10QFNC FT Chimere Okolie aka Warri Pikin

He’s a 19 year old Nigerian. A ‘crazy’ fan of Chimamanda Adichie and an ‘Instagram comedian’. Besties, let’s get into the mind of this young man. As usual, I’ll be represented in this convo as N.C.

Q1. “Warri Pikin” Welcome to 10QFNC. Can you tell us a little about yourself?

:- I am a young creative lad who has not fully discovered every side of himself. I love everything art. I love to create. I love to imagine. I love to talk. I want to express myself. I was born in ‘Warri’. But I’m Igbo from Anambra state and Urhobo from Delta state. I speak pidgin, igbo and English. But I understand Urhobo as well.

Q2. What makes you love Chimamanda so much?

That is almost impossible to explain but I’ll try. I grew up in a home yet I was literally displaced. I was this quiet child. I felt things too strongly. I was a strange person. Everyone said so. But the first person to tell me I’m OK the way I am is Ms Adichie. She walked me through the story of a young girl in south-eastern Nigeria and told me I matter fully. She literally gave me a space in the creative world. She told me all my behaviors were signs of me becoming a creative person. But more importantly, I love her for her truth.

N.C: Was this through her works or personal interaction?

Through her works. Especially the first; purple hibiscus. And her speeches all over the world.

N.C: The power of art, great.

Q3. What’s your current occupation?

I write. And I say my mind in a mild funny sense on Instagram.

N.C: Do you get paid for that?

No. I don’t get paid at all. I just believe my Instagram platform would pave way for public relations and recognition. But writing is my private vocation. It is more or less idiosyncratic.

N.C: So can I say you’re unemployed for now?

Yes. I’m economically unemployed, lol. Yes I’m unemployed.

Q4. Has the Nigerian government failed the youth?

Apparently, the Nigerian government has failed everyone. It has bewildered the expectations of the old, the dream of the young ones, the hope for a better place and a better system. It has failed us. Imagine all the resources a nation has, and imagine the output, the system of operations, the political sectors, imagine! Nigeria has failed. But the worse failure to me, is failing your child. Your biological child.

Q5. Why that last statement?

My family has failed me. But I’m reforming myself. I’m building my values from books and everyday life; from experience.
The worse thing I believe, that has happened to me is not reading books as a child. I didn’t read growing up.

Q6. How do you keep up financially?

I ask my relatives. I get little favors sometimes. But I’m broke most of the time, lol. I’m trying to be truthful and as sincere as I can.

N.C: That’s what man should stand for ; truth and sincerity.

Q7. If I should be in Nigeria today, which places do you recommend I visit?

Well it depends on your emotional state;

Lagos is too noisy, Abuja is peaceful but expensive. Delta is noisy and busy, kind of. But I love the East. I’d love that you visit Anambra state. Possibly Abba; Chimamanda’s home town or Oraifite; my home town.

N.C: Well noted.

It is peaceful, but I hate that there’s barely electricity and books; two things I deeply want.

N.C: Interesting

Q8. What motivates you to not give up?

1. Story, human stories. The movement of people from place to place in search of hope and happiness.

2. Rejection and lack. My truth and peculiarities makes me want to break through hard times.

Q9. If anyone could offer you any help, what would you ask for?

I need a space to tell stories. I want to leave my present locality. I want books. And possibly, educational switch support. I’m a secondary school leaver for 3yrs. I desire going to nursing school.

Q10. What’s your take on the xenophobic attacks in South Africa?

It is very deep. I wrote something about it on my facebook wall. It’s natural to become afraid of losing something. But this fear is born from the strong hold of imperialism.
The lost of dignity and language and one’s story is not enough, but the loss of peace. Imperialism taught us to see ourselves as our own enemies.
Why not fight the white colony? Why not kill the real foreign strangers? It is hate that was steeped under our fleshes by the colony.

N.C: This has been a really deep interaction with you. We’ve come to the end of our conversation. What are your last words?

Communication is a powerful tool to change the world. Changing the world is telling stories, narrating stories, redefining stories, owning your story and hearing people’s stories. Thank you for this opportunity.

N.C: You’re welcome.

You can follow our guest on IG @gragra_warri

Let’s give him the social media push we can. Thanks so much for reading. Catchu next week.