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.

Chike Okeze (Author)

Chike Okeze is a young, vibrant Nigerian writer and author who uses his gift of storytelling to craft books that resonate with readers, books that highlight the rich cultural heritage of his people. In this interview, Chike talks about his journey as a writer, and the challenges he has encountered so far in his quest to make a name for himself in the community of writers.

Q: Tell us about yourself

Chike: Thank you, Mrs Ngozi. It’s indeed an honour to be on this platform to talk about myself and my writing career.

My name is Chike Godwin Okeze, an author, a Pastor and an easygoing and imaginative person.

I was born and brought up in Lagos Nigeria but hail from Ibusa, in Oshimili North, Delta State. I am the second child in a family of six; five boys and a girl, all grown ups now.

I have a qualification in Business administration and management, from Lagos state Polytechnic and I am an Associate Member Charted Institute of Business Administration (ACIA). I belong to the Literary Authors Cooperative, Lagos, of which I am a founding member. 

Q: What inspired you to become a writer?

Chike: I have the gift of storytelling. As a child, I enjoyed folk tales. My mum was a good storyteller and never hesitated to tell my siblings and me bedtime stories. Let’s say I inherited the gift from her. Growing up I often find it easy to make up stories for my peers. 

As a child, I was artistic and good at creating art. In primary school, I made money from my classmates through comic illustrations. But my interest in creative writing began in secondary school when I was introduced to literature as one of my subjects. Poetry was my first love of the entire literary genre. I wrote several poetries, mainly satire, with themes that centred on politics, war, nature and love. 

My interest shifted from poetry to prose, in my later years in secondary school. Books such as Things Fall Apart, Bottled Leopard, The Concubine and so on, fired my imagination. I made up my mind to write, the first time, after I read, God Father, by Mario Puzo, an American author, of Italian descent. In 2001, I started writing a book, titled Death Toll and finished the project in 2005. Ever since I have not looked back on my writing career.

Q: What genre do you write and how did you choose it?

Chike: I write literary fiction, but not limited to that alone, I’m versatile in my creativity. I write stories that explore the African culture and realities of the human condition. The themes of my stories revolve around love, communal conflicts, marital conflicts, children's affairs, crimes, thrillers, and tragedies. These form the pool from which I develop my style of writing. I wouldn’t want to tie myself to one genre because of the way my mind works. I tend to flow in the path my imagination leads me.

Q: Have you ever experienced writer’s block and how did you deal with it?

Chike: writer’s block simply means when a writer is unable to write his thoughts down due to poor or lack of inspiration. In other words, the writer’s mind goes blank. It’s normal to experience a block as a writer, at least once in a while. I have indeed experienced it a couple of times in the past. I deal with this by taking a break and engaging in some form of relaxation. Writing is a product of ideas and is generated through inspiration and inspiration is drawn from the spiritual. So, don’t get worked up, when you experience a block, you’re not in the spirit at that time. It’s as simple as that. Again, you must ensure you have your work in progress outlined to serve as a guide so you don’t have to be cracking your brain on the next line of action in your writing project.

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

Chike: I source information for my books from within my surroundings. As a writer I have to be aware of my environment and what goes on around me, because my environment is my primary source of writing information. I draw ideas from everyday people, daily events, current affairs, journals, other novels or creative works, the internet, social media, and nature, the lists are endless. As a writer, it’s left for you to narrow the subject you want to convey to your readers. I do a lot of research. For example, while writing Sacrifice of Peace, I have to study the communal lifestyle of a typical Igbo community of the pre-colonial era.

I will first have an idea of what I want to write about before I proceed to do a detailed plan of everything that would go into the story, from the characters, setting, period, and writing style to the plot before I start developing the story.

Q: Are there authors or books that influenced you either growing up or as an adult? 

Chike: Yes, I have authors who influenced me. I may not know them in person, but their works made lots of impact on the way I write. Authors like Chinua Achebe, Emeka Ike, Elechi Amadi, and Prof. Wole Soyinka, made significant impacts on the way I view creative writing. Sacrifice of Peace was written to make a statement, about the authors and books that shaped my literary belief.

Q: How many books have you written?

Chike: I have four published books. They are; Amope the Slave girl, Ule the Lazy farmer, Helen: A Retrospect | A Reversion and Sacrifice of Peace, which is my latest. And I have about ten unpublished titles. 

Q: What are the challenges you faced in writing and publishing your books?

Chike: The challenges are numerous, but the main ones are funding and distribution of books. Creative writing and publishing is indeed a narrow path to venture into in this part of the world. Getting a publishing house to accept your work as a starter is like swimming against the tides. Since it’s not easy to secure a deal with a publishing house, you have to do everything for yourself as a self-published author. Distributing your books is one herculean task self-published authors faced, and having to persuade the printing press to deliver your job on time after you’ve made payment. I am still faced with these challenges, and it’s affecting the performance of my books in the marketplace.

Q: How do you market your book? What avenues have you found to work best for your genre?

