Chioma Okereke’s New Book, ‘Water Baby’ Shines a Light on The Dark Secrets of Makoko Slum

 

 
Mary Nnah 

 
Acclaimed Nigerian writer Chioma Okereke has launched a searing new novel, “Water Baby”, which lays bare the harsh realities of life in Makoko, a floating slum off mainland Lagos, Nigeria. This gripping tale of aspiration and identity follows 19-year-old Baby, a strong and determined young woman who dares to dream of a life beyond the confines of her community.

Inspired by the resilience and ingenuity of the human spirit in the face of adversity, Okereke masterfully weaves a narrative that exposes the systemic issues perpetuating the struggles of those living in Makoko.
Through Baby’s story, Okereke sheds light on the dark secrets of this marginalised community, revealing the devastating impact of climate change, urbanisation, and digitisation on their lives.

“I hope that readers will be moved to consider the lives of those in underrepresented communities and the systemic issues that perpetuate their struggles,” Okereke said. “I believe that by sharing Baby’s story, I can inspire a sense of empathy and social responsibility, urging readers to join me in envisioning a world where compassion guides our actions.” 

Okereke’s writing is a clarion call to action, urging readers to look beyond their immediate surroundings and recognise the interconnectedness of our global community. By bringing attention to Makoko and similar under-resourced and often overlooked communities, she aims to inspire a desire for social justice and motivate individuals to contribute to meaningful solutions.

“I hope that the book will encourage readers to become advocates in their own right, working towards a more just and equitable world for all,” Okereke said. “By telling Baby’s story, I aim to humanise the issues and bring them to the forefront of readers’ minds, fostering a sense of global citizenship and social responsibility.”

“In my book, I tell the story of Baby, a 19-year-old girl yearning for a different existence in Makoko, a floating slum off mainland Lagos, Nigeria,” the author said, adding, “With opportunities scarce, Baby jumps at the chance to join a drone-mapping project, aimed at broadening the visibility of her community against her father’s wishes.”
Okereke’s novel further sheds light on the challenges faced by those living in Makoko, including climate change, urbanisation, and the digital divide.

“These challenges are not just local; they are reflective of broader global issues”, she explained.

“Through my book, I aim to highlight the resilience and ingenuity of the human spirit in the face of adversity, ” she said.

Okereke hopes her writing will inspire empathy and social responsibility. “My writing reflects my belief in the power of literature to effect change,” she noted.

The novel’s protagonist, Baby, is a strong, determined young woman who dreams of a better life beyond her community. “By telling Baby’s story, I aim to humanize issues and bring them to the forefront of readers’ minds,” Okereke said. “I hope to inspire readers to become advocates for a more just and equitable world”, she added.

With its vivid portrayal of life in Makoko, Okereke’s novel is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the complexities of this under-resourced community.