that shows his intellectuality and creative brilliance.

He has proven that physical disability does not equate to an inability to dream, chase your dream and live it. Ifeanyi Okenwa's successful furore in creative writing demonstrated that as long as you are not mentally retarded and as long as you’re focused and determined, you can break limitations to achieve your goals. He set out to be a writer and today he is, with a published poetry book and many yet to publish books in his name.

Ifeanyi is an inspiration to many especially Persons Living with Disabilities, as a Disability Rights Advocate, he has been featured on Solid FM 100.9 Enugu to discuss the Rights of Persons Living with Disabilities. He is a member of the Human Rights Volunteer Corp (HRVC) He was recently honoured by The Super Achiever Foundation with the Staff Matter Business Award 2023. 

Ifeanyi Okenwa with his achievement changed our perception of how to treat Persons with Physical Disabilities in society. He aptly writes in one of his poems in his book: PARADOX OF A DREAM AND OTHER POEMS, that he should not be pitied but encouraged because there's always ability in disability. He always ends most of his writings with “no life is without compensation.”

Tell us about yourself.

My name is Ifeanyi Samuel Okenwa. I hold an OND and HND in Mass Communication From Osisatech Polytechnic Enugu. I'm a freelance copywriter.  I help businesses to make money, by crafting copy that helps power their business to make sales. As a person whose heart beats for Persons Living with Disabilities, I'm a Disability Rights Advocate. I have spoken on a radio station on Solid FM 100.9, Enugu, as a guest to talk about issues on People living with disabilities.  I'm a registered member of the Human Rights Volunteer Corp (HRVC)  I am a Creative Writer, Poet, Author and Deep Thinker.  I am the author of PARADOX OF A DREAM AND OTHER POEMS, My recently published work. I have other unpublished books.

 How and when did your writing journey begin?

My writing journey begins as something of introspection. Let me explain. I'm the kind of person who reflects a lot. One day, I was reflecting on my habits of reflection, and I told myself I wanted to be a writer. Looking inside me I know I have what it takes to write a book and become a published Author. After that thought, I swung into action and started writing. The first book I wrote was a novel. I have not published the novel. I wrote that novel in my Secondary school. So my writing journey started in secondary school.

 What genre do you write?

My writing genre varies, I have dabbled in writing Prose and poetry. I have an unpublished novel. It might interest you to know I have written a non-fiction book, a motivational book precisely. Though the book is yet unpublished. So I'm a fiction and non-fiction writer.

 Where and how do you get ideas for your writing?

The ideas that inspired my writing come from so many avenues. Sometimes from my Quiet moment, and sometimes, I got the idea for my writing while taking my bath. Let me share a brief story to show you how I got the idea to write one poem in PARADOX OF A DREAM AND OTHER POEMS.

The title of this poem I'm talking about is DO NOT PITY ME ENCOURAGE ME!

I got the idea to write that poem while listening to the radio. It was one radio station in Anambra state, I can't remember the name of the station. There is one bus that conveys visually impaired students. In one school like that, the bus has an inscription written on it “DO NOT PITY ME ENCOURAGE ME.”

The words appealed to me, so I picked it up. Before then, I wanted to write a poem that would convey the challenges people living with disabilities are passing through, but I was looking for a suitable or catchy title that I would use. So immediately I heard about that inscription, I had to take it up, to write a poem using that inscription. Just like Chinua Achebe's immortal book Things Fall Apart was inspired by W.B Yeats's poem titled The Second Coming. So I get my ideas from the happenings in society, reading books and meditation.

 Is there any author or book that influenced you either growing up or as an adult?

I have read a couple of books ranging from fiction and non-fiction books. But talking about the books that influenced me, I will say Chinua Achebe books. Most especially Things Fall Apart. That book will forever remain a classic. Other authors are Cyprian Ekwensi, Wole Soyinka and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.

 What are the challenges you encountered in getting your first book published?

