I think as you grow up and you see things which are around you and you ask questions and you hear the answers, your situation becomes more and more of a puzzle. Now, why is it like this, why are things like this and since writing is one way in which one can ask this questions and try to find these answers, it seems to me a very natural thing to do, especially as it meant stories which I always found moving, almost unbearably necessary.

There was a saying in Umuofia that as a man danced so the drums were beaten for him.

I'm sure if one turned one's mind back from grandiose faults to what is happening to the average man or woman or child in the rural areas, we will probably find that's where the energy for development is.

Just think of the work you've set yourself to do, and do it as well as you can.

I'm very primitive; I write with a pen.

The trouble with Nigeria is simply and squarely a failure of leadership.

I think once you have done all you can to a manuscript, let it find its way in the world.