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 also thought-provoking and enriching.
The stories ‘Onono’s Affliction’ and ‘The Scent of Madness’ illustrate the power of love. Despite facing adversity and societal judgment, the characters of Otumve and Bobo demonstrate unwavering devotion to their loved ones.
In Onono’s Affliction, Otumve’s love for his daughter was beyond the community’s accusations that she killed her mother, subdued Old Hani’s dog, and poisoned Madibu’s second wife. It showed the depth of parental love.
Similarly, Bobo’s dedication to his brother, despite the challenges and stigma associated with mental illness, highlights the importance of familial bonds.
These stories remind us that life is enriched by the presence of people who love us unconditionally, trust us, and stand by us through thick and thin.
Fiction can serve as an agent of change by shedding light on societal ills. When writers address these issues through storytelling, it inspires change while also challenging existing narratives.
Aside from being an agent of change, fiction also helps to build character. Through the personalities and experiences of characters in a story, readers can imagine themselves in similar situations and then apply them to real-life issues, thereby gaining new perspectives and insights into matters of life.
MosinmiladeOluwa Soremekun is a graduate of English from Bowen University, Iwo. She started a career in journalism during her service year at the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS), where she eventually worked for six years as a news reporter, a news editor and a newscaster. Having gained some experience in the television aspect of broadcast journalism, she moved to radio and currently works with Almond 94.3 FM, Ibadan, as an editor and newscaster. Her passion for the media also led her to pursue a master’s degree in Communication and Language Arts at the University of Ibadan. Outside of the newsroom, she serves in various leadership capacities where she has gained people skills, learnt resilience, as well as dedication to duty.
