Adiitu’s life story inspired the story of Inúlayéwà’s sojourn in me – Diipo Fagunwa: IBC Guest Writer of the Month

 

ADIITU’S LIFE STORY INSPIRED THE STORY OF INÚLAYÉWÀ’S SOJOURN IN ME – DIIPO FAGUNWA: IBC GUEST WRITER OF THE MONTH

 

On Saturday 27th of February, Ibadan Book Club in conjunction with the Race Course Amphitheatre will be hosting Diipo Fagunwa, the surviving Son of Late D.O Fagunwa inside the Adamasingba Stadium in Ibadan as Guest Writer for the month of February. In this interview with Wole Adedoyin, he unveils details about his writing career and his latest book titled “Inúlayéwà”.

 

WA: WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START WRITING?

 

DF: My parents. My father was a writer and my mother wanted me to continue in the same vein

 

WA: HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WRITING?

 

DF: About thirty five years

 

WA: WHEN DID YOU START WRITING?

 

DF: I started writing as an academic in 1982. My first publication was in 1985. It was reprinted in 1986

 

WA: HAVE YOU ALWAYS WANTED TO BE A WRITER?

 

DF: Yes. I have been encouraged to explore writing by people and the goodwill they have always shown towards my father who was a writer. My late mother was also very enthusiastic about me being a writer

 

WA: WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE A NEW WRITER, SOMEONE JUST STARTING OUT?

 

DF: Give it a go. You never know the lump of charcoal you have, it may be diamond

 

WA: HOW DO YOU HANDLE WRITER’S BLOCK?

 

DF: I have found them useful for sharing experiences

 

WA: HOW MANY BOOKS HAVE YOU WRITTEN?

 

DF: Four, although only One has been published. I have two books of short stories completed and a compilation of my tributes and requiems posted on social media. I am also writing my second novel ‘Ẹ̀míọlá’.

 

WA: WHAT IS THE MOST SURPRISING THING YOU DISCOVERED WHILE WRITING YOUR BOOK(S)?

 

DF: Experiences shape ideas and ideas churn out other ideas

 

WA: WHO IS YOUR FAVOURITE CHARACTER?

 

DF: I really do not have a favourite character. I have always wound my stories round the narrator and narratives

 

WA: DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE CHARACTER THAT YOU HAVE WRITTEN? IF SO, WHO? AND WHAT MAKES THEM SO SPECIAL.

 

DF: Inúlayéwà.  His odyssey is what makes him special

 

WA: WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR INSPIRATION?

 

DF: Everywhere and anywhere; life is full of inspiration. My late mother was quite inspirational. She inspired me in a lot of ways. She was a great communicator with loads of intelligence and experience. I also get inspiration from my father’s stories and novels. For instance my novel ‘Ìfẹ́wùmí’ is a kind of continuation of Adiitu Olódùmarè (my father’s last published novel). Adiitu’s life story inspired the story of Inúlayéwà’s sojourn in me.

 

I always get a lot of inspiration from my friends and acquaintances. I have always kept friends with great sense of humour and warmth and what they say many times spontaneously inspire. One also gets inspired by the social groups one keeps as well as the streets etc. For instance what you hear from bus drivers, conductors, touts, traders, churches, mosques, meetings, gatherings and ordinary persons on the streets go a lot of ways to inspire creativity in a writer and sometimes create a background for storytelling. Above all I get a lot of inspiration from the Kegites, Palmwine Drinkard Club where I am an old Chief or former President and a Member of the Board of Trustees. Kegites’ language is fecund with inspiration, intelligence, wise cracks and sayings and their philosophies very rich and overwhelming.

 

WA: WHERE CAN READERS PURCHASE YOUR BOOKS?

 

DF: Bookshops and online with Amazon and some other outlets

 

WA: WHERE CAN READERS FIND OUT MORE ABOUT YOU AND YOUR BOOKS?

 

DF: They can find out more about me from academic communities where I have kept many worthwhile friends. I can be traced on the internet especially with regards to some of my academic publications. I am a member of the D O Fágúnwà Foundation and very available with them. I have a bit of presence on the social media (Facebook) and some of my stories have been peddled around on WhatsApp. I went to some great schools especially Christ’s School, Adό Èkìtì where I have kept my network very active and it has been enriching. I also have many other friends and well-wishers who have access to me and of course my publisher (International Publishers) is helpful

 

WA: HAVE ANY OF YOUR BOOKS BEEN MADE INTO AUDIOBOOKS?

 

DF: No

 

WA: IF SO, WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES IN PRODUCING AN AUDIO BOOK?

 

DF: I have not made any attempt to turn my books to audio yet hence I cannot be sure of challenges that may be attached. However my experience with my Father’s novels shows that there is a problem with copyright infringements. There are some of his works on audio being advertised and sold without permission.