The challenges are merely finance. Initially, the book I wanted to publish was my novel. I aborted the idea because of a lack of funds at the time to publish the book. Even while I was in secondary school, and after I was through with Secondary school. While in high institution, I tried to publish my poetry collection, but the publisher I met at that time gave me a fee I couldn't afford which was in 2017. All efforts to seek assistance from people to raise the money to publish the book didn't work out. In 2019, I made another effort to raise the 260,000 Naira charged by another publisher, but still, I couldn't raise the money. All this while, I wanted to publish the book as a hard copy but the fund to do that was not there. So I have to leave it. It was in 2023 that I finally published my book PARADOX OF A DREAM AND OTHER POEM as an E-book even though it took me time to raise the money to publish the book as an e-book.

 Tell us about your recent poetry book, PARADOX OF A DREAM AND OTHER POEMS and what inspired the collection of poems in the book.

PARADOX OF A DREAM AND OTHER POEMS is a fourteen-poems collection that's well crafted and arranged for easy understanding and comprehension.

It is a collection of poems with thought-provoking and highly philosophical poetry that will leave you deep in thought.

Like a thread, the poems in the book touch on many aspects of life that are of utmost importance to man.

Some poems will make you smile.

Some poems will make you think and ponder. 

Some poems will make you see this life from a new perspective

Some poems will make you think about legacy and let you know that all our achievements, wealth, and what have you only ended here on earth. 

PARADOX OF A DREAM AND OTHER POEMS is a mixed-grilled collection of poems that will set you up for deep introspection.

Many things inspired the Poems in the collection. Like Societal injustice, reflection on the moral decadence in the world. Reflection on this very Earth that we are living in. Like the poem in the collection titled, The Gluttonous Earth. When you read that poem, you will see the reason I said the Earth is gluttonous.

 How long does it take you to write a poem?

To write a poem takes me up to 5- 7 days at a maximum. I don't rush my writing. I like to take my time to craft a piece that would interest readers. My poems are long, maybe that informed the reasons it takes me up to 5 -7 days to come up with one. I have to think deeply and critically about whatever I'm writing.

 What are the most important lessons you’ve learned in your writing journey?

In my writing journey, the most important lesson I have learnt is that it pays to have a perseverance spirit inside of you and never give up on your dream of whatever you want to achieve. I’m saying this because I remember when I wanted to publish my poetry collection, and there was no money, I contemplated selling the manuscript out of frustration. But I have to say No. I promised myself to publish this book no matter how long it took me to achieve it. Today, I'm a published Author. If you don't give up on your dream, your dream will come to pass.

 Give us an interesting fact about the writing of your poetry book, PARADOX OF A DREAM AND OTHER POEMS.

Hmm, interesting fact. I started writing this poetry book immediately after I finished secondary school. I completed my secondary school in 2009. Between the period I was writing JAMB and looking for admission to a high institution. I was writing the poetry book, and by the time I got admission in 2015 to Osisatech Polytechnic Enugu, the book was ready to be published. Just like I narrated my attempts to get the book published in 2017 and 2019 all failed, the book was finally published in 2023 through my perseverance.

 As a copywriter, how do you get your content?

As a copywriter, I get my content from reading other people's content as it pertains to copywriting, reading books on copywriting and reading articles from Quora. All these serve as inspiration that enables me to craft my content.

 How has being a writer helped your personality growth, and where do you see yourself in the coming years with your writing?

Being a writer has helped my personality grow in so many ways. It has made me more reflective about things, calmer in how I relate with people, and take personal development seriously. Where I see myself in the coming years with my writing, I would like to see my work in the hands of many readers, and I would also like to earn money from writing.

 What are your other interests besides writing?

Outside Writing, I would like to venture into the real estate business one day. Everything about real estate investment interests me a lot. Another interest is entertainment. Let me not divulge my plan for this entertainment idea. 

 What challenges do you face as a writer with a physical disability?

As a writer with a physical disability, I face so many challenges like inaccessible environments; it is not every place that my wheelchair will access. People’s attitude and lack of understanding, some see physically challenged people as beggars. Unemployment is higher for people living with disabilities. I graduated in 2019 and tried looking for a job but there was none. I wrote a letter to the Ministry of Gender Affairs and Social Development and Enugu state Government in 2021, I submitted the two letters by myself to the Ministry of Gender Affairs and Social Development and Government House. Till today, I have not gotten any response from the Government House or the Ministry. I have a copy of the letter I wrote to the Government House, specifically to the Governor. 

