I was born into a Christian household, in a parsonage in fact, so I grew up in sort of a missionary atmosphere but it was an environment which involved both the traditional religions as well as the Muslim religion, so we were exposed to all the various facets of faith, micro cultures which existed within those beliefs, and even though I've lost whatever Christian faith was drummed into me as a child, I still maintain very good relationship with all the various religions.

I am a very curious person; I'll always ask: is this thing true, is it not true? And I use my own means to investigate and come to my conclusion.

The greatest threat to freedom is the absence of criticism.

Governance can dig itself into a huge hole and not even know it's in there.

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.

You go to conferences, and your fellow African intellectuals - and even heads of state - they all say: 'Nigeria is a big disappointment. It is the shame of the African continent.'

There is not a special imposition on writers to be activists. All that does is encourage writers to write propaganda.