Kome Otobo has distinguished herself with her track record of excellence spanning over 15 years. She holds a law degree, worked for several years in private and public healthcare, and now applies her passion and talents in the NGO and publishing sectors.
Kome is the author of Nigerian Gods, which is a retrospective examination of the intersection between religion, politics, and culture in Nigerian society. In this quick chat with Pride Magazine Nigeria (PNG) she answers a wide range of questions.
PNG: What inspired you to write the book ‘Nigerian Gods’?
KO: The origin of my inspiration comes from my interest in world religions from a young age. I loved reading thrilling stories about Greek, Roman and Hindu gods and goddesses, the intricate tales within Norse and Japanese mythology, and so on. The turning point was when I read a book called American Gods by a British writer called Neil Gaiman, which innovatively employed gods from several global cultures as characters who interacted with each other.
It got me thinking about how there did not appear to be a similar level of detailed knowledge about Nigerian traditional religions and their associated gods, at least not within my sphere of influence. As a result, I realised that there was room for me to carry out my own research and produce a body of work for people to engage with.
PNG: What was the hardest thing about writing this book?
KO: There were several hard things about writing Nigerian Gods but if I had to choose one, it would be maintaining the discipline required to sit down and write, day after day, filling page after page with my own words. With this being a non-fiction book, I did not have the luxury of relying on my imagination alone; I had to ensure that the vivid narratives I was crafting were based on robust primary and secondary research as a solid foundation.
PNG: Your book launch is set to hold on Saturday, what value will the event be adding to the Nigerian creative industry?
KO: It is my sincere hope that through writing this book and being privileged to release it into the world, it will serve as a knowledge resource to creatives and non-creatives who wish to know more about Nigerian history, Nigerian religion and Nigerian traditions that are upheld by our forefathers and foremothers.
A quote commonly attributed to the Spanish philosopher George Santayana says: ‘Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.’ Too many Nigerians are unaware of our shared history and the consequences of this can be seen in many of the societal problems that plague us today.
If my book triggers even a single reader to become curious and ask more questions about their family’s and ethnic group’s lineage, then I will have succeeded in my mission.
PNG: Religion has been a major issue in Nigeria causing division among the people, how does your book come in to bridge the gap?
KO: Religion has been a major issue, to say the least. To create a literary work, you often have to read far beyond the scope of your subject matter in order to ensure that you are heading in the right direction. While exploring the seismic impact that the introduction of Christianity, Islam and Judaism had on the Nigerian traditional religions that they displaced, it became apparent to me that the ethnic groups examined in my book have been dealing with very similar issues for centuries.
The truth is that human beings are more alike than they are different and this statement applies across the world. Every time we discriminate against a fellow Nigerian based on their tribe or religion, it diminishes us as people. The person you are mistreating because they believe in a different deity than you, is a person with the same hopes, dreams, challenges and difficulties that you are facing.
I hope that my book will shine a spotlight on the fact that we need to be more understanding of each other as Nigerians if we want our nation to prosper. We are stronger together than divided.
PNG: What is the message you want your readers to grasp from your book?
KO: The overall message I want Nigerian Gods to transmit is this: The wealth of history, art, culture and knowledge that lies within
Nigeria’s boundaries are one of the most important elements of our country’s heritage, and they should be honoured as such at every level of society.
PNG: What does your book seek to achieve during its upcoming book launch?
KO: This is a generalisation but I think every author’s goal is to have their work read as widely as possible. On this point, I am no different so my main aim during the launch is to hopefully sell as many copies as possible, and for the launch guests to spread the word so others become aware of my book. The response from my friends, family and colleagues since I first announced the existence of Nigerian Gods on the 1st of October has been beyond my expectations.
I’m so excited to see their reactions at the book launch and beyond the day of the launch itself.
On a final note, please permit me to thank Pride Magazine Nigeria for its unwavering support since 2021 and for the opportunity to speak about my book on its esteemed platform.