By Isah Aliyu Chiroma
In the world of literature, writers have the ability to take readers to fantastical worlds, arouse strong emotions, and push the limits of human imagination. There are a selected number of these writers whose command of language and storytelling have won them significant honors and the respect of many readers. I had always yearned to meet one of these luminaries as a fervent book fan, and fate smiled upon me when the opportunity came. This encounter left an unforgettable impact on me, even though this was not my first encounter with Abubakar Adam Ibrahim.
It was a literary gathering that brought together writers, literary enthusiast, and book lovers from all over the literary community in Sokoto. As I walked into the space, carrying a well-used copy of the author’s most recent masterwork that had been by my side during innumerable late-night reading sessions, the air was buzzing with anticipation and excitement. The author’s writings had a significant influence, stimulating reflection and evocating me to write something.
We gathered to celebrate an Award-Winning author with profound prose and boundless imagination. Abubakar Adam Ibrahim captivates hearts and minds, winning our literary souls with unparalleled storytelling. A testament to his literary prowess, the author leaves an indelible mark on the literary landscape. We discussed his latest book, “When We Were Fireflies”, which Bisi Adjapon, the author of The Teller of Secrets described as “a complex and unforgettable story that will keep you up at night”.
This delightful literary gathering of book enthusiasts amidst the pages of imagination, we embark on a wondrous journey through the realms of words. Our conversations weave tapestries of thought and emotion as we traverse the vast landscapes of literature. From gripping tales that ignite our hearts to profound narratives that challenge our perspectives, we explored the boundless depths of storytelling with our guest.
The magic of books, exchange insights, and embarking on this shared adventure of words. Our discussions kindle inspiration, foster connection, and ignite the flames of literary passion within us and the literary community in Sokoto State.
As the event started, excitement increased and the audience fell silent. Two chairs were placed at the center, for the author and moderator, Uchenna Emelife (a night crawler as the author called him) in preparation for the arrival of the literary giant. Then the celebrated novelist entered the attentive crowd with a modest yet assured stride. The tremendous acclaim that followed was evidence of the profound influence this literary giant had on people that read him.
I couldn’t help but observe the author’s modest approach amid the audience’s adulation. There was only a sense of warmth and honesty; there was no attitude of superiority or pretense. As soon as the author opened their mouth to speak, it became clear why the was regarded as a brilliant storyteller. Everyone in the room was mesmerized by his voice and how he speaks. The author read few pages from his book and dwell to a book chat. He discussed his writing process as well as the how his stories were being crafted. The audience was moved by this author’s openness and sensitivity, which appeared we have been together for long.
After the book chat by the moderator Uchenna Emelife, a question-and-answer session followed, during which the audience had the opportunity to interact directly with the author. Several questions were entertained and some had to be kept due to time constrain.
The author’s eyes glimmered with passion as he spoke about the profound influence of nature, human relationships, and personal experiences on his creative process. His answers were not just an explanation but an invitation to see the world through the lens of a storyteller, where every moment and every encounter has the potential to become a tale worth telling.
After the session, I had the chance to meet the author in person during a book signing. As I approached the table, I could feel my hands trembling, and my heart pounding with excitement. The author greeted me with a warm smile, and as I handed him two copies of his book, Dreams and assorted nightmare and When we were fireflies, he wrote some beautiful and encouraging words for me. It was evident that this author not only cherished his readers but also valued the impact his work had on individual lives.
Earlier, we engaged in a brief yet meaningful conversation before the starting of the program. It felt as though time had slowed down, and the world around us disappeared, leaving just two of us sharing a connection forged by words. As a columnist, I talked about column and how to keep it running. Then it became apparent that we share a view on what to address each week, not only addressing but its impact on the affected people. There are sometimes when the society want you to address a particular issue and within you, you have a different approach to it and at the long run, how are the solutions you offered will impact the people you are representing with your voice.
As our conversation came to an end, the author signed my book with a personalized message that I will treasure forever. It was a reminder that I should keep writing, and that the journey is as important as the destination.
In the days that followed, the encounter with Abubakar continued to resonate with me. The experience had not only deepened my appreciation for his literary genius but also left me with valuable life lessons. I realized that great authors are not just creators of tales but also holders of profound wisdom gained from their unique perspectives on life.
Meeting Abubakar was an experience that transcended mere fandom. It was a chance to glimpse into the soul of someone whose words had touched many hearts. It reminded me of the power of storytelling, the magic of books, and the universality of human emotions. The encounter left me inspired to explore my own creativity and strive to make a difference through my words, just as the author had done through his words. It reinforced the idea that behind every book lies not just a story but a piece of the author’s soul. This experience has become a cornerstone in my literary journey, reminding me that even the greatest writers are human, with struggles and triumphs, and that through the written word, we can connect and empathize with others on a profoundly deep level.
It is always great to meet a true literary luminary. His talent and dedication are an inspiration to aspiring writers everywhere. Thank you for sharing your brilliance with us and the world at large. This marks the beginning of the SOBAFest 2023 edition. Sand of gratitude to our sponsors, partners, team members and our wonderful volunteers who worked tirelessly round the clock to make sure this was a success story.