 

WA: WHICH OF YOUR BOOKS WERE THE MOST ENJOYABLE TO WRITE?

 

DF: The one I am currently writing – Ẹ̀míọlá

 

WA: TELL US ABOUT YOUR FIRST PUBLISHED BOOK?

 

DF: It is a surreal adventure that is a followup to Adiitu Olódùmarè which was my father’s last published novel

 

WA: WHAT WAS THE JOURNEY LIKE?

 

DF: It was interesting, fulfilling and uplifting. It gave me a sense of pride that I was able to continue the Fágúnwà legacy

 

WA: WHAT, IN YOUR OPINION, ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT ELEMENTS OF GOOD WRITING?

 

DF: Style and creativity. A writer is always in a classroom where his students are not contiguous but dispersed. Thus a writer must write with passion, empathy, skills, presence and comprehension. The language of the writer must be very ordinary, simple and easy to discern.

 

WA: WHO'S YOUR FAVORITE AUTHOR OF ALL TIME?

 

DF: My Father; Chief D O Fagunwa

 

WA: YOUR FAVORITE BOOK BY HIM?

 

DF: Igbó Olódùmarè

 

WA: ON YOUR LATEST BOOK TITLED “IFEWUMI, THE TRAVAILS OF INULAYEWA” CAN YOU SHARE WITH US SOMETHING ABOUT THE BOOK.

 

DF: It is an adventure story of a man whose wife was abducted by his lunatic friend and he travelled round the world searching for his lost lady. He found his wife after twenty five years of sojourn that exposed him to varying life experiences and taught him about large heartedness, peace of mind and spirit of forgiveness.

 

WA: ARE THERE ANY SECRETS FROM THE BOOK, YOU CAN SHARE WITH YOUR READERS?

 

DF: The novel is a dance round day to day experiences of life

 

WA: WHAT WAS THE INSPIRATION FOR THE STORY?

 

DF: I wanted to continue my father’s legacy.

 

WA: WHAT IS THE KEY THEME AND/OR MESSAGE IN THE BOOK?

 

DF: Lessons on the Spirit of Forgiveness

 

WA: WHAT DO YOU HOPE YOUR READERS TAKE AWAY FROM THIS BOOK?

 

DF: Morals about large heartedness and eschewing themselves from bitterness and life of wickedness.

 

WA: WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE TITLE?

 

DF: Literally speaking ‘Ìfẹ́wùmí’ means ‘I like Love’. The storyline is about Love and the problems that can come with it

 

WA: HAS A BOOK EVER CHANGED YOUR LIFE?

 

DF: Yes. All my Father’s novels have influenced me. I love ‘Tales from the Arabian Nights’. They have very wonderful literary styles; they are surreal and are rich on lessons of life, morals and living a life of quality. I find Shakespeare’s works very inspirational too and full of wise sayings. I have also enjoyed Chinua Achebe’s works. His delivery is of the quality of the village story teller; indeed he was a cultural man with classic mastery of words and delivery.

 

WA: WHAT GENRES DO YOU LOVE?

 

DF: Surreal adventures

 

WA: ARE THERE ANY GENRES YOU DISLIKE?

 

DF: No

 

WA: WHAT AUTHOR (WHO IS STILL LIVING) WOULD YOU DEARLY LOVE TO MEET?

 

DF: None that I have not met at the moment

 

WA: DO YOU LIKE TO DISPLAY YOUR BOOKS ON A BOOKSHELF OR KEEP THEM IN A VIRTUAL LIBRARY?

 

DF: I always display my books on shelf and virtual library

 

WA: DO YOU PREFER FLASH FICTION, SHORT STORIES, NOVELLAS, OR NOVELS?

 

DF: I love short stories

 

WA: WHAT BOOK CAN YOU RECOMMEND TO ME?

 

DF: Many; especially the African Writers Series

 

WA: WHEN DID YOU LAST VISIT A LIBRARY?

 

DF: Last year in the UK. COVID 19 has not allowed current visits.

 

WA: HAVE YOU EVER HAD A CRUSH ON A BOOK CHARACTER?

 

DF: No

 

WA: HAS A BOOK EVER MADE YOU LAUGH OUT LOUD?

 

DF: Yes; many. The social media is very rife now with interesting creative writings.

