Nigerian Writers Quotes

“The sun rose this morning failing to dissipate the haze barely hanging above the palm fronds. A windy morning, and that inner feeling of something different about to start. A sub-Saharan harmattan; a blow of kiss with a tender chill. A chill not suited for a fireplace, but soothed by a soft sweater draped across my aging shoulders. When I close my eyes, I felt what I assumed to be teardrops on my feet. The manifestation of my ambivalence about the many years of my sojourn in foreign lands. I escaped from a state of despair as the harmattan wind blows, whistling and whispering my name across pine trees. I am home in Africa”
― Fidelis O Mkparu. (2018)

“I search for idyllic retreats where I could escape from rigors of my daily life. That’s the only way I could find my soul, that wanderer that refuses to be tethered to me.”
― Fidelis O. Mkparu, 2020

“On that momentous day of my first return to my grandfather’s place in Ojoto after many years of my sojourn in America, I was lost in my thought until a light wind blew across the pedestrian path in a wooded area where I stood, caressing the trees’ leaves and small branches. The stubborn leaves swerved in all directions like untrained dancers learning to strut after consuming palm-wine from large calabash jugs. Looking up, I watched weakened leaves snapped off and gained their freedom from primordial trees. A liberation dance followed in the dense air above me before the leaves set down. Listening to beautiful sounds made by birds converging around me, as if they were singing for the newly liberated leaves, I found myself lost in the wonderment of nature. What I experienced had drawn me back to that exhilarating place for mental respite each time I returned home.”
― Fidelis O. Mkparu, 2021

“It’s that time of the year when I yearn to reunite with my soul, that hapless wanderer. That part of me which resides in an exalted state in the ancient kingdom of Ojoto. A place where my beloved soul saunters unchecked, whispering my name in the quietness of the night, whistling same with the wind, and yelling it during thunderstorms. Since my prolonged absence, it mumbles and sobs for me, a titular truant.”
― Fidelis O. Mkparu

“When you're the only light in the dark, please shine. Remember, there will be no value to your inferior incandescence at sunrise”
― Fidelis O. Mkparu

“Never forget your home as you sojourn in foreign lands my son. We’ve waited for your return to our beautiful land where winds still whistle your name and wooden gongs pronounce you a worthy son of your ancestors daily. That soulful journey to our mystical river to cleanse your naked feet is in the journal of your life written by your forebears. As it’s written, the full moon will guide you through the narrow path to your destination. You'll arrive at a special place where your ancestors will witness your transformation into a Shaman, a spiritual healer you’re destined to become.

On the appointed day, as your name travels throughout our land, choice palm wines will find worthy palates to celebrate your soulful return. As your ancestors had written in the book of promises about your return before the last moon of the year, African sun will massage your skin during the day and harmattan wind will fan you to sleep at night. Hurry back home my son.”
― Fidelis O. Mkparu, Soulful Return

“Obidient Movement is not a tribe.”
― Genereux Philip