 As a Disability Rights Advocate, what would be your advice to people with physical challenges in life?

My advice to People Living with Disabilities is that they should be strong in the mind, even though they are weak in the body. Wherever they find themselves, they should allow their innate abilities to shine forth. Show more abilities even when people see more of your disability. Let me say it, your disability does not in any way cancel your innate skills. You can succeed despite your physical disability. Don't permit anyone to tamper with your self-esteem.

 You’re a member of the Human Rights Volunteer Corps (HRVC). What is it all about?

Yes, I am a registered member of Human Rights Volunteer Corp(HRVC) the organization founded by Larry Oguego to educate people on their Fundamental Human Rights and how to defend themselves using the instrumentality of the law as their weapon. You know not many people know their rights in this country, even when their rights are enshrined in the Constitution. That's why you will see the police intimidate people, lock people up unnecessarily, and later collect money for bail. When you enter the police station, you will see the bold inscription BAIL IS FREE. We all know how police in this country have turned that assertion upside down. But to get bail for free, you need to know your rights and be steadfast in defending them. When you come to HRVC, the organisation will equip you to know, and defend your rights. I have learnt so many things since joining the organisation. You know the law enforcement officers use intimidation to subdue people because most Nigerians do not know their rights. Even those who know their rights do not have the patience to defend themselves in the eyes of the law. 

 What’s your family's reaction to your writing career?

My family's reaction to my writing has been a positive one. Even though they are not that financially buoyant to finance my writing dreams, their moral support has been encouraging. They give me a conducive environment to write whenever I want to write.

 What else are you great at that few people know about?

On this very question, I will say that I am very quick-witted, in a flash, I can come up with thoughts that can wow you. I can come up with thoughts that are highly philosophical and make sense to anyone who listens to it. If you read my Facebook posts, you will attest to that. My username on Facebook is Ifeanyi Okenwa, in case you want to check me out on Facebook. I'm highly philosophical in my conversation. One of my friends gave me the nickname Philosopher. I can wax philosophical at times.

 What’s your favourite music/film?

I love music and film very much especially interesting and educative film and music. I love Tuface music, Asa music, highlife music, Rhythm and Blues music and Jazz music. I love action films and historical films. 

 How do you relax, and what are your hobbies aside from writing?

I relaxed by listening to cool songs, watching football, and wrestling. Some of my hobbies include reading and playing Ludo.

If you want to get a copy of my book, here are the links.⬇️

SELAR:

https://selar.co/Paradox

OKADABOOKS:

https://store.okadabooks.com/book/about/paradox_of_a_dream_and_other_poems/54401

Dr Ejiro Joyce Otive-Igbuzor(Author/Scientist/Researcher)

Author's Hangout with Zizi

When you talk about women of substance in Nigeria, she is listed in the top position. When you mention women with the passion to help other women unleash their potential and grow, her name is on top too. Dr Ejiro Joyce Otive-Igbuzor is an achiever of high repute, a woman who excels in whatever field or endeavour she dabbled in.  

Dr Ejiro Joyce Otive-Igbuzor is also a Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Specialist. An Amazon, a motivator, mentor and philanthropist. She is the initiator of Gals Global Hangout, a Facebook group that has gone beyond visual meetings to physical get together in some major cities of the country, connecting women from different spheres of life to interact, learn from each other for growth and skill acquisition.

Tell us about yourself? 

My name is Ejiro Joyce Otive-Igbuzor. I hold a PhD in Microbiology with a speciality in TB/HIV coinfection and tuberculosis bacteriology. I am a Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Specialist and a Monitoring and Evaluation practitioner. I worked previously as the Nigeria Country Director of the Centre for Development and Population Activities (CEDPA) and as the Gender and HIV/AIDS Programme Coordinator for UNIFEM (now UN Women) covering Anglophone West Africa.  I was also a Research Fellow at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research and a Lecturer at Ramat Polytechnic, Maiduguri, among other assignments.

I am the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Emerald International Development Services (EIDS) Limited, a development consulting firm that provides services for local and international clients in several thematic areas. 

