Chioma Okereke, a UK/Nigerian writer and author of Bitter Leaf, has released her second novel, Water Baby.
This compelling coming-of-age tale is set in Makoko and delves into the societal pressures faced by a young woman trying to escape her community.
The novel also addresses broader issues such as climate change and resettlement, shedding light on the challenges and hopes of individuals in under-resourced areas.
At a recent preview book reading session in Lagos, Okereke, who is also a trained lawyer, shared that her writing is grounded in her belief in literature’s power to drive societal change.
She hopes to inspire empathy for the Makoko settlement and encourage Nigerians to contribute to meaningful societal solutions.
Through her novel, Okereke invites readers to envision a world where social responsibility and compassion are central.
On what inspired her writings of the book, she said: “I was watching a food programme which took place within the community and I was fascinated by the setting, which is just so atmospheric.
“Watching this American chef navigate Makoko in a way that I had never thought to do as a Nigerian myself. So I guess confronted with my ignorance, I went and researched the community. Again, while watching that programme, I had this snapshot of a character, which was Baby. And so I knew I had to write her story, whatever her story was going to be.
“Was it just another adventure for Okereke, she said “I am an author, so it started as writing a book. So, having gone to the community to ensure that I did write something accurately, I was moved by what I saw with my own eyes, and so I knew I couldn’t just leave it as a novel. I am happy that it may shed some awareness and spread some light, and people who don’t know about the Makoko community may learn a little bit more”.
She expressed: “My writing is a reflection of my belief in the power of literature to effect change. It’s an invitation to readers to join me in envisioning a world where social responsibility and compassion guide our actions. I hope that the book encourages readers to look beyond their immediate surroundings and recognize the interconnectedness of our global community. By bringing attention to Makoko and similar under-resourced and often overlooked communities, I hope to inspire a sense of empathy and a desire for social justice. My goal is to use storytelling as a vehicle for change, to spark conversations, and to motivate individuals to contribute to meaningful solutions.”
Highlighting the novel’s significance, she added: “I think sometimes we don’t think about people that live in that community. By telling Baby’s story, I hope that by humanising Baby’s story and the other stories in that, you see them as real people navigating the world just much like yourself. I hope that it inspires the government to see that there are real changes that can be made to allow people to live more comfortably and also that improve Nigeria as a whole because Makoko is part of Lagos whether you like it or not”.
“Set primarily in Makoko, a floating slum off mainland Lagos, Nigeria, the novel features a descriptive and engaging writing style, focusing on themes of aspiration and identity. The protagonist, Baby, is a determined young woman with dreams beyond her community.”
On whether she sees herself in the class of Chinua Achebe, Chimamanda Adiche, she said, I am a writer working hard to tell stories that drive social change. I want my work to generate healthy conversation and provoke positive actions that will make our world a better place.
Additionally, Okereke has established a charitable organization, Makoko Pearls, aimed at improving the lives of Makoko’s inhabitants.