‘Remain Dead’: uncovering the realities of African fathers who shirk responsibility
Remain Dead is the story of a father who, though physically present, is emotionally and functionally absent — a man who lives a lie, largely discovered after his death. This story uncovers the harsh reality of several African families whose fathers and husbands shirk responsibility while society perpetuates the myth of men being the sole […]
Stories in Naira Stories are entertaining, thought-provoking, and make for a compelling read
The stories in Naira Stories are captivating, with vivid imagery that draws readers in and keeps them engaged. The writers’ skilful storytelling makes for a compelling read. Moreover, the stories are filled with insight, offering readers a chance to reflect. There is something to learn from each story; thus, making them not only entertaining but […]
‘Fractured Constellations’: A test of love and loyalty amid betrayal and secrets
When Onoja, in the middle of a video game with his friends, slumps mysteriously and loses consciousness, his family and friends are plunged into a nightmare. While his folks pull all the stops in a grim race against time to save his life, the love of his parents and the loyalty of his friends are […]
‘The Scent of Madness’: A familial bond fractured by mental illness and societal stigma
‘The Scent of Madness’ is a harrowing exploration of familial bonds fractured by mental illness and societal stigma in a typical Nigerian community. Bobo recounts his twin brother, Baba’s, abrupt descent into insanity, triggered by a football-field altercation and a bitter quarrel with a childhood friend. Tragedy peaks when Bobo makes an attempt on Baba’s […]
‘Why I Killed My Husband’: An interplay of guilt and blurred lines of love and revenge
‘Why I Killed My Husband’ tells the story of a woman, Omolade, who is sitting and mourning at her husband’s funeral, but hiding the fact that she may have had a hand in his death. Through her memories and a shocking discovery about her husband’s secret child, we can see how betrayal, infertility, and unresolved […]
‘Confessions’: A critique of systemic failures that trap individuals in cycles of survival
In ‘Confessions’, Chibuike navigates a life of hidden desperation, working in a brothel to support his struggling family. His mother, burdened by poverty and an abusive, unemployed husband, remains oblivious to his secret. Meanwhile, his sister Adannaya dies from a botched abortion, deepening the family’s grief. When his parents and boyfriend, Cletus, unexpectedly discover his […]
‘On Tuesday of Last Week’: The realities and travails of people on the periphery of society
Often, we do not hear of the travails of people on the periphery of society — the woman who sells corn by the street, the POS attendant who always has cash available, the Maishayi who turns tea at the corner, and the shoemaker who walks about clicking and clacking. In ‘On Tuesday of Last Week’, […]
Stories in Naira Stories are funny, macabre, and deeply engaging
The stories that I edited for Naira Stories Magazine are funny, macabre, and bizarre. The stories offer different views into sociological concerns pertinent to Nigeria, though never in a heavy-handed way. The craft is solid, too. Each author shapes words in their own unique manner. I found myself surprised, even disturbed, and deeply engaged. The […]
‘Onono’s Affliction’: A love for a daughter and what it costs to preserve it
‘Onono’s Affliction’ tells the story of a girl who is accused of witchcraft and her father’s efforts to save her. The story is important because it serves as a lens into how society interprets things it doesn’t understand and how we love the people we love, regardless of what people think they have done or […]
‘Absently Present’: The mysterious disappearance of a man and the drama that follows
‘Absently Present’ is a literary short fiction that tells the story of Oma, a woman who tries to wrap her head around her husband’s mysterious disappearance, and the drama that follows. The story explains the sad tale most Nigerians are used to of relatives travelling out of the country in a bid to pursue their […]