In addition to the above, I am a Pastor and the Assistant General Overseer of the Palace of Priests Assembly (PPA). I co-founded the Priests, Peace and Justice Initiative, the social arm of PPA that implements the MacArthur-Foundation- funded SHUN Corruption Project. I also coordinate a GESI and M&E Community of Practice, coaching and mentoring women to strengthen their professional skills and to achieve competitive advantage in the workplace and business arena. 

I am a seasoned writer with several academic and other publications to my credit. My book, Monitoring and Evaluation Demystified is making waves in the development sector. I have developed several training manuals, including Gender and Social Inclusion Training Manual (commissioned by SCALE/ACLSD) (2022); GESI Modules for Training of Master Trainers, SFH (2021); Training Manual on Gender, Rights and Sexuality, for International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF), Nairobi, Kenya, (2009); Training Manual on Gender and HIV/AIDS, Training Manual on SGBV, HP and SRHR for Men and Boys, and a Facilitators Handbook. I recently completed a Gender Based Violence Manual for Religious Leaders, commissioned by ACLSD/ChristianAid. On the spiritual side, I write the Sunday School Manual for our church, Palace of Priests Assembly. It is titled, Possessing the Nations through Sunday School.   I also write the Daily Devotionals. 

You recently launched two books, Trophy Husband and The Travails of Omotejomo. How does it feel to be a published author of two novels? We know you have other published works.

It is a dream come true…actually, it is destiny fulfilment and my joy is full. This for me is a divine calling which I have delayed for too long. Thank God that at last, I have picked up the courage to obey. I have received lots of cheques for my consultancy work but none of those can pay for the joy I feel as the author of two romance novels.

You’re a Microbiologist with an impressive profile and a busy schedule as a consultant, add that you’re a pastor too, how do you find the time to write?

Part of my life philosophy is that every human being has 24 hours in a day. Whatever you consider important you create time for. My husband, Dr Otive Igbuzor always preaches that excuses, no matter how genuine can never replace delivery. Writing is my calling. It took me a long time to accept that and embrace it fully; so, when I wake up early in the morning, I do the strategic thing. I write the devotional for that day, say my prayers and write a Chapter or episode of my novels. I wake up super early, at about 3:00 am. My brain is wired to function at its peak at that time. Once I set the tone early in the morning, I can write throughout the day, when commuting, when in a boring meeting, when waiting at the bank, etc.

When did you first realise you wanted to be a writer?

Well, I realised I could write as early as secondary school. My Mum had a unique love and marriage experience that looked like something out of the movies so I started documenting the part of her story I knew. I wrote several notebooks-full and lost them because I never took myself seriously. I was a science student and had been prepped or brainwashed by my parents that I would be a Medical Doctor. Writing those stories was fun but I never imagined that they could ever be published until my husband came asking for my hand in marriage during my Youth Service in Maiduguiri. I had written a new chapter, and I gave him to read. He loved it, was excited, and said it would make for a good book. Despite that, I still did not see the Novelist in me. I am a Scientist with no degree in the Social Sciences, let alone literature. I had a mental block that lasted too long. I did not stop writing, though. I wrote a drama titled Deadly Paradise. My husband encouraged me to submit it for an NTA Maiduguri Script Writing competition and it won the third prize. That boosted my ego, and through my husband’s support, I published Deadly Paradise as my first literary work in the year 2000.

Where do you get ideas for your two books?

Experiences of people around me and some personal experiences; then there is inspiration from the Holy Spirit, my biggest source.

How long did it take you to write the books?

67 days for the Travails of Omotejomo and 42 days for Trophy Husband.

Did you experience writer’s block while writing your books?

None. Whatsoever. And maybe, that was because members of the Gals Global Hangout were reading and discussing episodes daily, and that kept my motivation alive.

What is your work schedule like when you're writing?

Because I have commitments to various clients, I quickly get a chapter or two out of the way first thing in the morning, and if I find space within the rest of the day, I fill in.

Is there any author or book that influenced you in any way either growing up or as an adult?