Chike: Sacrifice of Peace has been in the market for quite a while. In my strategy, I  printed a few hard copies, had a book launch and then reprint more copies for distribution to major bookshops across the country. I made that arrangement with my printer based in Ibadan. My number two strategy is to get it published on Amazon, an online bookshop, that’s the stage I am in now. Also, the design of my author’s website is ongoing, when it’s done, I’ll let you know. I have people handling the online stuff, and I hope it yields a positive result.

Also, there is a work in progress, to have Sacrifice of Peace used as a literature book in schools in one of the states in the country. I am waiting for approval from the education board.

Q: What do you consider your best accomplishment so far as a writer?

Chike: As a writer, I always have this sense of accomplishment whenever I complete a book project. I often feel relieved when I finish writing a story. Some years back, I completed a draft titled, Rape on Campus, and felt like giving myself a treat for achieving such a feat. But I had no cash on me, so I decided to take a stroll and run into a relative, I had not seen for a while, she took me out for a treat, and I ate and drank. Sometimes, nature knew your heart's desire and conspired to give that to you.  But I’m hoping that a time will come when my title will become a household name across countries of the world. That will be my greatest accomplishment.

Q: How do you coordinate your daily work with your writing time?

Chike: Before embarking on any writing project, I have all my ideas laid out, which makes it easier for me to have time for other activities. Mostly, I use my spare time to write, like during breaks, I always have my writing pad and plot outline handy with me. I write down information as inspiration flows. I also draft something while in transit. I utilize the night hour and weekends for my story development. These and more, are the ways I schedule my writing routines and at the same time engage in other activities.

Q: What are the challenges of being a writer in Nigeria? 

Chike: The challenges are numerous as I have stated before; one, is the issue of little or no funding for writers to research, write and publish their works. Two, publishing houses are not willing to promote the works of creative writing, like our foreign counterparts. There are issues of piracy and the inability of the government to confront this monster headlong. There’s also the issue of poor reading culture, a result of a poor educational system. Lack of support by government and private institutions in promoting book-related projects and programmes. 

Q: Are you a self-publishing author or do you have a publisher?

Chike: My first book, Amope the Slave Girl, was published by Macmillan Nigeria Publisher. I submitted the work and they accepted it for publishing, with payment of annual royalty as the contract stipulated. But the company is yet to match their words with action, for I have never received any royalties from them. After my experience with Macmillan, I decided to self-publish my books. I published a book titled, Ule the lazy farmer, a book I tailored for school-age pupils, on a friend’s advice. So, I have tasted what it takes to work under a publisher and to self-publish. 

Q: How do you promote your books and are they yielding interest?

Chike: what I have done with my books was to print a few copies and sell them on demand. Now I am looking in the direction of E-books. I have been making campaigns via my social media. I have engaged some social media influencers like you, to talk about my books. Sacrifice of Peace will be live on Amazon on 30th March 2023; I engaged the service of an American, to deploy her expertise at ensuring good sales for the book. 

Q: What kind of feedback do you get from your readers?

Chike: So far, the feedback is impressive, though the distribution of the book has not reached a wider populace of readers, due to limited copies. But the testimonies are positive. An account of two bank staff that bought the book got me smiling. The lady said her cousin couldn’t stop talking about the book and carried it about. The book is attracting lots of testimonies and positive responses from those who have read it.

Q: Your book, Sacrifice of Peace was reviewed in this blog, give us some information about the writing of the book. 

Chike: The idea of the title Sacrifice of Peace was conceived sometime in 2016 and much research went into birthing it. I wanted to prove that an Epic story of African culture can be written by a writer of my generation and to honour the likes of Chinua Achebe and Elechi Amadi who have done it in the past.

I also wrote Sacrifice of Peace to mirror the social ills of communal conflicts common among African communities and the need to embrace peace. 

One objective I had while writing the story was to preserve and promote the African culture and to make it a subject of conversation among young pupils in literature classes in our schools. 

I have to give my mother credit, for providing me with the folktales and songs used in the stories. I couldn’t have done it on my own without her input.

Q: Do you have any advice for aspiring writers, especially in your genre?

Chike: My advice to them is to have in mind that writing is a narrow path and it’s also like a marathon. But it rewards the diligent. They have to be diligent with their crafts; seek guidance from those ahead of them. It won’t be long before they begin to reap the fruit of their labours. I am not there yet, but I know I have passed a lot of stages to be where I am now, I can attest to the fact that it has not been easy.

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

Chike: Singing and creative arts, but I never took them seriously. As for arts, because I didn’t have an art teacher in my primary and secondary school, I lost interest in developing it further. But for music, my introverted nature kept me back from going public with my singing abilities.

Q: What is your favourite music/film?

Chike: I should say I don’t have a favourite music. It’s like a seasonal thing for me. But there are artists I love their songs, the likes of Bob Marley, John Legend, Faze and Majek Fashek.

Again, I am not the type that watches TV programmes often, but I love drama series.

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

Chike: I am an indoor person, when I
am not seriously engaged or reading, I watch football. In the past, I played football, but I stopped due to physical constraints.