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The twice NLNG-shortlisted author, Omo Uwaifo, held a reading session of his work-in-progress, a piece of fiction, on Thursday, February 10th.

The intimate event, which had just a few other writers in attendance, including Uzor Maxim Uzoatu and Austyn Njoku, was held at ‘The Foxhole’, the new literary hub located at Uwaifo’s residence in Maryland, Lagos.

The author read from an unpublished work tentatively titled ‘Banner With Stain’, and held literary discussions with those present. ‘Banner With Stain’ is a short story steeped in the culture and tradition of the Edo language. The story has a neat plot woven around the protagonist, Ohue’s unrequited love for a beautiful maiden, Idia, who is already betrothed to a renowned warrior.

Uwaifo explained that the essence of the narrative is for readers to have an understanding of the Edo culture, their language, and worldview. The engineer and author is fully literate in the Edo language, which he had learnt as a young child in school. He expressed his disappointment at the fact that very few children can write or speak their native languages nowadays.

He shared his own insight into the sometimes problematic relationship with the mother tongue. “‘I have to admit that I’m more comfortable with English than my language. But my greatest regret is if I meet my children on Oxford Street (London) for instance, and I don’t want those around to hear what I’m saying, I have to speak to them in English because they do not understand the Benin language,’ he said in his usual calm voice.

Championing culture

The poet further observed that many languages have been bastardised. As an example, he said the place commonly known as ‘Idumota’ by Lagosians was originally the Edo word, ‘Iduota’. Translated into English it means ‘the street where people relax’.

While noting that the Yoruba have been the most successful at propagating their culture, myths and language, Uwaifo decried the downward spiral nationwide. “At the rate at which Nigeria is going, we will be lucky to have even the Yoruba language survive,” he said.

The author said he is doing his own bit to arrest the slide; and informed that ‘Banner With Stain’ and his other short stories will be translated into Edo language. He disclosed that he is able to translate from Edo to English and vice-versa; but confided that he finds English-to-Edo more tasking. The process is even more so because, according to him, spoken Edo language is markedly different from the written version; translation can be an arduous task, as each letter much be taken individually.

Nonetheless, the author is ready to undertake the task, especially since poet, J.P. Clark, has famously challenged him on writing in the mother tongue. Uwaifo revealed that his own children have also issued a similar challenge. ‘It’s tough, but I am going to do it,’ he said with a firm nod.

Uwaifo’s reading was interesting and educative in terms of showcasing the idioms and some of the totems of his beloved Edo culture, as referenced in the story. He also took time to set the context for the plot, while giving an insight into the traditional beliefs and rites of the Edo people. Of particular interest to his readers was his explanation of morning greeting peculiar to every Benin family.

‘Banner With Stain’ was then evaluated; and there were suggestions for adjustments to improve the story, and the author readily took these on board. He was also commended for his fluid and effortless reading.

Working method

There was a short break during which everyone tucked into a Chinese meal. During the question and answer interactive session that followed, Omo Uwaifo gave insight into his writing schedule: “Usually, I wake up 4.00 or 3.00 in the morning and work till 6.00, when there is light.”

He bemoaned the deplorable state of basic social amenities in the country, one of which is the erratic electricity supply. He described it as “destroying” to his work. He shared a related experience with a great sense of humour. One morning, he came downstairs to work but as soon as he got to the study door, electricity went off. It was restored just as he returned to bed upstairs, only to go off again the moment he made his way back downstairs to restart his computer.

“There’s nothing left from what there was when I was growing up,” Uwaifo complained bitterly. Author of a book on electricity supply, he worked with the Electricity Corporation of Nigeria (ECN), as it was then known, from 1954 to 1978; and must be especially pained by the current power reality in the country.

The reading ended on a cheerful note; and it was a rewarding experience for all involved. Author of ‘Litany’, a poetry collection, Omo Uwaifo will be 80 this year , but looks much younger. He takes an active interest in literature and virtually writes all day, with just enough time for breakfast, lunch, and a little exercise. A wake up call to young writers, definitely.