Chinua Achebe and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. I was in Juba, South Sudan for a Gender Audit Consultancy with UNOPS when, one evening, I sat in front of the TV and saw Chimamanda featured. I loved her instantly and was reminded in a bitter way, how I had failed to release the novels in my head to the public. I cried my eyes out, just admiring her and lamenting about my own ‘failure’ in this regard. Interestingly, after that outburst, I continued living my life and did not pay much attention to literary writing. 

What are the challenges you encountered in the process of publishing your books?

First, there was a tremendous delay on my part. Being a perfectionist, I always felt that there could be one more improvement that could make the book better. For these books to be released in my birth month, June 2023, my husband had to wade in. He gave me the needed encouragement and push. He even paid the deposits.

When the first set of book covers arrived, I set up a creative heads’ team to review them. The team did not like any of them. I had to embark on a huge search for appropriate covers. Here we are. The covers are beautiful and they pass across important messages.

Tell us about your upcoming book?

I have two other written romance novels, Tacking the Rainbow and My Ex-Boyfriend Happens to be My Boss.

Tacking the Rainbow is the true-life stories of trafficked women woven into romantic fiction with ecclesiastical flair. Life's twists and turns lead Don from spending nights in a motor park in Nigeria to an unexpected life in Europe. It is a tale of the Japa syndrome and how many people end up being worse off in unknown terrain. Like Don, Kevwe had a huge crush on a fine young man. Her first sex led to a pregnancy. She dropped out of school. Somehow, Don found and married her for all the wrong reasons. The story is an emotional roller coaster ride! According to a commentator, ‘Discover the power of second chances and the resilience of the human spirit in Kevwe and Don’s captivating story!’

In My Boss Happens to be my Ex-Boyfriend, a past relationship resurfaces unexpectedly. The protagonist finds herself working in an establishment owned by an ex.  She faces this unexpected situation with integrity and professionalism, setting and respecting boundaries in and outside the workplace. Her husband’s insecurity takes a toll and causes tension highlighting the need for trust and effective communication. The novel highlights the patriarchal ideologies and traditional gender roles that can cause conflict in a relationship and how the parties involved can work through this to find common ground. The story explores the power of forgiveness and the ability to move forward in difficult situations to nurture a healthy relationship.

Is anything in your books based on real-life experiences or purely all imagination?

Real-life experiences inspire the imagination.

Did your work as a gender expert and advocate have any colouration on the writing of your books?

Certainly! All my novels inspire respect for human rights. They are empowering stories of how everyday people, especially girls and women who navigate life in difficult circumstances, break out of their limitations and fulfil their destinies. 

What messages do you want readers to take away from your books?

My novels break the silence on sexuality. They delve into realms of intimacy to discuss topics that parents are too embarrassed to discuss with their children. Some religious leaders consider these topics taboo. So, girls and women tend to wallow in ignorance. Unsuspecting persons take advantage of them, and their lives are ruined. My novels give a ray of hope. I present possibilities and the stories of ginger members of society to become destiny helpers. The God factor comes through in all my stories.

As a woman championing the cause of women in Nigeria and worldwide, what are your plans to reach more women and impact their lives?

Through my books, I show the possibilities; From the pulpit and several touchpoints, I fan the flames of their faith in God, the unchangeable changer;

In the Gals Global Hangout, we share experiences and learn from one another;

On my GESI and M and E Community of Practice, 5 train mid-level professionals, only females, to achieve competitive advantage.

My husband, Dr Otive Igbuzor and I have the Ejiro and Otive Igbuzor Foundation. We give seed grants to businesses to expand. We also give scholarships, especially to primary school and University students.

What’s your family's reaction to your writing career?

Oh, my goodness! They are my biggest supporters. My hubby is my greatest cheerleader, my daughter, Rukevwe, ‘Rukky’ is my first line Editor and my son is all over the place developing creative and fun adverts for my books.   

As a scientist and researcher, how would you describe your entry into the world of literary writing?

Smooth so far. I also defied people who tried to discourage me. I know that more people are rooting for me and I choose to focus on them.

What’s your word of advice to women who would want to toe your line? 

Be decisive! Take the bull by the horns. Do not delay like I did. Again, a delay is not denial. No matter where you are in life, pick that skill and run with it.