I wish to see myself touring the world with Gibran’s Original Paintings - Hoda Zohrob, Gibran National Committee Office Manager

 I WISH TO SEE MYSELF TOURING THE WORLD WITH GIBRAN’S ORIGINAL PAINTINGS - HODA ZOHROB, GIBRAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE OFFICE MANAGER

 

Hoda Zohrob is the current Office Manager at the Gibran National Committee in Beirut Lebanon. In this Interview with Wole Adedoyin, she shared with him details about her work and thoughts about Khalil Gibran

WA: PLEASE KINDLY INTRODUCE

HZ: My name is Hoda Zohrob from Lebanon.  I am the current Office Manager at the Gibran National Committee in Beirut.  I have worked with many Nationalities in Lebanon and abroad. Most positions I occupied in the diplomatic and private sectors were social, consular, administrative, and commercial.

WA: WHAT ARE YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES AT THE GIBRAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE?

HZ: My duties as Office Manager include handling, organizing, participating and reporting local and International activities and projects such as:  exhibitions, conferences, seminars and general cultural events.  For instance, I had the chance to participate in an event organized by the American Embassy in Lebanon. The programme was a cultural event about Gibran Khalil Gibran in 2017 which took place at H. Ex. Mrs. Elizabeth Richard’s residence and follow up with "The Prophet" animation movie project.  I also handle literary and artistic issues that are related to the use of quotes and copies of original paintings of Gibran.

WA: WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE WORK AT THE GIBRAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE?

HZ: My most exciting work is when organizing an exhibition, showcasing original paintings, manuscripts and personal belongings of Gibran abroad.

As you know, Gibran is revered worldwide. Gibran Khalil Gibran is known as a poet, writer, and philosopher, so organizing such event is exciting because it reflects Gibran’s spirituality, deep understanding of human and life, and reveals his sensitiveness.

WA: WHAT’S A TYPICAL WORK WEEK LIKE?

HZ: Reading and replying emails that are most related to the use of quotes and copies of original paintings of Gibran also assisting students, film makers, writers,  teachers, cultural institutions and ministries who are preparing projects related to Gibran too.

WA: WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT WHAT YOU DO AT GIBRAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE?

HZ: Dealing with any violation of any kind that can harm our mission which is to represent Gibran professionally at the highest levels and achieving big projects related to our mission perfectly.

WA: HOW ARE THEY FINANCING GIBRAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE?

HZ: Majorly, our income comes from the sold books of Gibran and the entry fees for excursions paid to the Gibran Museum by visitors.

WA: WHERE IS THE MONEY COMING FROM? WHO ARE YOUR DONORS?

HZ: As I previously mentioned, having an exhibition of original paintings abroad is usually funded but such event doesn’t occur frequently. It takes place once in two years. Also researchers always pay for the use of original paintings of Gibran used for their research and projects. We got some little fund through that too. As for donors, we sometimes receive little donations from a local NGO.

WA: HOW HAS SOCIAL MEDIA CHANGED THE OUTREACH WORK OF THE MUSEUM?

HZ: Social media plays a very important and vital role in the dissemination of information in GNC. Social media shortens distances by all means. Presently, we have an active and multimedia website which documented and showcased information about GNC. We also have an active Facebook page and other social media platforms which we always use to convey information and publicize our events. Currently, we are elaborating our own projects in which visitors will be able to tour Gibran Museum behind screens but this project needs more time to be realized.

WA: IS THERE ANYTHING ABOUT YOURSELF YOU WOULD LIKE US TO KNOW?

HZ: Yes, I am a friendly and practical person. I love people, I love collaboration that leads to realizing beautiful  projects of mutual benefits and I wish people love each other too so we can live in a better world with no conflicts. It is Gibran who said ’You are a human being and I have loved you, my brother’.

WA: WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN 5 YEARS?

HZ: In five years time, I wish to see myself touring the world with Gibran’s original paintings.

Gibran’s books provide timeless spiritual wisdom that Help readers understand life’s stages - Dr. Tarek Chidiac, Gibran National COMMITTEE Former President

 

GIBRAN’S BOOKS PROVIDE TIMELESS SPIRITUAL WISDOM THAT HELP READERS UNDERSTAND LIFE’S STAGES - DR. TAREK CHIDIAC, GIBRAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE FORMER PRESIDENT

 

Dr. Tarek Chidiac is the immediate past President of the Gibran National Committee. He is a dentist who has been practicing for almost 40 years and a film writer. In this Interview with Wole Adedoyin, he shared with him details about his tenure as former President of GNC and facts he knows about Gibran’s life and works.

 

WA: HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE KAHLIL GIBRAN TO SOMEONE WHO HAS NOT READ ANY OF HIS WORKS?

 

TC: Kahlil Gibran is a Lebanese-American writer, poet and artist who has a philosophical interpretation of what human life should be. He raised the morale of building peaceful relationships between individuals and considered love as the only route that leads to human serenity. Gibran was born in Bsharri, North of Lebanon, a village that is known with its Cedar Forest Reserve which is considered the symbol of persistence and strength of the country. He wrote 16 books, of which “The Prophet” is still the most famous​ one and painted more than 800 paintings. He died in the USA at the age of 48.

