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Nigerian-born writer Oyinkan Akande has seen off more than 100 others to see her essay published in forthcoming Borough Press anthology Of This Our Country.
Oyinkan’s essay “Elephants and Giraffes” explores how the concept of enjoyment is intrinsically Nigerian, and captures exactly what joy can look and feel like at a Nigerian party.
It won a competition devised by Ore Agbaje-Williams, editor for The Borough Press, and Nancy Adimora, talent and audience development manager for HarperCollins, who asked Nigerian writers based anywhere in the world to write about the memories and personal experiences of their Nigeria.
Oyinkan, who currently lives in London, has previously written for publications such as Wallpaper*, Elephant, gal-dem and Roundtable Journal. Her essay will be published in Of This Our Country, an anthology in which 24 acclaimed Nigerian authors write about the home, identity and culture they know. Other contributors include Inua Ellams, Ay·ªçÃÄbámi Adébáy·ªçÃÄ, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Helon Habila.
Agbaje-Williams and Adimora said: “The quality of essays we received was, of course, incredible, but Oyinkan’s essay was undoubtably the winner. We felt such a strong sense of not only recognition but pure joy as we read it. It so brilliantly captures the essence of Nigerian enjoyment and we can’t wait to see Oyinkan’s career grow from strength to strength, and to read whatever she writes next.”
Akande added: “I cannot labour the point of how important a book like Of This Our Country is. It comes at a time when, because of the political climate in Nigeria, celebrating my country feels harder and harder to do. So, I set out to write an essay that reflects the joyfulness and resilience of the Nigeria that I grew up in. It feels surreal to be included in this work alongside talents I respect and admire so much. It’s a pinch-me moment for sure but, also, you should watch this space. There’s more to come.”
Of This Our Country will be published in hardback in the UK and Nigeria on 30th September 2021, the day before Nigerian Independence Day and the eve of Black History Month in the UK.