We must acknowledge that we made a huge error in satisfying the lowest common denominator of the available human potential in Nigeria and we elevated what I call the reign of mediocrity. Quite frankly, I think it is about repudiating the past, creating space for new thinking for the best of the new generation, creating both political and geographical space and going at it with single mindedness that says, 'enough of buttering, sentiments and massaging the ego of the old brigade'.

As I grew older and more mature, I've been able to move beyond the immediate response of violence to a projection of the pragmatic, political consequences of that violence. So it's an effort to attain equilibrium.

I do not believe that it is necessarily the duty of the writer to give a voice to his community. If a writer is true to his vocation, to his or her vocation, the very process of creativity enlarges these human horizons. It provides insights, even when you're not writing, when your writing's not dealing with a concrete political situation.

Each time I think Ive created time for myself, along comes a throwback to disrupt my private space.

When I say war, I'm not talking about mental war; I'm talking about totally eliminating the obstacles to transformation of our children.

It's the place to begin, always -- to return to home, literally.

The media must be used effectively to reach the masses. You have to find a new language in which to address the people and demonstrate what is possible.