 

WA: IF READERS WOULD LIKE TO READ KAHLIL GIBRAN’S BOOKS, WHAT BOOKS WOULD YOU RECOMMEND?

 

TC: I would recommend starting with “The Mad man” written by Gibran in 1918. It was Gibran’s first book in English, in which he interpreted his own opinions about major principles of life​, ​ followed by “The prophet”  Gibran’s most selling book published in 1923​ and the ​masterpiece ​of a collection ​of ​philosophical, spiritual, and above all, inspirational​ ​ poetic essays​. Next, I would recommend his most important book to my opinion, “The Earth Gods” published in 1931 (the year of the author’s death) which​ presents a dialogue about the meaning of human life between three unnamed earth Gods referred to as​ the​ first God, second God and third God.

 

WA: GIVE US THREE GOOD FACTS TO KNOW ABOUT YOU

 

TC: I was a member of the Gibran National Committee (GNC) for almost 20 years, and its president from 2010 till 2018. The committee aims to further spread Gibran’s thoughts in Lebanon and Worldwide and holds the exclusive rights to manage the author’s copyrights of his literary and artistic works.

·         I organized many international exhibitions of Gibran’s artworks in Lebanon and abroad: Sydney - Australia (2010-2011), Maryland-USA (2012) , São Paulo-Brazil (2013), Sharjah-UAE (2015) , Paris- France (2018) to name a few...

·         I am passionate about Gibran Kahlil Gibran and I p​resented many studies about his life and works, m​y biggest study was about the reincarnation in Gibran’s beliefs. Although I’m a dentist practicing my job for almost 40 years and a film writer.

 

WA: WHAT ARE YOU READING RIGHT NOW? ARE THERE ANY AUTHORS (LIVING OR DEAD) THAT YOU WOULD NAME AS INFLUENCERS APART FROM KAHLIL GIBRAN?

 

TC: I am currently reading “The Introduction” written by the Lebanese philosopher Charles Malek. It is an introduction about the author’s rich life in United Nations, full of activities and views. He was one of the founders of “The human rights Charter”.

Apart from Kahlil Gibran, I personally consider Charles Malek as well as the French philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre as influencers.

 

WA: WHICH KAHLIL GIBRAN’S BOOK INFLUENCED YOUR LIFE  AND WHY?

 

TC: Certainly “The Prophet”. This short book has 26 chapters talking about human life. Each chapter expresses Gibran’s thoughts about love, marriage, giving, children, teaching, praying and other social topics. The book provides timeless spiritual wisdom that helped me understand life’s stages.

 

WA: IF READERS WOULD LIKE TO READ UP ON KAHLIL GIBRAN’S WORKS, ARE THERE ANY BOOKS APART FROM THE PROPHET YOU WOULD RECOMMEND?

 

TC: All of Gibran’s books are interesting and recommended to be read. His collection of books is very inspirational. Kahlil Gibran was a key figure in a romantic movement that renovated Arabic literature in the first half of the twentieth century, so all his books are considered equally stimulating.

 

WA: WHICH CHAPTER OF THE PROPHET WAS THE MOST PERSONALLY INTERESTING TO YOU? WERE THERE ANY FACTS OR THEMES THAT YOU WOULD HAVE LIKED TO INCLUDE BUT KAHLIL GIBRAN DIDN’T MAKE INTO THE BOOK?

 

TC: The most interesting chapter in the Prophet for me is “Love”. When a person has love in his heart he cannot harm his brothers in life. As humans, we cannot get away from love, for love le​t​s us follow our hearts to make a better future.  We can survive because of love.

I would have loved to know Gibran’s opinion about “The parents” and how they should raise their children ​a​nd I wish​ed​ the poet explained to us his thoughts about “reincarnation”.

 

WA: WHAT ARE YOUR THREE FAVORITE BOOKS BY KAHLIL GIBRAN AND WHY?

 

TC: Firstly, “The forerunner” which is considered as a primer to Gibran’s masterpiece “The Prophet”.  In fact, these 2 books complete each other and are certainly my favorite​s. The third one is “The earth Gods” which represent​s ​the passionate dialogue between those 3 Gods about human beings.

 

WA: WHAT MESSAGE WOULD YOU GIVE TO KAHLIL GIBRAN READERS AND LOVERS?

 

TC: Gibran’s books must be read slowly and with devotion, for his thoughts are deep and sometimes hard to ​be​ underst​ood​ from the first read​ing​. I also recommend trying to apply Gibran’s principles and values in daily life and personal behaviors. When done readers and lovers will certainly feel happy and joyful in their lifetime.