Writing to 50

Book 1: I Can’t Speak Hausa – Proverbs Written by Kareemah Imam and Olasubomi Akeju, with stunning illustrations by Tashna Salim, this gem of a book came into my life during the November 2024 ART X Lagos exhibition. Known as the “leading international art fair in West Africa,” ART X Lagos is a vibrant platform celebrating and supporting contemporary African culture and its diaspora. Since its debut in 2016, I’ve tried not to miss a single exhibition—it’s always such a rich and inspiring experience, steeped in African culture in line with their goal of redefining the African narrative.

I Can’t Speak Hausa – Proverbs struck a deep chord with me because, like the young boy in the story, I can’t fluently speak my native Ishan language. I understand it well, along with Yoruba from my late mum, but sadly, I wasn’t able to pass either language down to my three kids, who now live in the diaspora.

The book tells the story of Auta, a young boy inspired to learn Hausa after receiving a Spanish homework assignment that requires him to do a “show and tell” in his native language. This challenge sparks his journey of discovery, culminating in 10 beautiful Hausa proverbs.

The book reminded me of the importance of preserving our native languages and passing them on to the next generation. The illustrations are stunning, and the proverbs are rich with wisdom. Here are my top three favorites:

• Honesty -is an iron horse- we must always be honest , no matter how difficult it is. Gaskiya Dominic karfe
• Respect - Bending down to a dwarf does not prevent one from rising up to one‘s full height afterwards. Durkusa wa Wanda ba ya hana ka Tasha da tsawonka
• Hard work - one cannot catch a rabbit whilst sitting . Zoom bay a kamuwa saga zaune.

?This story has left me reflecting on the power of language as a bridge to culture and identity—something I’m carrying with me into 2025.

Bok 2: Sulwe 2019

Written by Lupita Nyong’o and beautifully illustrated by Vashti Harrison, Sulwe is a poignant and deeply moving story . My first introduction to Lupita was through her powerful performance in 12 Years a Slave (2013), a role that earned her an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress. I was impressed by her immense talent, but reading Sulwe gave me a glimpse into her personal journey.

In the book, Lupita shares how, as a young girl, her dark skin—described as the “color of midnight”—made her feel like an outcast. Her pain led her to try erasing her skin tone with the largest eraser she could find, using her mother’s makeup, and even eating the lightest, brightest foods she could find. But through this painful journey, she learned an invaluable lesson from her mother:

"Real beauty comes from your mind and your heart, not the color of your skin. It begins with how you see yourself, not how others see you."

The story also uses a beautiful analogy of day and night—both magical and necessary. "We need the darkest night to get the deepest rest… and some light can only be seen in the dark." It’s a remarkable tale about self-acceptance and the power of being true to oneself.

Book 3: Leading to Thrive – Mastering Strategies for Sustainable Success in Business and Life?(2024)By Klaus Kleinfeld, this book is packed with insights, though I haven’t quite finished it yet! It’s shaping up to be an excellent resource for mastering strategies that blend professional success with personal well-being—perfect for my journey into 2025.

What’s Next? I’ve set a goal to read 50 books this year. No rules—just books that catch my eye or spark my curiosity. Do you have any recommendations for books I should add to my list? I’d love to hear your thoughts!